The morning of your wedding day should be a relaxing and exciting time for you as the bride (along with the odd butterflies in your stomach feeling!). Everything should be in order, and if it’s not don’t panic, I’m sure you will have plenty helping hands by your side! If you choose to have your make-up artist come to your home, sit back relax and enjoy the experience! You will have decided upon your bridal make-up look at your trial so you can rest assured that she will have you looking more beautiful than ever! Meet Karen, a make-up artist based in Kilkenny. But fear not ladies, she can travel to you especially on the morning of your wedding!
1. Hi Karen, what first brought you to the world of wedding make-up?
I began by training in the beauty industry, I knew immediately that make up was definitely the area I wanted to branch out in to. After completing my beauty course I began working and starting doing my make up artistry course part time. I soon realised my passion was bridal make up I have always loved everything about weddings! After doing the make up on my first bride, I knew this was the job for me, I loved every minute of that morning, being a part of the buzz and excitement as the bridal party got ready. To this day I still get the same feelings of joy and excitement with each bridal party I do the make up for. It never feels like work to me, it’s to much fun to call work!
2. How long have you been in the business?
I have been working in the beauty & make up industry for nearly 5 years. I set up my Own business The Make Up & Beauty Studio in 2011.
3. I am sure you have seen many nervous brides on the morning of their wedding! How would you advise them to calm their nerves?
It is only natural for the bride to be nervous in the lead up to the big day and especially that morning, I always advise to have as much done as possible in the weeks before the wedding so that you have nothing to worry about the week of the wedding and also on the morning. I also always advise a bride to have a make up trial for, this gives the bride one less thing to worry about and she can be calm and reassured that her make up is exactly how she has imagined. On the morning itself if I see a bride getting uneasy I will reassure her and ensure that she has everything she needs, I have also found that a bottle of rescue remedy comes in handy!
4. What is your favourite bridal make-up look?
It would be impossible to pick just one look although I have to say I do love the vintage theme Which has been popular in recent years. I always find each bride has her own ideas depending on the theme/ overall style of the look she would like to achieve. I always listen to the bride and take into account any ideas she may have to create the final perfect look for her wedding day.
5. What one beauty product could you yourself not live without?
I could not live without concealer it is such a wonder product, covering imperfections & blemishes! I’m going to sneak in a second one and say lipstick, I am such a huge fan of lipstick, there is something so ladylike and elegant about it, the prettier the packaging the better!
6. What should a bride have in her bag when leaving for the ceremony?
I always advise brides to have a lipstick/ gloss that they love, some pressed powder to remove any shine that may appear during the day, and a concealer in case it’s needed for any touch ups.
7. How should a bride be preparing her skin for the big day?
Coming up to the big day I would recommend that brides try to drink at least 2 litres of water every day, this will help the skin look hydrated and bright on the day. I also advise to get into a good skincare routine in the months leading up to the big day. A good cleanse, tone & moisturising routine morning and night, while also exfoliating twice a week will help have brides skin in tip top shape for the big day.
8. What is your favourite thing to do on a day off?
On my days of I love shopping, especially having a look on the make up counters to see what new products are out!
9. What is your ideal sweet treat?
I have a big sweet tooth and I am a huge lover of chocolate, If I had to pick it would have to be a cup of hot chocolate and a galaxy!
Karen Maher Make Up Artist is a professional and established make up artist based in county Kilkenny. She has been working within the make up & beauty industry for many years, creating make up looks for a wide range of photo shoots, fashion shows, events etc. Karen is passionate about Bridal Make-up, She feels that every bride should look and feel beautiful on her wedding day. Karen aims to keep you calm, relaxed and comfortable while creating the perfect bridal look on your special day. Brides have the option of coming into Karen’s studio in Callan “The Make Up & Beauty Studio” or Karen can travel to any location of the brides choice on the morning of the wedding. Karen can cater for any size bridal party. Karen is a MAC Pro member.
