I find hair & makeup artists fascinating- they’re so good at what they do and I always end up learning something to put into practice with my own look. Today we’re joined by Sydney hair & makeup artist Jay Jay who shares a few tricks of her trade!

Tell me about yourself? What is your background?

I was born in Bombay, India and spent my early years studying beauty in The Netherlands and France where I developed my passion and ambition to become a hair and make up artist. I’ve traveling the globe as a hair and makeup artist within Australia, Indonesia, China, USA, United Arab Emirates, The Netherlands, France and the UK.

I later moved to Sydney about 18 year’s ago working in the fashion and wedding industry and as a result, I now have my own boutique Jay Jay Makeup School Sydney business.

Where did you learn your craft?

I learnt Hair and makeup in Paris at the School of Christian Chauvaux and worked in Paris for about 2 years before I came to Sydney.

What inspires you about being a makeup artist?

The fact that I can always see a smile on someone’s face when they look in the mirror and see how they have transformed or slightly changed to enhance there beauty really inspires me. Also, I love the fact that everyday is a totally different job, atmosphere, client and location.

Do some name dropping here – whose faces have you worked on?

Antonia Kidman, Lara Bingle, Sarah Murdoch, Catriona Rowntree to name a few…..

Do you have a definite idea of the look you want to create when you approach a celebrity’s face, or do you adapt your approach to the personality?

The look I achieve depends on many different factors such as the red carpet, inside or outside media commitments as well as the clothes to ensure the celebrity looks fabulous on all occasions.

What are you most known for?

My most signature look a natural fresh glowy look which can be quite difficult to achieve and this is why so many clients book.

Do you have a favourite makeup look?

My most favourite beauty look is applying a very fresh and glowy makeup or foundation appearance and this is dependent on an individual’s eyes which can be made up with smoky or just natural colours. As a result, it’s crucial that makeup artists understand different clients needs and wants.

What makes a woman (i.e. those of us who are not models!) beautiful?

To enhance a woman’s beauty, focus on their strongest feature and I would say less makeup is always more. In addition, it’s important to understand how to contour the face….you would be astonished how that can change ones face shape to make it look perfectly oval.

You have just opened a makeup school in Sydney this year. What sort of things do you teach? How can prospective students get in touch with you?

I teach them everything from the tools of the trade, facial correction, 2 different makeup techniques, 6 different looks I like to keep the classes small so that my students get more a one on one attention when needed. Aspiring students can touch base with me via my website and fill out the enquiry form or 13004makeup .

What are the latest makeup trends for the coming summer, for brides?

The latest trends from the International catwalks of Milan, New York and London shows are moving towards bright colors like aqua’s and bright lip colors, however, I tend to recommend more subtle yet fresh glowy bronzey looks for fabulous brides. A simple light eye shadow on the eyes and a bright reddish or berry color can look magnificent with liquid black eyeliner, lots of mascara on the lashes and a soft pinky gloss.

What should brides start with when they’re planning their makeup, prior to their wedding day?

For most brides it is very important for them to know what look they would like to achieve so I recommend brides looking through magazines. It’s important for the bride to have an idea or brief as to what type of beauty look they want to achieve so it’s easier for the hair and makeup artist  to achieve their desired looks. I would suggest that the brides undertake a positive skincare regime 6 weeks before the wedding as this will result in less makeup coverage, ultimately achieving the best beauty look on their wedding day.

Could you offer some tips for brides for a beautiful look on their wedding day?

Less foundation, highlighter cream from Mac in ‘Hush’ gives that great glowy look, bronzed skin and always a blended look on the eyes yet enhancing features.

What is your ‘hero’ product?

Bronzer, good mascara, cream blusher by Stilla in ‘Magnolia’.

What are the biggest mistakes you see brides making?

Often too much foundation and powder can appear cakey and too much dark eye shadow and not blended enough.

What are the 5 essential products for the bride?

Blot powder by Mac, lip-gloss, lip liner spice, cream blusher by Stilla, highlighter cream by Mac or L’Oreal touch on color, and Benefit Tint by Benefit.

Thank you for joining us today on Polka Dot Wisdom Jay Jay! You can find out more about Jay Jay’s services and her makeup school by visiting her website.