When I was contacted by photographer Athena Grace to shoot an editorial piece she was going to be working on for White Magazine, I was pretty elated- after having kids this is exactly the type work I was interested in doing to push myself as one of the best natural bridal makeup artists around. And not only that, I simply LOVED this magazine and the articles in it- focusing on a wonderful marriage, not just the wedding day. Totally right up my alley. Set at Comber Street Studios, an eclectic little studio space squeezed in amongst the twisty streets and narrow terrace houses of Paddington, Sydney. I set up in the studio which is a dream for hair and makeup with so much natural light- I’ve really lucked out and won’t be needing my makeup light today!
Jordan, our model is young, carefree with beautiful blonde tousled hair and gorgeous eyes. Making her over in my gorgeous natural style will suit her and the beautiful Karen Willis Holmes gown that they were so generous to loan us for the day.
When I walked into the news agency to pick up my copy of White Magazine I was really excited to see my work in print. There’s no other feeling like it. The joy I felt in that moment standing in the newsagency, ( yep, couldn’t wait until I actually bought the mag and took it home!) was pretty overwhelming and I caught myself feeling pretty proud of what I’d accomplished there. Hopefully the first of many more editorial spaces to come!
It’s really made me think about what I want to achieve as a bridal makeup artist, and how I want to explore the relationship more. You see, I share a pretty intimate moment with a bride on the wedding day. She’s excited, she’s emotional and she’s nervous and I’m in her personal space- and there’s nothing she can do about it if she wants to look amazing walking down that isle!
So I’m really aware of this fact and I always try to pick up on their cues. Are they nervous? How are they channeling this energy? Has their breathing accelerated? Are they shaking from nerves or tears? How can I HELP this situation?
With 15 years of beauty therapy behind me, this experience being hands on with clients allows me to follow these cues professionally, massaging in that facial primer like it was a facial massage pressing on pressure points, getting the bride to relax under the magical spell of my hands. Yes, these are all the things I actively look out for, and am aware of, when a bride is in the makeup chair. No wonder I’m exhausted at the end of the day!
It’s really important to me that I have a relaxed bride. Because a relaxed bride, is a stress free and happy bride- and thats how I want my brides to remember their day by. Not the fact that something went wrong, something ran late. But the fact that they were surrounded by their close family and friends, having the time of her life.
So I suppose this is why this shoot was pretty important to me. It’s the beginning for me, delving deeper into this connection with my brides, and really delivering the best service I can. When my brides choose me, I want them to choose me not only for the fact they love my makeup style and they know they are going to look amazing, but because they know they will be in the best hands possible on the most important day of their lives. That’s a really huge ask and act of trust- one that I certainly don’t take lightly.
Anyone can be a makeup artist these days, just check out you tube! But it certainly takes many years experience and an awareness of that really makes my services outshine others. I love what I do, and my promise to my brides, and to myself, is to constantly learn and grow so your morning in my hands is the best decision you made for your day.
For the makeup junkies, here is the product breakdown for Jordan’s look for the shoot:
Skincare: Coverfx radiance oil , Benefit pore minimiser on t zone
Foundation : NARS sheer glow & NARS concealer
Eyes: MAC Paintpot in Painterly, Tom Ford eyeshadow quad in cocoa mirage, Helen Dowsley Lashes in ‘kiss me’ , Lancome hyponse mascara, Chanel gel liner in black
Note: Helen Dowsley lashes are my absolute FAVE lash. They are so light and natural, yet so beautifully effective. The ‘Kiss Me’ lash is suitable for most eye shapes and looks sensational without feeling heavy. Its the natural brides best friend lash.
Cheeks: Bobbi Brown cream blush, Hourglass bronzer, Hourglass blush pallet
Lips : Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner in Pink Venus, NARS Tolede lipstick
Highlighter- Dior, 02 Glowing Nude
Setting powder: Chanel Translucent Loose Powder 20
Hydration setting spray : Ella Bache Radiance C Mist,
Hair:Kevin Murphy Young Again on the mid lengths to ends, curled using a cloud 9 straightening iron, Kevin Murphy powder puff texture powder, Oasis Flexible Hold Spray
Shoot Credits:
Editorial Piece for: White Magazine
Hair and Makeup : Myself. Michelle Cato
Model: Jordan Gallagher
Photographer: Athena Grace
Dress: Karen Willis Holmes
Jewellery: Mezi Australia
Flowers: Hey Little Wild Flower
Check out the gorgeous blog of this beautiful shoot at White Magazine
If you love my style of work and think I’d be a wonderful credit to your next editorial shoot, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
mcatomakeup@gmail.com // 0419 206 356 // www.michellecato.com.au
. 
