Costa del Sol Wedding Makeup Artist | Top Tips and Products for Bridal Perfection
An Interview with the Fabulous and Talented Wedding Makeup Artist Kerstin…
We love shining a spotlight on the amazing wedding suppliers we work with in southern Spain, and today’s featured guest, Kerstin, is no exception. Her journey into the wedding makeup industry is inspirational, her experience impressive, her enthusiasm what every bride to be is looking for:
How long have you been working as a makeup artist for weddings, what inspired the first steps of that exciting career, and where did you train?
My makeup journey started about 7 years ago in Estonia, where I went to makeup school. Before I relocated to Spain 5 years ago, a client had already booked me for their wedding since we had a mutual friend, and they recommended me. So this was my first bride ever, and I still remember it so well because I was beyond excited! At the time I had just started advertising my makeup services via social media – I was mostly doing makeup for my friends – but then I started to get more inquiries for bridal makeup through people I knew… In time the demand grew bigger, I moved to Spain, and I found that with more material to share with my followers, I could better promote myself. I realised I really enjoyed doing makeup for bridal parties in particular: they were so much fun, so relaxed, and so exciting. A day full of joy for everyone involved. I learned something new for myself, that the Spanish wedding business is a really great industry to be involved. I love to see how much joy my makeup style can bring to someone. There could be no clearer sign that I was on the right path, focussing my energy on the right thing.
Which makeup artists have had the biggest influence on your wedding style?
When I first started to look for bridal makeup inspiration, a lot of amazing artists were brought to my attention. I think my own style has been influenced more by brands than people though. Nevertheless, I do follow many amazing artists who share great ideas for new looks – Lauren D’Amelio, Mario Dedivanovic, Amrezy etc.
Which makeup styles and brands do you favour for your bridal clients? What kind of products can we expect to find in your kit?
I am always up to date with the newest products on the market. I test out a lot of brands before I let them take over my kit! I tend to find favourites from different brands, such as NARS, Dior, Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Tarte Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Natasha Denona, Huda Beauty, and Charlotte Tilbury.
I always envision an elegant and radiant look for my brides. Sculpted glowing glam is my signature. I love a flawless base, and I always say skin is THE most important part of makeup. I have worked with brides from many different cultural backgrounds, all of which means I get to perfect so many different options for bridal glam. I love the variation the job brings.
Many brides book their destination wedding venue in southern Spain but live overseas, how do you get around arranging makeup trial sessions to be sure that the look decided upon is going to turn out perfectly on the big day?
We try to arrange a trial session while they come over for food tastings and to organise the wedding. We usually manage to fit the trials in successfully, but if a bride is pushed for time and this isn’t possible, the bride will send me her mood board, and I will prepare her makeup style accordingly for the day. This has happened a number of times and the brides in question were super happy with the end result on the wedding day. The important part is to be prepared!
Can you tell us about the most recent bridal trends in the industry, as well as what you predict will be big in 2021 and moving forwards?
The most requested bridal look right now is light/medium soft-looking, glowy, and enhanced natural features: light, shimmery eyes with lashes and nude lips. Highlighting the face is quite a big trend as well. It all depends on the background but most traditional brides will go for a bold makeup look. I see the same trends continuing in 2021 as well, but I think more and more people are focusing on a natural look – sculpted and defined yet very light.
What do you love the most about your job?
There are many things I love. Mostly though, I love to see a happy client! To see that you have made someone feel beautiful and confident is just wonderful. I get to travel to stunning locations and meet new people which is very refreshing, too. As is meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. This positive of the job is very interesting for me, as it challenges my work and gives me a lot of new experiences.
How do you navigate the challenge of working with makeup in the heat?
It is definitely challenging, haha! Luckily I use some great products that help to prepare and protect the skin, as well as giving the makeup extra staying power. I always recommend that brides have a hand fan on the day, and they limit their direct exposure to the sun.
Most memorable wedding you have covered in recent years?
I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite. I have been lucky with the most incredible brides. They have been so welcoming, hospitable, and giving. That makes them all memorable.
How have you overcome the obstacle of the global pandemic, which has hit the wedding industry hard in so many countries all over the world this year?
It is very sad to see a lot of people struggling, and so many brides having to postpone their special day. A few clients were lucky enough to hold their weddings – with a small capacity. I managed to keep myself busy with private clients, working with brands, and also giving one-to-one makeup courses, which I’m trying to establish online as well. Its been a challenge for everyone. Let’s hope for the best for next year.
We’d love to know about your plans for next year…
My calendar has already decided that I am going to be very busy with weddings next year! I plan to focus on that side of things mainly. I do have some plans to take the business to the next level but that’s a secret at this stage 😉 …
How quickly should a prospective client book you up?
As soon as possible if the wedding is in high season. The 2021 and 2022 calendar is filling up quickly!
Thank you SO much, Kerstin. It’s been a pleasure finding out more about your approach to bridal makeup, and we love your positivity. Sunshine Weddings Spain looks forward to working with you in the up-and-coming season!