A moment with ‘Hair & Makeup Australia’

ABIA meets experienced Brisbane wedding hair and make-up artist Prita Astarto

Brisbane-based Prita Astarto, of Hair & Makeup Australia, was working as a hair and make-up artist for fashion shows, television and magazines, when her sister became engaged, shaping her career as a professional hair and make-up artist specialising in weddings.

“When my sister was getting married I offered to do her hair and make-up on the day,” Prita explains.

It was an experience that opened her eyes to the wedding industry, set Prita on the path to becoming a bridal hair and make-up specialist and, decades on, sees her enhance the natural features of each of her brides on their wedding day.

ABIA sat down with the experienced bridal stylist to discover her favourite brands, signature look and timeless wedding hair and make-up styles.

@toddhuntermacgaw

Tell us about your wedding hair and make-up services.

Hair & Makeup Australia mainly offers bridal hair and make-up, though we can also assist with engagement parties, hen’s nights and special occasions. I work with a handpicked team of artists, who all have years of experience and have been professionally trained, so can provide multiple artists on the wedding day if needed, to help brides ease into the day without the need for an early morning wakeup call.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

I started out as a hair and make-up artist, working on everything from fashion shows and special effects, to television, magazines and body painting. Then, when my sister was getting married I offered to do her hair and make-up on the day. It was a turning point, and led me to becoming a bridal hair and make-up specialist.

@dreamlifebrisbane

Where are you based and what locations do you service?

I’m based in Brisbane, but my team and I generally cover the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Byron Bay. I travel all over Australia, and internationally, for my work though.

Can you recall your first experiences with hair and make-up?

My mum is my inspiration and always looked beautiful with or without make-up. I was always amazed watching her put on make-up though, and I am told I ate her lipstick and ruined her Lancôme eyeshadow palette when I was five. In junior high school I was also sent home with a note from the teacher one day, explaining that I’d brought eyebrow pencils, instead of pens, to school and had been doing the girls’ eyebrows in class.

@dreamlifebrisbane

How have wedding make-up and hairstyling changed over the years?

I’ve been a professional hair and make-up artist for more than 23 years, so I’ve seen a lot of change in that time. The look of the moment is more about a perfect complexion than full glam. Most brides are now wanting a romantic, soft glam style, with just the right amount of glow and a bit more blush. For hair, I’m now seeing natural Hollywood waves instead of crunchy curls, and today’s updos tend to be either sleek or boho.

What are the most popular bridal looks at the moment?

‘Your skin, but better’ is what most brides are asking for when it comes to make-up. Individual lashes are also more popular than full lashes, to achieve a more ‘fluttering’ look, rather than full glam. For bridal hair sleek or textured buns, soft waves and boho hairstyles are trending.

@hawthornecreativemedia

How do you manage different skin tones and complexions?

As professional bridal make-up specialists we carry a lot of colours and undertones. To me, undertones are really important, and one of our first steps is to determine a bride’s undertone —whether warm, peach, neutral or warm olive — and cater to that as well as their skin type.

I have a background teaching make-up, as a trainer for a French make-up brand and as a college lecturer, so I’m also well-equipped to ensure my team take a consistent approach.

What brands do you prefer to work with?

I do love Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, Make Up For Ever, Patrick Ta, Hourglass Cosmetics and Victoria Beckham Beauty. I work with a lot of other brands too, but they are my favourites.

@hawthornecreativemedia

How would you describe your signature look?

My signature look would be a soft glam velvet glow, where I enhance what my bride already has, ensuring she still looks herself, but with a timeless beauty. When my brides look back in 20, 30 or even 50 years I want them to still feel like they looked amazing, thanks to the kind of hair and make-up that never goes out of style.

What’s been your most memorable wedding hair and make-up moment?

It was for a couple who were cancer patients. To be able to help vulnerable people, make them happy and forget about what they are facing for while was wonderful. Being kind doesn't cost you anything, it is a superpower!

@everymomentcollective

What makes your service unique to other wedding hair and make-up providers?

On the wedding day I am not just a hair and make-up artist, I calm nerves and ensure my brides have a stress-free, memorable morning, so that they look and feel their best.
Beyond weddings, I also do pro bono hair and make-up for cancer Patients and women who’ve experienced domestic violence.

What do you do when you’re not doing hair and make-up?

I’m a full-time mum to my beautiful five-year-old daughter, Harumi.

@everymomentcollective

Do you have a favourite wedding?

It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite wedding as each one holds a special place in my heart and the fact that my brides have trusted me with their hair and make-up on such a special day means so much. My best friend’s wedding in Bali was a favourite from a personal perspective though. It was beautiful, and an ocean view and fireworks made it magnificent.

How would you describe the brides, or couples, that you connect with the most?

They’re fun, down to earth and very easy-going, but classy at the same time.