A moment with 'Haylee Smith Hair and Makeup'

ABIA meets talented Brisbane wedding make-up artist and hairstylist Haylee Smith

Lucy Rose Photography

Haylee Smith might be able to boast 15 years in the industry and list hundreds of happy brides, but she credits her highly-successful career, in wedding make-up artistry and hairstyling, to her nanna.

“She was a talented, award-winning artist and watching her apply make-up was like attending a live tutorial in an era before YouTube,” Haylee smiles.

That childhood inspiration developed into a passion, which evolved into a profession, and yet Haylee’s aim remains the same — to create an experience that makes people feel confident and beautiful.

ABIA took a seat in Haylee’s chair to chat more about bridal make-up trends, effortless hair and some valuable wedding day advice.

Incmill Photography

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

Haylee Smith Hair and Makeup is a premier destination for natural wedding beauty transformations in Brisbane and its surrounds. I specialise in creating effortless and radiant hair and make-up looks that enable my brides to feel like themselves, only elevated, and draw on 15 years of experience in the industry to ensure that each one of them feels extraordinary on her wedding day.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

My career in the beauty industry began at the age of 18 when I was selected as the lead tutor, for vintage hairstyling and make-up techniques, at a renowned burlesque school in Brisbane. It was there that I discovered my passion for making people feel beautiful and confident, especially on their special days.

My journey into bridal beauty started with my very first wedding where, coincidentally, one of my students became my bride. Her happiness with the outcome was incredibly rewarding and confirmed I was on the right path.

Since that memorable beginning, I've had the privilege of beautifying hundreds of brides. Each wedding has contributed to my growth, equipping me with invaluable skills and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the wedding day. Whether it's knowing when to take florals out of water or advising on the perfect hairstyle, my years in the wedding industry have given me the expertise to guide my brides every step of the way.

Angela Brush Photography

Where are you based and what locations do you service?

I’m based in the western suburbs of Brisbane, and I service all of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and the Scenic Rim.

Do you recall your first experiences with make-up and hairstyling?

My fascination with make-up traces back to watching my nanna skilfully apply hers at the kitchen table. To her, that spot offered the best lighting — essential for creating her signature look. She was a talented, award-winning artist and watching her apply make-up was like attending a live tutorial in an era before YouTube.

From her, I inherited not just a love for make-up, but also a deep respect for the art of presentation. She taught me that glamour and pride in appearance are not superficial, but a reflection of self-respect and confidence.

My creative talents, I believe, stem from her influence, while my strong work ethic is from my mother. They've shown me that one can be both impeccably stylish and fiercely hardworking —qualities that shape my approach to both life and my craft as a make-up artist and hairstylist.

Adriana Watson Photography

Image courtesy Haylee Smith Hair and Makeup

When did you know that you wanted hair and make-up to be your profession?

From a young age, make-up and hairstyling have been integral parts of my life. I naturally gravitated towards them, especially when it came to helping friends get ready. As a teenager, I eagerly took on the role of the go-to stylist, enjoying every moment of preparing everyone for a night out.
The best part, for me, was always the getting ready phase — the anticipation, the laughter, and the transformation. It wasn't just about applying make-up or styling hair, it was about creating an experience that made my friends feel confident and beautiful. Over time, that passion evolved into my profession, and it feels like such a privilege.

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

I've been working in the beauty industry for more than 15 years now, and during this time I've witnessed significant changes in wedding hair and make-up trends. There has been a noticeable shift towards more natural and radiant looks, with brides opting for soft, dewy make-up and effortless hairstyles that enhance their natural beauty.

Amy Agnes Photography

Image courtesy Haylee Smith Hair and Makeup

What trends are you seeing in bridal hair and make-up at the moment?

There's a strong preference for soft, glowing make-up that enhances natural features, with an emphasis on flawless skin achieved through lightweight foundations and luminous finishes. Effortless updos, loose waves and half-up styles are popular choices too, often with delicate floral accents or intricate braids for a romantic touch.

How do you manage different skin tones and complexions?

I begin by carefully selecting foundations and concealers that match a client's skin tone and undertones and I adapt make-up application techniques based on the client's skin type, be that dry, oily or combination.
I also stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques through workshops, courses and connections with fellow professionals.

Samuel Parke Photography

What brands do you like to work with?

As a make-up artist and hairstylist, I prioritise quality and versatility in the brands I work with to ensure the best results for my clients. While I don't have a single preferred brand, I selectively choose products from various brands that excel in different aspects of make-up and hairstyling. This allows me to create a tailored kit that meets diverse client needs. Some of the brands I stock in my kit are MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Kryolan, One/Size, Sephora Collection, Mecca Max, Dior, P. Louise Cosmetics, Moroccanoil, Modelrock and Make Up For Ever.

What advice do you give to your brides to help them relax on the day?

Allocate jobs to people. Get someone to arrange food on the morning, give your phone to someone who can answer simple questions that always get asked, prepare a great ‘getting ready playlist’ and sit back and thoroughly enjoy your morning.

What wedding day traditions would you like to see more of?

I would love the mother-of-the-bride to have a more significant role in the day. I love suggesting my brides get a photo of their mum placing their veil after I have secured it. I also suggest my brides buy a hair accessory for their mum's hair, so she has something as a keepsake.
And I'm loving the new tradition of having flowergrans — whereby the grandmas from both families are included as flower girls — it's so gorgeous!

Joy Phillippe Photography

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

My personalised approach and attention to detail. I’ve got more than15 years of experience, I invest in my business with regular masterclasses and prioritise client comfort and confidence on their special day, striving to deliver an exceptional experience that exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression of professionalism and creativity.
I am passionate about creating memorable and beautiful wedding day experiences for brides and each client's satisfaction and happiness are at the heart of everything I do.

How would you describe the brides and couple you connect with the most?

I have strong connections with brides and couples who appreciate my meticulous approach and attention to detail. They are often individuals who value open communication and trust my expertise to translate their vision into reality. These clients typically enjoy discussing ideas, asking thoughtful questions and exploring different possibilities to ensure every detail of their wedding day reflects their personality and style. This collaborative process allows us to create a customised and memorable experience that aligns perfectly with their expectations and enhances their special day.