A moment with ‘Coloured Lips Makeup Artistry’
ABIA meets Adelaide Hills’ bridal make-up artist Deborah Breslauer
Travis & Benny | Elle Maree Photography
An early fascination with her Nanna’s cosmetics bag sparked interest, but it was the reaction that she received after doing her sister’s make-up which convinced Deborah Breslauer, of Coloured Lips Makeup Artistry in the Adelaide Hills, to study to become a professional make-up artist.
Many years later, her Mt Barker studio is flourishing, she offers her wedding make-up and hairstyling services across South Australia and she’s seen many a trend come and go.
“I try to stay true to my style and the style my clients come for. I like natural looks that enhance each client’s features and personal style,” Deborah explains of her wedding make-up approach.
She set her brushes aside to chat to ABIA about her favourite cosmetic brands, venturing into hairstyling and her focus on ensuring all her brides feel comfortable in their wedding make-up.
Hannah Benwell Photography
Tell us about your business and wedding hair and make-up service?
I established Coloured Lips Makeup Artistry in 2012 with the intention of offering my make-up services on a casual basis, but over the years my little business has expanded and now I provide full make-up services and hairstyling for weddings and special events, and have two assistants to help with large bookings. My home studio in Mt Barker has also become a haven for many brides, who know they can share whatever might be on their minds, without judgement, within the peaceful setting.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
It was such a scary decision. I wasn’t sure I was ready for it when a couple of my regular clients requested I do their wedding make-up, but I took that leap and am so grateful to those beautiful brides for giving me their trust.
Images Chloe Tanner Photography
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
I’m based in the picturesque Adelaide Hills but service all areas of South Australia.
When did you personally start using make-up?
My Nanna loved Clinique and would always collect the ‘free gifts with purchase’, so when we were little my sister and I loved going through all of the make-up miniatures in her make-up bag. I didn't actually start using make-up until high school though, and then mostly to help cover my acne.
Paused Love Photography
Jacob Jennings Photography
When did you know that you wanted make-up to be your profession?
I've always loved playing with make-up but it all started after doing my sister's make-up for an event. Her besties were so impressed they encouraged me to start a career in the industry.
How long have you been working in the industry? How have wedding hair and make-up trends changed over the years?
I have been doing make-up for 12 years and started offering bridal hairstyling about two years ago. I noticed hair and make-up trends changing a lot with the rising popularity of social media.
Little Paper Plane
What trends are you seeing in bridal hair and make-up at the moment?
There have been so many make-up trends they’ve made my head spin, from fluffy brows to dark lip outlines and eyeshadow cut creases, but the one I’m loving at the moment is bringing the blush around the outer edge of the eye for a different glow. For hair, glam waves are still a popular choice along with high updos with a modern twist.
Essentially, I try to stay true to my style and the looks my brides come for though. I like natural looks that enhance each bride’s features and personal style.
How do you manage different skin-tones and complexions?
I have foundations to suit different skin types and skin tones, and for bridal bookings I have a questionnaire that allows clients to advise me of any skin specifics or concerns.
What are your favourite make-up brands to work with?
I use a range of make-up brands including MAC Cosmetics, Dior, Tarte Cosmetics, Natasha Denona and Charlotte Tilbury. One of my absolute favs at the moment is Rare Beauty liquid blush — until now I've been a ‘powder girl’, but this liquid blush by Selena Gomez has me converted, and my clients love it too.
Jacob Jennings Photography
Joshua Huggett Media
How would you describe the brides you connect with the most?
I do attract the ‘mumma brides’ — being a mother of three myself, I can relate to them. I also connect with older brides as I understand that not all the latest trends are suitable for everyone.
What makes your bridal hair and make-up service stand out?
I love a natural-looking make-up style, but my aim is always to ensure my brides are comfortable. So, I like to ask lots of questions and listen carefully to ensure I really understand what my clients like and don't like. I strongly believe in feeling comfortable in your make-up and not going with a look just because it is ‘on trend’.
I’m also a strong believer in honesty and, as I’m still learning when it comes to bridal hair, I like to ensure potential clients are comfortable with my experience and skill set.
What was your favourite wedding?
Every wedding I’m a part of is a favourite. Each and every wedding morning truly means the world to me — I love that my brides have asked me to be there with them. So, I can't pick just one — they are all memorable.
The Goodest Boy Photography
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