We’re going to call it, people, right here, right now. Choosing your wedding day hair & makeup artist is just as significant as the all-important outfit. No, really! Hear us out. Most brides and grooms want to feel A+ on the big day and the best way to do this is by feeling comfy in your own skin, whether you opt for a full glam look or more natural vibes. A good hair and makeup artist will have you feeling like the best version of your wonderful self, updo or loose waves, smokey eye or dramatic wings. Are you feeling us? Thought so!
To help you cross one more thing off your prep list, we’ve gone and rounded up our Top 20 Hair & Makeup Artists across Australia and New Zealand. We recommend giving each a good read and dropping your fave 2-3 a line with your wedding date and wedding party number. You’ll also do well to whip out your Pinterest board to save a beauty reference shot or two.
Love a good list? Be sure to check out our other handy posts including our Top 15 Entertainers 2021, Top 20 Caterers and Food Trucks and Top 20 Wedding Stationery Designers to Follow on Instagram.
But first, get cosy and settle in for this read. Consider your hair and makeup sorted…
Liv Lundelius Makeup We’ve been lucky enough to watch Liv Lundelius work her magic live and it’s a real joy to witness. She’s all about that effortless makeup look which she pulls off with aplomb each and every time. She’s also a bit of a whiz when it comes to skin prep so be sure to pick her brain! You can catch one of her many gorgeous looks via our real bride Rachel here. Should you fancy getting in touch, head this way.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Stephanie Jane
This lovely chick is all about enhancing your confidence come the big day with her super makeup skills, whether that’s a bold lip and eye or more of a natural vibe. Steph has got 15 years of experience so you’re in rather safe hands! She can cater for up to 14 and we love that she also offers a touch-up service so you don’t have to worry too much about crying your face off. Take a peep at real bride Kristy and her bridal party here to catch Steph‘s handiwork in action.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
The Future Mrs
We are long term fans of this team, let us tell you! Regulars on HM fashion shoots, this rad collective has got you covered for whatever hair and makeup vibe you’re feeling. Ensuring your hair and makeup experience is bespoke from the get-go, The Future Mrs will work tirelessly to develop and nail your signature look. You can catch them in action here and get in contact here.
Location: Sydney & Byron Bay, NSW, Brisbane & Gold Coast, QLD
Eternal Elegance
This team of hair and makeup artists are lauded for their efficiency, high-quality products and oodles of expertise which, good readers, is exactly what you want come the morning of your wedding. Offering hair, makeup and a combo service, they’ll sort you out whether you’ve got three bridesmaids or ten (and you’ll all be on time!) All services include lash extensions and a lippy to keep! Win! You can drop them a line here.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Emi Styles Hair
This lady right here is a hair styling aficionado. A hair expert, a connoisseur, if you will. Her passion for artfully styled hair stems from a family background in fine art so balance, form and texture are her jam. Head on over here to check out her work.
Location: Canberra, ACT
The Altar Bridal
If traditional makeup gives you the heebie-jeebies, do yourself a favour and get in contact with The Altar Bridal. This ultra-talented team of professionals specialise in the modern, editorial aesthetic we all know and love. They use only the most luxe of products and are extra lovely and relaxed to boot. Did we mention they’re 3D brow specialists? You can catch them in action via Shaun & Stuart’s groomsmaids here.
Location: Auckland, NZ and Melbourne, VIC
Tanya Artistry
Tanya goes all out to craft your wedding day look long before the big day itself. She’ll grill you on your dress, your wedding palette and your features to ensure your hair and makeup is as cohesive as possible. Check out the gorgeous Terri here who was lucky enough to nab Tanya for her own big day.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Kate Lily Dressing Hair
With eleven solid years of experience wrangling lush locks, this is the gal you want on your wedding prep team. We’ve got it on good authority that she won’t stop styling until she has nailed your dream do. Kate will also go so far as to pop you a wedding prep hair plan so you know you rock up on the day with your best hair health. Catch her in action here and be sure to drop her a line right over here.
Location: Canberra, ACT
Veronika Moreira
If your wedding day makeup brief involves the words dewey and natural hit up Veronika, she’s all about it. She’s also all about helping you weave your way through the overwhelm that is Pinterest makeup boards. What’s more, she’s a time management whiz so you’ll be looking fine, right on time. Check out our real bride Amy’s makeup here for a peek at the goods.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Kate McCleary Hair & Makeup Artist
Serving up fresh, modern and clean looks is all in a days work for Kate. We were lucky enough to share real bride Kat’s wedding just this week which Kate worked on and which you can find here. Whilst her incredible makeup skills speak for themselves, she’s also astonishingly punctual (the ten minutes early kinda gal!) and is super sweet to boot. Her kit is completely cruelty-free so she sure has our vote!
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Alex Penton
Keen to accommodate any wedding party size, Alex, along with her team of trusted professionals, puts the happiness of her past brides down to her ability to connect and communicate. She’s got oodles of passion and talent for both hair and makeup. Plus, her kit only includes the best of the best. Catch one of Alex’s past bride’s Nicole here.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Sarah Johnson
This lovely lady is a hair and makeup artist with serious skills. Think wedding day looks inspired by sun-kissed skin, golden highlights, natural curls and, of course, your gorgeous natural features. She’s got loads of experience (12 years worth!) so you’re in mighty good hands. Contact details? We’ve got you, just head on over here.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Jennifer Mountain Makeup & Hair
Offering a completely mobile service, Jennifer is an expert when it comes to soft and relaxed makeup looks. She is also a hairstylist and brow shaping specialist so wins all around. Should you fancy getting in contact you can find her details here.
Location: Sydney, NSW
The Pretty Parlour
This talented hair & makeup team are regulars on the Hello May blog and our real brides are always sure to gush about their skills. We love that they steer clear of anything too traditional, instead, crafting modern and elegant looks, a perfectly placed clip here, silk scrunchie there. Check out real bride, Amanda, here and tell us otherwise!
Location: Perth, WA
Makeup Bar Hobart
Run by two lovely lassies with a passion for hair, makeup and lashes, Makeup Bar Hobart is like a little slice of calm before your festivities kick-off (but they travel to so don’t be afraid to ask!) Whilst their primary focus is on makeup, you can opt for a range of delicious sounding hairstyles like Straight & Sleek and Tousled Beachy Waves to compliment your look. Catch them in action here.
Location: Hobart, TAS
Candice Lee Ceremonial
Soft, effortless hairstyles are easier said than done but luckily for us all, Candice Lee Ceremonial excels at precisely this. Soft waves and textured updos are her jam whilst her vibe is relaxed from start to finish. Bonus points for her range of sustainable and vegan products.
Location: Newcastle/Hunter Valley, NSW
Makeup By Megan
We’ve been lucky enough to have Megan on a shoot or five here at HM and speaking from experience, she is the loveliest sort (get in contact here!) Her kit is completely cruelty-free and whilst she has a fabulous hand for both makeup minimalist and enthusiasts alike, she is often sought out for her ability to get that ‘no-makeup makeup’ look down pat. The lovely Meg secured her services for her South Coast wedding which you can take a squiz at here.
Location: South Coast, NSW
Mary Jane Ashlyn
With 15 years in the industry, there is very little we think Mary Jane can’t do. Just pop her through your hair and makeup inspo pics and she’ll craft the on the day look of your dreams. She’s also an avid follower of emerging beauty trends so you can rest assured she’s got you covered. Peep more Mary Jane goodness here.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
LoveCo Beauty
If you’re a bit of a fiend for natural beauty and products, this Melbourne based team of hair and beauty experts will be right up your alley. Aside from their excellent execution, the team are known for their ultra-bright smiles, so expect a relaxed, stress-free and joyous lead-up. Sound like your kind of vibe? Be sure to hit em’ up here.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Samantha Lee Makeup Artist
Get on board the Samantha train with us, guys. This talented lass uses only the highest quality products and is mighty good at what she does. Want proof? Check out Beth’s wedding day look here. Her intention is to have you feeling comfy and your skin glowing, even going so far as to answer your skin and beauty questions in the lead-up. Fancy a chat? You can find her contact details right here.
Location: Sydney, NSW
CREDITS Photos (from top) Jenny Wu, Anna Turner, Madeline Kate, Trent and Jessie, Zoe Morley, Jenny Wu, Miranda Stokkel, Ali Bailey, Across The Forest, Tones & Harmony, Georgia Verrells, Scott Surplice Photography, Scott Surplice Photography, Kristie Carrick Photography, Flossy Photo, Fiona Vail Photography, Alex Jack, Ben Sowry Photo, Motta Weddings, Gold & Grit Photography, Akaness Sharks.