Down To Business - Bridal beauty for the big day

Name: Lisa Ralph

Occupation: Bridal makeup artist

My background is actually in beauty therapy, where I covered a range of different treatments; everything from skincare and facials to massage and spray tans.

My passion was more in makeup so after working in that for a few years I went off and did a course in make-up artistry and went freelance. It really was kind of a chance to go out on my own. It’s definitely not one I’ve regretted because I’ve been at it since, and it’s only gone from strength to strength.

I’d mainly be a bridal makeup artist. I do a bit of training every now and again. I usually go into colleges maybe once a year to run a couple of courses as a part-time thing. That’s nice, because it’s a bit of a different aspect of the job for me.

Attracting clients in the wedding industry is still based on word of mouth, definitely in the west of Ireland. You’ll see it in the morning when you walk into a house. You’ll see the same photographer or one of the same photographers or videographers, the florist, everything.

Around 2014 and 2015, Instagram and everything was taking off. The time before that you wouldn’t really see a lot of freelance makeup artists across the west of Ireland.

I know suppliers out there who don’t really dabble too greatly on Instagram and stuff and they are still quite successful. But I do find, myself, it is no harm to have the presence there. I know with the youth of today, that’s the way it’s going.

After booking you would organise a bridal trial and usually that would be anything from six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Throughout the bridal trial then you’d sit down and you’d have a chance to talk to your client, figure out what their wants and needs are and what kind of look they hope to achieve.

But then also, you are giving your professional opinion of what you feel they might need because makeup for a wedding is completely different than putting out your makeup, say, if you’re going out to work for the day. Also, with our climate, you could have rain one day and you could have sun the next, so it has to last you the day, and it’s something that has to look well in professional photography.

I think with bridal makeup, it’s about keeping it as natural as possible. They don’t want to feel like they’ve a heavy face of makeup but yet you want to define and bring out that person’s features so they look their best in person and on camera.

On the morning of a wedding you would allocate like maybe 45 minutes for your bridesmaids. Then, I usually like to give my bride an hour for her full skincare and makeup. You’d be there all morning so I would see her again later on in the morning to make sure that everything is sitting properly. That’s the great thing about being a freelance artist, you’re working on your own hours so you can give them the time that you need to give them.

I would be asking them questions all along to make sure we’re both on the same page. Thankfully I’ve never really had anyone that’s turned around and not liked their makeup. I think it’s all about the way that you’re asking the questions and that they’re involved in the outcome of it. It’s definitely tricky, because make up is individual. What one person likes another person is not going to like, and that’s just a fact.

A good bit of advice to somebody with picking a makeup artist is to really look. Don’t just book them. There’s no point going to a makeup artist who’s well known for doing really glamorous makeup and you’re a very natural lady who doesn’t like to wear a lot.

I suppose I do love my job, but there’s definitely stresses about it. A lot of the time, special occasions fall on the busier times when you’d love to be off yourself. You have to be dedicated to it, I suppose. But I do love my job. I do love the process of the creativity of the makeup itself and meeting different people all of the time.

It feels great when you are working on these ladies and they look in the mirror and they feel great. They walk away with a bit of a pep in their step. That’s a lovely thing to be able to give someone.

I’m lucky enough, I meet new people every single weekend and I’m welcomed into houses every single weekend and thankfully the majority of clients, not all my clients have been lovely towards me. I have to say it is the love of makeup and doing my job that brings me back to all of it all of the time.

I just don’t know what else I would be doing that would give me that.

In conversation with Oisín McGovern

Tea Break

Is the customer always right?

Tough one. I think it’s important that the customer is always happy but if I feel that I can offer advice on something I will. You have to use your expertise in a certain situations.

What’s your motto for success in business?

You get out what you put in – hard work pays off

When do you get your best work done?

I’m definitely a morning person; I prefer to start early and finish early.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I have a dangerous sweet tooth.

Sum up your business in three words?

Creative, passionate, bespoke.

Who is your inspiration in business?

I would like to say fellow makeup artists in the industry. We are lucky to have some amazing talent throughout the country and that drives me on. I feel like I constantly want to learn and get better at what I do.

What makes you nervous?

Disorganisation, weather, or the space I’m in. I love structure and preparation. Without it I get stressed.

Most famous person you’ve met in the course of work?

Unfortunately I haven’t ticked that box yet. Hopefully the opportunity will come my way one day!

Most prized possession?

My kit, I’ve put a lot of research and money into my it.

If money was no object, what would you do all day?

Travel, I think the world is such a diverse place, I find other cultures really interesting. If I had the time and money I would explore that more.

What makes you angry?

Housework.

What’s your favourite place in the world?

Anywhere where the weather is good and family or close friends are nearby.