One thing we’ll never stop yapping about is the incredible impact a great wedding hair and makeup artist can have on your special day. A true pro will help you feel like the very best version of yourself – radiating confidence inside and out. They ensure your look stays locked in all night and translates beautifully to photos.
Knowing how to wield a brush is one thing, but it takes more than that to impress us. Beauty folk are members of a very exclusive club – your getting-ready team. Therefore, we only want you hanging around the warmest, most compassionate, friendly peeps (vibes are contagious, don’t ya know?!)
Lucky for brides Down Under, Oz is home to a massive cohort of top beauty talent, coveted for their expert skills and personalised approach – here are 11 of our faves. Maybe you’re thinking bright and bold, or elegant and understated. Perhaps you’re planning an elopement or looking to book mum’s makeup, bridesmaid hairstyles, and all that jazz, too. The point is, we’re confident this lineup will help you put together a *chef’s kiss* shortlist.
While we’re putting the finishing touches on your look, here are some accessory designers worth following. Then continue building out your vendor team with these cake artists, wedding planners and stylists.
Ready? Let’s go…
Kate McCleary
Got Kate McCleary on hair and makeup duties? Ooooft, good pick. Modern, fresh, clean, and personalised—it’s obvious why brides are drawn to Kate’s chic aesthetic. One look at Kate’s work on these Melbourne love-fests and you’ll likely be won over too. As if we could be more obsessed, Kate is also a “stickler for punctuality” and an advocate for animals and our planet—an ethos that informs the sustainable products and techniques Kate chooses to use. Sound like a match? Shoot off an enquiry.
Location Melbourne, VIC
Photos Miranda Stokkel
The Lovers Artistry
With nine years in the industry, you can feel at ease with Madeleine of The Lovers Artistry in charge of your wedding day glam. A calm and joyful presence, Madeleine is all about making brides feel both beautiful and authentically themselves. While she’d never shy away from a bold or colourful look if that’s what you’re feeling, her expertise lies in a light-touch approach to makeup, which enhances natural beauty. As Madeleine explains, “Many of my clients wear little to no makeup, and I can really empathise with the fear of looking overly ‘done’ or like a completely different person.” Ticking the boxes? Snag a spot in Madeleine’s books.
Location Sydney, NSW
Photos Matt Godkin for Christie Nicole
Kate Squires
Weddings, media, runway, and TV – Kate Squires’ CV is a beauty in and of itself, and a testament to her out-of-this-world talents in hair and makeup. We can personally vouch for these talents, having worked with Kate on this showcase of fresh bridal fashion, featured in issue 40. A highly bespoke experience, Kate’s bridal looks are a beautiful marriage of your personal style and your day’s unique aesthetic, created with high-quality products and Kate’s keen eye for detail. Cannot. Recommend. Enough. Drop into Kate’s inbox here.
Location Sydney, NSW
Photo Stefan Wellsmore
Alison Maissin
This hair and makeup artist has always had a soft spot for weddings, and being included in your morning-of experience isn’t something Alison Maissin takes lightly. “There’s something quite special about being invited into the intimate glam space of a wedding morning, and it’s something that keeps me falling in love with my job.” Equipped with over a decade of industry wisdom, Alison’s signature style is modern and effortless – thoughtfully tailored to enhance the natural beauty of those who sit in Alison’s chair. “Think luminous skin, soft sculpting, romantic textures and timeless hair that moves with you,” as this legend so poetically puts it. Up your alley? Say g’day here.
Location Sydney, NSW
Photos Emma MacCraw Photography, Emma Hampton
Liv Lundelius
A collaborator on several Hello May editorials (Fever Dream and this Park Hyatt shoot amongst our faves), we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Liv work her makeup magic live. Let us tell you, not only does she nail it every time but she’s a joy to be around. “I truly believe nothing is quite as beautiful as someone who is authentic and brave enough to be themselves,” Liv explains. “And through beautifully applied makeup, I hope to give each bride that kind of confidence.” Liv isn’t about chasing trends. Instead, she prefers to work with you on a bespoke look that reflects your personal style. Get in touch here, and while you eagerly await Liv’s reply, check out her work on Doretta and Glenn’s day.
Location Sydney, NSW
Photos Cara O’Dowd, Akaness Sharks, James Thompson
Samantha Lee
A total makeup wiz, Samantha Lee thrives in making brides look like the best version of themselves. She also loves being part of your morning-of getting-ready par-tay. “I get a real kick out of it; sometimes I might not leave,” she jokes. Laugh all you like, but Samantha’s skills are so superb (and her personality such a delight), you might just feel the urge to slip her an invite! Samantha uses top-shelf products and is no gatekeeper—happy to answer your burning beauty questions. Find Samantha’s work in our It Takes Two editorial or check out Tess and Nicole’s loved-up day. Then click here to get in contact.
Location Sydney. NSW
Photos Scott Surplice
Caoimhe Downey
Hands up if you’re longing for that effortless bridal look? We’d like to turn your attention to Caoimhe Downey. Caoimhe’s portfolio likely resembles the moodboard of your dreams (only better). Think wedding day looks inspired by sun-kissed skin, golden highlights, and, of course, your stunnin’ natural features. In addition to some serious skills, Caoimhe brings a calm energy and lots of laughs. What more could you want? Perhaps contact details? Here you go.
Location Sydney, NSW
Photo Karina Lee
LoveCo Beauty
You’re in good hands with the LoveCo Beauty peeps, whose extensive experience stretches beyond bridal to major fashion events, editorial and more. Talented to a tee and just plain lovely, founder Mim describes the team as “professional, creative artists with huge hearts”. We love that their focus is on natural beauty, using organic, sustainable products where possible. They also offer a 100 per cent mineral/natural makeup service on request if that’s your preference. Find contact details and proof of their awesomeness on the directory.
Location Melbourne, VIC
Photos She Takes Pictures He Makes Films
Makeup By Megan
Megan (or Meg, as you can call her) has a real knack for glowy, ethereal makeup magic – essentially looks that look like you, “just a little more goddess-level”. We’re also big fans of her approach – zero rush, all relaxation, plus luxury, cruelty-free products. Megs brings a kind, friendly and “slightly quirky” energy you’ll adore, and trials at her cosy country cottage sound like our personal idea of heaven. “Think lush garden surrounds, herbal tea, a dash of woo-woo, and a playlist that hits all the right frequencies.” See some of Meg’s past weddings and send off an enquiry.
Location Berry, NSW
Photos Dan Cartwright, Sarah Brady Photography
Mirror Mirror Makeup Artistry
You’re in beautifully capable hands with the Mirror Mirror Makeup Artistry team, where founder Stacey creates moments of calm and confidence in the lead‑up to your big day. With services ranging from bridal trials and destination weddings to one‑on‑one makeup lessons, their approach is rooted in understanding you and bringing out your truest beauty. Their dedication shows in the detail: thorough consultations, skin prep rituals and lash‑by‑lash finishing touches. Whether you’re based in Toowoomba or travelling for your celebration, they’ve got your on‑day look covered.
Location Toowomba, QLD
Photos Supplied
Blossom Hair & Makeup
When we think of Blossom Hair and Makeup, we think of bridal style that’s sophisticated, elegant and elevated. For this team (boasting 20+ years in the biz), it’s essential you feel radiant, confident, and authentically you, which is why they take the time to understand your unique aesthetic, vision and beauty needs, resulting in flawless, last-all-celebration looks. You can find them doing what they do best at luxury nuptials throughout Sydney, Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains and surrounds. Visit Blossom’s site for a goldmine of helpful makeup prep info, then click here to lock in a consult.
Location Sydney, NSW
Photo Salt Atelier
Your questions answered!
Is professional hair and makeup necessary for my wedding?
We are firm believers that it’s your day and you can do what you like. So, if you’re confident and well versed in doing your own glam, then go for it! However, we do think that for most brides, professional hair and makeup isn’t an area to skimp on. This is because a pro will a) use high quality products to ensure your look will last all day and night with minimal touch-ups, and b) create a look that’s stunning in photos and IRL. Plus, they’ll bring the good vibes so you can chill morning of – it’s your wedding day after all!
How many makeup artists do I need for my whole wedding party?
This is really dependent on how many folks are in your wedding party and the schedule of your day. Like so much of the wedding planning experience, it’s just about good, thorough communication between you and your vendors. So, to ensure all the details are provided and to streamline your search, consider creating an enquiry email template to send to each of your potential H&M artists. Include things like the number of people requiring services, time of ceremony (or First Look), wedding date, and venue. This info will help vendors quote you on pricing and how many artists will be needed for the day.
I don’t wear a lot of makeup, how do I explain my vision to my H&M artist?
Look for makeup artists that specialise in more natural, understated beauty looks, and make sure you let your artist/s know that you generally wear minimal makeup – it will help them understand your style. To find your bridal beauty vibe and effectively communicate your ideal look to your H&M artist/s, reference pictures are your best friend. Check out our Real Wedding section to see how other brides have worn their hair and makeup on the big day. Pin ideas that catch your eye, paying close attention, in particular, to brides who share with you a similar hair colour, hair length and gown neckline.
