Wearing makeup is a personal choice, and one that may differ depending on the day or occasion. Since I was in high school I’ve been wearing makeup, mostly to cover-up my freckles and to make my very light eyelashes magically appear with the help of mascara. I really feel that in order to look my best (at least when I’m in public) I want to see my eyelashes! ;) For most brides, looking their very best often includes hiring a professional makeup artist for their big day. I couldn’t agree more. A bride deserves to look and feel her best on such an important occasion!

I’m pleased to introduce my third Vendor Feature: Makeup Artist, Michaela Pearl from PearlGirlMakeup in her own words. I met Michaela this past year while photographing Sabrina and Matt’s wedding in St. George, Ontario. I was so impressed with her makeup skills and professionalism that I have been recommending her to my clients ever since! All photographs below (with the exception of Michaela’s porait) were taken by me and feature Michaela’s artistry. Enjoy!

- Lori-Anne Crewe xo

The Interview

1. Why did you pursue a career as a professional Makeup Artist?

This all started with my first Sephora purchase. I purchased the Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics palette, an eyelash curler and a beauty blender. I didn't only fall in love with the products, but I fell in love with the experience. I had an artist sit down with me for 15 minutes to show me how to use my products. I definitely wasn't as good as the artist to recreate what she did, but after I did my makeup, I still felt the transformation. I felt so good about myself with having just a mid-tone brown in my crease, with my lashes curled and only some foundation on my skin.

From this point, I fell in love with the transformation. I know I wanted to be surrounded by beauty. I kept buying more and more products to grow my skills. One day, it just came to my mind, that I wanted to show others how to be able to gain this confidence through cosmetics and it seemed so simple to me. I love building other women up to feel confident and feel so good about themselves. A red lip can change how you look at things because it truly empowers you. Six years later, I'm able to work within the beauty industry and feel so fulfilled.

2. Do you also offer hair styling?

Yes, PearlGirlMakeup does offer hair styling. We are a team of hair and makeup artists servicing South-Western Ontario that specializes in bridal and special events.

3. How do you keep up with new beauty trends?

Instagram is one of the best platforms that can help keep me up with the new beauty trends. It seems to move so quickly and by a blink of an eye, it changes. I love to follow lots of artists locally and also high fashion beauty brands— they really set the tone for the trends. It's gone from Matte, full coverage skin to hydrated looking skin within a matter of a year.

4. Have you seen any new makeup trends for 2021?

The up and coming makeup trends for 2021 is most definitely fresh skin, fresh hair. Since COVID, many people stopped putting on their makeup for a while and now we seem to be leaning more towards a tinted moisturizer, cream blushes and still even some lip gloss instead of a full face of makeup. The biggest request from my brides this year is "I just want fresh skin and my hair to be beautiful but effortless-looking" instead of "give me the glitter and hairspray please." Of course, there will still be those who want a full face, but they still want their skin to look fresh and their eyes pop!

5. Brides often hire makeup artists to enhance their beauty for their wedding day. Please list the 3 most important tips you can give a bride when she is choosing the right makeup artist for her. What questions should she ask?

This is always my favourite question. I know not every client is my client, and I do get this question quite a bit, but I'm always transparent about it because I understand that every artist is not built the same! These are the three big tips I share all the time on my socials:

1. Find an artist that their portfolio aligns with you. Are you the bride that loves soft, glowy makeup or a bride that wants super dramatic, smokey eyes and a red lip? Find an artist that does it well and maybe even known for their style. Not all artists are built the same and have their own "signature" look. To find the perfect one, check out your local wedding blogs and magazines. If there is a hair and makeup artist, they will feature the artist’s name. Then you can Google, search them on Instagram and check them out. You can also Google "Your city, Makeup artist/Makeup Team/Beauty Team" and you can also do that with Instagram! Check out the hashtags too. (I always recommend #“yourcity”wedding.)

2. Make sure they have a legitimate contract for both of you to agree to and make sure you are asking what their COVID policy is. What if you have to cancel, or postpone? As well, what their procedure is if you book yourself and 10 others that are looking for services and you are forced to reduce the number of services to half. Another good question to ask is “can you accommodate a large party?”. Also, consider their communication speed. Are they responding to you within the standard 24-48 hours window? The last thing you want is to never hear from your artist again just before the wedding day. (Yes, I've had that many times and booked lots of last-minute brides due to this.)

3. Hop on a call with the artist you are interested in! Yes, it's important to know the artist has great skills and can transform you, but nothing sucks more than sitting in the room when it's dead quiet and nothing to talk about. Yes, the artist can still transform you, but the transformation PearlGirlMakeup also aims for is within. While talking over the phone, do you feel like you two can connect and relate with each other and hold a good conversation, even if this means about your favourite TV show? Do you picture this artist making you feel amazing, and calm during your application on your wedding day and having a great time with a mimosa in one hand and a croissant in the other while getting your glam on?

These are big things to consider while picking your artist!

6. What beauty or skincare tips do you recommend in preparation for the wedding day?

#1. Invest in your skin. Make sure you are using good quality products and products that make sense for you! Although I am passionate about beauty and I am willing to indulge in expensive skincare, I know this is not the case with everyone. You don't have to spend a lot to get good quality products, it may just take a quick research session. My biggest thing is making sure you are consistent with your skin routine and that it's working for YOU! So many people go based on recommendations from people who have the opposite skin type and concerns and end up spending more money on products than they need because what they are buying, is not meant for their skin.

#2. Get a facial! I ALWAYS recommend my clients get a facial 5-7 days, at least before their wedding. The spa always has magic in its products to deeply hydrate your skin and make you seriously just glow! And when your skin glows, you do see a difference with your makeup application. I always recommend Gina's Spa Hair Studio Medi Spa, or Jolanta's European Spa. Get ready to splurge because it's worth it. Another great place I would always recommend for a more friendly option on the wallet is Sephora! Sephora offers oxygenating facials, which is called a SkinFit. It's the best basic, affordable facial around!

During your trial with PearlGirlMakeup, all of our artists have great knowledge on skincare and we will deep dive with you on any skin concerns you may have and give some recommendations! All you have to do is ask!

7. In general, how far in advance of the wedding date should a bride book your services?

As soon as you know the artist you want, book ASAP. PearlGirlMakeup books up to a year and a half out, and I know other premium beauty teams even book two years in advance. The sweet spot to start finding your artistry team is 18 to 12 months to book your team. Especially with COVID postponements, dates get booked up fast. If you are considering a Saturday wedding during the May-September months, start looking at a minimum of 18 months in advance as these are the most popular dates

8. Do you recommend a trial application before the wedding day? If yes, how far in advance do you recommend the trial?

Yes! Trials can be so overlooked sometimes. During your hair and makeup trial, we get to discover more of you. We get to discover more about what your hair and makeup preferences are, but learn more about you. What do you love, favourite shows, how your wedding planning is going. We are not just artists, we are a hair and makeup therapist!

This is a time for us to deep dive into your vision for your special day in terms of makeup. This also gives us a chance to see how your skin reacts, and possibly give you some recommendations to make sure your skin just glows for your wedding day. This is the same with your hair too! We may give you the recommendation to get some hair extensions to help create the look you want to achieve and even help with the longevity of your style.

After your trial, you should feel confident in your artists and feel amazing about the bridal style you choose.

In terms of how far in advance, I always recommend doing your trial on a day that you have a dress fitting so you can see the entire look or engagement photos, bridal shower, bachelor, etc. Do it on a day you want to be pampered with! Your artist will give you a recommendation on how far in advance, but 3 months is a good point to look into that appointment.

9. Is there a particular makeup style that you prefer?

PearlGirlMakeup believes we all glow from within by enhancing our natural beauty. We are there during intimate moments. Although we will glam you up, we love to keep it fresh. With every makeup brushstroke, with every curl, we move with intent.

10. Do you have advice for wedding photographers when photographing brides getting their makeup done?

I always love when the photographer takes Insta-worthy photos. Meaning, the makeup and hair show off very nicely and it's easy to see. These are the types of photos I want to post on my socials and share the photographer's work. Usually, these are the shoulders and up, close-up kinds of photos Makeup Artists love and are more likely to post. As well, I love seeing photos of my bride and her beautiful makeup application and hairstyle up close. I'm not going to lie, nothing is worse than getting to see the entire album and maybe one photo is usable!

I'm sure also, for the bride to look back on her wedding photos and to see how amazing she looked, even up close and personal! .

11. Can you share a funny or touching moment that has happened in relation to your career as a makeup artist?

I have done all types of people's makeup — all skin tones, ages, everything. I feel confident going into an appointment all the time. My mother got re-married and asked me to do her makeup. I have done everyone's makeup, but not my mother's. I was TERRIFIED to do it. Not that I don't believe I'm a great artist, but she's my end all, be all and I did not want to disappoint her. I go to her for everything and I value her opinion big time.

I remember I did her trial and my heart was racing so fast, I had a hard time getting her liner straight I'm not going to lie. Of course, her final look just looked beautiful and I would say I did my best on her! Her red lip was crisp, and her lashes looked perfect and just the right amount of blush. I was so proud of myself.

On the day of the wedding, it had come out more than perfect. It was such an awesome bonding time as well to be able to get my mother ready for her wedding!

12. Do you give special instructions to your brides to maintain their makeup application?

You will never stress out wondering if your makeup will last all day when booking with PearlGirlMakeup. We use proven products that have the longevity that is perfect for bridal. Keep in mind, brides are wearing their hair and makeup at least 12 hours at a time!

13. On your website you sell your own products. Do you plan to expand this part of your business?

Yes, PearlGirlMakeup has a lash line that we sell to anyone and always recommend to our brides if they are looking to achieve a certain look. In terms of expanding our product line, I don't see it in the near future. Ask me about expanding services? 100% we will be expanding within 2021 and I cannot wait to share with everyone what I have up my sleeve!

Thank you for providing some great makeup tips and information about your business, Michaela! Lori-Anne Crewe

Michaela Pearl
PearlGirlMakeup

www.pearlgirlmakeup.com
@pearlgirlmakeup on Instagram

Vendor Feature: Makeup Artist, Michaela Pearl

The Interview