Hair and makeup – two of the essential ingredients to helping you look and feel at your most confident and beautiful on any day, but especially on your wedding day. Janice of Janice Wu Hair & Makeup is a super creative person who has made a career out of pursuing her passion for hair and makeup. Using her knowledge of the fashion and photography industries, Janice helps you achieve a flawless look that is long lasting and camera ready at all times. And who doesn’t want to look like a better version of yourself on this most important of milestone days! So grab a cup of coffee and gather some tips from Janice…….
What is your background in the beauty industry? How long have you been in this profession?
I have officially been in the industry since 2009, but have been doing hair and makeup for as long as I can remember. I came from a fine arts background when I was younger and attempted to pursue a graphics design career straight out of high school, but I could never shake my passion for the hair and makeup industry so I decided to take a chance and chase my dream career.
I started out with doing only makeup but found out later that I had a knack for doing hair and also really loved it so now I do both professionally.
I initially started out in the fashion and commercial side of the industry but realized I really loved being involved with people’s big day. It is always very exciting and fun day to be a part of!
How do you help the bride decide what hair and makeup styles suit her best on her wedding day? Does the style of her dress influence the decision?
My advice is to always go with the style and look that makes you feel the most sexy in but at the same time still feeling comfortable and like yourself. My first question for them is always “What kind of hair and makeup do you do on yourself for a big night out or a formal event?” I also like to find out what they DON’T like. I use these two questions as a starting point, which we can then start to work together to come up with a look that is personally suited to their own style. We work out together what will make them look their best and at the same time making them feel confident and beautiful. Brides usually want to look like the best versions of themselves on their big day, so working off a celebrity look that is completely opposite to their own personal style (no matter how beautiful) might not always work. Confidence is beauty, so if you are comfortable and confident then you will naturally look your best!
Image by Al Habjan
Is it best to do a hair and makeup trial before the big day?
It is definitely recommended for the bride to do a trial. It is not only beneficial for them to see what their hair and makeup is going to look like before the big day but it is also a chance for them to meet and build a rapport with their artist. It will help their artist understand fully what it is that they are after and also help the morning of the wedding day run smoothly. When trust is built between the artist and their bride before the big day, there will be less chance of stress and panic and it will make the entire preparation process extremely fun and memorable.
What is it that you love about the wedding day and helping the bride and her wedding party?
Being a part of a couple’s wedding day is always very exciting. There are a number of big milestones in everyone’s life that always means a lot to people and getting married is one of them. To be allowed to witness such an important day in someone’s life over and over again is a real privilege and pleasure.
I love the feeling of assisting someone on such an important day in their life, it is exciting to see their thrilled reaction at the end of it. So much time and effort is put into planning this one day and to make a difference and be able to help make the day special, even if its just something small like doing their hair and makeup, is very satisfying!
Do you see any trends emerging for wedding hair and makeup over the next 12 months?
A lot of natural, bohemian styles and trends have emerged over the last couple of months. There are a lot of natural relaxed styles with softer curls, lots of body in the hair but less volume. Brides are opting for a more natural coverage with makeup with a dewy skin finish and natural looking lashes, rather than the full face.
Image by Boy Loves Girl Photography
Five tips for beautiful skin on your wedding day?
If you already have a great skin care regime that is working for you, don’t change it just because you have a big event coming up. Stick with what works and keep at it. If you have problematic skin- see a professional dermatologist, they can usually help you solve the problem within a couple of months.
If you’re not a spray-tan kinda gal, don’t do it just because. If you would like to try it for your wedding, make sure you do a trial to see if you like the look of it on yourself first!
Give your skin a rest and let it breathe, better skin will always make your makeup look better and help it last throughout the day. Have your dedicated no-makeup days! Your skin will love you for it!
Cleanliness is key. The fewer bacteria around your face the better your skin will be. (i.e. wash your face with gentle soap like Cetaphil, before exfoliating, and change your pillow case regularly.)
Less is more!
Image by Dylan Buzolich
Five tips for beautiful hair on your wedding day?
– Get a trim more than a month in advance. It promotes growth and also gets rid of your split ends.
– Wash your hair the night before your wedding day. (If you have extremely dry hair, the morning of the day before your wedding). Clean hair always helps make the hairstyle look better. Oily hair will weigh down the style.
– Find a hairstylist and colorist you trust and don’t experiment with new looks a month before your wedding! If you are not happy with the results it will be very hard to get it back to the way it was.
– If you are going with a new color, try it a couple of months before hand to make sure you are happy with it.
– If you have extremely dry hair, get a professional hot oil treatment, and also do hair treatments yourself at home. Ask your normal hairstylist for advice!
Any hair and makeup tips for things we shouldn’t do for the wedding day?
This isn’t really a hair and makeup tip, but rather an important piece of advice; when choosing a hair and makeup look for yourself try not to be confused by other people’s opinions. One or two trusted confidants are okay but having multiple opinions will only confuse and possibly upset you. Know yourself and what you like and what you are comfortable with, then ask a trusted friend or family member to help confirm your thoughts. You will be much more happier and stress free this way.
Image by Iain Sim Photography
Mothers of the bride and groom – do you have any tips to help her to look her best?
Know your assets, emphasize them and stick to your own personal style. Less is definitely more when it comes to makeup. The more you apply, the more lines will show, so sticking with a more dewy light coverage finish and using less powder will make you look 10 years younger!
You also do commercial work. How does this influence the way you do bridal hair and makeup?
Coming from a fashion and commercial background is definitely very beneficial when it comes to doing hair and makeup for weddings. Understanding lighting and how it affects the hair and makeup is extremely important when it comes to explaining to my client what needs to be done to achieve a certain look. It is something I learnt while working alongside professional photographers in the fashion industry and has become really valuable knowledge. The reason why brides enlist the help of a professional artist for their day is so they can look their absolute best in and out of photos, so to be able to explain to them what will and won’t work is really helpful!
What are the favorite items you have in your makeup toolbox/kit?
My favorite makeup items are my Becca Skin Illuminator, MAC Face & Body Foundation and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Items I cannot live without in my kit. My motto for makeup is always less is more. I believe bridal makeup should always be used to enhance your natural beauty, not create a mask, so products that help achieve that natural flawless complexion is so important.
I also cannot live without my Kevin Murphy Powder Puff. It helps create volume and body without over teasing the hair and having to use too much hairspray, yet it provides enough hold to help the hair last the whole day. It’s amazing!
Image by Boy Loves Girl Photography
What do you like to do when not working?
I am a bit of a geek and I am also a huge animal and adventure lover, so if I’m not addicted to a game or t.v show, I am outdoors on adventures with my fur kids and my friends. I am also a huge foodie, so whenever I get a chance I am always trying new foods. I also love to travel, whether within Australia or overseas. My mission this year has been to try and see as much of Victoria as possible, because when people say travel, they always think to go overseas, yet we don’t realize how much beauty is right here within arms reach! That is also one of the perks of this job. You get to see some pretty amazing places!!
Thank you Janice for sharing your thoughts with us today. To find out more about Janice Wu Hair and Makeup please visit her website.
Headshot by Irena Matic Photography
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