Yvette van Schie of Ethix Makeup Beauty & Styling has been working in the beauty industry long enough to remember when clean beauty was not a trend, it was just a personal commitment. An ethical makeup artist, hair stylist, beauty therapist and nutritionist based in Australia, she has spent her career helping people feel like themselves rather than a polished version of someone else. In this piece, she shares what a mindful approach to wedding makeup actually looks like, from the products she chooses to the way she reads a room.

I love that there has been a shift in the wedding industry, a small one, but a noticeable shift for those of us who have been part of it for a very long time, and it is a beautiful shift.

The move has been towards mindful weddings. Weddings which are all about how the wedding feels, not looks. A celebration of the love between two people planning to spend their lives together. It is all about intention, connection and meaning.

I have always operated as a mindful ethical makeup artist as it is who I am and how I roll, and I am loving that there are more wonderful souls entering the industry, interacting genuinely and caringly with their couples instead of painting faces, photographing said painted face and celebrating their artwork on social media.

Photo by Tilly Roberts

But what is a mindful makeup artist?

A mindful makeup artist is more than someone who aims to apply makeup beautifully to your face.

When your mindful makeup artist joins you on your wedding day, they aim to be a calming presence, tries to intuitively listen to your needs, and goes above and beyond to help you feel grounded, relaxed, comfortable, confident and authentically you.

The wedding industry is heavily driven by trends and timelines, with unrealistically high expectations brought on by social media. Mindfulness introduces a deeper layer of care that transforms your makeup experience into something meaningful and energising.

At its core, being a mindful makeup artist is about being fully present. From the initial consultation to the final touch-up, they create a space where the person getting married feels seen and heard. Instead of imposing a particular look or following fleeting beauty trends, they take time to understand personality and preferences. This ensures that when the makeup is done, it not only reflects external features but is an extension of who you are.

The ability to do this comes with experience. Many mindful makeup artists have been in the industry for quite a few years and have often also had experience outside of the wedding industry. Dealing with talent and high-level corporates teaches us to listen, and to do the small things that ensure people feel safe, heard and relaxed.

Couples often come into the makeup process with a mix of excitement, nerves, and sometimes pressure. From family expectations, social media comparisons, or their own perfectionism. A mindful makeup artist recognises these emotions and responds with empathy rather than urgency. They ask thoughtful questions, observe subtle cues, and adjust their approach accordingly. This might mean doing the simplest of makeups at the trial but enhancing the look on the wedding day to ensure the person does not feel overwhelmed. It might mean persuading someone to wear blush to enhance their eyes and cheeks when they only ever wear bronzer. And when styling the hair, showing how a different parting can completely change someone’s face for the better, showing off amazing facial features.

A mindful wedding makeup artist likes to create a calm environment to get ready in, as wedding mornings can be hectic, filled with tight schedules and heightened emotions. They help to anchor the space, bringing a sense of calm through their demeanour and energy. This can be as simple as maintaining a steady, reassuring tone or allowing moments of quiet when needed. I personally like to get the couple to play soothing music whilst I get everyone ready, and like to have the person whose makeup I am doing away from the crowds so that they have some quiet time, without their phone or people chatting to them.

Photo by Hilary Cam

Skin health first

A major aspect is a focus on skin health and wellbeing. Rather than masking with multiple layers of makeup products, a mindful makeup artist works in harmony with the skin.

Skin preparation is a priority. Hydration, nutrition and the use of skincare products that support rather than stress the skin barrier. This approach aligns with the broader philosophy of enhancing natural beauty instead of transforming it. The result is makeup that looks like an elevated version of you, rather than a departure from who you are.

Photo by Across the Forest

Ethical product choices

Ethical and conscious product choices also play a major role. Mindful makeup artists are drawn to brands that value sustainability, cruelty-free practices, and non-toxic ingredients. My personal favourites are:

  • Eye of Horus Cosmetics
  • Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics
  • RMS Beauty
  • Kind Collective
  • Eco by Sonja
  • Luk Beautifood

There are also ranges which do not promote that they are clean, but their ingredients are:

  • Harlotte Cosmetics
  • Rare Beauty
  • Hourglass Cosmetics
  • Kosas

There are so many more what I call mid-clean, which I do use as I never have any allergic reactions with them, one of them being Natio.

My skincare choices are:

  • Froya Organics
  • Eco by Sonja
  • The Jojoba Company

Skincare wise there is so much more to choose from now, but unfortunately like everything, many of the ranges are very average in quality.

They have an awareness of how their product choices impact both the individual and the environment. This reflects a holistic view of beauty, one that extends beyond appearance to include values and responsibility.

Photos by Yvette van Schie

Flexibility on the day

Flexibility is extremely important. Weddings sometimes do not unfold as planned, and a mindful makeup artist will adapt to the schedule without adding stress to the situation. This is so important in helping the wedding party stay calm. I personally used to find things were much more relaxed when I was able to just work with whoever was ready to take a seat, which meant that everyone was in the best frame of mind whilst being made up.

A mindful wedding makeup artist understands that their role goes beyond makeup. They are an integral part of the emotional landscape of the day. They are often one of the first people the couple interacts with in the morning, and their energy can influence how everyone feels moving forward.

In a world where wedding beauty is often portrayed as flawless, where the goal is to look the same as everyone else and be picture-perfect rather than celebrating each person’s innate beauty, a mindful makeup artist does not just help you look beautiful. They help you feel like yourself. And that, ultimately, is what makes this work so powerful.

About the author: Yvette van Schie is an ethical makeup artist, hair stylist, beauty therapist, nutritionist and product developer. She has always chosen to work with clean, ethical, cruelty-free and sustainable skincare and makeup products, and is an advocate for animal rights and a considered footprint on the planet. Find her at ethix.com.au.

Header photo by Powder Puff Photography via Kate & Byron’s Family Filled Wedding At The Lodge Jamberoo