Make-Up Artist Christina Dellar's philosophy is simple - it’s the imperfections that make us beautiful. In fact the name for her blog
Freckles & Blush came one day when she was working on a woman who had asked for her 'ugly' freckles to be covered up. Christina replied, “Are you kidding freckles with a pop of blush on top is one of my favourite looks”, and she quickly scribbled down the name.
Freckles & Blush is all about embracing your individual ‘freckle’.
Choosing the right look for your special day is a big decision and choosing the right make-up artist is an even bigger one. With wedding season fast approaching, we thought it might be a good idea to get some tips from a true expert so we sat down with Christina for a chat…
What should a bride consider when choosing a makeup artist?
When it comes to choosing the right makeup artist I always say you need to first and fore most feel comfortable with her/him. A makeup artist can have all the talent in the world but if you don’t feel comfortable enough to say if you don’t like something then you won’t be happy with your makeup. You need to remember that your makeup artist is there with you on the morning of one of the biggest days of your life so you will want to feel relaxed around that person. The best compliment I can get from a bride is that she felt like I was just another friend there with her on her wedding day.
How do you work with a bride to create their perfect wedding day look?
One of my favorite parts of my job is the makeup trial. I always tell my brides that the trial is a time when we work together to find her the perfect look. During the trial I first ask the bride to tell me all about her wedding. I want to know about her dress, hair style, wedding venue and theme. Your wedding makeup needs to flow with the rest of your style and tie it all together. I ask lots of questions. I also ask questions about how much makeup she normally wears because there is no point doing a beautiful look if she is not going to feel comfortable wearing it or if she feels that she doesn’t looks like herself.
What are your favorite three trends for the summer wedding season?
Three trends (not all to do with makeup) that are very popular this wedding season is firstly bold lipsticks. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bright pink, coral or deep plum the ‘wow’ lippy is here this season. Secondly brides are throwing tradition away. I have noticed a big change in the venue choices with brides choosing roof top restaurants, yachts, and industrial spaces instead of the traditional wedding venues and I love it. Do whatever you want it’s your wedding day! And lastly I have seen a change in wedding dresses. Brides are wearing whatever most reflects their style and for a lot of brides that’s not a long white dress. Think Olivia Palermo in her cream cashmere sweater!
When making up a bride for their big day, how do you balance the amount of makeup you apply to look great in photos, as well as in person?
I always say that my job being a wedding makeup artist is all about balance. I want my brides to look stunning in photos as well as up close! Wedding photography removes about 30% of your makeup so you need to make sure you have enough on. For me it’s about using the right quality products. I use foundations that I know are made for photography and will look flawless in photos but that also look like skin up close. That’s why it’s really important to ask your makeup artist what makeup brands he/she uses.
Do you have any skin prep tips to prime skin before the big day?
Yes of course I do! Drink lots and lots of water. Lemon water is great to detoxify the skin. Don’t try any new products too close to your wedding day because the chance of a breakout is too high. And it’s so boring but try to sleep more. Sleep gives your skin a chance to heal itself.
What makeup essentials should brides keep in their kit for top ups on the day?
Well I always say that if you have the right makeup artist then you shouldn’t need to touch up too much but the essentials are firstly your lippy. You will be drinking, eating and kissing all day and even the longest wearing lipstick will need a touch up. Secondly a powder if you are very oily and lastly perhaps a small concealer incase Aunt Peggy gives you a big kiss and leaves a kiss mark. Just rub it off and pat a small amount of concealer on top.
What do you enjoy most about doing makeup for a bridal party?
To be honest I love it all. I really think I have the best job in the world. I have been doing weddings for over 9 years now and I am still in love with what I do. I think it’s such an honor that a woman would let me be a part of a day so special and to trust me to make her feel and look her best. I love how upbeat the whole environment is and how silly the conversations can get. I always joke that it’s the only job in the world where I am constantly offered champagne in the morning!
Images - All images have been supplied by Christina Dellar
Bio - Christina Dellar has been a makeup artist in the wedding/beauty industry for the past 9 years. Over the years many of Christina’s brides have won ‘Bride of the Year’ in different magazines as well as being featured many times in popular blogs 100 Layer Cake, Magnolia Rouge and Hello May. Christina launched her blog Freckles & Blush at the start of 2015 where she gives tips and advice on makeup and weddings. Visit
www.frecklesandblush.com for more.
