The Big Interview with…. make-up artist and hair stylist Caroline Stewart

Make-up has been a central part of top Edinburgh-based MUA Caroline Stewart for years.

As soon as she left school at the age of 16 she knew she wanted to work with make-up and signed up to a beauty therapy course where she was first introduced to make-up professionally.

She spent years working on various make-up counters, gaining experience, learning about different brands and working across all age groups.

Theatre was a huge inspiration, and she admits to being blown away by the make-up on all the productions she went to see.

And other influences were at play.

“I was given a few make-up books over the years,” she remembers. “One of my first inspirations was Bobbi Brown and her style of making everyone look the best version of themselves. I still us this technique today.”

Then in 2010 Caroline took the leap to set up her own business, going back to college to study theatrical and media make-up and then an HND in Make-up Artistry and Hairstyling, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Here she shares her experiences of working in the make-up industry and the next steps into beauty therapy…

Q. How did you first set up your own business?

A. Bridal make-up just fell into place and I was getting booked out pretty fast.

 I still do commercials, advertising, film and TV and I pride myself in being able to do all aspects of the make-up industry.

Hairstyling fell into place about nine years ago when I kept getting asked to do hair also so I did a few workshops and watched a lot of tutorials and now love doing both together.

Q. What are your main tips for brides-to-be getting ready for their wedding?

A. Definitely getting the skin up to scratch for your wedding day is a great way for your make-up to last long and look more flawless.

My big thing is hydration. We live in a country where it’s either heating on, drying out the skin or it’s battered in the cold weather.

You don’t have to fork out on expensive brands to get hydration into your skin. The likes of Simple water boost range is cheap and works a treat and can be used for super sensitive skin too.

If you want to go a bit more expensive, Dermalogica has a wide range of products suited for all skin types. I am also a huge fan of just using cucumbers on the eyes to hydrate and draw out toxins.

Q. How important is it for a bride to have a make-up trial in advance of her wedding and when would you advise she books it in?

A. It’s very important for a bride to have a make-up or hair trial so you get the chance to try different ideas and make sure they work for you.

Also, I like to make sure all my clients feel relaxed and sure they have picked the correct person for their big day. Some clients just book the bride for these and others like to add in additional bridal parties for a trial too. 

For anyone eloping or not able to attend a trial an online consultation can be done.

Q. Do you have a hero beauty product that’s always in your kit?

A. I have a few I love; the products that work well for me and my clients.

Laura Mercier primers illuminating, hydration and the basic primer are all my favourite. Also, their highlighters are perfect for bridal, not too glittery.  Illamasqua skin base, gel liner and blushers are my absolute favourite as they can suit everyone, 

Tarte cosmetics shape tape concealer and eyeshadow palettes along with Inglot eyeshadows. I try and use all cruelty free brands.

Q. What bridal hair and make-up trends will be big this year?

A. I still get a lot of people wanting the half up half down, slightly more relaxed styles in hair. Softer glowing skin and soft glam more classic looks are more my style of trends I get booked for. 

Q. And now you’re venturing into beauty treatments, what are the main treatments you’re offering and do you have a favourite?

A. My beauty room is set up in my home and I will be offering a range of relaxing and deep tissue massage, tailored facials and nail treatments.

These will be offered to all my bridal parties at a discounted price and I hope to welcome some new clients too. You will be able to find treatment plans on my social media and website once it is all set up. 

To find out more go to the Caroline Stewart Makeup Artistry website here