One of the biggest priorities for brides on their Big Day is how their hair and makeup looks for the main event.
After all, your wedding celebrations will be the only time when so many pairs of eyes are focused completely on you, and those pictures will be in photo albums, not to mention social media!, for a lifetime. So, it’s fair to say that finding the right makeup artist is of the paramount importance.
Hailing from east London, Saira Raja is the latest makeup artist making waves in the industry. Her exquisite looks, showcased in the pages of Khush Wedding, has seen demand for her bridal and party services soar in recent months. She talks to us about her bridal services...
How did you get into makeup?
Becoming a makeup artist is my birthright in a way - my mum was a bridal makeup artist in Pakistan so I’ve been playing with lipstick and foundation since I was in nappies! After finishing school, I did a course in beauty therapy before striking out as an independent hair and makeup artist. Having a huge family meant there was always a steady stream of weddings and parties, so I had plenty of opportunity to hone my craft on my cousins!
I became known as the go-to girl for party and bridal makeup, and I’ve now been doing hair and makeup for five years, growing my business from friends and family recommendations to clients all over London and the south east.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I’ve always been passionate about art, colour and structure, so I see bridal makeup as an extension of that. But it’s extra-special, because clients are wearing my ‘art’ on the biggest days of their life. I’m not afraid of experimenting with colour to create standout looks either. So many people worry about how a totally new colour will look on their face, but you never know until you give it a try!
What’s your bridal service like?
Customer service is central to my business so I take it very seriously. From the initial consultation right up until my bride leaves to meet her groom, my client’s happiness is at the forefront of everything I do. The way I see it, if someone’s parting with their hard-earned cash, they should be 100% satisfied with the service. Every penny should be worth it.
What’s your signature bridal hair and makeup look?
I love Arabic and heavy Pakistani bridal looks with lots of emphasis on the eyes and sharp, manicured eyebrows. Soft lips balance striking eyes while contouring has moved from an industry secret to a well-known way to highlight your best features. I couldn’t do without highlighting, it gives every skin a gorgeous glow. And for hair, the bigger, the better! I love loose curls pinned into elaborate up-dos.
What do you think will be the biggest trends of AW15?
Soft dewy skin that looks lit up with plenty of highlighter will be everywhere! As the nights draw in, it will make skin look luminous and candlelit, which is the most flattering light for all skin types and face shapes. Eyes will stay dramatic with lots of liner and mascara and perhaps a streak of colour for brides with an adventurous spirit.
Saira Raja's Top Tips
• Have a facial up to six weeks before your Big Day to prepare your skin and prevent breakouts.
• Keep hair in tip top condition by using a high end oil-based hair mask every week.
• Ensure your eyebrows are shaped a few days before the wedding.
• Invest in good quality exfoliator for gleaming, perfect skin.
SAIRA RAJA MAKEUP SCHOOL
Want to launch your own career in Asian bridal hair and makeup? For all the tips, tricks and the secrets to beautifully crafted party, wedding and special occasion looks, look no further than Saira Raja Makeup School.
What will I learn?
The classes, operated and delivered by Saira, has two levels, with the first perfect for those wanting to learn how to create professional-standard hair and makeup on themselves, while the second teaches how to craft beautiful wedding looks for clients, editorial photoshoots and the catwalk.
How do I enroll?
Keep an eye online on Saira Raja’s social media platforms for up-to-the-minute news on courses, dates and locations.
Saira Raja • +44(0)7539 000 531