Saara Labib is one of the sweetest humans I know, and a true professional when it comes to bridal makeup. We’ve become friends because I respect her work and enjoy being in her company. Whenever I visit with Saara, we end up talking shop, and there is often a bit of info that I feel I want to pass on to my brides. I end up forgetting most of the time, so I thought I would take the time to actually interview Saara in the hopes that future brides can benefit from Saara’s knowledge.
How did you get into doing bridal makeup?
I have always wanted to be an artist, and oil painting was my first love. I studied art history and colour theory in university. I enjoyed painting still life’s and landscapes, however, I struggled when it came to painting people. Not that I was particularly bad at it, but I just wasn’t able to give them life. All the human figures I painted seemed soul-less and empty.
Then one day a friend of mine was getting ready to go out and she was doing her makeup. I just happen to mention that her “look” could be improved (Saara takes a moment to assure me that she is not a bossy person – as though I needed reminding) well, you know what I mean…I made a suggestion. My friend was open to it because she knew I studied colour and she trusted me. She asked me if I would like to do her makeup, and of course, I obliged. Something I didn’t expect to happen, was that when I was in the middle of doing her makeup, It came into my mind that she was a life canvas. I felt extremely comfortable, and everything I did seemed to come to me intuitively. When I finished and she saw herself in the mirror, she was amazed. I recall her saying, “You are so good at this. You should do this for a living.” And for me it was like painting. My friend was the canvas, and when she saw herself in the mirror and smiled, I could see her soul. I was hooked.
What is the difference between bridal makeup and every-day makeup?
A woman does her makeup according to what it is she will be doing. Working in a clinic is different than working at a law office, or a woman’s clothing store. Also, the makeup a woman wears to work is going to be different than the makeup she wears during an evening out for dinner. I see makeup as a reflection of the clothing a woman wears; yoga pants are nice, but not as nice as a Spring dress, which in turn is a step below an evening dress. Of course, a wedding gown is pretty much at the top, so it only seems appropriate that the makeup reflect that same level of beauty.
You are the only makeup artist who does false eyelashes that look real. How do you do it?
I don’t like to use lashes made of plastic. They look fake. I like to use lashes made from real hair. Real hair tapers to a point and the length of each hair is slightly different. The band of a good quality lash has to be clear as well. If I try a new brand, I put them on myself and take pictures from top and below to see if they look real, and if the band is visible.
Of course, it depends on the budget and request of each bride. I can accommodate most budgets, but my inventory always contains high quality products.
I’ve seen other makeup artists use the same sponges and applicators on multiple girls. Isn’t this a risky practice?
Oh my gosh, I would never do this to anyone. There is a risk of minor infections such as Pink Eye and Staph, but also major things like Herpes. I always use disposable applicators and fresh sponges. I also have backups of certain products in case of confusion. When in doubt, I throw it out.
If you are considering a makeup artist, please ask them how they handle shared product. And the best advice I can offer any woman, is to stop trying the testers at the cosmetics counter. You are asking for trouble by using lipsticks and mascaras shared by a hundred other woman.
Check out more of Saara’s amazing work on her website: http://saaramua.com/
