Carmel Kestles

Makeup Artist // Business Owner // Educator

[carmelkestles]

👏🏼 Such a productive day for the girls creating content for our socials -

Its more then capturing a image and just posting it online now days.

It’s about planning, producing and engaging your audience.

Of course you can take advantage of your down time but it’s a great idea to think about scheduling time to produce quality content aswell.

Well done to Tayla today. She did something many of us would feel so uncomfortable doing! 👏🏼

[carmelkestles]

💫 Hayley's bridal trial Vs Hayley's wedding day look. 💫

@carmelkestles It's really important to keep in mind that your bridal trial doesn't have to be your final look. Sometimes the purpose of having a trial is working out what you don't like vs what you do like. I have many clients come to me that have had trials with other makeup artists who say "I just didn't like it, it wasn't good etc" - (I'm sure that this has even been said about my own work to other makeup artists, in fact I know it has) but that's not what I'm saying here.... if you do have a trial, before you skip artists, go back and talk to them - try other options. Hayley had two bridal trials before she decided on her final look. Trying different foundations, lip colours and eye looks. If you ask your makeup artist for a dark smokey eye and you've never seen yourself with one, chances are you may just not like it..... keep that in mind, if that's what you've requested to trial. You might find some beautiful images of makeup also, they are most likely edited, your not going to get exactly the eye look that is posted on instagram that is heavy and the image has been taken with perfect lighting. And don't show an image like that and say that's what you want but in the same breath say I don't want it too heavy, I want to look natural!! 🤣 (yes that does happen). If you are bringing/looking at images look for girls with the same skin colour, eye and hair colour.... you will get more of an idea of what may suit you. ....... oops I went on a little rant there..... there are a lot of little points I could go on and on..... but my point is be open with your chosen artist. We want you to feel and look your best, we will work hard to achieve the best look for you, we will always try and advise you on different things - but just remember the purpose of a trial is exactly that, to try a look and work out what you like and don't like.... ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Makeup & Tan by @carmelkestles

[carmelkestles]

Saturday night filming & editing ...... uploading ...... 🎥#makeuptutorial #carmelkestles #coffsharbour #makeup #film ##makeupartistcarmelkestles #erinbiggcosmetics #beccahighlighter #ponicosmetics #crownbrushaustralia #stilacosmetics #modelrocklashes #sennabrows #napoleonperdis

[carmelkestles]

It's a really special thing to be apart of a brides day. It's not just about applying makeup on the bride and her bridal party..... It's a lot more. For those few hours and some months leading up to the brides day I am let in to a very intimate time, especially on the morning of the big day. So here is a letter to my brides. To my Brides, Thank you for having me share your special day, thank you for choosing me. To be there before you walk down that aisle, while you laugh with your bridal party, while you share some very special moments with your family. I quiet often have had to fight back the tears as I have witnessed all the love in the room, and some of you have had me just completely tear up in front of you. I have enjoyed every family I have met. It is an honour to see you share a moment with your Nanna, watch your fathers reaction as his seen you walk out of the room, have your mother read her speech to me, to see your baby sisters/daughters watching you and looking up to you as proud as can be. To see your brothers/sons go shy or tell you that you look beautiful. To have you sit in my chair and share with me your nerves or excitement. For you to have the one hour of sitting while I do your makeup...... I feel like sometimes I can just feel the emotion you feel - I quiet often hear that sigh......the sigh of OH my GOD it's happening!!! You all say thank you to me, but it's me that needs to Thank you! Each and every bride I have worked with - It is and has been an honour! I treasure the relationship I have with many of you and some of those have turned into amazing friendships. Each of you so different, but each of you so beautiful. <3 Carmel xx

[carmelkestles]

It was great to be involved in @harlowhairandbeauty 's #browsonpoint work shop last night hosted by brow queen Tayla Philips!

[carmelkestles]

On Friday the 24th - I had the pleasure of sharing another brides special day with her and her bridal party! I had a totally of eight faces to do and each and every single girl was beautiful to work with. Using different shades on each person to suit there look. Beautiful Elli wanting a classic bridal look for herself. Elli's spray tan was by myself at Harlow Hair & Beauty. Her makeup by myself and hair by Belinda at Harlow Hair and Beauty. Photography by the fabulous couple duo Mike & Amy photography - photos attached have been taken by them. Videographers: The wonderful team at Rabbit and The Bear. Flowers by: Flowers by Bonnie Location: Aanuka Beach Resort - Coffs Harbour

[carmelkestles]

Websites gone live!

[carmelkestles]

I love working with brides for and on their special day.  I love having a part in making them feel as beautiful on the outside as they each are on the inside.   A lot of brides and clients always have many questions and trust me!  I love to share my knowledge on my passion - Makeup!   The eyes have it.  Eyes being our most expressive feature, on your wedding day you want them to shine. You want eye-colour (not your makeup colours) to pop; basically you want definition and some intensity, to show your best you. You can get a subtle “smoky eye” with soft bronzes and browns mixed with deep charcoals. Consider lash extensions or false lashes (strip or singles);  Eye makeup done properly will last 10+ hours. More is not necessarily more.   Some tipsters say you need more makeup than you think on your wedding day. (I am not in agreement.) To make sure you look radiant (your best self) in person, and are photograph-able from any angle (I’m talking makeup and hair here) for gorgeous shots,  your makeup application needs to read so that you look in photos as you do in person!  Your makeup should give you appropriate definition (my favourite word!), be appropriate to the dress you are wearing, the flowers, the overall ambiance and style of your event.  It’s easier to add more makeup, than take too much away.

Lipstick longevity. Think about it, there’s bound to be some kissing and some champagne consumption, so you know you will want a touchup lip colour. One trick is to pencil colour, powder, place lip colour or pencil over, and lightly gloss… Some companies, such as Nars, are making lip pencils to match their lipstick colours. Lip pencils make touch ups a breeze. You can also keep it simple with a tinted gloss, which is easy to carry and apply without a mirror. Using Concealer.  A concealer with a peach tone (peach offsets blue/purple) covers deep/dark under-eye circles.   Concealer should have a perfect cream to powder balance; too creamy leaves creases, too dry looks cakey. And occasionally a concealer is best applied AFTER foundation. 

Touch up is always key. You’ll need blotting papers or a finishing powder and your lip colour (your Maid of Honour should be the keeper of the goods!)

There is always so much information I can give....... I really could talk for days on the topic, but these would be my top 5 for brides.  Photo via Leeboo Photography - Coffs Harbour  Makeup Artist Carmel Kestles  @seventhstudios @carmelkestles @thebarefacedbride, Bree Bartlett formerly of Macy J Hair @flowersbybonnie #coffsharbourweddingphotographer

[carmelkestles]

MY LEGS DON’T TAN!!!!!!!!! You get an amazing fake tan, but your legs are not tanning, more so your shins?  Or why do I have brown dots in my pores?

I get these questions all the time……..

The skin is thinnest on the front of your legs, specifically your shins.   Because the skin is thin there, it might also mean that you are likely to loose tan quickest.  Why? Because your skin is constantly regenerating and legs often wear jeans, tights, and tights often rub, and rubbing often removes tan.   Also - be careful if you are shaving.  A fake tan will stay on your skin as long as the skin stays on your body. If you are shaving your legs, chances are you’re also shaving off your tan.  So - make sure any shaving or waxing is done before your spray tan - but not too soon before hand – I suggest at least 24 -48 hours beforehand

I always like my clients to prepare well for a tan as I know that the spray tan is only as good as the canvas it goes on too. I can  tell who has raced home jumped in the shower, shaved and come to tanning appointment and those who prepare well. I can tell simply by looking at the skin. When clients shave, and particularly they wax, the skin’s pores are open.  This means that anything you apply over the top of it can inhibit the ability for us spray tan technicians to apply to an even base.  It also means that when the pores do close, the spray tan bronzer will be locked underneath.

Do: • Shaving and waxing at least 24-48 hours before your tan appointment • Exfoliate EVERYWHERE to remove build up of products from your skin.   Built up products can act as a barrier and stop tan from adhering. • To maintain your tan, you’ll need to lock it in.  We recommend a 24 hour hydrating moisturiser, DRINKING PLENTY OF WATER!!!!!  DRINK HEAPS!!!!!!

C xx

[carmelkestles]

MY LEGS DON’T TAN!!!!!!!!! You get an amazing fake tan, but your legs are not tanning, more so your shins?  Or why do I have brown dots in my pores?

I get these questions all the time……..

The skin is thinnest on the front of your legs, specifically your shins.   Because the skin is thin there, it might also mean that you are likely to loose tan quickest.  Why? Because your skin is constantly regenerating and legs often wear jeans, tights, and tights often rub, and rubbing often removes tan.   Also - be careful if you are shaving.  A fake tan will stay on your skin as long as the skin stays on your body. If you are shaving your legs, chances are you’re also shaving off your tan.  So - make sure any shaving or waxing is done before your spray tan - but not too soon before hand – I suggest at least 24 -48 hours beforehand

I always like my clients to prepare well for a tan as I know that the spray tan is only as good as the canvas it goes on too. I can  tell who has raced home jumped in the shower, shaved and come to tanning appointment and those who prepare well. I can tell simply by looking at the skin. When clients shave, and particularly they wax, the skin’s pores are open.  This means that anything you apply over the top of it can inhibit the ability for us spray tan technicians to apply to an even base.  It also means that when the pores do close, the spray tan bronzer will be locked underneath.

Do: • Shaving and waxing at least 24-48 hours before your tan appointment • Exfoliate EVERYWHERE to remove build up of products from your skin.   Built up products can act as a barrier and stop tan from adhering. • To maintain your tan, you’ll need to lock it in.  We recommend a 24 hour hydrating moisturiser, DRINKING PLENTY OF WATER!!!!!  DRINK HEAPS!!!!!!

C xx

[carmelkestles]

That blend 😍

[carmelkestles]

#throwback to one of my favourite bridal parties #themakeupboxbycarmelkestles @themakeupboxbycarmelkestles #midnorthcoastweddings makeup artist @carmel_kestles #mobile #weddings #airbrush #bridesmaids (at The Makeup Box By Carmel Kestles)

[carmelkestles]

I am so excited to have my work featured on the @thebarefacedbride BLOG - this is from a few weeks back!! 😀😀😀 👏🏼👏🏼⭐️ #bridal #themakeupboxbycarmelkestles @themakeupboxbycarmelkestles #blogs #styleblogger #wedding (at The Makeup Box By Carmel Kestles)

[carmelkestles]

Another beautiful location this morning working with with @thebellacabello @villavivante #makeupartistlife (at Villa Vivante)

[carmelkestles]

Beautiful office I had today 😍. #themakeupboxbycarmelkestles #mobileartistry #makeup #makeupartistlife (at BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort)

[carmelkestles]

MY LEGS DON’T TAN!!!!!!!!! You get an amazing fake tan, but your legs are not tanning, more so your shins?  Or why do I have brown dots in my pores?

I get these questions all the time……..

The skin is thinnest on the front of your legs, specifically your shins.   Because the skin is thin there, it might also mean that you are likely to loose tan quickest.  Why? Because your skin is constantly regenerating and legs often wear jeans, tights, and tights often rub, and rubbing often removes tan.   Also - be careful if you are shaving.  A fake tan will stay on your skin as long as the skin stays on your body. If you are shaving your legs, chances are you're also shaving off your tan.  So - make sure any shaving or waxing is done before your spray tan - but not too soon before hand – I suggest at least 24 -48 hours beforehand

I always like my clients to prepare well for a tan as I know that the spray tan is only as good as the canvas it goes on too. I can  tell who has raced home jumped in the shower, shaved and come to tanning appointment and those who prepare well. I can tell simply by looking at the skin. When clients shave, and particularly they wax, the skin's pores are open.  This means that anything you apply over the top of it can inhibit the ability for us spray tan technicians to apply to an even base.  It also means that when the pores do close, the spray tan bronzer will be locked underneath.

Do: • Shaving and waxing at least 24-48 hours before your tan appointment • Exfoliate EVERYWHERE to remove build up of products from your skin.   Built up products can act as a barrier and stop tan from adhering. • To maintain your tan, you'll need to lock it in.  We recommend a 24 hour hydrating moisturiser, DRINKING PLENTY OF WATER!!!!!  DRINK HEAPS!!!!!!

C xx