BLOG - Marla Austin Studios

TIK TOK Potential Ban Got You Sweating?

As a longtime entrepreneur, I can honestly say that it is a bit concerning to me that many people's business strategy did not include additional marketing and advertising buckets other than just social media as a form of driving their business. Yes, social media is a great form of what I consider "today's word of mouth", and No, I am not saying that you should not have some sort of social media presence. What I am saying is that when you are a business (that means you are ...

3 Reasons I Choose Temptu Perfect Canvas Airbrush Foundation for Brides

As a bridal makeup artist, Brides will often ask if Airbrush or Traditional makeup lasts longer on your wedding day. The answer is not always what you may think. While longevity of wear can differ based on the application, it mostly has to do with additional factors such as skin prep & base of formula.I do offer both Traditional and Airbrush application options for my brides, and the choice of foundation is based on what their main goal is, how their skin currently is and ...

2023 SANTA LUCIA FESTIVAL QUEEN - Liz Troia

Over the last 7 years, I have been blessed to document the Santa Lucia Festival Queen's Crowning images. For these Italian families in Omaha, Nebraska, Santa Lucia Festival is a staple and to become Queen is an honor and longtime tradition. Learn more about Santa Lucia Festival here.Liz Troia is this year's Queen and she has stepped into her role with excitement and plans to do good things for the community. Her sister, Gina, was Queen in 2018 and I was there to photograph her too; ...

Color Your 2024 with Pantone's Color of the Year & Marla Austin Cosmetics

For those of you keeping up with fashion and design, this will come as no surprise; but for all others, this is probably new news! Every year, Pantone comes out with a Color of the Year. This is the color that you will see featured in many design ads from Fashion to Interior design to beauty and beyond. They are a leader in color all around the globe! You can read more about them here. The 2024 Pantone color this year is called Peach Fuzz (13-1023). It is more of an ...

3 Most requested Bridal Styles

What are the most requested hair styles for 2023 Brides? Determining what style you will have for your wedding is made up of a couple of things: How much hair do you have, will there be a hair accessory or veil, and the design of the dress. Working with your stylist is the best way to determine which style will be best and how best to get to that vision. You may need extensions to add hair for a fuller look on the updo, or you may need a more structured updo to be able to hold a ...

3 Secrets expert makeup artists use to know if your foundation will last

Does your foundation slide off you face after a few hours? Do you read your ingredients to see what the base of the foundation is? Did that last question even make sense?It has been a hot minute since I have been in cosmetology school...and honestly, I don't think that I ever remember them talking about this because makeup theory was not really discussed...but, I am sharing the 3 secrets with you because I think that it is so important to answer some questions that I get asked ...

The ONE thing that I did to create raving customers!

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou This is probably one of the most impactful quotes that I remember from my younger years. When I thought about how I make someone feel, I wanted my clients to feel like their decision to hire me as their hair & makeup artist for their big day was the best decision they ever made! It had to go beyond the ...

Bridal Trend: Headbands

Trending Alert.... HEADBANDS! And not just any headbands..ones that look like Halos! When 2 of my recent brides showed up to their Preview appointments with these Halo Headbands, I was giddy! I love new headpieces for weddings. Don't get me wrong, veils are always a classic...but sometimes, you just need a little more sparkle!They can be easily placed on a simple down style with curls or waves (shown below) OR worked into an updo. Whichever style you choose, make sure to bring ...

SAVE YOUR MONEY! Beginners Guide to Building A Pro Makeup Kit

Since becoming a freelance makeup artist in the wedding industry, I have gone through many kit changes. From a tote bag full of small bags to a suitcase full of small bags to now a case designed and curated specifically to work with me...I spent so much time and money on things that didn't end up working out! I don't want you to waste that precious time and money on trying a bunch of things!!! I already did all of the navigating for you!Over the years, and many trial and errors, I have ...

Do You Need a License to become a Makeup Artist?

I see you...scrolling thru TikTok or Reels, watching those videos on makeup techniques, dreaming of a career as a makeup artist. While I didn't have social media growing up to show me what that career choice may look like, I did have a mother that was a makeup artist (so it's kinda the same thing, right?)I absolutely LOVE what I get to do -- how I get to make women feel -- by a gift I have been blessed with. I would love nothing more than to tell you that the answer to the headline ...