Do You Really Need To Buy Ampoules From The Makeup Artist For Your Wedding?

Hello Ladies, Well, it's been a long time since I've done a wedding-specific post. I've been thinking about this issue for a long time, and I know that writing about it may incur lots of wrath from makeup artists who believe in selling their clients ampoules. But if you know me, I'm pretty much a straight talker who speaks my mind.

So here goes.. Let's get this straight from the beginning. I have never sold or provided any ampoules to my clients although I have had enquiries about them. And yes, I have bought ampoules before to try out on my skin, so I know how they feel and work.

So, what is this whole ampoule business about? Firstly, ampoules are little glass jars of serum / gels for the skin, sealed airtight and broken only upon application. They typically look like this:

The formula of the product is typically of a high concentration, for different skin types and concerns. You could get one for hydration, oil control, whitening, anti-aging etc..

# 1: Do ampoules work?
 - Yes, if you get one of a good quality, it works just as well as a high quality serum. However, ampoules work even better when coupled with a facial, when the skin is prepped to receive nutrients, and even better with a high-frequency machine where it encourages the product to be absorbed into the skin. To work is one, but you need the right time to have it work.

 # 2: Do ampoules really make my makeup last longer?
 - No. Honestly, if you expect a beautiful, radiant complexion with your makeup lasting the entire day on your face just because of a "miracle" ampoule, sorry girlfriend, it's not gonna happen. Simply slapping on the product and then the makeup will just be the same as applying your own serum and then makeup.

 # 3: What do you recommend instead?
 - Go for a makeup primer instead. I use Smashbox's Photo Finish Oil Free Makeup Primer

A makeup primer is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of pores and "set" your skin for the application of makeup, as well as help it to last longer and protecting it against environmental stresses. There are different makeup primers, ranging from those for oily skin, dry skin, even for colour correction(i.e. neutralising redness or brightening sallow skin).

# 4: Then why do so many bridal makeup artists sell ampoules?
 - It makes them extra cash. Simple as that.
 Just like all these hidden charges that some bridal shops charge you after you thought you got a good deal signing up for a $1888 all-in-one package, you end up having to top up for every single detail after. I know of a couple who topped up something like $90 for 3 ampoules, for both groom and bride. $90?! That's daylight robbery for ampoules. Ampoules are available at $5 or less each. Even Dr Hauschka's Rhythmic Night Conditioner Ampoules are £44.95 for 30 ampoules.

Question 5: What shall I do then? They are pushy and say my skin is "very bad and in dire need" of some ampoules?
 - Argh! I hate it when people in the beauty industry try to push products by criticising their clients. It just gives us such a bad rep.
Firstly, in the months leading up to your big day, you should start taking good care of your skin.
Monthly facials are a good way to relax and deep cleanse your skin.
Next, make sure you exfoliate! If you have a thick layer of old or peeling skin, not even a boxful of ampoules is going to help, and any makeup applied will always bring more attention to flakey skin. I use Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant which is gentle but effective.
Battle extremes with the right skincare. Too dry and everything just looks powdery and doesn't apply smoothly. Too oily and makeup slides off. Using the right skincare regiment will ensure your skin is well prepped.

Of course, checking with your makeup artist about hidden costs (some charge for false eyelashes too! wtf) before you book them will help you make a more informed decision. For me, I don't believe in hiding any costs. What you see is what you get. I also never push products, although if I love something I genuinely recommend or rave about it! Any advice to my client is truthful, and I will give them the most easy way possible to solve any problems they may have.

 Till then!
 xoxo Jo

Jo's Tips To Finding Your Best Wedding Hairstyles

I love browsing the web for hairstyles.
Brides.com has a great library of hairstyles, which was my to-go page when I started doing bridal makeup and hair. Here's a screen shot of their page, this one has tips for your trial session.

Read it? It is true - at least the bit about wearing your hair out after a trial. I always tell my clients to keep wearing their hair and makeup after the trial, and then tell me after how it went. We'll know then if anything went wonky, or they prefer certain things differently, or hey! that the false eyelashes are actually really comfortable (I use the Princess Lee eyelashes from Taiwan ;] )


Another thing I advise my clients to do, is to search out pictures online about what styles they like. Sure, I do give recommendations and suggestions, but when I meet my client for the first time, I don't automatically know their real style.
I am not psychic. I can't read minds, and I can't quite imagine the exact wedding dress from verbal descriptions (lace, tulle, ivory, princess, mermaid... ).
The best way to communicate with your makeup artist? Pictures. Hell, it actually is THE best way to communicate with any of your creative suppliers, be it your wedding planner, designer or florist.
Because "natural" may mean different things to different people, and so does "casual". There are 1038462 different "smokey eyes" - ok, i exaggerate, but really, if you can be specific, do be specific. It'll save you alot of time and also help us get straight to the point and give you what you want.

And if you still have no idea what you want?
You can ask me , or you can also check out ELLE's list of The Best Wedding Hairstyles, and then give me a call :)

A peek into my makeup drawer and the contents of my makeup bag ;)

So... many people ask me what products I would recommend, or use.

Well, here's my open secret (drawer) !
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What a mess right.. I've obviously got too much makeup for this one face of mine. I don't use everything everyday. So I think it's better to show you what are the staples in my personal makeup pouch.


I believe makeup needs to be tailored to suit each person's lifestyle and personality. I don't like to wear too much makeup simply because I'm running around all day for work and honestly, after doing makeup for people day after day after day, I hardly have the energy or patience to do a full face of makeup for myself (especially not in the morning when I've not had my tea!)
Also, I spend 3 days a week working out in the sun and more often than not, I find myself wiping my face with my hand or towel. Smudged eyeshadow and runny mascara is NOT a pretty sight..! Plus the boys I train with can't be bothered if I'm wearing a full face of makeup during training or not (correct me if you're reading this and I'm wrong :P)


So, what do I really, really, favour?

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From top left to right:

1. (Silver Pen) Lancome Miracle Teint Concealer .. it's peachy-pink based so it corrects dark eye circles and the formula is really light-weight and comfortable to wear

2. (Black Pen) M.A.C. Superslick Liquid Eye Liner in On The Hunt .. I don't wear this daily but I love how it doesn't budge. At All. Nothing worse on the face than walking into the bathroom and discovering I've got a funny ring around the bottom of my eyes. This one guarantees I won't be getting a shock anytime soon.

3. Urban Decay After Glow Glide On Cheek Tint in Bang. This product was released in spring this year and I keep 3 colours in my drawer and a few more in my professional case. It's creamy, glides on smoothly and it's really sheer, although it looks intense in the compact.

4. Nars Blusher in Orgasm. Classic product! If you must buy only one blusher, this is the ONE. Brightens your entire complexion, with a very light wash of shimmer

5. Kate Kanebo Waterproof Eyebrow Gel. The only drugstore brand in my makeup bag. At about $16, it's not dirtcheap but I haven't come across any other brands that do waterproof eyebrow gels. It's kinda like eyebrow wax, but it doesnt feel sticky and the colours are really natural. I wear this almost everyday cos I have almost no brows! One day I will try it when I go swimming.

6. Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Waterproof Mascara. I admit.. I wear this for sports. And it's never failed me. I could be crying while swimming and it wouldn't move. Best of all it washes out with my makeup cleanser without me tugging at my eyelashes
Click on the link to check out the shape of the mascara brush!!

7. bareMinerals Original in Medium Beige. Tons of compliments about my skin while I'm wearing this foundation. I use it with the Prime Time foundation primer and buff it in with the bareMinerals foundation buffing brush.

8. M.A.C. Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium Plus. Before bareMinerals came to Singapore, I couldn't find any face powder to compete with this one. Why does it still remain although I have the other mineral face powders? Because it's PRESSED! nice and compact.

9 & 10. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadows. These are in Copper Cocoa (Single), Chino and Beige Linen (Double). I have tons of these in other colours. Mostly I choose nude, earthy and brown colours for eyeshadows. I wouldn't say I'm afraid of colour, but it's just much more classic to stick with the neutrals.


And there, the secret is out :) Now to get on with my packing! I'm moving out :D

Her World Brides Editorial (issue Mar- May 2011)

I'm so glad to have worked on this new, gorgeous issue of Her World Brides with stylist Janice Seah & photographer Toon Liang.

Here are some of the tear sheets from the bridal fashion spread we shot in The Club Hotel @ Ann Siang Hill

Photography: Toon Liang/ Lightspade
Styling: Janice Seah
Hair & Makeup: Joanna Koh using Redken & RMK

Scroll to the end for my tips on recreating this look :)






























The Hair & Makeup

We were going for a more glamourous / hollywood kind of feel, but without too elaborate makeup or stiff hair.

Here are some crops.. the resolution isn't too good from the scanning but hopefully you'll be able to make it out!


The makeup:
I used muted, brown and nude tones for the eyeshadow, but still played the eyes up with a soft kohl and lots of mascara and lashes.
For her cheeks I contoured them with a matte bronzer, and lips in a complimenting satin nude shade.




The hair:
The model actually had long hair, but I was requested to give her a more glamourous bob. So I had curled her hair into tight ringlets, then gently brushed them out with my fingers to create volume. After that I pinned them into shape close to the nape of her neck. For her fringe I had lightly twisted it back to give it definition and then pinned with the rest of her hair.

My Eyeshadow Lasted Through The Rain! ... psst, here's the secret

Ok, let's all admit it. Singapore is SCORCHING hot, and brides here SWEAT like nobody's business. Also, it tends to POUR almost every other day (and at the present moment, it's the monsoon season, so, every day).

Add that to touching speeches and teary moms, most brides tend to shed a tear on their wedding day - Recipe for eye makeup disaster!

So, a few days ago, I put on some pretty makeup (eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara) as I had a meeting. I confess I do not usually put on makeup otherwise - shock shock horror horror! But that's for a simple reason, read on.
I workout at the track 3 times a week. This time, when I got to the track, the coach said "You gotta hustle, it's gonna rain". So I zipped into the bathroom to get changed and forgot to wash my makeup off! And then the rain came. And we kept going. I trained in the rain for more than an hour, and then in the shelter for another half an hour.
And I was thinking, I look like CRAP! My mascara must be streaking down my face.
Understand me here, my entire class is made of boys.. and I didn't want to look like a wreck.

I only took a good look at myself when I got home and just before I showered. And I thought " OMG! That is like the most perfect end-of-day makeup EVER!!"
My eyes were still slightly smoky, my eyeliner was in place, and my mascara didn't run, it just flaked a little. And this was about 11 hours after I had applied it, gone into the rain and worked up a sweat!

OK, so I must must must share my secret. And then I am sure your makeup on your big day is going to be tear/sweat/rain resistant.. if not waterproof!


The Big Secret is....... Eyeshadow PRIMER !

It's not that big of a secret actually, because I use a primer on almost all my clients before applying eyeshadow. hahaha.

The main great benefits about using a primer are that it holds your eyeshadow to your lids for a longer duration without creasing, or dissolving into oily lids (so common in our climate right?). Also, the big effect you can see immediately is that eyeshadow looks really VIBRANT when applied on top of a primer. The colours pop and you wouldn't need to use as much colour to get the effect. Eyeshadow also blends much better when applied over a primer.

Easy test if you don't believe me? Go to a store, swab a little primer on your skin (back of the palm's good, really flat surface), smoothen it in. Afterwards, get any eyeshadow colour, or use one that you feel you have a hard time getting the colour to show up. Now apply the eyeshadow over the primer, and another time, over your bare skin.
Trust me, you'll see a world of difference.


The primer I used on myself was one from Red Earth. Esprit in Singapore used to carry it years ago, and then Sasa had it. Right now, I have no idea where they are. But I'm sure you can find Red Earth all around Australia.


Here are a few more options that I really do like:

Make Up Store Eyeprimer Tinted



This tinted formula (also comes in clear) goes on liquid smooth and is great for hydration and filling fine lines too. The eyeshadow, especially glittery ones, adhere firmly to your lids when applied on top of this primer.
Love it. It's a staple in my makeup bag.


Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion



This one, I've just tried using recently and really am liking it. No creases, all holding power. Goes on nude and then dries to invisible.
They also have it in a matte finish and champagne shimmer, very cool, but you should use complimenting eyeshadows with it. No point using a matte finish primer with a shimmery eyeshadow or vice versa.
The personal sized one is great 'cos it has the applicator wand, but I'm gonna get myself the SUPERSIZED Professional Sized one without the applicator, although I have no idea how I'm going to finish using all 25mls of it :P


While we are on the topic of eyeshadow primers, don't forget the rest of your face! A little smoothing primer before your foundation goes a loooong way in keeping your makeup fresh all day.


I love Shu Uemura's UV Under Base SPF 30



It's a mousse and goes on great under foundation to even out skin tone and texture. I use this on brides on their big day and on models before a photoshoot..


Also really worth trying is RMK's Makeup Base Mat




I find it really funny that they don't spell it correctly as MATTE, but shorten it to MAT. Maybe it's a Japanese thing?
Anyway, on days when I want to go really light on my makeup, I use this and finish off with powder, skipping the foundation step. As it's slightly tinted, that works well for me, almost like a tinted moisturiser, but mattifying.



So there you go.. one BIG tip which will help your makeup go a long way especially on your wedding day!

Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

I haven't gone to a halloween party for the last 5,6 years, so this year when I was asked to do makeup for the Halloween event at Universal studios, I had a chance to check out their event.

If you're going for the Bridezilla look, let me know and we can work something similar out :P

I was doing the makeup for the band, here they are!







And some of my fav characters at the park




These clowns are too much fun :D




Chain Saw gang guy.... I think he's pretty cute! Does anyone know him?? :D

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I'm going to try the Brazillian Blow Dry today, I'll let everyone know how it goes .. can't wait! I'm hoping for a miracle for my hair

Her World Brides Editorial

Hi Everyone! I'm been really bad, not updating this page for a while. It's been hectic, with editorials, commercials & brides! The Christmas season is around the corner, I know you might be thinking, it's 3 months away, but in media calender, it's when everyone starts this mad rush to prepare their Christmas ads.
As I really don't want to disappoint anyone, please do book me in advance, as my schedule fills up pretty quick (besides, I give a 15% discount to all brides who book me 5 months in advance :D )

I've firmed up my travel schedule for the next couple of months, No Bali trips! I miss Bali! If you are doing a pre-wedding photoshoot in Bali, Melbourne or Sydney, I'll be more than happy to give you a super super discounted rate. :)

I'll be away from:
18 September - 24 September
10 November - 15 November

Anyways, enough of words, here are the PICTURES!








Photography: Aik Chen
Styling: Furqan Saini
Hair & Makeup: Joanna Koh using Redken & Clinique, assisted by Angeline Chan
Models: Yana & Sandra/ Upfront


The full series is available on my FACEBOOK page


And incase you're wondering, what's this lovely foundation for the model's skin, it's Clinique Superfit Makeup, which I also use on almost all my clients. It's one of my favourite foundations simply because it lasts 6-8 hours through your oil, sweat and tears (sounds familiar for your big day?), doesnt clog pores, and gives a beautiful buildable coverage.

Manicure at Shine Studio @ Far East Plaza

Today I tried out the manicure at Shine Studio (under Citispa at Far East Plaza.

I chose a shade of cobalt blue, OPI's Blue My Mind ..this shade is amazing!


My nails are cut super short, so there was not much filing for her to do.
Rather disappointed at the way many manicurists here file nails. A zig-zag sawing motion will end up splitting your nails. Never file your nails that way. Instead, file your nails in a single direction, best to file them always towards the center of your nails.
Cuticle pushing & trimming were fine, she did briefly sanitise the metal instruments before beginning.
The arm massage was so-so, ho-hum..

What I was nicely impressed by was her speed and even-ness of her painting. At $18 for a manicure in town, done in 45mins, no one can really complain!
Mani & Pedi go for $38


Shine Studio
14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza. #02-94
Tel: 6738 0700
Open from 11:30am


Next up.. I'm going to try Bliss Spa's Mani & Pedi! Once my nails grow out abit.. give me a couple of weeks :)

Your Tropical Beach and Garden Bridal Hairstyle Solutions

Getting married in a tropical climate such as Singapore (or Bali! LOVE! ) can be a beauty nightmare for most. Curly hair gets frizzier, straight hair refuses to curl, your makeup starts sliding off.. well, I've got some simple solutions for you to have the best hair(and makeup) day at your tropical beach or garden wedding.


1. Be practical
If you hair is really straight and heavy, and no hairstylist has ever made your curls last for more than the time you stick around in the salon, don't expect any different on your wedding day, especially if you're having your wedding outdoors.
The weather in Singapore can go up to 34 degrees Celsius during the day, so you are bound to sweat (unless your bridesmaids are fanning you ala cleopatra!). If your shoulders are showing and your hair is down, be prepare to have it stick to your neck and back. These things show in pictures- and they don't look good. Opt for a classy updo instead and you'll be keeping your cool much more easily.




2. Work with your hair texture
For those of us who have curly hair, work with this texture to bring out your luscious curls and waves.
Try KMS Sea Salt Spray to add texture to your curls for that beach babe vibe.


Spray it in, diffuse dry, scruch a little wax in at the ends and set it with hair spray.
Pop in a pretty hair accessory and you're good to go in less than 30minutes!
Also, you'll be the envy of your counterparts who are going for option (1) above.




3. Explore your options with beautiful tropical flowers
Flowers can make amazing hair accessories that bring you back-to-nature. They jazz up your hairstyle, and can even be used as a wreath for yourself or for the flowergirl. Here, we are blessed with the perfect weather for cultivating Orchids and Frangipanis, which i hear are cut-throat expensive temperate climates.
You can choose flowers which compliment your hand bouquet or theme in terms of colour, but choose a different species to avoid looking too matchy-matchy. Good quality fresh flowers can last between 5 to 8 hours. If the type of flowers you choose can be dried and kept (eg Roses or Forget-Me-Nots, they will last even longer). Keep them in their wrap or in a vase until you're ready to have them pinned to your hair.




4. And for the girls...
Your bridesmaids too will be wanting to look their best for your wedding. One great way to stand out from them is to have a completely different hairstyle. So, if you're having an updo, request that they leave their hair down, or at least in a half-updo. A simple yet pretty way to have them do their hair is to add braids, a little french braid across the crown or to pull back their fringe can add uniformity to all your "jie meis", or bridesmaids. It's quick and they can do each other's hair too if they don't have a hairstylist to themselves.
Here's one that I did for a photoshoot with Jeff Chen




Once your hair's set and you're ready to go, just SMILE and have a great time. Believe me, you ARE the most gorgeous girl at your wedding. :D

Makeup for Singapore Idol Sezairi Sezali's Today Newspaper Cover

I had a really pleasant surprise today when I flipped open TODAY ! Sezairi was on the cover! We did this photoshoot with the ubercool stylist Faz Abdul Gaffa, Christine from Jeric Salon, Ejun Low the Photographer, and his super team from Universal Music.


The photos will also be on his new album when it's released, looking forward to seeing them :)

Gorgeous Women

Photo: Jeff Chen
Makeup & Hair: Joanna Koh using Yaby Cosmetics
Models: Margeret & Pem (Mannequin), Jen Polce (Phantom)



I was(AM!) so excited to share this gorgeous photograph we shot 2 days ago that I bugged Jeff Chen, the photographer, to send me the photo ASAP!

We shot a few more images for my bridal makeup lookbook that I can't wait to post up here, featuring these 3 models, Margeret, Pem & Jen.

Till then!