One of my personal favorite memories of my own wedding day was the morning. Getting ready and hanging out with my family and my favorite ladies while getting our hair and make-up done. You could feel the excitement and love in the air. I was lucky enough to find a hair and make-up professional who could both come to the house to pretty us up. But finding a great make-up professional who will travel to where you're getting ready can sometimes be a challenge. So when I heard the very talented Megan Munro of Bombshell Live Pretty did house calls, I had to sit down and interview her. I've seen her work personally and know she does an amazing job on all the ladies she works with.

Here's the answers to the interview I had with her:

1. When did you begin doing make-up?

Personally when I was eleven, though I wasn't technically allowed to wear it until I was twelve, I had an older sister...and couldn't resist the temptation. I remember that same Christmas in my stocking I got a Maybelline pastel eye shadow quad from "Santa" and I thought I had gone to heaven. It was then I started doing my friends' make-up...top secret from our parents, of course.

Professionally - I started doing 'mobile' wedding makeup four years ago and have become more involved in advertising campaign and stock photography shoot make-up and styling for the past three. I think it is important to have a make-up artist who can come to you. As a bride, the last thing you need to worry about is having to drive somewhere on your special day to get your make-up done and risk arriving at the alter late. Mobility is a differentiating factor for me and, being a bride once myself, I wouldn't have it any other way.

2. How did you discover you had a passion and talent for it?

I think in high school when girls would ask me to do their make-up for special events - school dances, hot dates etc. I was lined up the day of grad photos...if only I had been charging back then!


3. What is your favourite moment when working with a bride?

Every bride is special to work with and I am always honoured to be a part of their big day, but my most memorable moment came when I did a mother of the bride's make-up. She had stopped wearing make-up in the 80s - "after the kids " - so I was a little nervous she was not going to like anything on her face. But, when I showed her the final look in the mirror she started to cry, gave me a hug, and said she hadn't looked that beautiful since her wedding day. Moments like that are really special and definitely make doing make-up even more rewarding.

4. What is the biggest mistake you see brides or bridesmaids do with their wedding day make up?

Too much dark eye shadow. Please leave the smoky eye at the nightclub where it belongs. Even the best primers can't compete with tears of happiness and too much dark eye shadow ends up looking a mess...and not that irresistibly sexy look they were obviously after.

Another mistake is not enough blush. Camera flashes wipe a lot of colour out, so, to not look like The Corpse Bride - apply 20% more than what you would normally apply in an every day situation.

5. What is your number one tip for brides in regards to make up and/or skin care before or on their wedding day?

Exfoliate at least twice a week and wear sunscreen, evenly, all over your face, neck and décolleté every day - especially if you are a summer bride.

6. What is your favourite product in your make up bag for yourself?

My little indulgences are Laura Mercier 'thickening & building' mascara and my Clarins instant smooth perfecting touch primer - amazing products. I also love anything by Laura Geller - I am a huge fan of her Balance 'N Brighten baked foundation - I wear it every day.

7. What is your favourite product in your make up bag for your clients?

Tough question - I think I have a favourite for all skin types. One product does not work equally for all. I would say my 'secret weapon' for all brides is the Benefit Eye Bright pencil. It goes along the bottom waterline and does two things great:

1) Makes your eyes pop and seem brighter
2) Neutralizes the appearance of tired eyes

I also adore Urban Decay's eye shadow primer potion - it locks in colour, prevents fading and creasing and helps to conceal those light blue veins fair-skinned people sometimes have. I use it on all my clients. It is a must-have for brides as it provides extra make-up insurance because -unlike a photo shoot that is over in a couple hours, your 'photo shoot' lasts all day!

8. Do you have a favourite line of skin care products and why?

I am a big believer in a good night cream and day scream with at least 15+ SPF. I use Clarins, but the cost is higher . If your desired price point is lower - I also like the Olay Regenerist line. I started using their daily exfoliating cleanser and really love how it has brightened my skin.
If you are up for a splurge - Crème de la mer is the dream. Their classic face cream is rich and non-oily and feels like a luxury every time you put it on.

Instead of expensive handbags or shoes...I always choose expensive make-up - you can feel pampered every day!

9. Do you have a favourite line of makeup products and why?

I seem to love something from most product lines. My kit contains my favourite items from all kinds of brands. I think you don't need to spend a fortune to look amazing and there are so many really great drug store brands out there that work just as well, if not better, than the uber expensive brands. I believe pretty should be for all - no matter what your bank account size!

But - if I had to name a few - I would say Smashbox, NARS and Laura Geller for higher priced options and Rimmel, Coastal Scents (can order online as only sold in the USA) and Revlon for drug store brands. The Revlon colour stay foundation is one of my favourite liquid foundations - the range of colours it has is amazing and it has the lasting power and pigmentation of a comparable like M.A.C's famed Studio Fix.

10. What is your favourite memory of your wedding day?

It would have to be coming down the aisle with my Dad. All the build up, all the planning and getting ready all come to fruition as soon as you walk down that aisle. Seeing my husband-to-be standing there, looking so handsome - the look on his face - all things I will never forget. Just thinking about that makes me all teary-eyed!

Thanks Megan for letting us pick your brain. If you want to contact Megan she can be reached at:

Megan Munro
mail: megan.munro@gmail.com
Tel: 403.835.0332
URL: www.livepretty.ca - Coming Soon!