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Rachel Mackwood, brings over 18 years of experience as a hair and makeup artist, beauty educator, and bridal specialist. She began her career in TV and film in the UK, training in London before moving to New Zealand, where she discovered her passion for bridal makeup after becoming a bride herself. With a strong background in customer service from her time as a flight attendant, Rachel combines her love for beauty to help brides feel their best on their big day. Now, as Aleph Beauty’s Customer Service Manager, she's also the friendly face behind your email enquiries, ready to share her expertise and advice.
What do you find most rewarding about working with brides?
I feel honoured that they have chosen me to look after them and that is a responsibility that I don't take lightly. I feel rewarded on my drive home from the wedding that I have taken that bride on a journey of becoming her best self for the day.
You advocate for a healthy lifestyle. What are your top wellness or mindset tips for brides as they prepare for their wedding day?
Think of small changes that will be easy for you to implement and adjust to your lifestyle. It is all about being consistent so don't overwhelm yourself with big changes that are unrealistic. Set yourself a good skincare routine for morning and night and stick to it. As your skin is an organ it is controlled by your gut so be mindful to clean up any bad eating habits and hydrate it with lots of water. Your skin will thank you, your mind will thank you and you will feel a sense of achievement on your big day that you have done the best prep possible. Good makeup can look even better with good prep!
How can brides best prepare their skin in the months leading up to their wedding? Are there specific skincare routines or treatments you recommend?
Think about your water consumption. When clients tell me they are drinking water I always ask them ' how much? '. The health guidelines of 6-8 glasses a day are great as a basic guide but how big is that glass? If you are someone that dislikes the taste of water, adding ice cubes or a splash of lime can help. Prepare your water in the morning and commit to drinking some when you wake up, at lunchtime, afternoon and early evening. I am a fan of a good night cream and a top tip for brides is to make sure you are bringing that cream down your neck. As that is an area that is going to be on show on your big day we want that glowing too!
What bridal makeup and hair trends are you excited about this season? Are there any emerging styles that you think will become popular?
It's always been my main focus but I am having more of my clients requesting the natural, glowy skin bridal look. I love the natural skin and pop of red tones too. Think French chic bride. Whether it is a pop of the red colour on the lips, like a softly bitten lip look or full matt red, it's a classic look that is also very trending. I've seen red appearing on bridal nail tips and even blushes as looking more flushed this season.
What are your favourite Aleph products or tools that you consider must-haves for achieving a flawless bridal look?
The one moisturiser is my go-to product. if you don't have it or haven't tried it run don't walk as it sells out fast for a reason. My skin and my husband's skin have changed from using this product and I've tried a lot of skincare over the years! I have started using the serum primer on my bride's neck and decolletage and it instantly gives a nourished, hydrated look that clients love. So juicy and fresh!
Can you walk us through a typical bridal makeup trial? What should brides expect and how can they make the most out of it?
I allow 2 hours for a bridal trial but if we take longer that is fine as this is the time where the bride can express all her thoughts, goals, ideas ect with me so we create the look she loves and can't wait to show off on the day. I do both hair and makeup, so first I prep the hair and then move on to the makeup. With makeup, I like to prep the skin with what it needs. Assessing the skin and its individual needs is super important as this can ensure the longevity of the makeup, something that is important for brides who need to look good all day and night. I do the eyes and then go back to the skin and finish with brows and lips. Once I've finished the hair I go back and assess the makeup. Working with my bride we both assess if we have achieved the exact look.
How do you ensure that the bride's makeup stays flawless throughout the entire wedding day, from the ceremony to the reception?
Good skin prep and starting with a clean canvas and a good finishing powder are important for longevity.
What are some common mistakes brides make with their makeup and how can they avoid them?
Don't do your own makeup on the day and don't be helping your bridesmaids or bridal party with theirs. it's so important that you relax and enjoy the morning getting ready, so make that stress-free. You don't need to go out and spend a fortune if you are doing it on your own. You just need a few essential products that work for you. Maybe invest in a makeup lesson instead that you can treat as your trial then you will have a plan set for the big day. This is popular with my brides who are travelling overseas for destination weddings.
What do you recommend a bride carries in her ‘Touch up’ kit?
I always recommend brides carry a top-up lippy and a light pressed powder or powder sheets is a must for oily brides.
Find Rachel at mackwood.co.nz
