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Close up of Blue Mountains Autumn bride makeup

Oscar-winning makeup artist based in the Blue Mountains

Hi there, bride-to-be!

Do you prefer a more natural look? Perhaps you wear makeup only occasionally or not at all.
Do you want to enhance your bridal look with a touch of glamour while still feeling like yourself on your special day?
You may want to try a bit more drama with your eye makeup. Yet avoid the unnatural skin tones and overly contoured faces you've seen on social media (your nose is perfect as it is!).
If you're looking for a skilled makeup artist who can achieve a balance by creating a natural or soft glamour look without overwhelming you with makeup, I might be the one for you.

About

An introduction

Elka close-up black and white

I'm Elka, the makeup artist behind Belle Blue.
With a career spanning over two decades, I've been fortunate to work in various media types, from film and television to theatre and events. I have worked on incredible productions, including The Matrix, Moulin Rouge, The Narnia Chronicles, Star Wars, The Hobbit, The Great Gatsby, and Aquaman.
My work in film has taken me across the globe, and in 2012, I embarked on an eight-month journey into the deserts of Namibia, contributing to the iconic looks of Mad Max - Fury Road. All that hard work keeping makeup on in a 40-degree sandblaster led to a surprise Oscar win and a trip to LA for the ceremony! Yet my most satisfying achievement was still to come.
In 2019, my life took a new direction with the arrival of my daughter. This new chapter sparked a desire and a need to work close to home. Belle Blue is not just a business but my attempt to create that elusive work/life balance and extend my skill set to a new clientele. There's a unique magic in the air on a wedding morning. It's a time of intimacy, emotion, and anticipation. To be entrusted with a role on such a significant day is not just a job; it's a privilege.
Living in the beautiful Blue Mountains, nature surrounds and inspires me. If I were to define my bridal makeup style, it would be natural or soft glamour, focusing on radiant skin, harmoniously blended colours, stained lips, and a touch of drama using individual lashes.

My commitment is to use my skills to help you feel beautiful, confident, and, most importantly, like yourself on your wedding day.

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Close up of Blue Mountains Spring Bride Makeup

"I want to use my skills to help women feel beautiful, confident and most importantly, like themselves on their wedding day."

Elka took the time to understand what I wanted in terms of make up for my wedding. In a trial session she listened to my ideas, but also extended them and created an amazing look. I wanted to look gorgeous but still feel like myself and Elka definitely made me shine. Having Elka do my make up made me feel confident and polished. Elka emphasised my natural beauty rather than transforming me - I looked radiant and I still remember my husband's face as I walked down the aisle. It was important to me that amongst all the ceremony and fanciness he could recognise the woman he fell in love with. Elka's skills and attentiveness enhanced a most special moment in my life.

Jenna Verhoeven

Elka, thank you so much for sharing in our wedding day…
The make-up looks you created for me, my mother, and my sisters, were just what we wanted. Being someone who rarely wears make-up, I didn’t want to look to “overdone”. The look you created was natural and soft, with a hint of glam and whimsy. From our first contact I felt listened to, and I loved the energy you brought to the trial and the big day. Not only did you nail the brief, but you truly helped to make me feel calm, confident, and absolutely beautiful. I am so glad we had you on our team.

Julia Murphy

I had the pleasure of meeting Elka when she did my makeup when I was bridesmaid for a friend and I was thrilled with the result. As soon as I began planning my own wedding I knew I wanted to Elka to do my makeup again. Not only does she put you at ease with her lovely, happy personality she is truly an amazing makeup artist. I was unsure of exactly what I was after and Elka spent a lot of time questioning me and coming up with a look that was perfect for me. 
On the day I felt that Elka created a beautiful, natural and long lasting look that made me look like the best possible version of myself. She also did a great job for all of my bridesmaids and was very efficient. We were all ready on time!
I would recommend Elka to anyone who wants to look and feel amazing on their big day.

Bronwyn Mather

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Fun Fact - The dress I wore to the Oscars was my wedding dress!

Oscar - a short story

Perhaps due to a fear of 'tall poppy syndrome,' I've always hesitated to mention my Oscar. It's not something I like to lead conversations with.

I'm telling you because, in the short time I have your attention, it's the best way to let you know you'll be in good hands. After that, my hope is that you will forget about it!

I don't like to talk about myself or be the centre of attention. I prefer simplicity over superfluity and experiences over extravagance. Yet in 2016, I found myself in the middle of Hollywood's 'Night of Nights,' a true spectacle of glitz and glamour. I was equally excited and terrified! It still doesn't feel real, probably because I floated through the whole event in a cloud of anxiety and adrenaline. Actually, it was a similar feeling to my wedding day!

It was worth pushing through the fear because, at the end of the day, I shared an incredible time with my husband; I have a great story about getting caught up on Chrissy Teigen's dress and a trophy to remind me that it all actually happened.

Winning an Oscar was a life-altering experience, but not in the ways you might expect. It didn't lead to a move to Hollywood, a significant increase in income, or a flood of job offers. What it did was give me the courage to step away from the less glamorous aspects of the film industry, such as the long hours and job insecurity. It empowered me to realise my dream of starting a family and my own business. For this, I am deeply thankful.

Enough about me. What's important is how I can best serve you, your needs, and your vision for your wedding day.

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