Toronto-based make-up artist, Farah Balolia (left) has a vast portfolio, ranging from television and editorial to bridal make-up.  A graduate of SOMA (School of Make-Up Art), she was encouraged to go into make-up artistry by her mother.  Farah was doing her mother’s make-up one day and commented on how she’d like to do this “in real life.”  After graduation, Farah launched her own company, Faces by Farah.

On what type of make-up job – bridal, editorial or television – is her favourite:

This is a tough one because they all have their good points. I love bridal because I get to be a part of one of the happiest days of someones life. I get to be a part of the team that makes them feel like a princess and to see how beautiful makeup can make someone feel and that you had a hand in that is the more rewarding feeling. Photoshoots are amazing because often times you get to be creative and I love hearing about the photographers vision and seeing it come to life in the photo afterwards.

On the difference between bridal and editorial/TV:

Bridal is different because its generally really fast paced you have sometimes only a few hours to transform a bride and her big bridal party and everyone is running around making things happen so it can sometimes be chaotic lol where as with film,tv or editorial you generally go in with some set vision for what the look will be that day, the talent or models generally don’t have a lot of say and so it tends to be more about getting the job done and making sure you maintain it throughout the shoot.

What’s more challenging?

I would probably say bridal because everyone has a different idea of what they want in their head. They can sometimes throw random ideas at you and its my job as a pro to work with all their ideas and make them work or reign them in!

According to Farah, bridal make-up (like above), can be more challenging than other jobs

On her “typical day”

In this business there is no typical! That’s the beauty of it each day brings new challenges and so it keeps things fresh and exciting!

On what every woman should have in her make-up bag:

A good concealer to cover unexpected imperfections, a black or brown liner to add drama at a drop of a dime, face powder or oil blotting sheets if you tend to get shiny, a gloss you love and a sample sized perfume spray just in case!

On the biggest mistakes women tend to make with make-up:

Thinking there are certain makeup “rules” you must abide by. I say throw these rules you have stuck in your head and have fun with makeup, try new things and be creative.

On where she sees herself in 10 years:

I see myself still involved in some way with the industry whether that’s in the online editing and blogging side of things or working with brides making them feel special on their big day… guess time will tell!

Tips and advice to would-be make-up artists:

Learn as much as you can, ask questions, set no boundaries and practice practice practice!