Last year I got to see renowned hair and makeup artist Gabbie Lee (@gabbiemakeup) work her magic on me. The results? She brushed over my flaws while keeping the looks natural enough, a typical hallmark of her creations.

If you haven’t heard of Gabbie, chances are you’ve passed by her work in Hong Kong. She flits between weddings, editorial shoots as well as regularly working with the biggest celebrities in town. And when she’s not working, she showcases the hottest products on the market and gives tutorials on her social media pages (which is why I always say she’s a walking advertisement for her work). Her elegant and timeless looks are great for everyday makeup inspiration and very much sought after — a lot of my friends are looking to hire her for their wedding and shoots.

The other thing about Gabbie is that her friendly demeanour really puts the most jittery butterflies at ease. Despite what most people think, I very rarely shoot in front of other people (even friends) so I was nervous to see how it would play out. It turned out to be a lovely day of laughs chit-chatting that just flew by!

Look 1 — Classic bridal updo

For the first look, Gabbie pinned a bridal updo with tousled curls to frame the face. It’s a little more romantic compared to the minimalistic chignons or braided crowns that a lot of brides in Hong Kong opt for, and would pair well with a formal dress. It also looks great with your choice of embellishments which makes it a versatile option to change up if needed during the day.

Makeup was a soft glam look, great for brides looking for a little more sophistication while staying natural. I’m not sure how to describe it, but several shades of blush and contour sticks were used to create that rosy, lit-from-within glow. Plus I’m pretty sure my eyes have never looked so big before, not that I’m complaining.

Look 2 — Soft Hollywood waves

Gabbie later switched up my hair for indulgent Hollywood waves that are probably most girls’ dream — if you’ve seen the glossy curls Amanda Seyfried wore for Golden Globes 2021, you know what the craze is all about. To bring out the fun element, a pop of coral (my favourite makeup colour!) was also added to the lips and face. This look rocked some major 40’s vibes that was definitely a statement look and might have turned a few heads while we were running errands afterwards.

My hair is naturally frizzy, and unfortunately when it’s blown out properly it becomes fairly soft and does not hold curls well. Which is why I always struggle with flat hair, especially in typical Hong Kong weather. It’s not until you see a professional work on your own hair do you realise how much effort (and hairspray) it takes to create a look that will withstand the humidity and last. You bet I was reluctant to wash my hair afterwards.

Photos by Justin

Hair and makeup by Gabbie

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