THE ONLY MAKEUP SERVICE IN NEW ZEALAND TO BE 'TOP RATED' IN THE MOST RECENT WEDDINGWISE AWARDS.
Reviews from Lillybeth Brides have made us are 'TOP-RATED' on www.weddingwise.co.nz seven years running! And we were the only makeup service NZ-wide to be listed in the most recent awards. And this isn't some trick: Unlike some businesses, we've never rewarded or bribed anyone for a review.
As well as being named Editor's Pick on the same website in 2015 and People's Choice in 2012, I was personally awarded 'Most Outstanding Makeup Artist' at the Wedding Industry Awards NZ 2014. Being received so well by brides has been richly satisfying and I've loved becoming an expert in professional wedding makeup. From my first wedding in 2009, each season the number of weddings grew: 15 the next season, then 22, to more than doubling to 50 the next, then peaking at 87! PLUS the 20+ each year served by my Lillybeth team of makeup artists.
'Good bridal makeup' isn't enough. We've become known for awesome customer service, speedy emails and the assurance of processes in place in case something goes wrong. Most of our word-of-mouth referrals come from wedding venues, photographers, celebrants and past brides.
Here's what some of our #lillybethbrides are saying:
I had my trial 6 months before our wedding day. Even though I had a tan on the big day which I didn’t have at my trial, it wasn’t a problem at all. Lillybeth just adapted & tweaked the colours to make them all work. I couldn’t have been happier with the final result of not only my make up, but my 3 bridesmaids, mum & mother-in-law as well.
On the day & into the night everyone commented on how good it looked & how well it wore. I had mine on for about 14 hours & it didn’t wear off at all & only came off when I washed it off. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone, whether I knew them or not! Hands down the best in the business in The Bay! Kelly Rogers (Papamoa Beach, March 2014)
Lillybeth is the most talented makeup artist I know. I have had my makeup done professionally a few times now and Lillybeth is by far the most talented I have come across. She made me feel absolutely stunning on my wedding day and her makeup gave me so much confidence I felt like a model!
Lillybeth also did makeup for my mum too! What can I say, mum has never had her makeup professionally done before but mum said she had never felt so beautiful in all her life. She made my dad’s jaw drop she looked so good!
Lillybeth went above and beyond! Giving me a skin care regime that worked brilliantly leading up to the wedding and helping me with other wedding stuff beyond makeup! Celeste Skachill (Ataahua wedding, Jan 2016)
Wow! Jenna was beyond amazing and I cant speak highly enough of her amazing work and attitude. I have never felt so beautiful in my entire life! You are so lucky to have Jenna on your team and I would recommend her to everyone!!! Gabrielle van der Laan (Bella Vista Lodge, December 2014)
Thank you Lillybeth ladies! The whole process from start to finish was fabulous! Extremely happy with the level of information and service I received before, during and after my wedding day. My artist Chrissie created exactly the look I was after for myself and my bridesmaid, it was absolute perfection!! Marina Breen (Katikati orchard wedding, February 2015)
I absolutely loved my make-up. I couldn’t believe that at the end of the night after being on a very hot dance floor it still looked flawless. I loved the false eyelashes which made my eyes stand out while still looking soft and not over done. Renee Giblin (Fountain Gardens, January 2015)
I honestly couldn't have asked for a better makeup artist. She was always very prompt with email communication and I loved it how she worked with the hairstylist so it was less hassle for me. She definitely has to be the best makeup artist in Tauranga for sure!
Our makeup lasted the whole day! Even when we were hot and sweating a bit, you could not even tell - there were no red cheeks! It was flawless. She knew how to work with different skin colours, making it individual. Everyone at the wedding commented on how gorgeous we all were and kept on asking who did our makeup.
So thank you Lillybeth for your hard work, professionalism and making us look like a better version of ourselves. I would highly recommend you to any of my friends getting married, in a heartbeat!!! Rachael Berry (Waihi Beach, February 2015)
Lillybeth is great! She offers exceptional communication that is easy to follow and straight to the point. I planned my wedding from overseas which delivered some struggles, however, in regards to my make up, once I booked Lillybeth I felt at complete ease.
We all looked amazing and were very happy with the outcome. Her products are great. The make up is easy to wear and I enjoyed learning a few things along the way. We had a make up trial which I was 90% happy with so when it came to my wedding day those minor things were tweaked with ease.
I asked Lillybeth for a dramatic make up look, as I am a daily make up wearer, and she delivered well. Mikyla Hull (Bella Vista Lodge, February 2015)
Chrissie was fantastic. She was an absolute pleasure to have at home while we were getting ready. She is friendly and easy going and she is so talented at what she does. We were all so happy with our make up and how well it lasted! Olivia Hewetson (Old Forest School wedding, Feb 2016)
I have so many great things to say about Lillybeth, I don’t know where to start. I had my make up trial with her 9 months prior to my wedding. I came out of this knowing I had made the perfect choice! With very little instruction on my part, Lillybeth did such an amazing job at getting it exactly how I like my makeup to be done. Come the wedding day, she did an equally amazing job on not only myself but my 4 bridesmaids, Mother and 3 nieces. We all felt incredible, just how you should on your wedding day!
Lillybeth is truly amazing at what she does and I cannot recommend her enough! Cannot wait for my next occasion to have her do it again. Tracey Mathis (Waihi Beach, January 2015)
This team really know their stuff. As someone who doesn’t wear a whole lot of makeup, Frith did an amazing job and made me feel totally confident. I’m so relieved I listened to her advice as she really is an artist. I whole heartedly provide a glowing reference for Frith and the team at Lillybeth. Thank you. Pia Steiner (Old Forest School, November 2014)
Because Lillybeth wasn’t available herself, she offered me a few of her team. I chose Jenna and was so happy with my makeup. I had no idea what I wanted as I wasn’t somebody who wore a lot of make up so I just let Jenna do her own thing and I loved it. The make up felt amazing and I loved the false eyelashes and would recommend to all - really made me feel like a princess.
I had loads of comments on the day and my photographer kept commenting on how she loved what had been done with my eyes.
I actually used Lillybeth for my makeup for my ‘Trash The Dress’ photo shoot. She was already booked for my wedding day (so get in early). My makeup was beautiful and even survived full immersion in water. Amazing photos. Highly recommend using Lillybeth for your wedding or any other occasion. Jodie Thorne (Trash The Dress photos, March 2013)
I was so overwhelmed with how beautiful you made me look! The photos truly proved that you are a true artist! Thank you so much! Also the make up still looked incredible the next day! Absolutely loved the [false] lashes!! awesome 🙂 Amie-Lee Mills, Papamoa (Beach-themed Wedding, January 2010)
I want to thank you so much for the brilliant job you did for me on my wedding day. You helped make the morning full of fun and laughter. My mother, three bridesmaids and I were very happy with our makeup. Thank you once again. Fleur Pardoe, Auckland (Garden Wedding, January 2010)
I wasn't going to have my make-up done for my wedding after a bad experience in the past. Lillybeth was professional and put my mind at ease and listened what to what I wanted and adjusted the look on the day. I was really happy with the look and I would recommend her if you are looking for a professional make-up artist for your big day!! Jo O'Reilly, Tauranga (Art Deco-themed Wedding, March 2010)
Lillybeth did everything she could to accommodate my needs. She conducted two “practices” - I wasn’t quite completely taken with the first one, and she was happy to re-do it. She listened to what I wanted and got it spot on! The same with my bridesmaids.
She got up really really early to accommodate our timing and came to the hairdressers with us. She was brilliant and helpful, professional and she did a fabulous job.
I felt absolutely beautiful and our wedding photos turned out stunning. Our wedding lasted all day and the makeup looked fantastic from start to finish. Only the lipstick needed touching up - which she provided for us in a wee tester card. Very thoughtful and helpful. Thank you Lillybeth! (5 out of 5 stars) Trish Chapman, Tauranga (Papamoa Domain, March 2010)
Lillybeth did an amazing job with my make up, as well as my bridesmaids and mum’s. The make up stayed on all day in the smouldering heat and didn’t need touching up at all.(5 out of 5 stars) Jenna Aalbers, Tauranga (Olive Tree Cottage, January 2011)
What can I say - WOW. Great lady, fantastic make up! Exactly what I wanted without even knowing myself what I wanted - would recommend to anyone! (5 out of 5 stars) Victoria Cornelius, Tauranga (Ahipara, January 2011)
WOW….you know I was rather skeptical when going with a makeup artist BUT Lillybeth put all my worries at ease and even when at the last moment I decided to change my style and colours of makeup on the day it wasn’t a problem...
I put my beautiful wedding day in her magnificent, artistic hands doing what she really does best in making me feel like a million dollars!!! I’m SO grateful to have chosen & have had the experience of Lillybeth’s talent. Myself & my bridesmaids looked & felt stunning all day & until the wee small hours of the morning.
Long lasting - that is true, Flawless - as she says and Gorgeous - is how you’re going to feel once she’s done. Do I recommend Lillybeth?? OF COURSE, DON’T look any further, Lillybeth is truly who you want & need on any special occasion!!!!
PS: I will be using you again for any other special events that may come up! (5 out of 5 stars) Michelle Watkins, Tauranga (Trinity Wharf hotel, January 2011)
I struggled to find a make up artist that would do 5 girls PLUS mother of the bride in the morning, and no-one would come to our house. Lillybeth made it very easy and a lot less stressful!
She did my make-up exactly how I imagined it and probably even better than I thought, without it looking too heavy and great use of false eyelashes to extend my lashes without looking fake. We all had so many comments on our makeup throughout the day from guests, I felt like a princess!
Lillybeth was relaxed and kept us moving to have everyone completed in time but without stressing any of us out. She was completely professional and I would definitely recommend her to any other brides to be! Amber Holmes (1950’s-themed wedding, December 2011)
I found Lillybeth (and the hairdresser she works with) to be professional, efficient and friendly; bringing an atmosphere of calm to the wedding day.
After the trial run, I decided I preferred a more natural makeup look for my wedding day; Lillybeth listened and made changes that I was very satisfied with. We all had lovely comments about our makeup on the day, which transferred really well in the wedding photos...It’s so worth getting it done properly. Sharon Wellington (Fantail Lodge, March 2012)
Lillybeth was recommended to me by another happy bride who was totally pleased with her work. She arrived on time, got straight to work, was busy but kept a very calm and fun attitude all day. She made everyone look beautiful and comfortable with their looks, all eight of us, all in time for a 3pm wedding! (5 out of 5 stars) Amanda Prince (Cambridge, February 2012)
Watching Lillybeth complete each of my bridesmaids' makeup, I knew I had chosen a great makeup artist. With my makeup she was so precise and particular, I really knew she was making sure everything was absolutely perfect. When I looked in the mirror I was amazed and so happy. On your wedding day you really want to look like the very best version of you, and Lillybeth really brought that out in me.
The eyelashes were a really nice touch too - something special and a bit glamorous that I wouldn't normally do.
My mother had said that she didn't want to have her makeup done, but after seeing all of us she asked Lillybeth if she would do her lips and eyes also. A couple of weeks later one of my bridesmaids and I were getting ready to go to another friend's wedding. As we were putting our makeup on she said "oh man, I wish Lillybeth was here.” I completely agreed, but then on the other hand, your wedding is a one-off, when you want to look better than any other day of your life, so maybe it's best to just keep Lillybeth for that one special day! Juliet Dale, Auckland (Te Puna, December 2011)
She is a very talented make up artist and made me and my bridesmaids feel absolutely beautiful! She was also happy to do make up for my mum and grandma on the spot!!
Lillybeth also provided us with tips and extra make up to keep fresh throughout the day and was an absolute joy!!! Thank you so much Lillybeth, you Rock!! (5 out of 5 stars) Julia DeLacy, Whakatane (Mills Reef Winery, February 2012)
I had complete trust in Lillybeth from the moment I met her - she is a true professional. My makeup looked fantastic and lasted all day.
I was most impressed by how Lillybeth transformed my Mum! My Mum had never had her makeup done professionally before, and was skeptical - but Lillybeth did an amazing job and my Mum looked stunning! Thank you so much Lillybeth, you really took care of all of us and we had nothing to worry about, we could just enjoy the day! (5 out of 5 stars) Cathy Taylor, Te Puke (Pukehina, January 2011)
So glad I opted to have my makeup done by Lillybeth. From the trial we had a clear idea of what I wanted for my big day. Lillybeth did an amazing job of making me a most glamorous bride. Plus the makeup lasted the whole day...[at the end] I still looked as if I’d just been made-over!
I am super delighted with the wonderful service given. When planning my wedding I was trying to make it a beautiful yet cost effective day and without a doubt the best money spent was having my makeup done by Lillybeth. Tracey Church (Trinity Wharf Hotel, April 2012)
I enjoyed every aspect of Lillybeth's service. Professional, warm, fun and so real. She spoke honestly and it shows how knowledgeable she is. So many comments from a range of guests about the make up, and the fact my husband noticed the trial make up without being prompted was credit enough to her talent! Lillybeth met the challenge of my 3 early teen bridesmaids by giving them such a beautiful, natural look suitable for them, and maintaining their youthful look! Kim Rangihika (Kawerau, February 2013)
Lillybeth did an amazing job of my makeup and my bridesmaids, I thought everyone looked amazing and the makeup lasted really well. Very happy and would highly recommend her to anyone. Violet Gillies (Tauranga, March 2013)
I was so impressed with Lillybeth and the work that she did for our special day! Lillybeth did the make up for myself, my 3 bridesmaids and my mother, who does not wear make up - ever! If I must say so myself, we all looked amazing!!! The make up lasted through to the next morning with only a couple of lipstick touch ups 🙂
Everyone commented on how amazing and natural all us girls looked - it didn't feel like we had layers of make up on and our skin didn't go greasy or shiny at all (mum was very impressed with this!!) So thank you Lillybeth for making us look exceptional on such a special day xx Courtney Ryan (Tauranga, February 2013)
Lillybeth was fantastic in helping make the morning of our wedding day go smoothly. She did an amazing job with our makeup and the whole process was relaxed and fun. I highly recommend Lillybeth! Rachel Turner (Te Puna, May 2012)
Lillybeth came to my house and relaxed me and made me feel really special for a new life that was starting. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to young or not so young brides (like myself).
Thank you Lillybeth for turning a classic model into a striking lady. People passed comments on how amazing I looked with the beautiful balance of colours you incorporated. When you are older it is harder to look special and I feel you did a wonderful job to make me look my best. Thanks again. I highly recommend you. Lyn Wylie, Tauranga (January 2010)
Thank you very much for helping to make our day so special. The makeup was perfect and as you said we didn't need any touch-up all day or night, just a bit of extra lippy. The photos taken by guests looked great and I'm sure the ones taken by the photographer will be even better!
It's also a definite plus to have someone coming to us on the day rather than going to a salon.
I think you and Brooke (from Beautiful Hair) work extremely well together and the fact that you came to us just made things so much easier on the day, particularly with the rain – which by the way made no difference at all to the makeup and hair. Jennie Duckworth (Used both Brooke from Beautiful Hair and Lillybeth together for her Mills Reef Wedding, March 2012)
Professional writer reviews Lillybeth on her blog:
”Second was Lillybeth, a mobile make-up artist who works with Brooke, a hairstylist. A really lovely pair, easy to work with and dedicated to making you look the best you possibly can. I changed my mind three times, and they both kept up with me without a murmur...” Cassy Green, Tauranga (Historic Village, March 2011)
A huge THANK YOU so much for doing all the makeup on our wedding day. We had tonnes of comments on how lovely we all looked. The makeup lasted all day for everyone – even through a few drinks too many for the bridesmaids! It was pretty hectic but I didn’t have to worry about makeup once.
Thanks again for such a brilliant job – I’ve been passing around your business cards and have already recommended you to quite a few friends! Karen Cousins, Tauranga (The Elms, November 2009)
Thanks for doing my make-up last weekend, you really know how to make a girl feel and look beautiful. I got many compliments. Thanks heaps. Debra Mewis, Tauranga (February 2010)
I wasn’t able to arrange a consultation with Lillybeth prior to my wedding, so was nervous about not being 100% satisfied with how my make-up turned out.
She arrived on time and was a complete joy to spend time with. Her bubbly, yet soothing personality was perfect, especially with the clock ticking toward the start of my ceremony. She frequently checked in to see I was happy with her progress and at the end I was overjoyed to find she had nailed the look I was after with only a couple of emailed photos and a brief consultation at the start of my appointment.
I highly recommend her to anyone after special event make-up. You will not be disappointed with her artful skill and refreshing professionalism. Christina Bisset (Mt. Maunganui, February 2013)
Choose Lillybeth!! She is an amazing artist and is great for taking your ideas and expanding upon them to create something truly beautiful but still natural. Kathryn Sanders (Tauranga, June 2013)
Lillybeth is absolutely hands down amazing! I could not have asked for anyone more brilliant than she is. The whole bridal party’s makeup was flawless and brought out the best features in every one of the girls, as for mine - better than I could ever have imagined! Such a professional and a beautiful, relaxed person which is exactly the type of makeup artist you need on your big day. 🙂 Jude Williams (Mills Reef Winery, November 2013)
I couldn’t have felt any better on my wedding day thanks to Lillybeth, she was professional, talented, fun and extremely understanding of the chaotic-ness of the day. I was amazed by how comfortable I felt especially as I’m not used to wearing makeup very often, and how natural it looked, the photos came out wonderfully! Even the ones towards the end, look like my make up has just been applied. Could not have been happier! Thank you again Lillybeth. Hayley Atkinson (Olive Tree Cottage, September 2013)
Ours was a romantic wedding for two in Tauranga, which I needed to arrange from Wellington over just a six week period. Lillybeth made the whole process very easy - from confirming her availability to creating my perfect “wedding day face”. I felt totally at ease in trusting her expertise and skill. Lillybeth provided inspiring ideas throughout the process on how to have the “perfect day” well beyond the “perfect make-up”. Thank you so much, Lillybeth X. Leanne Bolton (Trinity Wharf, August 2014)
After meeting Lillybeth at a wedding expo, every communication I've ever had with her has exceeded my expectations. Her communication and professionalism is better than any business I've ever dealt with. My wedding makeup trial went really well, with Lillybeth arranging a hairdresser for me also. Changes from the trial were noted and detailed info given to help me decide on the final look.
On the day, Lillybeth matched the makeup beautifully to each person...even with our Steampunk themed outfits! We were even given a little kit to do any patch-ups during the day, which were hardly needed since the makeup stayed on so well! I highly recommend this lovely, talented, incredibly efficient and hardworking lady to anyone/everyone! Fiona McClure (Steampunk wedding at Historic Village, Nov 2013)
My Grandma, three bridesmaids and I had our makeup done by Lillybeth for my wedding. She did such an amazing job on all five of us - we had compliments from all of our guests, and we all felt really beautiful on the day. My makeup lasted so well that it actually still looked perfect the next morning!
I particularly appreciated Lillybeth’s friendly and professional manner. She was very well organised, and I felt confident that I had chosen the right makeup artist right from the very first email that I received from her. Kate King (Waihi Beach, November 2013)
The colour match to our skin was fantastic! She was on time and very, very professional. The photographer, hairdresser, my mum and the all the bridesmaids were impressed by her work. My bridesmaids makeup was absolutely stunning, their eyes just popped! Loved it. Our makeup lasted all day, even through all the tears and hot weather. Sheena Hohneck (Papamoa, November 2013)
Had Lillybeth do my wedding makeup along with two bridesmaids and mother. Couldn’t have asked for a better makeup artist for my day. Myself and the girls looked amazing and she did more than I asked for. Makeup wore beautifully through the day/evening. Best makeup artist. Very lovely lady to have to your makeup...Would book again in a heartbeat. Haley Green (Oceanside Resort and Twin Towers, October 2013)
Thank you to Julie for doing such beautiful makeup for myself, my bridesmaids and my mother at my recent wedding. We had many compliments during the day on how gorgeous we looked, and Julie was able translate my vision into a fantastic look for all of us. She was wonderful to chat to and kept us all relaxed while working in well with our hairdresser.
It was well worth the money we paid - even with an hours travel time each way factored in! I will definitely be recommending her and Lillybeth: A Beautiful Education to friends and family. Erin Cotter (Sweet Magnolia Estate, Kawerau, January 2012)
Get all the info you need to be confident booking your wedding makeup
Mobile: +64 021 150 1605
Email: lillybethmelmoth@me.com
Home by appointment only: 38 Johnston Street, Waihi 3610
Bride-to-be: Let’s get you ready for your ‘red-carpet moment’!  Here for a makeup lesson?  You’ll soon have the skills to turn any day into a ‘special occasion’.  We’re here to help you ‘show up’ in all your glory.