Do you love vintage updo’s and dewy no-makeup makeup looks? Then you’ll love this interview with the founder of Savannah Rae Beauty. Savannah shares about everything from how she first became interested in cosmetology, the most popular makeup/hair colors that her clients are requesting right now, to the products that she uses herself and recommends to others.
When did you first become interested in cosmetology?
I’ve always gravitated towards the art of beauty as early as I can remember. The idea of being able to express yourself through art in your appearance fascinated me! I went straight into school to learn the art of beauty right after graduating high school.
What are some of the most popular styles requested by clients?
My portfolio attracts a certain clientele, so for me, clients looking for natural dewy “no-makeup makeup” looks seek me out for that. Skin is a huge focus for me. For hair, I am asked for a very lived in look quite often. Rooty blondes are big right now!
What are some of the important things to remember when caring for color treated hair?
If you invest in having your hair done beautifully in the salon, don’t forget to invest in your at-home care as well! A good, quality, salon grade shampoo and conditioner, tailored to color-treated hair will keep your investment looking good much longer than a cheaper product without the formulation for color-treated hair. And if at all possible, delay washing your hair to once every 2-3 days will keep your color looking fresh much longer.
If you are a sun-lover, remember that the sun will naturally lighten your hair, and depending on your personal chemistry, may pull out warmer tones than you want, so a sunhat is always a great idea!
What are some of your go-to brands for hair & beauty products that you use personally and recommend to clients?
I’m in love with Kevin.Murphy hair products. I love the brand and what the brand stands for, and their products deliver true professional results!
For makeup, my favorite brands are all over the place. But my most favorite foundation (skin is everything to me!) is the Ultra Foundation from Face Atelier. It gives such a beautiful glow and melts right into the skin to appear undetectable!
Hourglass can’t be beat with their blush and finishing powders. They help give me the perfect glowing-from-within look!
Over the years what have been some of your go-to styles/colors for your own hair?
I once upon a time took my hair really dark. And that was a mistake, considering I am naturally blonde. It wasn’t a good look. LOL. Once I got myself back to blonde, I vowed not to veer too far from that, and I’ve held to that vow! The tone of my blonde however, has been everything from warm honey all the way to icy and white!
For my makeup, back in the day, before I ever went to school for beauty (so don’t judge!) I’d rock matte, heavy foundation, no blush, and vibrant red lipstick everywhere I went! From there, my makeup artistry has evolved as the years went by. Nowadays, less is more for me and I typically only wear a little foundation, highlighter, and blush! I do have lash extensions so I don’t feel the need for any eye makeup, and I tint my brows so I don’t do anything with them but brush them. Less is more for me these days.
I love seeing all of the beautiful makeup looks you create for brides. What is one of the most intricate or personal favorite looks that you’ve ever done?
I have so many that I love, but one that stands out to me is what the team named “Natural Light Portraits”. The team consisted of just 5 (Jen Mathison for hair, myself for makeup, Ellebay Bridal for location and gown, Lilly Ann Photography for photography, and Bailey as our model). It was such a small simple shoot but became such a stunning dreamy look. It was clean, simple, and classic.
When it comes to the ‘vintage’ styles that you’ve recreated, is there a particular time period/style that you enjoy recreating the most?
When I’m doing a period piece, I love to incorporate modern twists to the look. So for example, when I created a 50’s bridal look, I added a dewy skin just to switch it up a bit. Classic 50’s was more matte, so the change was subtle enough that you couldn’t quite place what was different, and it left you looking at the photos a little longer than if I had gone with a standard 50’s look. That was one of my most favorite bridal period pieces. This was photographed by Kyle Cong Photography and we had Jen Mathison on hair.
An editorial vintage piece I did was a recreation of the Madonna Litta painting by Leonardo da Vinci. This was photographed by Lorelei White who owns Pixl Photography. It was such a unique and special project to work on and one of the collaborations I am most proud of.
Your work has been featured in magazines and blogs such as Vogue Italia, Wedluxe Magazine, Weddingbells. What was it like seeing your work in print for the first time?
Well I don’t think there is a feeling quite like it! It was exhilarating and validating to know that what you are creating is being recognized by those on top. The beauty industry is ever changing and to know that you are successfully growing and evolving with it is an amazing feeling.
All images provided by Savannah St. Jean of Savannah Rae Beauty.
Absolutely gorgeous pictures!