I'm Laura, your mobile Queenstown makeup artist...
The short version? I’m a Southland girl with a steady hand and a good yarn.
I grew up in Balfour, which is about as far from the beauty industry as you can get. But somewhere between farm life and figuring out what I wanted to do, I fell in love with makeup. Not the fussy kind. The kind that makes someone look in the mirror and go, “yep, that’s me, but better.”
Sixteen years later, I’m still getting that same buzz. I’ve done bridal makeup on mountaintops, in hotel rooms, in the back of campervans, and on some of the biggest film sets in New Zealand. I’ve worked on productions for Netflix, Apple, and Adidas, alongside some seriously talented people. And every single time, the best part is still the same: watching someone feel genuinely beautiful.
These days, I’m based in Queenstown and my focus is weddings and special events. I bring a calm energy, a well-stocked kit, and the kind of relaxed presence that makes event prep effortless.
What it's actually like working with me:
I’ll be honest...
I’m not the “luxury glam experience” type. I’m the type who turns up with good coffee energy, puts your nervous bridesmaids at ease, and makes the whole morning feel like the fun part of the day (because it should be).
I listen to what you actually want...
...not what I think you should want. If you want barely-there and natural, we’ll do that beautifully. If you want bold and striking, I’m here for it. The whole point is that you feel like you.
I'm here for a look that lasts...
I also don’t disappear after the last brushstroke. You’ll leave with a touch-up kit so your look lasts from first dance to last.
The Professional Bits:
2025 Finalist - Bridal Makeup Artist of the Year
Fully qualified beauty therapist
Qualified hairstylist
MAC-trained, with a professional kit featuring NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Hourglass, Pat McGrath Labs, Westman Atelier, and Makeup by Mario
16+ years in the industry across bridal, editorial, film, and television
Queenstown's experienced film makeup artist.
Before I came back to weddings full-time, I spent years working as a hair and makeup artist on some of New Zealand's biggest film and television productions. From Netflix features to international commercials for brands like Apple, Adidas, and Rolex. That on-set experience shaped everything about how I work today: the precision, the calm under pressure, the ability to make makeup last under any conditions, and the confidence to deliver a flawless result every single time.
Screen work to-date:
2025 - Bad Everything - Hair & Makeup Artist
2024 - Real NZ - Hair & Makeup Artist
2024 - Discovery - Hair & Makeup Artist
2024 - Remarkable Place to Die - Senior Hair & Makeup Artist
2024 - Forgive Us All - Hair & Makeup Artist
2024 - Liz Mitchell Fashion Show - Makeup Artist
2023 - Kapiti - Costume, Hair & Makeup Artist
2023 - Apple - Hair & Makeup Artist
2023 - Kathmandu - Hair & Makeup Artist
2023 - SBS - Hair, Makeup & Costume Assist
2023 - Ayrburn - Hair & Makeup Artist
2023 - Synthony Live - Makeup Artist
2023 - Friends Like Her - Addl: Hair & Makeup Artist
2023 - Pulling up Stumps - Hair & Makeup Artist
2023 - Rolex - Hair & Makeup Artist
2023 - Sky Sport - Hair & Makeup Artist
2022 - The Gone - Hair & Makeup Artist Coordinator
2022 - Air NZ - Hair & Makeup Artist
2022 - Mel Parsons Music Video - Hair & Makeup Artist
2022 - One Lane Bridge - Hair & Makeup Artist
2022 - Ex Best Thing - Hair & Makeup Artist
2022 - Adidas - Hair & Makeup Artist
2022 - Maunga Cassino - Hair & Makeup Artist
2021 - Under The Vines - Hair & Makeup Artist
2020 - The Panthers - Hair & Makeup Artist
2020 - Music Video Metz Band Hair & Makeup Artist, Costume & Runner
2020 - Power of The Dog - Hair & Makeup Artist
2020 - Bathhouse Financial - Hair & Makeup Artist
2019 - One Lane Bridge - Hair & Makeup Artist
2019 - Skycity Commercial - Hair & Makeup Artist
2018 - The Letter for The King - Hair & Makeup Artist
2018 - Skycity Commercial - Hair & Makeup Artist
2017 - GJ Gardner Homes - Hair & Makeup Artist
2017 - Skycity Commercial - Hair & Makeup Artist
2014 - Raindrops & Roses - Hair & Makeup Artist
Let’s make your day beautiful. Book your event makeup with Laura today
Based in Queenstown, I travel to weddings and elopements across Wānaka, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Hāwea, Cromwell, Alexandra, Kingston, Southland, and sometimes throughout New Zealand. International booking enquiries are welcome - I may even make a holiday out of it!
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