Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking. If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

How far in advance should I book?

Bridal bookings are recommended 6 to 12 months in advance, particularly for peak summer dates between October and April. Occasion bookings can often be accommodated with shorter notice. Reach out and I will let you know my availability.

How do I secure my booking?

Fill out the contact page and I will be in touch within 48 hours to discuss your booking needs. Once we have confirmed the details I will prepare a quote, and your booking will be secured upon receipt of your 30% deposit.

How much is the deposit and when is the balance due?

A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure all bookings. Payment of the remaining balance depends on the type of booking.

For bridal and personal occasion bookings, the remaining balance is due in full no later than 7 days before your booking date.

For editorial, shoot, headshot and branding bookings, the remaining balance is due within 48 hours of shoot completion. All payments are non-refundable once the deposit has been paid.

Can I add someone to my booking on the day?

I completely understand that plans change. If I have time available on the day I am happy to accommodate an additional person. A separate invoice will be sent and is payable upon receipt. Please note that any services not agreed upon in advance and not included on your original invoice cannot be guaranteed and are at my discretion on the day.


What is your cancellation and transfer policy?

I understand that circumstances can change. Please find my policy outlined below.

Cancellation and transfer policy
Transfer of date
Permitted with 14 or more days notice, subject to my availability on your new date. Your deposit will transfer across.
Cancellation within 14 days
Your 30% deposit is forfeited and no further charge applies.
Cancellation within 7 days
The full booking amount is payable. All payments made are non-refundable after the 7 day mark.

Do I need a bridal trial?

Yes, a bridal trial is a requirement for all wedding bookings. It gives us the opportunity to meet, discuss your vision, and perfect your look before the big day. Most brides feel far more at ease on their wedding morning knowing exactly what to expect.

When should I book my trial?

I recommend booking your trial around 2 months before your wedding date, however you are welcome to schedule it at any time that suits you. The most important thing is that it is completed before your wedding day so we can perfect your look together.

What should I bring to my trial?

Please bring makeup inspiration images so we can discuss and refine your desired look. Any relevant information about your skin, such as allergies or sensitivities, is also helpful to share at this stage. The trial includes an extra 30 minutes on top of a standard appointment to allow time for adjustments and different ideas.

What if I am not happy with the look at my trial?

The goal is always for you to leave the chair feeling confident and beautiful. If anything does not feel right, please communicate with me openly during the appointment. That is exactly what the trial is for. We will not move forward until you are completely happy with the look.


How long does bridal makeup take on the wedding day?

Because we have already perfected your look at the trial, your wedding day application takes 60 minutes. I allow an additional 15 minutes at the end of the booking to touch up the entire bridal party before I leave.

What time will you arrive?

I arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled booking time to set up so that we can begin promptly.

How should I prepare my skin before my appointment?

Please cleanse your face prior to your appointment and apply a light moisturiser suitable for your skin type.

How many people can you accommodate in one morning?

I can accommodate up to 6 people including the bride. As each application takes 60 minutes, I recommend discussing your timeline with me at the time of booking so we can plan the morning accordingly.

Can additional services be added on the day?

To keep the morning running smoothly and on schedule, all services must be agreed upon and invoiced in advance. Requests for additional services on the day, such as lash applications or touch-ups for guests not included in the original booking, cannot be guaranteed and are subject to time and availability. Please get in touch ahead of time if your needs change so I can plan accordingly.


Do you require a deposit for shoot bookings?

Yes. A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure all editorial, shoot, headshot and branding bookings. The remaining balance is due within 48 hours of shoot completion. I will send an invoice after the shoot for the outstanding balance.

What is included in your shoot rates?

All shoot rates include full makeup application, on-set presence and touch-ups throughout the booked time. Travel within 10km of Tauranga CBD is included. Any overtime beyond the booked hours is charged at $60 per hour and will be added to your final invoice.

Do you work with photographers directly?

Yes. I am available to work directly with photographers, creative directors, brands and production companies. Please get in touch with your brief and shoot details and I will get back to you within 48 hours.

Are you available for last minute shoot bookings?

Subject to availability. Please get in touch as early as possible and I will do my best to accommodate. Last minute bookings of less than 48 hours notice require the full amount to be paid upfront before I confirm.


Do you travel outside of Tauranga?

Yes, I am available throughout the Bay of Plenty and beyond. Travel within 10km of Tauranga CBD is included in all bookings. For locations beyond this, a travel fee applies.

How is the travel fee calculated?

Travel beyond 10km from Tauranga CBD is charged at $1.17 per kilometre return. For destination bookings requiring overnight accommodation, additional costs will be discussed and quoted separately.


What products do you use?

I work with a curated kit of professional, high-end brands including MAC, NARS, Kosas, Hourglass, and Too Faced. Every product is chosen for its performance, longevity, and finish.

Can you work with all skin tones and types?

Absolutely. I carry a wide range of foundation shades and colour correctors to find the perfect match for every skin tone. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or mature skin I will tailor the products and application to suit you.

Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?

I take skin sensitivities seriously. Please let me know of any known allergies or sensitivities at the time of booking or at your trial so I can select the most appropriate products for you.


Do you do hair as well as makeup?

I specialise in makeup only. However there is usually a hair stylist working alongside me and I am happy to recommend trusted professionals in the Tauranga area.

My question is not listed here, how do I get in touch?

Please head to the contact page and I will get back to you within 48 hours. I am always happy to chat through any questions you have before booking.

  • "Well! Gabi is an absolute super star. So professional and she came to my rescue when I needed her for a wedding. She was wonderful to work with, confident and knew exactly what we needed. The outcome was spectacular. A real gem and brilliant at what she does. I’d definitely book her again."

    - S. B

  • "GABS! We were all in love with our makeup. Thank you so much for making us feel beautiful, everyone loved the whole experience with you!!"

    - B. E

  • "Gabi did my makeup for an event and it turned out absolutely flawless. She's so kind and has such beautiful attention to detail. It lasted all night and I received so many compliments. I would definitely recommend her!"

    - S. M

  • "I would totally recommend Gabi! She is so beautiful and makes you feel SOOO comfortable. Gabi has such a wonderful skill and is so great at what she does."

    - J. S

  • "One of the most talented makeup artists I know. So genuine and has a great eye for multiple different styles."

    - B. M

  • "Gabrielle did the makeup for my bridesmaids at my wedding and she did such an incredible job! She is so friendly and very talented. The makeup on all my bridesmaids was beautiful and lasted all day"

    - E. L

  • "I have had the privilege of getting my makeup done by Gabi a few times now. She is always so professional and I love the final look every time! Would highly recommend x"

    - T. W

  • "Gabi is truly talented and so professional. I would highly recommend her. Just a lovely person all round, and makes you feel so comfortable and confident"

    - M. W

  • "Gabrielle is absolutely world-class as a makeup artist. She has incredible knowledge, experience and creativity, with cutting edge ideas. She listens and executes her craft with perfection and precision. Together with her warmth and charm Gabrielle makes you feel and look like a million dollars. I always highly recommend her!!!!"

    - V. R

  • "Gabi was absolutely incredible! She did the makeup for our bridal party, and everyone was beyond happy with how they looked. She has such a talent for tailoring each person’s makeup to suit them individually, while still creating a beautifully cohesive look across the whole group. On top of that, she was professional, warm, and an absolute pleasure to have with us on the day. Highly recommend!!"

    - A. T

  • "Gabi is an excellent and professional artist who does a fantastic job"

    - A. S

  • "Gabrielle is skilled, professional and attentive to detail. She takes the time to understand what you want and delivers amazing results. Calm, friendly and easy to work with!"

    - E. P