A New Year's Message from Sahida

Hi Everyone

I’d just like to wish all staff, colleagues, partners, graduates, trainees, clients and friends (past, present and future) a most happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.

This last year has been challenging, hectic, exciting, fulfilling and most of all rewarding for me and the Z Bridal Studio team.  Most of all rewarding, because it’s such a pleasure to know that so many have graduated from a training courses feeling confident and empowered with new knowledge and skills and the ability to enjoy a dream career as a makeup artist.

I believe every woman deserves to lead a beautiful, happy, healthy and successful life.  I created Zara’s Bridal Studio to help make that a reality.  To help even more women in 2014 on beyond, I have new courses and new projects in development that will amaze you and that will open the door to even more opportunities. So, keep in touch and don’t miss out.

I'm so grateful for all your support and kind words and encouragement.  I receive such wonderful positive feedback both privately and publicly and it lets me know it is so worthwhile to work so hard to make all this happen.

Every so often, it seems someone likes to post criticism and hateful comments online.  To those that choose to do so, I lay down a challenge – create something better and serve more women than I do!  A wise person once said, “Any fool can criticise, condemn and complain and most fools do”. 

It takes dedication, commitment, desire, knowledge, skills and real guts to succeed.  And it requires a genuine desire and willingness to do your very best to help other get what they want.  That is, and always will be my legacy.  What will be yours?  Criticising and hating?  Or being a success and helping others?  It’s your choice.

For those who choose success, stay in touch with Z Bridal Studio.  Choose a positive attitude every day.  Your attitude determines your altitude.  I'm going higher and higher and I want you to come with me.

So, once again, my very best wishes to you for a very, very happy and prosperous New Year.  

Let’s have our best year ever in 2014! 

Sahida

www.zbridalstudio.co.uk

Choosing a Bridal Makeup Artist

Every girl’s dream is to look stunning on her wedding day.  You know just how important beauty, hair and makeup are on your wedding day and you will want to be totally confident that you will look beautiful, not only in person, but also on the wedding pictures that will be with you for a lifetime.

So, with so many to choose from and so many bridal makeup websites to look at, how do you go about choosing the best?

Here are some tips!

Can You Find One By Recommendation?

This is a great way to find a bridal makeup artist that you are likely to be happy with.  It can be really daunting to search through ads and sites and hope that you are making a right choice.  Even making a shortlist can be hard work and time consuming.  If you know from friends or relatives that a bridal makeup artist has produced really good work, then you can often count on that recommendation.

Testimonials from satisfied clients can help you choose, too.  Always look for genuine, unsolicited testimonials from real clients.  Here at Z Bridal Studio, we are proud to publish screenshots of genuine, heartfelt words messages of thanks and praise from real, very satisfied clients.  Check them out and see why more and more brides-to-be come to us to do their bridal makeup.  The experience of other brides is more than enough recommendation.

Look at the Portfolio

The Portfolio can be everything in helping you decide.  Many salons and studios publish their portfolios online.  At Z Bridal Studio, we have a number of photo galleries available on our website and our unique mobile app.  You can look at lots of photographs of real brides with before and after images too.  These are not enhanced, altered or retouched in any way.  They are real photos of real work done by real professionals.  See for yourself.  We need ‘say no more’.

Consult the Professionals

If you think you have made your choice, then the next step is to arrange a consultation and maybe a makeup trial.  You should discuss what you have in mind and a true professional makeup artist will present answer all your questions and discuss your options and recommend what would be best for you.  You should feel totally convinced that you are consulting an expert who knows exactly what is right for you and knows exactly how to do it.  If you are given a trial makeup session, you will be asked if you are happy with the results and, if done by a genuinely skilled makeup artist, you will be.

A genuinely skilled makeup artist will do more for you than make you look stunning.  She will help calm your nerves and provide you with peace of mind and confidence in your appearance.  She will be a key and invaluable member of your wedding team.  She will know just what to do to keep your makeup looking fresh and flawless through your wedding day.

What Will You Do?

If you are looking for an Asian Bridal Makeup Artist, why not consult Z Bridal Studio first.  Many, many happy and satisfied brides confirm that you will not be disappointed.  Check out the photos and videos on our website and app and read the testimonials.  Then, why not call and ask for a consultation with the Makeup Maestro, Sahida Sardar herself and give yourself the very best on your special day!

5 Minutes with the Maestro Sahida at Z Bridal Studio

We're delighted to share this blog interview with Sahida by Hinnah at Hinnah's Beauty Blog.  Check the link at the end of the interview to visit Hinnah's Beauty Bites!

You can understand my excitement when Makeup Maestro Sahida Sardar from Zbridal Studio agreed to let me interview her for a short piece on my blog. I have been really trying to get back onto Blogsphere after having my two children lately and when you manage to get hold of a top Makeup Artist and trainer for a few minutes of their time, it is certainly a moment to be proud of.

If you follow Zbridal based in the heart of Bradford, (Formerly known as Zara's Bridal) closely, you will know that they are one of the largest training academies in the UK with just over 7 branches situated across the North with plans for more branches reportedly opening across the UK. 

Meet 'The Meastro', the woman behind it all, Sahida Sardar, mother of three who juggles it all and has created a big name and reputation for herself, as well as the expansion of her 'brand', she now has a huge fan base following her, the recent launch of the ZBridal app, more and more girls enrolling onto her training courses, a trip to Pakistan to do what she does best as well as being filmed for the BBC2 Bradford City Of Dreams documentary  which recently aired. For those of you that watched the programme, you would have seen the inspirational story behind it all.

That's all from me, in Sahidas word "Say No More", read on below to get a few minutes insight into the maestro's world. 

Hinnah: When did you decide you wanted to be a Makeup Maestro?
 
Sahida: I always wanted to be a makeup artist during my teens.
 
Where did the name Zara or ZBridal stem from?
 
Zara is my middle daughters name, I have three daughters and her name Zara was very appealing so I decided to name it after her. 
 
(My daughters name is Zara too! :-) )

If you are not doing what you are, what would you have done instead?

 
I would have been continuing in my existing job as a Housing Officer- although I would have loved to have continued where I left when I joined the West Yorkshire Police force when i turned 20 but for family reasons had to leave shortly after I joined to pursue an acceptable career in an office.
 
Describe your training experience with Jawaad Ashraf?
 
Amazing and excellent training delivered by the makeup GURU, learnt tremendous amounts and continue to do masterclasses with him every year. 

Describe a typical days work for you?
 
In short, doing bridal makeup, rushing from one house to another and trying to make sure everything runs smooth and is well organised and executed well.

Would you ever launch a makeup range?
 
Defo, something I have been thinking about including designing my own tailor made makeup trolley.
 
Oooo we just cant wait!
 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Inshallah INSHALLAH definitely in Britain's 100 RICH LIST!!

 
How do you juggle family life and work?
 
Its hard...trying to balance everything is chaotic at times, organising and prioritising is very important. 
 

Any tips for aspiring MUAS?

Follow your dream, don't hold back and don't be scared..whats going to be will be!

Whats your most favourite part about making up people?

 
Love it when the whole look comes together, amazing feeling and total job satisfaction!!

Three holy grail items you cannot live without?

 
My concealer, eyeliner and lippy!
 
How has ZBridal impacted you as a person?
 
It has made me stronger and more positive. I enjoy life and love my job so much, I look forward to new challenges and I'm always embracing change.
 
How do you unwind after a hards day work?
 
I never unwind! Theres a DVD player running in my head, theres no pause button on it! LOL I do find time to unwind with my family but can never fully unwind!

Just wanted to thanks Sahida for taking out a few minutes out of her busy schedule and answering the above for me. It was definitely an interesting read. 
 
Until next time, Au revoir!
 
Hinnah xxx

http://hinnahkhalifa.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/5-minutes-with-meastro-sahida-at-zbridal.html?spref=tw

As Seen on TV - Update

Hi everyone

We told you last night that Sahida and co had appeared on BBC TV on a show called Bradford - City of Dreams.  It's still available to watch on iPlayer for a few days, but if you'd like to watch the edited highlights featuring the Maestro herself, her family and the Z Bridal Team at work, here they are - or check it out on our videos tab in our app!

As Seen on TV!

Just in case you missed it, Sahida and Z Bridal Studio were featured on 'Bradford - City of Dreams, tonight on BBC2.

Don't worry if you did miss it, you can view it here on BBC iPlayer -http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01skvvt/Bradford_City_of_Dreams_Episode_2/ or watch it on your TV on BBC iPlayer.  (Find it under Documentaries)

A Beautiful Picture We Received Via Our App

Our Mobile App has a feature where we invite you to send in photos of your hair and makeup and your special occasion.

Here is the latest from Ayesha Asmal of  her makeup done by Nazia Mir for a wedding.  Excellent work and  Ayesha looks wonderful.

Testimonials

Sahida loves to receive feedback from happy clients and she receives a LOT!  It's easy anyone to print testimonials on websites and blogs without any authentication, but here Sahida can present them as they are received - genuine, unsolicited and heartfelt.

The Secrets for Asian Bridal Hairstyles

The special day is not too far away and with everything else you have on your mind, you must think also about your hairstyle as well.

Asian women have some rules and methods of doing their hair and applying makeup, which are an advantage.  Be a beautiful brief and choose some Asian bridal hairstyles.  Asian women are very beautiful and distinctive in their appearance.  Believe it or not, you can easily implement some cultural and traditional characteristics in your Asian bridal hairstyles without looking making mistakes that might look funny.  Keep reading to find out more.

Pay Attention to Detail When Doing Asian Bridal Hairstyles

When you plan on taking an Asian bridal hairstyle or any bridal hairstyle for that matter, you have to remember that you won’t have time to correct it on the day.  So choose a hairstyle that will stay put through all the dancing, moving around and nodding your head.  Choose a professional hairdresser and good quality products.

Asian bridal hairstyles are in tune with Asian culture where people are modest, clean and clear.  Your hairstyle should reflect this.  Massive tiaras, sparkling jewellery or braids all over your head are completely out of the question.  The most important thing is to pick a hairstyle that suits your character and the spirit of the wedding.

If you are a nature lover, why not consider putting a few cherry blossoms in your loose bun or in your naturally curly hair.  If you like a clean line and you are a bit of a perfectionist, then a nice tight bun or a ponytail is the way to go.  Even a half-up, half-down is suitable for anyone as long as you personalise it with a nice veil, a nice antique pin or some flowers.

A Few Problems with Asian Bridal Hairstyles

You can pay respects to your tradition by choosing one of the great Asian bridal hairstyles.  But, as an Asian woman, you are familiar with some of your hair’s characteristics due to your genetics.  Most Asian women have straight hair which is difficult to curl.  So, maybe you should think twice before starting to add lots of curls. 

You don’t want to spend your wedding day or night worrying about your hair all the time.  Also, think of the shape of your face when you choose a style.  Asian women usually have an oval or round face, so avoid choosing a style which would shorten your face such as a bang or a soft bob. 

You may also have problems with thin hair, so it would be great for you to have a layered hairstyle which give your hair a rich and voluminous look.

Your Asian bridal hairstyle should be special, but be careful not to overdo it.  If you already have a great and unique hairstyle that shows your personality, a nice pin or veil is more than enough.  Less is always more when it comes to Asian bridal hairstyles. 

What Else to Take Into Consideration When Choosing an Asian Bridal Hairstyle

Make sure that you choose a style that suits you, suits the style of the wedding, your wedding dress and the jewellery you plan on wearing.  It may seem quite a challenge, but if you plan and work carefully and think things through, you will have no problem choosing just the right Asian bridal hairstyle for you.  Browse the Internet, consult with friends and family and look through magazines.  Best of all, consult the professionals at Z Bridal Studio!

Pakistani Bridal Makeup Tips for The Big Day

The Big Day has arrived!  Since you were a little girl, you have always dreamt about your wedding day and here it is!

Everything should be perfect; the dress, the flowers, the hair, the ceremony, the reception, the groom (of course!) and the makeup.  Every bride wishes for the best.  Regardless of whether the ceremony is traditional or modern, the bride is the centre of the entire event.

Here are a few tips on how to have perfect Pakistani bridal makeup and be radiant on your wedding day.  Let us help you to make your day truly unforgettable.

Two Months Before the Wedding

Let us start at the beginning.  We begin here because the makeup on the day of your wedding is only a result,   an end of a process, not the beginning.

In order to have perfect Pakistani bridal makeup, your preparations should begin at least two months before the wedding day.

The first and most important tip we can give you is to drink lots of water.  Drink at least 10 glasses of water daily.  This will have a truly beneficial effect on your skin, hydrating it and make it look healthy and shiny.  No makeup can do this for you.

Secondly, clean, tone and moisturise your skin.  Start using non-alcoholic cleanser to clean your face every morning and every night before going to bed in order to remove the dirt that has accumulated.  It also opens up the pores and lets the skin breathe.  After cleansing,  apply non-alcoholic toner on your face and your neck.  Finally, apply good quality face cream to help your skin stay hydrated.

It is also important, before you go out, to apply good quality sun protection cream (SPF15 or SPF30) in order to protect your skin.

Be sure that these tips will help you turn your face into the perfect canvas for applying the Pakistani bridal makeup.

One Week Before the Wedding

At this point you must have chosen your wedding dress already.  Modern Pakistani brides tend to make a blend of both traditional wedding dresses, which are colourful and beautifully made with embroidery and many fine details, and modern wedding dresses with more subtle details.  Regardless of the style you have chosen, your makeup should match your outfit.

If you have chosen to have your makeup done by a professional makeup artist, then you should visit them one week before the wedding and them what you want, since they might not be acquainted with Pakistani style bridal makeup.  But, if you are planning on doing your own makeup or some other friend or family member is there to help you, then it is important to make a plan.

First, buy everything you need for a perfect bridal makeup, Pakistani style.  Buy a concealer, foundation, eye shadows in the tone of your outfit, waterproof mascara, lip balm, lip-gloss, lipstick, eye pencil, and different types of brushes for applying makeup.  

Second, so a trial makeup.  In this way, you will be able to see what suits you best and what colours and shades you should use depending on the colour of your dress.  You can then be sure that you will be able to do everything necessary on the wedding day with no unpleasant surprises.  

Last of all, calculate the time you need to complete your makeup.  This will give you the advantage of knowing how much time it will take to do your makeup on the wedding day and will make it easier for you to make plans for other activities such as doing your nails, hair, getting dressed, etc.

Wake Up!  Your Wedding Day Has Arrived

The first and most important thing to remember is, Don't Panic!  Maybe this will be easier said than done, but try to stay calm.  If you stay calm you will avoid ruining all the hard work you have put in so far hydrating and  providing care for your skin.  You should be rested, relaxed, and enjoy this most special day.

Do all the morning rituals - clean, tone and hydrate your skin.  Then the preparations can start.  

Consider doing your makeup first and your hair afterwards.  Apply hydrating cream, then a foundation that matches your skin tone and put a little concealer under the eyes.  Do not use foundation for this, since it would emphasise dark circles under your eyes.  Also, go easy on the foundation.  Do not apply three or four layers as your makeup would look heavy and look unnatural.

Bridal makeup in general, and Pakistani makeup in particular, should give you a natural and elegant look, emphasising the best features of your face.  Put some foundation on your eyelids and the process may now begin.  

Shape your eyebrows, using an eyebrow pencil or an eye shadow close to your natural eyebrow colour to beautifully contour your eyebrows.  Then start applying the eye shadow.  Use matt shadows as a foundation and then apply more shimmery and glowing shadow that matches the colour of your dress.  

Your next step is to apply black or brown eye pencil on your lids and under your eyes.  This will give your eyes a beautifully defined look.  If you have thin eyelashes or you are going for a more glamorous look, apply false eyelashes.  They will give your eyes a cat-like shape.  Apply the mascara in two layers.

The next stage is your lips.  Use a special pencil and draw around your lips to fix the lipstick and the lip-gloss.  Use a lip liner which is close to the colour of the lip-gloss in order to match the two colours, and which will give you a natural look.  Apply lip-gloss matching the tone of your lipstick to make your lips sparkly.

Apply matt, gentle pink or bronze blush to emphasise your cheekbones and then you are ready!  Try not to sweat or cry to keep your Pakistani bridal makeup in perfect condition.

We are sure that you will look stunning!

The last tip - Enjoy this!  Your special day!

Choosing the Right Party Hairstyle Is Easier Than Ever

You are probably very familiar with the situation where you just have no idea what to choose as your party hairstyle just half an hour before the big party.  Should you put your hair up or leave it down?  Will your accessories look nice on you, or will they make you look like you are going to a masked ball?  Which style will go best with your outfit?  Well, believe it or not, an answer can be found.  Give me your hand and let’s go on a ride through the world of party hairstyles.  It really isn’t that complicated.

The Process of Choosing the Right Party Hairstyle

When you are choosing a party hairstyle, there are some things you should take into consideration from the start.  First, what is the theme of the party?  If you are going to a regular party with your friends, you can experiment just as much as you want.  But, if you are attending a formal party, five braids in your hair may make you look unprofessional and not very serious. 

Second, make sure the party hairstyle will fit with your clothing and accessories.  If you are wearing a great pair of earrings, you should pull your hair up or to the back in order to show them off.  Don’t’ wear both earrings and sparkling hair accessories, choose one or the other for emphasis. 

Consider the quality of your hair as well.  If you have oily and thin hair, a ponytail may not be the best choice of party hairstyle for you.  Choose a half-up, half-down style instead.  If you are wild at heart, if doesn’t mean that your hairstyle should be wild as well!  Unbrushed hair shows that you ‘just don’t care’, but it’s not in a good way. 

It is also important that your party hairstyle suits your age.  A 50 year old woman rarely looks good with braids and a 15 year old can look silly with the perfect up-do.

For a perfect party hairstyle

Work with what you have.  If you have curly hair, try leaving it down or in a loose side ponytail without straightening it.  If you have short and curly hair, a nice ribbon or a pin on the side can do miracles.  Party hairstyles for straight hair can be fun and easy as well.  Don’t curl your hair if you’re sure already that it won’t last or if you plan on dancing a lot, because at the end of the night you could look terrible.  A ballerina bun or a high ponytail, a loose braid on the side, of half-up, half-down would be great. For shorter, straighter hair, you probably don’t need a thing if you have a smooth haircut. 

Try out the party hairstyle you have chosen a few times before the party.  This way you will see if it really suits you and make it perfect.

Last Minute Party Hairstyles are Possible As Well

If you made the same mistake as last time and left your party hairstyle as the last thing to do before you go, there is no room for panic.  Calm down and think.  You don’t have time to check out ideas online.  It could take you ages to find one and even longer before you can do it.  Remember what you have done with your hair before that was easily ‘do-able’.  Don’t experiment in these last few minutes; you could end up with an unfinished style that leaves you feeling uncomfortable.  Try something that feels natural like leaving your hair hanging loose, or making a loose ponytail or a nice bun, depending on the occasion and your outfit, of course.

Bridal Henna

Have you ever heard about henna?  Or more importantly, have you ever heard about bridal henna?  Whether you have or haven’t, we believe this article is very interesting and has information and facts to offer you.  We will explain what bridal henna is and how, why and when it is applied.

                                           

What is Bridal Henna?

Bridal henna is also called bridal mehndi, mehandi and mehendi and it is a traditional art of painting hands and feet, usually before the bride’s wedding day.  It is a wonderful body art that has existed for many centuries.  Nobody really know where is began as it is very old and many people from different cultures have practiced it.  Some say it started in India and others say that bridal henna was born in ancient Egypt. 

This amazing body art is done with a paste which is made from the powdered and dried leaves of a plant called henna.  The botanical name for the henna plant is Lawsonia Inermis.  This plant mostly grows in Sudan, Egypt, India and most of the North African countries.

Bridal henna has many shades of colour from red to brown.  Sometimes, a few other ingredients like tea, lemon and some essential oils are added to the henna paste so it smells better and the texture better to apply the paste.

How It Is Done

Bridal henna paste is usually applied on the skin with a paint brush or toothpicks or a plastic cone.  After applying the paste, the area is usually covered with tissue, or some plastic or medical tape.  This is done because there should be more body heat in that area.  More heat means more intense colour.  The wrap is removed after a few hours or overnight and the henna design is getting darker until after 72 hours.  This temporary bridal henna can last from 7 to 25 hours depending on the quality of paste used during the process. 

There are millions of beautiful bridal henna designs.  You will find great examples by searching the Internet.  Be sure to look at ours in our Bridal Henna and Mehndi photo gallery.