A make-up artist used to making brides dazzle on their big day has been thrust into the spotlight by the women she transforms. Lucy Richardson reports.

WHETHER they want to look dewy and natural during the ceremony, like Grace Kelly, or channel their inner Dita von Teese at the reception, Kate Pymm is on hand to help newlyweds look and feel their best.

And just to prove how happy her brides are with the results, their glowing testimonials ensured she took first place in the regional heats of this year’s Wedding Industry Awards and was highly commended last week in the national category.

Kate says more and more brides are turning to professional make-up artists to make them look flawless. After all this is the day they will probably be photographed more than any other.

“It’s about giving them confidence, telling them that it’s okay to want to feel their best,”

she explains. “I get great joy from making someone feel good about themselves. Most brides want to look natural, but ironically, it takes a lot of products to achieve that. There has also been a resurgence of the vintage Hollywood glamour look with strong brows and lips which is a timeless classic.”

As well as creating the perfect face, Kate’s skills also stretch to taking care of her clients’ hair, ranging from a simple blow-dry to a soplisticated up-do and she thinks it is this attention to detail that has helped her win so many referrals from satisfied customers.

As well as building up a loyal following on the wedding circuit, the Middlesbrough-based freelance also travels the UK to work on fashion shoots and films.

Mac-trained, she has been in the industry for more than eight years now and has qualifications in cosmetic and theatrical make-up from Stockton Riverside College and South Tyneside College. She is also a graduate of the Saks Hairstyling Academy in Darlington.

Her range of kit is huge, and still growing, but her essentials are foundation primer, soft kohl eye pencil, an angled brow brush, mascara and lip balm.

Kate has watched her business flourish thanks to the spiralling popularity of new media, networking and promoting her services via her website, Facebook and Twitter. She returned home from last Wednesday’s glitzy Wedding Industry Awards ceremony in London to find 30 new enquiries.

“Being acknowledged as a professional is amazing. I am really proud of what I have managed to achieve and people value what I do,” she says. And she isn’t expecting demand to drop off any time soon. “I don’t think the recession will put people off getting married.

There is so much uncertainty at the moment couples are valuing what is important in their lives and who is most valuable to them.”

• Kate Pymm can be contacted at (website) katepymmmakeup.co.uk, (Facebook) KatePymmmake-up and (Twitter) katepymm72

Riding to the rescue

A PROFESSIONAL horse rider’s mum has made the final of a national award after helping her juggle her job with an unexpected twin pregnancy.

Jenny Deary of Holmside Lane, Burnhope was nominated for Infacol’s Diamond Baby Bonding by daughter Sara Burdess, mum to seven-monthold Harry and Jessica.

The 32-year-old equestrian event rider says: “I unexpectedly discovered I was pregnant and was even more shocked to discover it was twins. My husband Paul and I had always planned to have children, but just not quite yet as I currently have a yard full of event horses competing internationally at the highest level.

“Me and mum have travelled up and down the country with the twins to watch the horses. Without her help I would not have been able to continue with the hectic lifestyle we lead.”

Colic medicine Infacol’s Diamond Baby Bonding award recognises grandparents who have helped mums bond with their baby and is being judged by showbiz gran Gloria Hunniford. The winner will be announced on February 20.

Water with added extra

PREGNANCY care brand, WaterBaby®, is a new drink aimed at aiding the wellbeing of women and babies throughout conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is fortified with the recommended daily intake of folic acid, alongside a blend of vitamins and minerals, including zinc and calcium. It also contains a hint of citrus to help relieve nausea during the early stages of pregnancy.

Research shows that many women struggle to take the traditional form of folic acid in supplements, whilst experiencing morning sickness and fluctuating eating habits. As a result, some women are missing their recommended daily intake, and exposing their babies to neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Available from mywaterbaby.com, £7.99 for a weekly pack and £28.99 for a monthly pack.

Ball in a good cause

A BALL in aid of children’s charities is being held at the Ramside Hall Hotel on Saturday, March 10. Organisers are hoping to raise money for the Gem Appeal, for research into genetic diseases in children, and Grace House Hospice, Sunderland.

“There are approximately 1,000 families in the region coping with the devastating news that their child will not live to be an adult, and yet the North-East has the lowest number of hospice beds for children in the country,” say organisers Calvin Moore and Andrew Bennett. “We wanted to do something to help.”

The Moorbennhall Spring Charity Ball will feature a fashion show by Distinctive Designs and Woven, of Durham, and Miss Kitty will be the host. Comedian Sue Sweeney, singer Michael Young and Mint Management showgirls will also be performing.

There will also be a cocktail reception, four-course dinner, disco, auction and raffle.

Tickets cost from £28. Call 07742- 619759 or 07731-945233.