1-1 with Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Hair & MUA Joanna Falanga

Let’s talk hair and makeup in Sorrento & Amalfi Coast…

We’re thrilled to welcome the very lovely and super talented Joanna Falanga to our blog. Joanna is one of the wonderful hair and makeup artists with whom we collaborate. She is based in Sorrento and we took the opportunity to have a chat with her about all things wedding and beauty related!

Thanks so much for joining us Joanna on our blog!

1. Firstly tell us a bit about you and what made you become a hair and makeup artist in Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast....

My name is Joanna Falanga and I was born in Batangas, Philippines and raised in Manila, Philippines. I’m the eldest of four siblings. I used to work on a cruise ship as a Purser and that’s where I met the love of my life. I decided to retire from ships and having always had a passion for makeup and I took the opportunity to fulfil my true passion and dream. I attended several makeup schools like Kryolan academy, Maquillage Professional and several masterclass of celebrity make up artists. Now I’m a professional makeup artist/hairstylist and I specialize in Bridal, HD (High Definition Make up) and Airbrush make up. I’m based in Sorrento, Italy but I also cover the area of Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Capri, Massa Lubrense, Nerano and more. I have been the hair and MUA for many brides from all over the world and from all different cultures, race and colour. I embrace the uniqueness of every bride using my professional techniques and experiences to achieve the best result. I have worked on numerous fashion shows, films, television shows, events for Mac Cosmetics and Estée Lauder Co. I also have a lot of experience in special effects and editorial shoots.

2. What is your favourite part of your job? 

My favourite part of my job is being involved in someone’s most unforgettable day of their life and to help them transform into the person they want to be. Seeing the spark in their eyes when they see the final look…. it’s a very good feeling.

3. What are the latest trends for hair and makeup for brides?

I actually don’t follow trends. I think bridal makeup and hairstyle should not follow trends. I believe on looking your best self with complete sophistication. My vision is to bring out the beauty and glow in every bride with a taste of elegance, a timeless look.

4. What is your advice to brides regarding their makeup? And what are your favourite products at the moment?

For me the most important part of makeup is the base. I actually ask my brides to watch what they are eating a month before the wedding and to always hydrate. I cleanse, tone, moisturise and prime the face before putting on makeup. I pop on some eye cream and lip cream too. This is a must for me. If needed, I also do a facial mask. If I don’t have a good base there is a chance that my makeup could crack, blotch, cake or slide. I also believe in using high quality products. Sometimes if you pay more you also use less. With makeup “ less is more”.

My favourite brands are Estée Lauder, Chanel Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tarte Cosmetics, Huda, Fenty, Dior Cosmetics, RCMA, MAC, Urban Decay, Natasia Denona, Too Face and a lot more. There’s also so many new makeup brands coming out and sometimes you cannot even catch up. It’s your skill as to how you can maximize the product you have. You make your products work for you and not vice versa.

5. What is your advice to brides regarding their hair? And what are your favourite products at the moment?

For hairstyles, like makeup the most important part is also the base. I prefer when the hair is washed the night before. I also used heat protectant before using hair tools. For volume I use a blowdryer, crimper or backcomb. My favourite hair tools are from ghd. For products mostly are Oasis, tigi, sexy hair and Kerastase. My brides already have a look in mind that’s why I don’t follow trends with hairstyles as well.

6. What would you advise brides to consider before choosing a hair and make up artist?

I would advise for future brides to do your research on your hair and makeup artist. You can easily see someone’s work in social media. Every artist has their own signature look/style. Try to compare 2 to 3 artists around the area. I suggest within the area your wedding is located. If you go further afield then your costs will add up with transportation fees or even accommodation. Try to check their reviews. It’s always nice to know the experience of a past bride.

7. Why is it essential that brides DON'T do their own hair/make up for a wedding in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast?

Remember that your wedding photos will be there for a lifetime. It’s the photo album you’ll be showing to your future children and grandchildren. So choose a great hair and make up artist and it’s a very good investment. I do not advise the bride to do their own hair and makeup. Even if you think you’re good at it. The feedback I have always had from people who have done this is always that it was not very successful and it was a big regret. Let the professional do it for you and you won’t be disappointed.

8. Do you recommend that brides should always have a trial before hand? If so why? 

If your schedule can allow try to do a trial, at least you can feel more secure that it’s the look you want and this ensures no surprises. Try to set the trial when you have a pre-wedding dinner or party before the wedding, at least it will save you the cost of having makeup done. Once you’re happy with the look ask your make up artist to change the eye look for more intense or smokey eye, leave everything else in that way it is, in that way you can test the longevity of the makeup.

9. Any final advice for our lovely sorrento & Amalfi coast brides to be?

At the end of the day don’t stress too much because you’re marrying the person you want to spend the rest of your life. You should enjoy every moment and every experience without stressing!

Photo credits : Francesco Quaglia & Light and Lace Photography