Kiama local business, Making Faces Makeup Studio has won the 2025 Wedding Industry Award for Bridal Hair and Makeup in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands.

The Wedding Industry Awards, recognise excellence over 30 regions of Australia and are considered the pinnacle of recognition in the Australian wedding industry.

Owner of Making Faces Makeup Studio, Meryll Faulkner, and her team of six, bring world-class expertise to South Coast clients. Meryll has trained under Oscar-nominated makeup artist Tina Earnshaw in Los Angeles, in Paris with Atelier Maquillage, and with renowned fashion artist Victor Noble in New York.

“It’s good, not just for me, it's for all our team. Which is really lovely,” said Meryll.

“I think it's great for the industry to know that you're experienced. You know what you're doing. You're pretty professional”.

After establishing Making Faces Makeup Studio in Sydney, Meryll made the decision to relocate her business to Kiama. The move was a significant shift for someone who spent years building a reputation in Sydney’s beauty industry.

“I was just married to the business… life is about balance,” said Meryll.

“I think you can have a business run you, instead of you running it. So, I think that coming to Kiama has been a good thing”.

As a multi-year winner of the Australian Bridal Awards for Excellence and nominee for Australian Makeup Artist Awards, Meryll has trained leading makeup artists and worked across television, film, and high-profile events including a Channel Nine Today Show wedding segment.

What distinguishes Meryll’s bridal work is her combination of skill, experience and personal approach to each client's unique style and needs.

“Brides have to connect with you. I think that's really, really important, and it's such a special day,” she said.

Beyond weddings, Meryll actively supports the Illawarra’s growing film industry, working as a lead makeup artist for the Channel 10 TV series ‘Mass to You at Home’, and local productions including ‘I’ve Got You’ and ‘Lesley’.

As a NSW and ACT distributor for Atelier Maquillage professional makeup, her company supplies artists across television, theatre, and film.

“It's really not about me, it's about the client and it's about being reliable and professional when things happen...experience just tells you how to handle a challenge,” Meryll said.

Meryll’s achievements demonstrate what’s possible for creative professionals based outside major cities. She successfully navigates servicing local and Sydney clients whilst gaining herself national recognition for her work.

As Making Faces Makeup Studio grows its local presence, Meryll remains committed to supporting local creative industries and emerging talent.

The Wedding Industry Award recognises not just individual achievement, but the quality of talent in the area. For Illawarra brides, having access to award winning artists in the local area reinforces the region's growing reputation for wedding excellence.

Making Faces Makeup Studio is located in Kiama and services the South Coast, Highlands, and Sydney regions.

More information can be found on their website makingfacesmakeup.com.au