Ultimate guide: Best go-tos for Geelong, Surf Coast year 12 formals
The votes have been tallied, and now the best go-to experts in hair styling, make up artistry, spray tanning, nails, lashes and brows can be revealed. SEE THE TOP FIVE IN EACH CATEGORY
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Year 12s celebrating their formals across Geelong and the Surf Coast can breathe a sigh of relief, with the reveal of the region’s top go-to experts.
The Geelong Advertiser asked readers online and on social media to nominate their picks for the best hair stylists, make up artists, spray tanners, nail technicians and lash and brow technicians, to make it easier for students wanting to glam up for their big night.
Over a week, the Addy then ran a vote to crown the winner in each of the five categories.
The votes have been counted, and now the best go-to experts can be revealed.
Check out the top five in each category below.
Hair stylist
Zoe Walker from Soli Salon has been named the best hair stylist in Geelong, garnering 22 per cent of the vote.
Ms Walker said she was celebrating her 20 year anniversary of hairdressing this year, having started when she was just 16.
She said she felt “very honoured” by the win.
“I really didn’t expect it,” she said.
“There’s so many great people in Geelong.”
Ms Walker said she loved the environment of the beauty industry.
“I love working with amazing people, and just the vibe … people can come in, and feel amazing,” she said.
“I like to … be part of the full transformation.”
Follow Soli Salon @soli.salon on Instagram
The top five hair stylists in Geelong, as voted by readers, are:
1. Zoe Walker, Soli Salon
2. Jemma Psaila (Talbot), Jemma Hair and Make Up
3. Amelia Rose, Amelia Rose Hairstylist
4. Tahlia, Elle & Co
5. Rach Soldic, Blonde and Blossom
Make up artist
Our most popular category, garnering more than 200 votes, proved to be a tight race.
Sandra Tomasevic Makeup Artistry took out the top spot with 18 per cent of the vote.
Ms Tomasevic has been a makeup artist since she was 16, and said now at 33, she still loved doing it.
Ms Tomasevic said it was “truly an honour” to win, and was grateful for the recognition.
“As a mum of four (three under 4) and a teacher, makeup serves as my creative outlet and a source of social interaction,” she said.
“Meeting new clients is a joy, especially when they might be apprehensive about the makeup experience because they haven’t had it done before or rarely wear makeup.
“My focus on natural makeup allows clients to leave feeling confident yet still like themselves.”
Ms Tomasevic said the supportive makeup artist network in Geelong had been instrumental in her journey, providing encouragement and growth opportunities.
“It is amazing that a small business like myself has won,” she said.
Follow Sandra Tomasevic Makeup Artistry @sandra.t.makeup on Instagram
The top five make up artists in Geelong, as voted by readers, are:
1. Sandra Tomasevic Makeup Artistry
2. Tania Ferguson, Make-up by Tania Ferguson
3. Jemma Psaila, Jemma Hair and Makeup
4. Lis Jaima, MAKEUPARTLIS
5. Heather Lipp Makeup Artistry
Spray tanner
Year 12s across the region who want to glow need look no further than The Sorority, and Laura Medved.
Ms Medved won the Addy vote for best spray tanner, receiving 32 per cent of the vote, and said she was very excited with the achievement.
She said she doesn’t come from a beauty background, having worked for the AFL before starting her own spray tan business.
“I got tired of getting crappy spray tans,” she said.
“I was driven from the emotions, I guess.”
Ms Medved said after starting The Sorority in July 2019, she found success spray tanning some of the women for the Brownlow that year.
She said her business fully took off after spray tanning Brit Selwood for her wedding to Geelong Cats legend Joel in January 2020.
Through the tough times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Medved said she and her team of four stayed true to making people feel safe, and delivering “flawless” tans.
“Recognition is always a really great feeling,” she said.
“Without my team, my business wouldn’t be what it is.”
Follow The Sorority @thesororityau on Instagram.
The top five spray tanners in Geelong, as voted by readers, are:
1. Laura Medved, The Sorority
2. Caroline Makin, I know a chick
3. Shari, Smooth and Tan
4. Golden Days Tanning Studio
5. Tied – Georgie Roderick, The Sorority and Christina, Eyedo Beauty
Nail technician
Emma Inglis, who operates her small business Glow Nails inside Soli Salon, took out the top spot for Geelong’s best nail technician.
Ms Inglis, who received 28 per cent of the vote, said it was “such a surprise” to win.
“It’s amazing,” she said.
“I’m fairly new to the industry, so I wasn’t expecting to get enough votes to win.
“It’s really nice to be recognised.”
Ms Inglis said she’d had a “fair few” bookings for the 2023 formal season, but clients had been quite surprising in their colour choices.
She said while a couple of people had opted for nail art, the most popular choice was neutral colours.
“It’s surprising – people usually go for bright colours,” she said.
Follow Glow Nails @_glow_nails_ on Instagram
The top five nail technicians in Geelong, as voted by readers, are:
1. Emma Inglis, Glow Nails
2. Caroline Makin, I know a chick
3. Kayla Welsh, Nails by KW
4. Colour and Co
5. Monique Ramia Beauty Therapist
Lash and brow technician
The team at the Skin Room Geelong took out the last but not least category, with 24 per cent of the vote for best lash and brow technician.
Manager Chloe Cartwright said the team of three, including Eliza Wills and owner Carina Brazionis, were excited to have the recognition.
“It’s amazing,” Ms Cartwright said.
“Especially when it’s unexpected like this nomination was.
“We know people feel nice when they leave here … and we love making people feel beautiful.”
Ms Cartwright said the whole team enjoyed making people look and feel their best.
She said they enjoyed offering a “mix of everything” for everyone who walked through their doors.
Follow The Skin Room @theskinroomgeelong
The top five lash and brow technicians in Geelong, as voted by readers, are:
1. The Skin Room Geelong
2. Maddie Macintyre, The Brow Avenue
3. The Arch Affair Geelong
4. Tamed Brows and Beauty
5. Renee Jade Brows
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Originally published as Ultimate guide: Best go-tos for Geelong, Surf Coast year 12 formals
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