Dozens of talented makeup artist gathered to showcase their skills at Sydney International Spa and Beauty Expo’s Face2Face Makeup Awards last weekend.

Hosted by leading Australian makeup artist, Becca Gilmartin, the awards followed a new format to previous years with the competition arena located on the main floor of the Expo so entrants work could be viewed at eye level.

Categories included: runway inspired, film fantasy, film fantasy SPFX, bridal and (new category) beauty editorial.

Karla Macmang's winning bridal look

Karla Macmang, winner of the bridal award created a beautiful Indian-inspired look complete with traditional sari and jewellery. Judges included makeup artists Dianne Dusting and David Cranson, blogger Kimmi from The Plastic Diaries and Jennifer Teal from Professional Beauty magazine. It was felt Karla’s attention to detail, skill and creativity clinched the win. Thanks to her confident application techniques, clever product choices and flawless blending Karla refined an impressive look to win over judges.

Karla, who often does makeup for Indian and Hindu weddings, was inspired to create a cultural look that stood out from the more traditional Australian bridal looks. “I was here to participate not to win which is why I was surprised when my name was called out. My challenge to myself was to apply this bold lip under so much pressure and although I’m not 100 per cent happy I feel I came some way to reaching this personal goal.”

Vivianne Tran, winner of the runway inspired and beauty editorial categories said this about her editorial win: “I am very pleased and extremely happy. I put 100 per cent into my submission and I knew if I didn’t win this time around I would just try another hundred per cent harder next time. I wanted to show my versatility and skill with the finished looks. In the first picture I didn’t just create a yellow eye; I enhanced it with orange to illustrate my blending skills and applied two rows of false lashes. I didn’t want to use a strong liner; I wanted it all to blend effortlessly into each other so it looked flawless in print. In the second look I created a two-tone lip and a block colour on the eye to show a different technique. I chose the flowers so my work would stand out and the judges would remember it. I wanted the colours to look beautiful yet contemporary and timeless.”

Vivianne Tran's winning runway inspired look

Judge and Australian makeup icon, Rae Morris who plans to mentor Vivianne throughout her career could hardly contain her excitement for the young makeup artist’s submission. Rae announced Vivianne would spend Mercedes Benz Fashion Week working alongside her.

Makeup and SFX artist, Judith Joan Walker scooped the film fantasy special effects award with her spooky yet stunning gothic-glamour meets slasher/zombie/movie inspired look. She was overwhelmed and excited with the win and said she wasn’t used to the attention yet for her work. Professional Beauty predicts we can expect big things from this young makeup artist in the field of makeup SFX in the future. Meanwhile, Vanessa Puglisi took home the award for the Film Fantasy category wowing the judges with her keen eye for detail, flawless finish and sets of skills. Dina Fujimoto proved a firm favourite also, scooping the runner-up prize for her theatrical Geisha-inspired look. Judith said of her win, "It was such a joy to even take part, so to win was just an amazing honour. It's amazing to get to the point where your skills are developing and you're starting to accomplish some of the things you've been dreaming of doing for as long as I have! " Judith says she was inspired by a quote from Bram Stoker's Dracula, 'Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make.' " I also wanted to play on the theme of the Oscars by having my model dressed up for a glamourous night, with sexy smoky makeup, but also add a horror film aspect by having her come across as a predator," said Judith.

Judith Walker's winning SFX look

The 2013 Sydney International Spa & Beauty Expo will be held on the 24th and 25th August 2013. For more information visit www.internationalbeautyexpo.com.au