Make Up Tips with Melissa Carter

Melissa (better known as Melli) is the founder and creator of Melli Cosmetics and an esteemed celebrity make-up artist with decades of experience in enhancing her clients’ natural beauty. ⠀⠀
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Proudly cruelty-free, Melli Cosmetics is the go-to brand for those wanting to look like their naturally best-selves rather than a contoured version of someone they've seen on Insta.⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Not only has Melli worked on some of the most well-known faces in the world (think Hugh Jackman, Nigella Lawson and myriad personalities that come through the Channel 9 studios on a daily basis to name a few), but Melli Cosmetics is also the make-up used on the most popular long-running television soap, Days of Our Lives!

Having struggled to find products that offered all that she was after as a make-up artist, she decided to create her own range and worked tirelessly to find the best producers in Australia, Italy and the U.S. to achieve her goals. 

Never resting until the product is perfect, Melissa has grown Melli Cosmetics exponentially over the years and now even offers her clients the opportunity to create personalised foundation through her branded Foundation Bars across Australia. 

​Melissa tirelessly juggles growing her business with working as a make-up artist and raising a family. She is a true powerhouse and certainly someone to watch as both Melissa and her brand grow from strength to strength.

Pink Hibiscus: What do you consider your greatest achievement? 

Melissa: Apart from my children, who are amazing human beings, I actually feel like I’ve achieved something when I've been in bathrooms at restaurants or bars and I've seen girls whip out a Melli lipstick or gloss.I never say anything, but just enjoy that moment silently.  

I still have motherhood guilt for working on my brand or being out on shoots and missing out on things like first soccer games though. In hindsight I would have done things differently…like learnt to say "no" earlier in life! 

Pink Hibiscus: What is the greatest life lesson you have learnt? 

Melissa: How to say no. When you’re a “pleaser” it's hard. You don’t want to disappoint anyone, but all you do is end up turning yourself into a frazzled overworked mess.

I've been there.  Burnt out from doing too much and when you're like this you're doing no-one a favour. I also now look at if something expands me or shrinks me. If it shrinks me it’s a no go. 

Pink Hibiscus: What is the best skincare advice you’ve ever been given

Melissa: Wear an SPF  & wear sunglasses- stops the squinting which causes premature crows feet

Pink Hibiscus: What is the one skincare product you can’t live without and why?

Melissa: Vitamin A/Retin - A in prescription form

I've been using it for years for prevention of fine lines. I do use it on and off as you can't use it on a daily basis

Pink Hibiscus: What does your morning skincare routine look like?

Melissa: This is where I tend to get a bit slack . It all depends on the time factor. SPF always

Pink Hibiscus: What does your evening skincare routine look like?

Melissa: I do love a good mask when I have the time (or make the time!). I always use an eye cream and only recently I’m doing a heavier moisturiser.

I also do a double cleanse to remove my makeup effectively and slather my hands with the Pink Hibiscus Hand Aid Healing Hand Balm before wearing cotton gloves. With winter approaching, I'm going to apply it up to my elbows!

Pink Hibiscus: If we were to take a sneak peek into your handbag right now, what beauty products would we find?

Melissa: I carry an arsenal of products because I often like to create content on a whim. If I'm just going out for coffee and only have my cross body bag though, I always carry a gloss.

Pink Hibiscus: What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Melissa: Wake up earlier and have a morning routine! A sunrise is a beautiful thing and there's something about the stillness before everyone else is awake. You will feel you get so much more done in your day rather than chasing your tail.

To not care so much about what other people think or say about you. That it really doesn't matter. It’s none of your business and it's a total reflection of themselves not you.

Pink Hibiscus: What is your favourite Pink Hibiscus product?

Melissa: The Amethyst Facial Spritz!

Not only do I spritz it to rehydrate my skin, but its also a great energy clearer to a space when I'm working. I'm also planning to carry it with me when I can start travelling again.

Pink Hibiscus: What is your biggest hope for women in the future? 

Melissa: That they stop comparing themselves to others. I blame the 'Kardashian factor' and social media. Years ago, we may have compared the small things, but now it's become a monster. It’s affecting not only us but our daughters and it will continue to have a major impact on women’s lives. Something has to change. 

Check out Melli Cosmetics on Instagram or their website!