Beauty & Style | Friday 14 April, 2017 6:00 pm |

Some of the UAE’s leading make-up and hairstyling specialists are hoping beauty will be in the eye of the beholder as judges rate their work at the Sharjah Bridal Fair Beauty Awards, to be held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) next month.

Inaugurated this year, the Beauty Awards celebrate the best professional artists in their fields, and are designed to encourage and inspire up-and-coming talent who are looking to secure a place in what has always been one of the most popular occupations in the country.

In a bid to recognize the contestants’ exceptional talents by demonstrating their technical skill and creative ability, both categories are open to professional and freelance hairstylists and make-up artists who are residents in the UAE. The winners will be awarded cash prizes of AED 6,500 and numerous valuable and special prizes.

The second edition of the Sharjah Bridal Fair, being held between 3-6 May, is organised and hosted by JRCC, the emirate’s premier high-end venue and the first choice for major official and social events in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

Hanan Al Mahmoud, Director of JRCC, said: “The awards are far more than a sideline aspect to the main fair, they are very much a part of the whole bridal adventure and an important element of the event’s mission to showcase the finest supporting services for weddings. The Sharjah Bridal Fair Beauty Awards aim to encourage aspiring creative artists, designers and stylists to reach their full potential, while raising the bar for what an exceptional bridal experience would look like.”

In the hairstylist section, contestants will be provided with a long haired mannequin with real human hair, and given a time limit of 45 minutes to style trendy looks that appeal to today’s brides. Hair ornaments must be incorporated into the style, testing the contestant’s ability to mix and integrate them into the flow and design, being careful not to cover up any more than one-third of the hair style.

As for the make-up artists, contestants will be provided with a model who will be dressed to suit the make-up theme. They must be able to complete the bridal look in any style they choose, inspired by current trends that are appealing to today’s Emirati brides. Contestants must use their imagination and creativity to showcase their artistic innovation and flare with a time limit of just 45 minutes.

“It is more than a competition, it is a platform for everyone in the beauty industry to highlight their talents and receive the recognition they deserve. Women in the UAE take an enormous pride in their looks and on their wedding day, this is more important than ever,” Al Mahmoud added.

In order to take part, applicants must complete the entry form before 20 April 2017 and submit it via email to [email protected]. Successful applicants will then be notified by email after reviewing and approving their applications and required portfolio.

SBF, which opens its doors from 4pm - 11pm each day, will also present a series of fashion parades by celebrated Emirati and international designers featuring a wide range of world-class wedding dresses and garments.

The four-day event, one of the region’s most prestigious wedding shows, will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

With its state-of-the art facilities and high-quality furnishings, Al Jawaher Reception Convention Centre offers an inclusive package of solutions for hosting a wide range of events and activities. The venue is fully equipped and designed to cater to clients’ requirements by offering space for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, wedding parties and public celebrations under the supervision of a team of experts who are keen to meet clients’ needs.