Letterkenny ladies are lucky to have an All-Ireland Champion in town!

Letterkenny-based Hair and Makeup artist Lisa Geraghty was this week crowned as the All-Ireland Makeup Champion 2018 at the All Ireland Hairdressing Championships.

The popular MUA created two showstopping looks to take the 1st place prize in the makeup category of the NI Hairdressers Association contest on Monday in Belfast. 

Lisa wowed the judges with her sleek red carpet glamour and Great Gatsby wedding looks. She channelled Hollywood glamour and vintage allure to create her winning looks on her model Claudia McLaughlin.

Great Gatsby Bridal and Red Carpet Glamour – Lisa Geraghty Makeup

Speaking to Donegal Woman this week, Lisa said is on Cloud Nine with this win: “I’m delighted. It was amazing to win because you see the standards of everyone else there from all over Ireland.  My son was with me and he was really nervous so I was really hoping I would get something for him.”

Lisa Geraghty Makeup wins the title of All-Ireland Makeup Champion 2018 at the NI Hairdressers Association Championships

Hearing her name called out for the No. 1 Champion title was a surreal moment, Lisa recalled: “I really wasn’t expecting my name to be called out. It was the best feeling.”

Lisa’s looks stood out for their individuality. The Great Gatsby Bridal hair and makeup ensemble was a last-minute decision she is now glad she made.

“The judges were looking for an alternative bridal look and I wanted to pick something really different. It was a last minute decision to go Great Gatsby and I knew it had to be perfect for something that big.”

Lisa Geraghty Makeup wins the title of All-Ireland Makeup Champion 2018 at the NI Hairdressers Association Championships

The expert judging panel included Celebrity Makeup Artist Paddy Mc Gurgan, President of the Northern Ireland Hairdressers Association and World Champion Gold Medallist Steve Jones, World Champion Silver Medallist Ken Mc Clure and Northern Ireland Stylist of the Year Ryan Ebbit.

The sultry bridal look was a big hit at the competition, with brides-to-be coming up to Lisa for inspiration for their own weddings.

“Brides are looking for something different nowadays. We see a lot of vintage coming back in and a lot of sleek dresses and hairstyles,” Lisa said.

Lisa Geraghty Makeup wins the title of All-Ireland Makeup Champion 2018 at the NI Hairdressers Association Championships

Lisa has her own studio on Lower Main Street Letterkenny while she is also completing her studies at the North West Regional College. She will soon finish her HND Level 6 Diploma in Hair and Beauty Management and hopes to pursue a career where she can pass on her knowledge to other talented artists.

“My dream is to teach in the industry. I sub at the ETB training centre and would love to teach hair and makeup full-time in the future,” she said.

For now, Lisa is busy taking bookings at her Letterkenny studio and enjoying the success of achieving an All-Ireland title. Check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Lisa-Geraghty-HairMakeup-950601981684644/