Sirimali Colombage is a beautician whose creative work in bridal make up and bridal dressing has made an impact in a short period of time. Sirimali whose work is often featured in the leading women’s monthly magazine applies new make up techniques that border on matching natural skin tones as much as possible.

"Internationally, the trend nowadays is to look unmade up even if you have make up on" says Sirimali. "Although you must wear make up. It must look elegant and minimal. This is very important for our brides. When I dress a bride I tell her that it is very important to match her skin tones with the right colour of base make up foundation, loose powder and very importantly eye shadow, blush and lipstick."

Sirimali says that often colours such as plum and brown tones nudes and naturals suit our skin tones best particularly in the area of lipsticks, nail varnish and even blush. Eye shadows she says that are ideal for our skin is muted gold burgundy grey and bottle green tones. "Blue eyeshadow is too harsh for our skin colour" she adds: we Sri Lankan women tend to use black eyeliner always - this is too harsh during the day. "Black eyeliner and black brow pencil can be stunning for the night. But for the day, a softer look is needed so choose colours such as grey or brown when you apply eyeliner and brow pencil," Sirimali says.

Sirimali Colombage runs two salons - at Nawala Road, Nugegoda and at her house at Attidiya Road. She is planning to expand and hopes to specialise in natural make up and herbal facial treatment. Sirimali has worked on many photo shoots for the Satyn magazine with top international models. This training was excellent she says and helped her specialise in natural make up ideas. She also loves experimenting with unusual and innovative hair-styles." There was once a very innovative hair style I created for a leading Indian model for Satyn and she loved it so much she took photos back to India with her to re-create the look there." Sirimali recalls.

Sirimali believes that it is important for a bride to start getting ready for her big day well in advance. This would include a good skincare regime - you should ideally start six months to one year before the big day she advises. At her salon she and her team, advise brides on proper skincare routines the team works along with the bride and the family in bringing out the best in her. "Too often people remember hair and skin-care too close to the date - it could be too late. I would advise that you start a correct skin-care regime make changes in diet and include more fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and exercise - all before your wedding day comes around the corner."

This beautician with novel concepts and ideas has many plans for the future. Sirimali Colombage has set her mark of distinction in the field of beauty and hair in Sri Lanka as a talented hair stylist and a beautician with a bright future.