If you’ve found this post, I believe congratulations are in order? Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! This is the most exciting and important time in your life. Looking beautiful on your wedding day and in pictures is important, which is why you should hire a professional makeup artist you trust. The makeup artist’s first priority is to provide beautiful makeup in the style you want, but she should also offer some moral support, help to boost your confidence and soothe your raw nerves in those last hours before you walk down the aisle.
Should I have a makeup trial, and why?
I highly recommend having a makeup trial before your wedding. This is the time to choose the exact look(s) you want for your wedding day. A trial run provides to you the chance to photograph yourself in the makeup look and see how it works for you.
Once you see the look on yourself, you may change your mind. You may communicate what you “see” and picture in your mind and the makeup artist may hear the description and interpret it differently, which is why it is best to always come to your trials with photos of makeup you like.
The trial allows the makeup artist to not only meet you, but also address and prepare for any beauty or skin issues you may be dealing with prior to the wedding. It is important for you to let your makeup artist know of any allergies to ingredients or products you may have.
When should I book my bridal makeup trial?
You definitely do not want to wait to the last minute to book your makeup artist for your wedding day. Try find a makeup artist 6 month to 1 year ahead. This gives you time to do research, trials, and find the right artist that fits you.
Also, try booking your trial on a day when you have something special going on, such as a date night with your soon-to-be hubby, engagement party etc. That way, you are able to get feedback on the look you received during the trial.
What should I expect from the makeup artist during the trial?
A trial makeup run for your wedding day is intense, and can run from 1-2 hours, as it may include going over several (2 -3) different looks until you are satisfied.
A consultation will occur where you will discuss your style and details about your wedding and the look you envision. Then the artist will proceed to do a full makeup application (lash application is optional). Once you are satisfied with the look, photos and notes of the product, colors, and style you chose will be taken. When doing a bridal trial it is best for the bride to look at herself in both natural and artificial lighting and take photos, both with and without flash.
Finally, we will discuss and answer questions about the booking process, timing on the day of, and setting up a contract.
Is there anything I should prepare for my trial/consultation?
Before your trial, take the time to research photos of the look you are considering. Search for photos that have same skin color, hair color, etc. Communicate not only things you like, but also the things that you definitely don’t like when it comes to makeup. Be as specific as possible with your descriptions. Don’t be afraid the let the artist know that there is something you do not like. Make sure to let them know about any beauty issues you have. For example, excessively oily skin, allergies, etc. Do not have too many people present at your trial, as that tends to cause more confusion than assistance. Have one person that knows you well, and can give honest feedback.
-Have photos ready to show your makeup artist. Please select pictures of women with similar bone structure as yourself, so that the look “translates” well to your face without too much adjustment. If your wedding ceremony is during the day, and the reception is at night, you may want to opt for a different look for day and night.
-Wear a white top, as it makes a difference on how the makeup looks.
-Have photos of the details, such as dress, flowers, veil, etc.
-Have skin cleansed and moisturized
-Bring makeup you would prefer to use with you if you have a specific brand you prefer over what the makeup artist has
How do I prepare my skin for the makeup trial run?
Never underestimate the importance of skin care preparation to ensure a clean, fresh, natural looking makeup canvas. Thorough skin prepping will ensure your foundation (the makeup base) glides on smoothly for what should result in a flawless coverage.
Your wedding makeup only looks as good as your underlying skin. Even if you have a perfect complexion, the few days before your wedding are not a good time for a facial. Even good complexions may flare up under the pressures of wedding planning. Deep facial massage and manipulation can cause redness and bumps that may not go away in time for your wedding day. If it’s in your budget, ideally it would be wonderful to plan several facials beginning at least 6 weeks before your wedding and up to 5 days before the special day. This kind of scheduling will allow your skin a chance to recover and minimize stress-related eruptions.
What about my eyebrows?
Never have your brows waxed or threaded the day prior to your wedding. It is best to have that done at least 1 week prior to your wedding to avoid redness and inflammation in brow area that is associated with the hair removal.
The shape of your eyebrows can actually change your entire face. The most important thing to remember is that well-groomed natural looking eyebrows tend to be the best option for weddings, especially if you want to try to maintain your natural appearance.
Avoid over plucking or waxing your eyebrows. Avoid very thin, too sharply arched, or a rounded shaped brows. This can look very dated, and unnatural in the wedding photos. Keep the brow shape classic, and as close to your natural growth pattern as possible to create a classic, yet elegant look on your wedding day. A thicker brow is fashion forward.
See Post: Bridal Makeup Tips to Prevent a Makeup Meltdown
If you have any additional questions you may email me or check my FAQ.
