Choosing a make-up artist for your wedding should be considered at least 8-12 months prior to your wedding day as many sought after artists get booked well in advance. When choosing your makeup artist it is important to enquire about their experience. Have they worked on any photo shoots for magazines, how many weddings have they done? Look through their portfolios for examples of the artists work. All makeup artists have their own unique style and look and its important that you find someone whom you feel confident can create the bridal look your after and whom you can build a rapport with.
It is highly recommended that all brides have a makeup trial prior to their wedding. It is a good idea to bring fabric samples of both the bride and bridesmaids gowns as well as magazine clippings of makeup styles you like to the trial as this will give the artist a good indication of the colours being incorporated in your wedding and what makeup style you like An experienced artist should enquire about the style of your wedding as well as the time of day it is being held and if it is outdoor or indoors. A softer, more natural look is recommended for outdoor daytime weddings whereas a more glamorous look can be worn for a late afternoon/evening wedding.
It is important during your trial that you communicate with your artist. Tell them what you may or may not like. They are there to work with you, to create a look your happy with. If there is a particular feature you would like to emphasise or conceal, tell them. Many brides love to emphasise their eyes. With clever use of various tones of eyeshadows, highlighting and contouring and even using false lashes an experienced artist can create a natural or glamorous eye with ease.
Once you are happy with the final look ensure your artist records details of the products used and how they were applied so the agreed upon look can easily be replicated on the wedding day. A true professional makeup artist should also take a couple of snapshots after the trial so they have a visual record of the look created.
Always enquire if your makeup artist provides a mobile service, travelling to your home or venue on the wedding day, or if you are required to go to their studio or salon. Ask if there are any extra costs involved such as travel or false lashes etc. and if they offer to supply a touch up lipstick on the day for you to purchase.
After the trial see how your makeup wears. Bridal makeup needs to be long lasting. If your eyeshadow starts to fade, skin becomes shiny or lipstick starts bleeding a couple of hours later, tell your artist or organise another a trial with someone else. A professional makeup artist should use professional products. These products have higher pigment providing better coverage and longevity. If you decide that you've changed your mind on the shade of lipstick or would prefer a smoky eye to the natural one created during your trial tell your artist. They will be more than happy to amend any changes you'd like to make.
Once you have finally chosen your makeup artist make sure you work out how much time the artist needs on the wedding day. Makeup is usually done after the hair so working out a good time schedule and allowing at least ½ an hour for you and your bridal party to get dressed prior to your photographer arriving is a good estimate to have the makeup completed by.
WRITTEN BY: Tamee Rene' Brancati