Bridal Makeup Perfection: Advice from a makeup artist

Scully Photography

Makeup is extremely important for a bride on her wedding day. It’s a fantastical day that she has envisioned for many years, perhaps dreaming about this day from childhood. It’s the day that she would look and feel the happiest, and most beautiful and in love. It would be captured in peoples memories and photographs for years and years to come. More so, it is the day that her other half will be completely enchanted with her ethereal beauty.

The job of doing a brides make up is an honor, she is trusting the artist with her dream, her vision and their professional expertise. As a makeup artist who has been fortunate to share such an important day with over 100 brides I can give this advice for all the bride-to-be’s out there

1. Find the right makeup artist for you

This means choosing someone who not only does great make up but also can offer great service (punctual, hygienic, attentive and personable) as well as, an artist who can listen to your vision and communicate well with you. Remember you will be sharing your wedding day or at least part of it with your glam squad so be sure you genuinely like the person and want them around to feed into a positive happy environment. As for the vision, I’ll be honest, the brides version doesn’t alway work out but that’s why there is an expert and a trial which takes me to point 2.

2. Always do a trial!

This is not the time to penny pinch, whether your trial is included in the package or a separate fee it is crucial that you do a trial. Even if your long time makeup artist is your choice for the big day you should do a trial to ensure you are both on the same page and that the look is meshing well with the overall styling (hair and dress). I’ve had brides who envisioned a particular look but it isn’t their best look and during the trial they are able to see that they may prefer something else. It’s during the trial that we are able to make alterations to ensure she gets the best look for the big day.

Julie Charlett Photography

The trial is also a great opportunity to test the longevity of the make up. Choose to do your trial on an occasion that is day to night and may include eating, drinking and dancing. This way you can communicate with your makeup artist on what can be improved. You may need different skin prep to avoid oiliness, and even have your artist prepare a touch up kit to help maintain or slightly alter the look throughout the night.

3. Avoid trendy

Go for something classic. Ask yourself, is the look timeless?

Scully Photography

4. Schedule your time wisely

Makeup can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Always allow extra time for late bridesmaids, touch ups and hiccups. Be sure to consult with your hair and makeup team to optimize your time for this.