I have been providing Makeup for brides for 10 years now, starting with my first wedding makeup before I had finished my Makeup degree at London College of Fashion. A wedding day is for most women the most important day of their lives, they want every single little detail to be perfect. Choosing a Makeup artist can be scary for a lot of women, especially for women who don’t often wear a lot of makeup. I try to put the bride as much ease as possible, and always let them know that the makeup is about them and what they want, not about me and want I want. I hear some awful storied where brides have had their makeup done and hated it at the trial and are too scared to tho the makeup artist, so this is why I always say to the bride to just be as honest as possible.
I recommend brides bring along photos of makeup they like, and try to explain what they like about that particular look.. Is it the colours, the shimmer the shape etc. what is also important for me is to get a feel of what makeup the bride usually wears, and to see photos of the bride when her makeup is all done. To one person what is a lot of makeup is a minimum amount to the next. On the wedding day it is important to remember that the makeup is going to be different to your normal makeup, it has to work with the whole look and be in keeping with the dress.
Brides will come to the trial in normal clothes, like jeans and t-shirts, and it is important to remember on the day they will be in a wedding dress, so it will feel very different. Plus their hair will be styled, and the makeup will become part of the whole look.
I always ask what their dress is like and ideally get to see a photo. If the dress is a certain style say 50s for example then do you want to match the makeup with a 50s style makeup? It is also good to know what type of hair style you want, if you are having a really boho style then would you match the makeup or if it is a very formal hair style then the makeup is going to be more classic. The other important thing is to remember is this makeup has got to look amazing in the photos as well as up close. Brides say they are often scared they won’t look like them selves. I prefer to think as the makeup is there to enhance the way you look, and bring out your best parts. We see a lot of girls on Instagram with what looks like amazing makeup, but actually up close in real life the make up is far too much, too heavy and too strong and actually looks quite scary. Bridal makeup needs to look great up close as well as in photos. Saying that you also need to find the balance that there is enough to be seen in the photos. For example You will need slightly more blusher than you would think to make sure you can see it in pictures. I always take a photo of the bride at the end of the trial so they can see what it looks like in the photo.
The other very important thing for bridal makeup is how it will last. At the trial I will give tips at how to make the makeup last day from simple little things like not touching your face. I use all professional products that are designed to last and I will recommend a powder to help stop shine which is common especially in the summer months. We will also find the perfect lip colour and I will recommend the bride buys her own for touch ups on the day.
Don’t worry if your not a bride and would still love np to have your makeup done professionally, I also offer a makeup service for special occasion makeup, perfect for a night out or of if you are a guest at a wedding.