makeup trial tips..
Hey, I’m Tash! I’m one of the editors at South West Wedding Vibes and also a makeup artist with over 5 years experience in wedding makeup, special effects and consulting. Going to your first bridal makeup trial can be quite confusing and quite frankly overwhelming.
So to help all you future brides (or grooms) I have put together a list of tips, things to consider and important questions to ask your makeup artist at your makeup trial, so you walk away feeling confident and stress free, ready for the big day! Of course, always feel free to reach out to our amazing makeup artists through the contact form!
PHOTOGRAPHER// Aimee Claire
1) Bring an Inspiration Board
Your wedding makeup artist will want to get know you and your vision for your wedding day. Bring a combination of photos of your wedding dress and your bridal hairstyle, as well as pictures of the over all theme and colour scheme of your wedding day.
I would also suggest bringing makeup inspiration photos to give your make up artist a guide of you want, this will also ensure you are on the same wave length. Your idea of ‘natural’ makeup might be the complete opposite of what your makeup artist perceives ‘natural’ makeup to be. Make sure your trial consultation is very thorough, as your finished bridal makeup look should be a collaborative process between you both.
Click here for an example of a Inspiration Board
PHOTOGRAPHER// Paris Hawken
2) Be Prepared
There are 3 keys things I would take into considering before going to your bridal makeup trial.
Firstly, go fresh faced. This allows your make up artist to access your skin properly, also removing make up can eat away at your appointment time allowance.
Secondly, wear white or the colour of your wedding dress. This allows you to have a clear vision and understanding of what your makeup will look like on your wedding day.
Thirdly, Tan. If you have intentions of tanning on your wedding day, then I strongly advise you to tan for you makeup trial. Think of your makeup trial being the dress rehearsal for you wedding day.
PHOTOGRAPHER// Tessa Eckersley
3) Go Solo
I would suggest attending your bridal makeup trial alone and show your friends and family later.
I know how easy it can be to get wrapped up in the moment and want to bring your whole tribe, but at your trial the focus needs to be 100% on you. You don’t need other peoples opinions, or your friend to start asking the makeup artist about a ‘foundation that would suit her’.
When other people people attend your trial with you, you can easily lose sight of what you’re actually there for.
PHOTOGRAPHER// Ben & Ebony
4) Have Realistic Expectations
Be realistic and don’t have crazy expectations that can not be met.
I always suggest to my brides to be to bring reference photos that are close to their skin colour, eye shape etc. But lets be real, its impossible to find someone that looks like you! So bring multiple, you may like a lip colour on one photo, or the eye shadow on another. Be open to suggestions and trust your makeup artist.
Always remember that majority of photos on Pinterest and Instagram have been heavily edited and retouched and are practically impossible to ‘get the look’. Remember these photos are for inspo 😉
PHOTOGRAPHER// Emma MacAulay
5) Document
Be sure to document and take as many photos as you can, with different angles and a variation of lighting too. By doing this you can be 100% certain on your final make up look and therefore eliminate stress your wedding day. It is also nice to have references photos to show friends and family and get their opinion if you are unsure.
PHOTOGRAPHER// Kelly Harwood
6) Plan
Before leaving your trial you want to leave feeling confident and stress free. I would suggest asking your makeup artist to come up with a timeline for you and your bridal party. For example; when I do weddings, I always do the bride second from last and then leave an extra 30mins at the end to do touch ups on the whole bridal party, to ensure everyone looks fresh and immaculate. I find by doing this it creates a stress free atmosphere for the bride to be.
I would also get some tips on skin care and skin treatments to do in the lead up to your wedding. You need to prime your skin and get it in the ultimate condition, to create a beautiful foundation for the makeup to lay on and therefore create a perfect, flawless application.
Side Note: I would definitely steer clear of any new products a week prior to your wedding day. In the past I have had brides who have had an allergic reaction to products, resulting in rashes and puffiness on the big day.
Ask about touch up essentials you will need. Personally, I always suggest to my brides that at the very least is to purchase a lipstick that I have used on them, to retouch their lips throughout the day to ensure their make up stays flawless.
Do you have any other tips or questions about wedding makeup? Let us know in the comments!
PHOTOGRAPHERS // Paris Hawken / Aimee Claire / Tessa Eckersley / Ben & Ebony / Kelly Harwood / Emma MacAulay
MAKEUP ARTISTS // South West Wedding Vibes Makeup Artists
