Recently I had the opportunity to sit in on a bridal makeup class. I listened and watched in awe as a makeup artist transformed the girl next door into a chic bride. In addition to sharing techniques and tricks with her audience, she also suggested several questions that makeup artist should ask brides prior to makeup application. As I looked around the room, I couldn’t help but notice that her audience, filled with makeup artist and those aspiring to be artist, seemed to be having a light bulb moment. Some paused, while others nodded as they began to scribble on their notepads. Several asking her to repeat the question and the reason why that question should be asked to a bride.
I found this interesting because we all know that your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life. And if you’ve hired a makeup artist to do your face instead of your cousin, chances are you’re not planning on making it a picnic. This is the one day that your makeup has to be perfect. After all this is “the look” that you plan on sharing with generations of family and friends forever, right? I was surprised that so many artist in the room, who definitely had experience doing bridal makeup were obviously not asking the basic questions to their clients for such an important day. I didn’t doubt their talent or their skills to make a bride blushingly romantic or runway fierce. It’s just that bridal makeup has to stand up to weather, kisses from grandma, cake frosting and a million close-ups for an extended period of time.
Just think you could hire the most fabulous makeup artist in your town to give you glamour, but he/she may not take into consideration some very important factors. I think the key to not having a makeup meltdown, is full disclosure. Help them help you. You have to share info with your makeup artist just as you would your hair stylist. So here’s a list of things you should ask/do and the reasons why you should share this information.
- First of all, you should have a consultation with your makeup artist at least two months before the wedding to discuss your game plan. What type of look you want for your wedding? Do you want natural, glamour, demure, etc.?
- Scheduling a meeting with the makeup artist two months in advance gives them a chance to see the condition of your skin. A makeup artist can enhance your beauty, but if you haven’t been good to your skin they can’t work a miracle.
- Make sure that you keep your skin hydrated because makeup adheres better to smooth skin.
- If you are planning on getting a tan for your big day, your makeup artist needs to know so that they can prepare properly.
- Do you plan on getting a dermal peel? This could alter your complexion and texture and your makeup artist can be better prepared if they know ahead of time.
- Just as you would have a wedding rehearsal, you need to do the same with your makeup. To make sure that the look you want is right for you, wear a color that is similar to the color of your dress. This allows you and the artist get a good feel for how you’ll look on your wedding day.
- When you meet with your makeup artist for the first time, wear makeup so they get a feel for how you like/want to look. Every one’s definition of a natural look is not the same. So coming with your makeup on allows them to get a feel for your interpretation of the look you want.
- Will your wedding dress reveal your shoulders or body? You might need body makeup or they may need to consider blending your foundation to match your body. This could make a difference in your pictures.
- This one is a biggie: Do not schedule facials or waxing of any sort just before the wedding. These procedures can alter your complexion. Make sure you schedule these two weeks ahead of the big day.
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