So You're Getting Married? (Bridal Makeup Tips)

Hello! 

I'm really excited to bring you this post because I have so many tips to share when it comes to bridal makeup. I'm going to try to condense everything into as short of a post as possible but there is so much to consider when planning the getting ready portion of the day.

1. Give yourself PLENTY of extra time to get ready. This one has many reasons so read the whole thing! When it comes to the morning of your wedding day, you will not be able to sleep in. You're going to be so excited like a 5 year old on Christmas, so if your hair stylist or makeup artist suggest an earlier start time, do not worry. There's a few reasons why I always ask for extra time. The largest being that this is a really important day and it's the only time you will get to spend with just your bridesmaids. You picked them for a reason, so take extra time to enjoy their company. Also however you feel at the end of getting ready, is the energy you will feel when going into a first look or down the aisle. The last thing you want is to go into it feeling stressed or rushed. I also recommend that my brides take a moment to let the day sink in with peace and quiet, often when alone. Enjoy every second of the day because it will fly by. 

2. Trust your hair stylist and makeup artist when they give advice. You hired them for a reason and unless you have been married before, they do this a little more often than you. As a makeup artist I have seen TONS of things not go as planned, so when I give recommendations to my brides, it's usually because I have experience to go off of when something went wrong. Whomever you decide to go with for your glam team, wants you to have the best day ever so keep that in mind. 

3. Have a trial. I cannot stress this enough. The more that you can do to get rid of potential stress on the big day, the better. You will feel a sense of relief knowing that your hair stylist and makeup artist know exactly what you want for your wedding day. Also this allows you to make sure you don't have any sensitivities or allergies to the products being used ahead of time. 

4. Bring pictures! I find that sometimes brides feel weird about bringing pictures to their trial but they are so helpful for your glam team. It's much easier to understand what you want if we have a visual of it. We all describe things differently so pictures can help us connect the dots better. Also know why you love the pictures. I often ask brides why they love a certain look so that I can make sure I deliver the best possible makeup look for them.

5. Discuss allergies and sensitivities ahead of time.  If you are allergic to specific ingredients or sensitive PLEASE let your artist know ahead of time. While I keep a lot of extra products in my kit, I can't be prepared for every possible allergy since everyone is different. So make sure you discuss everything with your artist before the big day.

6. Create a schedule. This is the big one. Depending on large your wedding party is or how many people are getting hair and makeup done, you may want to create a loose schedule to keep things flowing properly. If your party is large, it will probably take a good amount of time (hours) for everyone to be glammed. If you create a schedule it allows your girls to at least know the approximate time that they will be needed by the hair and makeup team. I've had bridesmaids go MIA and slow down the process which can end up stressing the bride out. Sometimes they need to leave to help with setup and such, which is fine, but it's nice for them to know what time they should return to keep things running smoothly. It's helpful to have your hair and makeup team take a look at the schedule to make sure that you planned enough time for them to do what they need to do to help you look perfect! Please lean on your hair and makeup team for this! I cannot stress this enough. Have family members (mom, sisters, etc.) be done towards the beginning. I recommend making sure that none of your close family members go last. I like to plan for worst case scenario so that even the unpredictable doesn't ruin anything. Anyone who you would want in pictures to help you get dressed (i.e. sister buttoning your dress, mom putting on your veil) you do not want to go last. Just in case things are running behind you do not want your mom or sister to miss that special moment. You want to be as close to the end as possible without being last. You are the star of the show and your makeup and hair needs to look the best, so going as close to the end as possible (I recommend second or third to last) is best so that everything will look fresh at the end of getting ready!

Congrats on your big day! If you are still looking for a makeup artist for your big day, please send me an email. I'd love to be considered in helping you look your very best on your wedding day. If you are going to be a bridesmaid this year, make sure you check out this post I did on Bridesmaids Makeup Tips. 

Have a beautiful week,

Andrea

Bridesmaids Makeup Tips

Recently, a common conversation topic that I've been encountering is getting your makeup done as a bridesmaid. I'm at the age where every weekend someone is getting married, so it's not a surprise that so many clients and friends are asking me questions about being a bridesmaid. Some of you have never had your makeup done, so I decided to compile a list of tips for you to have on hand for the next time you are in a wedding!

1. Make sure you have a consultation before the makeup artist begins. Since bridesmaids rarely have a trial before the big day, it's important that the makeup artist chats with you for a few moments to discuss things like your skin type, how much makeup you feel comfortable in, anything you love or hate, your favorite features, etc...If they aren't asking you these questions, speak up! If you know you get super oily throughout the day, that's something the MUA will need to know. 9 times out of 10 the bridesmaids pay for their own makeup which means you are their client. It's your face! Don't be afraid.

2. If you wear dramatic makeup on a regular basis or want a dramatic look for the wedding, okay it with the bride first! After all, it is her day and she may have an idea of the look she wants for the bridesmaids. On multiple occasions I've had a bride let me know ahead of time that she doesn't like the look certain bridesmaids might ask for so please don't do it! It's always better to double check with her first to make sure she's comfortable with what you want.

3.  Be on time! Getting ready for the big day will take some serious time. If the bride gives you a specific itinerary with a time slot for you to get your hair or makeup done, make sure you're there 10 min early. I can't tell you the amount of times I've seen girls not show up on time and this could cause a cramp in the schedule! The last thing you want to do is stress the bride out hours before she walks down the aisle! 

4. Bring pictures! Sometimes the most difficult part of a MUA job is understanding what you mean when you're describing what you want. Everyone is different and depending on your makeup knowledge, you might describe a natural eye as a dark smokey eye. Pictures allow the MUA to instantly see what you're talking about and help them understand you better.

5. If you've never gotten your makeup done before I'd recommend going with a natural look that's a little more glam than what you wear every day. You can't go wrong with that! 

I hope these tips help you the next time you are in a wedding. Remember, it's the bride's day and you may have to sacrifice your signature red lip which will be ok. Just remember that the most important thing is you standing up with her on the biggest day of her life!  

 -Andrea