Don’t worry, this post is not about dictating what kind of bridal makeup look you should choose. We just wanted to give you some guidelines about do’s and don’ts while your bridal makeup artist is at work creating a masterpiece. You see, your bridal makeup artist, amazing as they are, can’t do their job without some help from you, their client. Let’s dive into what you can do, to the best client possible!
do: Have a bridal makeup trial
This one is something you should do way ahead of your big day, and we always advocate the importance of a makeup trial. It gives you a chance to really get to know your artist, and ensure that you both vibe. It is an opportunity to see if you like their work, and how well the makeup lasts on you. You should be using your makeup trial day as a time to experiment, so that you’re not doing that on your actual wedding day. The makeup trial day is when you get to try something new, or try something really cool you found online, to see if it works with your facial features, and if your artist can accomplish the look for you. It immensely relieves a lot of stress for both you and your makeup artist, knowing that you already have a gameplan going into the big day!
do: Be on time
On your wedding day, timing is crucial to the day running smoothly. You and your artist will have worked out a start time ahead of the big day. It is important to be ready to get started when your artist arrives and is ready to get started. Failing to do so, can cause you to be late getting your makeup (and hair) done, and that is a domino effect; once you’re late for that first part of the day, it is tough to get back on track. That brings us to the next point: don’t rush your makeup artist. If you are late, and you rush your artist, this creates undue pressure on the artist due to no fault of theirs. Some people work well under pressure, but makeup artists do not need the pressure of being rushed as they prepare you for one of the biggest days of your life!
do: Create Space for your artist
Your bridal makeup artist travels with an arsenal of products and tools; that’s their norm, and those are the things they need to do their job. Ensure that your makeup artist, and your hair stylist have ample room to set up and lay out their products. If they are not able to, it really does affect their workflow.
Additionally, while you’re having your makeup and hair done, it’s best to not crowd the space with spectators. Not everyone likes, or enjoys an audience while they work. And, we’ve all heard the old adage “too many cooks spoil the broth.” What does this mean? Well, if you’ve had a makeup trial, you and your artist have already agreed on a look that you like, you both have reference pictures from that trial day, and while friends, family members and your bridal party may mean well, their opinions, or suggestions should have been garnered after your trial, and not on the wedding day. Comment's like “she needs more eyeliner,” or “she looks too _____” or “her hair needs more volume”, may be well-intentioned, but can really interfere with your makeup artist and/or hair stylist’s process. It is especially worse, when you do not share their opinions, but they are trying to take control of your look. The most important thing here is that you like your hair and makeup, and feel happy with it; not anyone one else. For this reason, it is best to work with your artist and hair stylist alone if possible.
do: delegate
Whilst you’re sitting to get your makeup and hair done, it can severely delay, and interrupt the process if you have to constantly stop to do wedding planning tasks. Before you sit down, delegate these tasks to those you trust to get them done. Have a trusted friend/ family member take charge of your phone as well. The worst thing you can do while your bridal makeup artist is working on you, is constantly look down at your phone. Additionally, it is difficult to complete a makeup routine on someone that is talking on the phone. On behalf of makeup artists everywhere, we humbly beg you to put the phone away until your services are complete.
If you don’t already have a wedding planner, and it is within your budget, the best gift you can give to yourself and your close ones, is to hire a day-of-coordinator. This person acts as your planner would, but is specifically hired to coordinate vendors, timing, scheduling, etc, on the wedding day itself. This helps to take a lot off of your shoulders as you sit and allow yourself to get pampered by your makeup artist and hair stylist.
don’t: try any new skincare
The week of your wedding is not the time to try any new skincare products, or get any facial treatments that you’ve not done before. This is because you can never be sure how your skin will react to these new products or treatments, and you definitely do not want any kind of rash, burning, hives, or any kind of adverse reaction during your wedding week. This would not only be uncomfortable for you, but in some cases, you wouldn’t be able to apply makeup on top of certain skin conditions. Additionally, do not wax your face during the week leading up to your wedding as well; burns and irritation can happen, and we definitely do not want that. In the months leading up to your wedding, be sure to stick to a skincare regimen which includes regular exfoliation, and hydration, and products that build and repair your skin’s barrier. SPF is a daily must to ensure that you are protecting your skin from UVB & UVA rays which can burn and age skin rapidly. Work with an esthetician to get regular facials, and develop a regimen that works for your skin.
Having your bridal makeup done should be one of the most relaxing parts of your wedding day; it is the time you get to yourself to sit, and be pampered by your makeup artist and hair stylist. With a little bit of planning, and some helpful guidelines for those surrounding during these services, you can have a stress-free pampering session and be calm and refreshed as you head into the festivities that ensue. Remember that kindness and compassion are not only for those that are serving you on that day, but extend that same grace to yourself as well.
With love,
Anaarita