With so many tiny details to think about on your wedding day, one of the very last things you want to do is worry about your makeup. Follow these tips for choosing a bridal makeup artist, in order to ensure that you are confident, secure and radiant when you “face” the music.
Where to look
You want to hire a makeup artist who is patient, professional, talented and within your budget. Sounds like big shoes to fill, right? The good news is that there are plenty of makeup artists out there. Word of mouth is often the easiest way to find someone. Ask your friends, co-workers and other women whose style you admire. A thorough Google search is another way to find someone, although at times this route can feel overwhelming. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn can also be useful tools. Do you love a brand of makeup at your local department store? Head to your favourite counter or hair salon and see if any of the girls or guys working there do weddings.
What to expect
You should be offered a makeup trial well before the day. At the trial, the makeup artist will inquire about your regular makeup style, what you are comfortable wearing and what are your expectations for the day. Anticipate being asked how you normally wear your makeup, what look you want on the big day, what your dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses look like, what accessories you will be wearing, and possibly even what celebrity makeup you love. When trying to explain what you like, it’s always a good idea to use magazines as a reference. Also, suggest that your bridesmaids get their makeup done, too. There’s nothing worse than that one bridesmaid who shows up looking like she came straight from a night out — she will stick out like a sore thumb on the day, and forever in photos.
Honesty is the best policy
Once your makeup is done, you need to be 110% honest! If you don’t like something in the artist’s style, you must speak now (or forever hold your peace)! Any good makeup artist will encourage you to be straightforward, and will appreciate the candour. Still, be polite and tactful. You are both on the same team, working towards the same goal: making you feel the most beautiful you can on one of the most important days of your life.
What to pay
Money is often tight as wedding budgets can go well beyond what you imagined you’d spend. Makeup artists’ rates vary depending on a number of factors, including the artist’s professional experience, where you live, products used and wedding-day travel distances. Expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $150 per person. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to know whether the artist’s rates reflect their talent and professionalism;– just because they charge an arm and a leg doesn’t necessarily mean they are brilliant, and vice versa. It’s up to you to ask to see photos of bridal parties they’ve done, check out their website or professional portfolios (many artists also work in print, film and TV) and be sure to get that trial session!
Louise Griew is a Toronto-born makeup artist whose second home is Melbourne, Australia. Her work can be seen in national and international advertising campaigns, magazines, music videos and on TV.
