You need to do more than bring along a few inspiration photos.
By Nicole Moleti, Martha Stewart
Your wedding makeup artist knows exactly what to expect from your trial, but odds are you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. Should you arrive with a complete look in mind, or is it enough to give her a few guidelines about what you do and don't like? Most pros will ask that you come in with at least the beginnings of an idea so that you can use your time together to iron out the details. But there's more to talk about than just lip color and whether or not you like a smoky eye. The trial should also be used as a time to talk about your preferences, how your makeup will work with your hairstyle, and how the day will unfold. Here five essential points to discuss at your wedding makeup trial.
Your wedding makeup artist knows exactly what to expect from your trial, but odds are you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. Should you arrive with a complete look in mind, or is it enough to give her a few guidelines about what you do and don't like? Most pros will ask that you come in with at least the beginnings of an idea so that you can use your time together to iron out the details. But there's more to talk about than just lip color and whether or not you like a smoky eye. The trial should also be used as a time to talk about your preferences, how your makeup will work with your hairstyle, and how the day will unfold. Here five essential points to discuss at your wedding makeup trial.
What is "your look?"
The first thing most makeup artists will ask is, "What does your makeup look like every day?" They want to know what you look like at work, what you look like on a date night, and what you envision looking like on your wedding day. There's an important reason why they do this: You should look like the very best version of yourself on your wedding day, not someone entirely different. Yet most pros agree that the first inspiration photos their brides show them are of a makeup look that's entirely different than what they've described as their usual style. Talk about how you can upgrade your usual date-night look to suit the vibe of your wedding.Do you want fake lashes?
You'll want to figure out the answer to this question during your trial. Women usually have little experience wearing fake lashes and need to be talked into it, but most pros will encourage you to go for it. A full lash line looks beautiful in photos, and they can be applied as subtly or as boldly as you feel comfortable with. Knowing whether or not you want them helps your makeup artist plan the rest of your beauty look and set a timeline for the day.
What's the plan with your hair?
In addition to giving your makeup artist an idea of the hairstyle you're going with (this helps them to further understand your personal style), you should also let them know when you're having the stylist arrive. Why? Because you should always have your hair done before your wedding makeup. Your pro can then create a timeline for everyone's makeup application that will leave you with time to spare for touch-ups and relaxation before the fun begins.
What time should we start makeup application?
Once your makeup artist has an idea about the arrival time of your hairstylist, you should let him or her know about the rest of the day's timeline. Do you want your photographer to take pictures of you getting ready? What time does the entire bridal party need to be ready for formal portraits? Understanding these details will help your makeup artist know when to begin and how much time to allot for each woman.
What will this cost?
If you haven't already, it's so important to discuss price during your trial, not just for yourself (which usually costs a little bit more than the rest of the group as the artist will spend more time on you) but for your bridal party, too. It's confusing and awkward for a makeup artist to discuss pricing with bridesmaids or mothers of the bride and groom on the morning of the wedding.
