Of course you don’t need us telling you that you’ll want to look your best on your Big Day, that comes within the same territory as wearing your most important outfit ever, and feeling your most confident ever. We get lots to brides asking us how they should choose their bridal makeup artist, and whilst there are no hard and fast rules to abide by, over the years (and there have been many years, Missies!) we’ve got to know just what your makeup artist should know, say and do.
Firstly, there are lots and lots of makeup artists to choose from and it is very important you do your research to choose the perfect match for you. Word of mouth is always a great place to start – just make sure you trust the person giving out the advice! – recommendations from your friends and family are usually reliable, they won’t want you looking bad on your big day! You should also head to the Mrs2be.ie Supplier Directory which is teaming with Irish bridal makeup artists all who have been highly recommended – you can read real life reviews here, too!
Knowing the overall look you want to achieve is important during your search. If you favour an enhanced version of yourself, with a fresh and natural look, choosing a MUA who specialises in heavy set makeup will not be the match for you. Doing your research by pinning bridal looks and gathering a set of images with bridal looks that you love will give you a good indication of the style you are going for – the same goes for your hairstyle too.
With a selection of MUA’s earmarked, have a look at their work online, their Facebook and Instagram profiles will be full of previous real brides whose looks are exactly what you want to see, no model poses here, just real, everyday brides like yourself! From these images, and from the artists website you will be able to gauge their skills and if their style suits what you are looking for.
Whilst email is a very convenient way of initially contacting any potential makeup artists, there’s nothing quite like picking up the phone for a quick chat to see if you gel before you make your decision. And of course, don’t forget to check and double check your wedding date is available!
Ten Top Tips
- Choose a makeup artist who works specifically in the bridal industry as it is a very specialist skill.
- Be sure you understand and agree with the pricing of the service you are getting. Any professional will always provide you with a quote breakdown.
- Ask if a bridal trial is included in your package, how long it lasts and what will happen during it.
- Consider the artist’s location. If they have a long distance to travel this may cause timing problems on the day and prove very expensive.
- Timing is key, most great bridal makeup artists can book up two to three years in advance so you really need to be on the ball!
- Quiz your MUA about pre-wedding skincare. Is there anything he/she would recommend you look into or should be doing to prep your skin to look its best?
- Ask your makeup artist how they ensure your makeup will last all day. What products do they use etc?
- Ask if false lashes are included in your package both for you and your girls.
- Double check your on the day timings with your MUA, are they happy with the time available and the number of applications to do. If time is tight, will they bring an additional professional MUA to help and will this affect the overall cost?
- Make sure you like your makeup artist! This is almost as important as liking their work, they will be around you when you are feeling your most emotional and will share in very precious memories of your Big Day.
{Image credits – Featured & top image: Anna Frins Photography | Image 2: Butterfly Photography | Image 3: Tomas Kornas }
