Choosing your wedding day makeup artist is an exciting part of planning your day, but with so many talented artists to choose from, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. From finding someone whose style matches your vision to understanding the importance of a trial, there are plenty of things to consider before making your final decision.
Today we’ve asked our fabulous MUA’s to share their expert advice on choosing the perfect artist for your wedding day, so you can feel confident and completely yourself as you walk down the aisle.
Lisa O’Mahony Bridal Makeup
Lisa’s three tips for choosing your Bridal Makeup Artist:
- Match their signature style.
Finging the right makeup artist can be overwhelming and every makeup artist has their own unique style and aesthetic. Look closely at their social media photos and choose your artist whose everyday work reflects your vision.
- Prioritise your bridal trial
Ensure to make this a priority. This is your opportunity to tell your makeup artist what you envisioned for your bridal makeup, what your skin type is, wether you have any skin issues etc… It’s also a good way to see if your communication styles match. Treat it as a collaboration so there are zero surprises on your wedding morning.
- Read real life reviews
While beautiful makeup is very important, reviews reveal their professionalism and character. Pay attention to the details about the timeline, communication and overall vibe. A glowing review about someone’s calm presence and time management is just as valuable as praise for their makeup skills.
View more of Lisa’s work on weddingsonline
Catherine McKeown Makeup
Catherines three pieces of advice for choosing and booking your wedding makeup artist:
1. Choose the artist that’s right for you, not just the one everyone else is booking.
Social media plays a huge part in how brides choose their suppliers, and it’s easy to be influenced by who is trending, who has the biggest following, or who appears on everyone’s recommended list. While these artists may be incredibly talented, they may not necessarily be the perfect fit for every bride.
There are so many talented makeup artists who may not have a huge social media following or be part of the “vendor clicks”, but who create beautiful work and offer an amazing bridal experience. Don’t let follower numbers be the deciding factor. Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and most importantly, choose someone whose style matches your vision and who makes you feel comfortable and confident.
2. Think about the atmosphere you want on your wedding morning.
Your makeup artist is with you during some of the most emotional moments of your day, so their personality and energy matter. Do you want someone who is calm, organised and keeps everything running smoothly, while also bringing fun, laughter and a bit of banter? The right artist will help create a relaxed morning that you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
3. Trust your instincts and book someone you connect with.
Your wedding makeup should be more than just looking beautiful—it should make you feel like yourself, confident and comfortable. Once you find an artist whose work you love and whose personality feels right, trust that feeling. A bridal trial is the perfect opportunity to perfect your look and ensure you feel completely at ease before your big day.
The perfect makeup artist isn’t always the one with the biggest online presence—it’s the one who understands you, your style and how you want to feel walking down the aisle.
View more of Catherine’s work on weddingsonline
Airbrush Makeup and Hair by Nelly
Choosing your bridal makeup artist is about so much more than finding someone whose work you admire online. Before booking, ask yourself this important question: Is this the makeup artist I’m truly looking for?
Every makeup artist attracts a certain type of bride, and that’s completely natural. We all have our own style, personality, and approach, which means we won’t be the perfect fit for everyone.
A trial is often where you discover whether you genuinely connect with your artist or not. You may absolutely love their portfolio, but if you don’t feel comfortable, understood, or at ease when you meet them, they may not be the right person for your wedding day.
This brings me to another important question: Why is a bridal trial so essential?
Over the years, I’ve found that almost every bride shares the same concerns. They worry about wearing too much makeup, looking too natural, or feeling “caked on.”
These feelings are completely understandable your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life.
As your makeup artist, I don’t simply see it as a job. It’s a commitment to helping you look and feel at your absolute best.
During your consultation, I ask plenty of questions not because I’m being nosy, but because I want to understand your vision, your preferences, and your concerns, every bride is unique, and creating your perfect bridal look begins from our very first email.
Finally, remember that beautiful makeup starts with healthy skin, as a makeup artist, I will work with the canvas you bring to your appointment along with my Professional products and expert techniques we will achieve incredible results, but caring for your skin, following a suitable skincare routine, eating well, and looking after your overall wellbeing will help your makeup look to be at its best because Together, with healthy skin and professional artistry, we can create a timeless bridal look that feels authentically you.
