Wedding makeup, Where do we start?

Wedding Makeup is one of my favorite types of makeup, but also one of the most stressful. Now don’t get me wrong, the makeup isn’t the stressful part, the preparation, working in a room filled with best friends, parents, aunts etc. who feel that they know what would look best and time restrain. That is the stressful part.

The psychology:

First thing to remember about wedding makeup is that it’s all about the bride! I hate when people say; oh she was a bridezilla… No, it’s her day and everything needs to be perfect.  Can you really blame someone for getting extra excited? (weather angry, happy or sad.) When it’s (what they feel) the most important day of their life. Think about it, tensions are high as well as emotions, so any little thing can set anyone off. I get it. That is why I remember always to treat my brides and their wedding party with the highest respect and with the most care I can possible give, from the Mother of the bride to the flower girl, (and especial the bride) everyone should feel like they just got pampered. That should be your goal.

Preparation:

The easiest  way to be the best wedding makeup artist, is to always be prepared. I teach my students to expect the unexpected. To be prepared you would need basic things like: Doing a makeup trial with the bride and drawing up a face chart with the look and details of all the items used. You’ll need to add to your wedding makeup kit: band aids,  safety pins, bobby pins, hair ties, visine or contact solution, needle and thread, makeup remover, scissors, and extra makeup palettes just in case an unexpected person wants their makeup done differently from the wedding party.

A contract should be drawn up, it’s for their benefit and yours, you can find outlines of contract online and tweak them for every bride.

It’s important that your preparation includes a cleaned well maintained kit.  I cannot tell you how many events I’ve been to where  makeup artist aren’t ready. Artist show up with their brushes dirty, their kits a mess, and their eye shadow palettes dusty. This is unacceptable! The bride is paying well for your services, therefore giver her your best.

You’ll need: regular foundation, airbrush foundation in every range or enough colors to mix to custom create new colors. Last but not least Patience. I also suggest to request for the bride to choose the makeup for the bridesmaid, it makes it easier for you and  for a faster application, also it keeps anyone from trying to out shine the bride.

Application:

If you did a face chart and have communicated well with your bride, this step should be easy! Most makeup artist tell me that their biggest concern is that the bride won’t like the makeup. This should not be a problem, keep in mind most bride research before they call you, which means, they’ve already seen your talent and called you because they liked your makeup style the best. Be at ease they already think you are amazing, you came prepared, you’ve done a trial and now it’s just application time.

How to apply wedding makeup:

1. Moisturize:

   A well moisturize skin will make any makeup look amazing! Hydration is key. If you are a licensed skin care specialist  advise your client moths in advance on what skin care regiment they should follow. You can double up your profit offering multiple services like: facials, waxing, and even spray tanning.

2. Primer:

   A great primer will keep the makeup looking fresh all day. There are tons of primers in the market; from primers that help with the appearance of the skin, rosacea, discoloration, dryness etc. Most imperfections can be corrected with concealers and hd foundations; what you cannot correct with makeup is the appearance of fine lines and large pores, that’s why I recommend a silicone primer that can help with these problems.

3. HD Foundation and concealers:

   A good high quality foundation can help cover most imperfections and give you a long lasting finish result without it feeling too heavy. If you want a good argument, bring up concealer and foundation and which one should go first. All makeup artist have their own opinion, and that’s all it is an opinion, because it’s up to you! In my opinion, I feel it’s best to do foundation first. Clients will always tell you that what they hate the most is foundation because it feels heavy. The truth, it’s not the foundation, it’s the amount of foundation and concealer and powder. I always do foundation first, if my foundation didn’t cover all imperfections then I add concealer. However if you have a good quality HD foundation that would be all you need.

4. Setting powder:

   Setting your makeup is extremely important. There are a few thing you should take into consideration: Is she oily? If your client is oily then you have to use a setting powder. Does your client have dry skin? If she does then you might want to skip the powder, if not she might look too dry. Now what powder should you use?

5. Difference Between powder:

   Translucent powder, HD powder, and touch up powder. Translucent powder, is powder without color, it could be used to set makeup and also to bake in areas where you want to highlight.  HD powder is fine and thin and it’s made to seal makeup. However if you use too much of this powder it will show up in pictures. Touch up powder is the compact powder. Compact powder either come in your shade or translucent. These powders are meant for the model to carry with them to touch up shine through the day. I mostly used the Becca Hydra Mist – set and refresh

6. Eye shadow primer and eye shadow application:

   Just like face primer, eye shadow primer is essential. Eye shadow primer will keep your clients eye shadow lasting all day. The same way a good eye shadow will help with the longevity of the makeup of your client. Make sure you blend, when eye shadow isn’t blended correctly it will look harsh on camera.

7. Eyebrows and eyelashes:

   Eyebrows frame the face, they are such an important part of the makeup. Women sometimes are afraid of adding eyebrow products, you have to remind your customer that for picture purpose dark brows are best. Eyelashes might not be everyone cup of tea, but they add so much glamour to any makeup look. If your client can handle them suggest that they should wear them. Always add mascara and make sure that it is water proof.

8. Lipstick:

   The lipstick is the jewel of the makeup, the bright pop of color to bring everything together. Make sure the lipstick you use compliments the rest of the makeup.

9. Setting Spray:

   This is the last step on this makeup adventure, the one item that will set all the makeup and your last security measure to make sure the makeup will last all day.

Lastly, remember that wedding makeup, is makeup. Remember the rules you already know, make sure it’s camera ready and set it that it will last all day. Most importantly, you may know what’s right and best for the customer, but listen to your customer do what she asks  and make sure they’re happy.

I hope these do’s and don’t’s and 9 makeup tips help you in your journey as a wedding makeup artist.

I want to thank all these beautiful brides, first for letting me be a part of their special day and second for providing all these beautiful photos. If you are interested in my makeup services, you can reach me on the contact page.