How can I ensure great wedding makeup?

It is totally worth having a bridal trial makeup to ensure you are happy with the way it looks in real life and also on photos (a good HMUA will take pics & videos of the final result and can also use a professional light as the lighting will change the way everything looks in photos). I often try different makeup looks on my brides (we can do 2 different eye looks) and we then choose one and all the products that she preferred / worked best. Takes away a lot of stress and worry from the bride on the big day. :) 

I always recommend having a trial with your makeup artist to ensure you can try out the longevity of your makeup prior to the wedding day, this way you can always change something that may not have lasted as well as you both thought and can adapt on the day.

Ensuring great wedding makeup starts well before the big day! A lot of brides like to spend time preparing the skin, with treatments. It is very important to do your research also, always read reviews, look through photos and do trials. Having a trial before your big day means you get the option to both feel and wear the makeup. You can see how it lasts on your skin, and if you would like to make any changes on the day!  

Hope that helps xx :)

Research your artist. That is by far the best advice I can give you.  There are many self trained and youtube trained people out there, so beware.  You need an artist who not only has talent, but someone who you can be sure knows all the right products to use for photos, the right techniques and skills to design for your face, but most importantly they need to know the laws regarding hygiene and insurance.  So find out if their certifications are legit so you can have peace of mind.  Here is a blog which will help... 

https://makeoversaust.com.au/hair-and-makeup-artists/8-important-questions-ask-potential-makeup-artist

If you are a DIY bride,  the best information I can give you is get yourself some good photo friendly makeup. Especially for the face, like foundation, concealer and powder.  Getting these products right will eliminate the possibility of flash back in photos. Which is when you look pastey white in photos, but great in person. 

I have 2 blogs about commercial products versus professional products to help understand why product choice is so important and also I have a blog listing of professional cruelty free products which will help choose the right products for you. https://makeoversaust.com.au/makeup-tips/difference-professional-makeup-vs-commercial-makeup

https://makeoversaust.com.au/makeup-tips/animal-friendly-professional-make-up-brands

I hope that helps a bit. ;)

We wish you all the very best on you’re engagement and thank you for asking this question, I’m sure so many brides would love to hear the answer.

The first step (and the most important) - choose your makeup artist wisely, look for - 

·       Years of experience - it is important that they have been in the industry for many years, this ensures your makeup artist is professional on all levels such as ability, time management & reliability.

·       Reviews (Easy Weddings is a perfect guide as we have many reviews listed in one spot, easy to find) 

·       Ability of the makeup artists.  Ensure there are images of all ages, nationalities & skin tones, a sign of a highly experienced makeup artist is the ability to adapt her skills across all of the above.   

·       Diversity - ensure your makeup artist has a full understanding of the makeup industry, look at experience such as fashion shows, teaching, TV, manufacturing and yes this is their full time job (we ensure we have all this experience)

The second step - book a trial 

·       We perform a personalised consultation to discuss a makeup vision you would love to achieve for your wedding day

·       Share with you to a skin analysis/plan & product compatibility – this ensures leading up to your wedding you can prepare your skin to be in its best condition possible.

·       If you could bring some images of makeup styles you prefer, selecting images of faces that are similar to yours (same eye colour, hair & skin tones).   

·       Photographically perfect makeup - we always take before and after images to ensure your makeup photographs well & you are happy with the photographic finish

·       Then enjoy wearing your makeup throughout the day and see how it feels and you are comfortable with the longevity.

This is a perfect start to ensure you will have a great makeup style that you feel comfortable wearing and simply love on your special day!  Thanks so much for reaching out & i wish both you and your husband (to be) all the very best on your day  – Kerry x  - Kerry Howell Makeup

First It all starts months before your big day in prepping your skin correctly and getting into a regular skin care routine to ensure your skin stays hydrated and smooth for when your big day arrIves. Drink lots of water!

The second thing is to secure a professional makeup artist who specialises in bridal makeup. You might think that doing your own makeup on the day will save you time and money. After all, you apply makeup on every day before stepping out the door, so how hard can it be? Answer - extremely hard. Turns out that doing makeup for your wedding day is astonishingly different from your every day beauty look because on this day, all eyes will be on you and you need it to look amazing and last.  

Hiring a professional artist is an absolute must, here’s why:

1. We know what works and what doesn’t for your face shape and skin type.

2. We save you time and stress on the day by getting it right the first time.

3. We use high quality, professional product ensure your makeup lasts all day and night and looks great in your photos.

4. We get to sit you down and pamper you like a real bride deserves so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Happy wedding planning! 

Janelle @ Instyle Hair for Brides x

It definitely comes down to your personal research. I always look at it as whole look from the colour theme of your wedding, bouquet, wedding dress, your bridesmaids and then hairstyle. You want everything to match and compliment each other. So when you look at the photos, they will look amazing side by side. As a Hair and Makeup Artist, it's important I give tips to my brides how to care and prep their skin before the big event. Then no matter if they want a natural look or glamour, I want their makeup to still stand out from the others and long lasting as well. After all, it's your special day! 

The first step to achieve great wedding makeup is to choose the right Makeup Artist. Do your homework and check their style meets your needs and wants.  Not all makeup artists do instagram makeup and not all specialise in natural makeup.

Next book in a trial asap and dont be afraid to say you dont like this or that.  Remember, as a makeup artist, we dont know you nor will we be offended so please speak up :) 

The trial is a great time to get to know your artist and ensure we are the right fit for you.  I believe there is more than just makeup when it comes to a wedding makeup artist.  Ask lots of questions, bring in photos of makeup styles you like.

If you are wanting both hair and makeup done ad you have a large wedding party (3+)  I recommend getting a hairstylist plus a makeup artist to ensure the day or preparations are not rushed.

I ensure I use  quality professional products that are tried and tested to last and look natural.  I also finish off with a setting spray, plus i give you complimentary touch up kit.

Dont forget to have a good skincare regime leading up to your wedding. And drinking lots of water helps immensely as well as getting a good night's sleep :)

There are many facets to this question.  In the first instance you should be looking to book a makeup artist who is experienced in bridal makeup.  It is one thing to do makeup for a photo shoot that needs to look good for an hour or two, but another to create a makeup look that will both photograph well, look good up close in person as well as last 10-12 hours without major touch-ups. Professional bridal makeup artists understand this and will design your makeup look using products and applications designed for exactly that.  View examples of the individual stylist's work to see if their style suits your own needs.  From there you should then focus on your own skin prep.  Ideally having a plan 6+ months ahead can really help in ensuring that your skin will be at its best for your special day.  You may wish to discuss your skin prep needs with a beautician skilled in this area who may recommend a series of facials, microdermabrasion or other treatments designed just for you.  Be sure not to introduce anything new to your skin too close to the wedding day in case your skin reacts.  Drink plenty of water too - this can make a big difference to your skin if it is well hydrated. Also, be aware that a change to any hormonal contraception can have an effect on your skin, sometimes resulting in hormonal breakouts which nobody wants. 

On the wedding day be guided by your makeup artist as to how she/he wants you to present your face in regards to moisturisers or serums that you use.  Some can react with the makeup products used so definitely check this first at your makeup trial.  Heavy moisturisers are often best avoided in the hot or humid months as they can attract more moisture to your face which you definitely want to avoid.  I hope this information helps.  Happy wedding planning. <3 

Lisa Thomas - Makeup 4 Brides | Hair 4 Brides 

Longevity and photographic quality is the key when it comes to great wedding makeup. Longevity is not only reliant on high quality products (including a great primer that is suited to your skin type), but great skin care and preparation in the lead up to your wedding can't be underestimated. I always recommend to my brides to see a reputable beauty therapist months before their wedding to address any skin concerns. Exfoliating your skin regularly (and especially the week of your wedding) will ensure your makeup lasts as long as it can. Moisturising is the same - to avoid your makeup clinging to any dry pieces of skin, you want to make sure your skin is hydrated (exfoliating will also maximise the benefits of moisturisers and serums). Your beauty therapist will be able to recommend a skin care routine that is suitable for your skin. 

Also, its important to note the types of foundations used for photography. Thanks to technology, makeup has come a long way and doesn't necessarily need to be layered on, however, mineral makeups and makeup with a high spf factor can cause 'flashback' in photos, making your face appear white. A good makeup artist will know this, and will have a range of foundations that are perfect for photography (and your skin type - one foundation certainly does not fit all!)

I hope this helps!