Australian Bridal Directory

Do It Yourself vs The Makeup Artist

Having a makeup artist apply your wedding makeup may prove to be a fantastic investment, a huge disappointment or even a nightmare - including for the makeup artist! Come the wedding day, emotions can be tested with all members of the bridal party being subject to nerves and stress. This puts even the calmest and most professional makeup artist under pressure. Brides have been known to wave goodbye to the makeup artist, then re-do her makeup herself! Save yourself some grief whether your do it yourself or enlist the expert by doing your homework.

 “Know yourself and your limitations” is a great rule of thumb. Rather than looking at it from a financial point of view, be realistic. Are you going to be able to achieve the look you want and when possibly feeling under pressure on the day? How steady will your hand really be when applying eyeliner? Are you prepared to really practise on yourself?  You may find that by the time you buy the appropriate tools and brushes, and some makeup to experiment with, you’ve already spent the cost of using a pro.

Many brides of course do have the skills to apply their own makeup a quickly and with professional looking results. Some find the process of having someone apply it, more like a relaxing luxury treatment. Having a trial helps you test not just the artist’s skills, but how the process works (or doesn’t) for you. Many makeup artists really know how to pamper brides and relax them, adding great value to their service.

How Do You Choose

So how do you choose a makeup artist, when we don’t road-test them as often as a hairdresser. Ask around, and ask not just for names. Get feedback so you can learn something of their style and strengths. Get on the web and check out websites for before and after photos and testimonials. Phone (not email) for information about their availability on your wedding day, and as you discuss their charges, brands used etc you will get a feel for whether the two of you are communicating well.

They should offer a choice of both a regular makeup and a totally natural vegan one for clients with sensitive skin or who are vegans. If you want a specific brand that your makeup artist doesn’t use, offer to provide it yourself with a reduced fee for their service. This can provide a great compromise, their great skills with exactly what you want used. Touch-ups during the day are simplified as you own the makeup you’re wearing.

Don’t let misunderstandings arise on the big day. Makeup artists are not telepathic; no matter how skilled, you must communicate your needs clearly! Keep a file of magazine photos to show the artist visually what you want and have your trial well before the wedding for certainty in booking them, or someone else. Trials are paramount to success.  By the end of the trial there should be clarity and confidence; if not don’t book. You may need to talk further or trial another artist. It’s better to pay for several trials than be disappointed on the day.

A trial costs the artist time, money for product, and possibly petrol if they come to you. If the trial is free (whereby the booking fee may be more) it is important to thank them and graciously give feedback.

Checklist

Take a checklist of questions to ask during the trial.

• From how long they allow for application to how do they deal with emotional or demanding brides to gain insight into their people skills and patience levels.
• Be informative – the more they know about your proposed hairstyle, dress, and aversion to certain techniques or colours the better.
• Tell them the time of day of your wedding as this influences lighting, especially for photography, which will influence your makeup choices.
• Be open to suggestion but don’t be coerced; they are the expert but you are paying!

When to Have a Makeup Trial

Whether with a makeup artist or if you’re doing it yourself, have trials before lunch time to test its durability over the course of the day. See how the foundation is looking 4 then 8 hours on. Has the eyeshadow stayed put or is it separating? How does your skin feel - comfortable, heavy or itchy? Try to trial it under the sort of weather conditions you’ll have on the wedding day, especially important if heat and humidity may be high.

The DIY Checklist

The D.I.Y approach keeps you in charge, but not necessarily in control. Be organised!

• Practise, then test the results with photographs to ensure you have got it right (Get your bridesmaid to use a digital camera)
• Get feedback from others, on style and technique. Eg: that jaw line blending is neat.
• Make sure you have all products and tools you have chosen to use organised together, so there’s no last minute hunting.
•  Ensure brushes are clean and have plenty of cotton tips to remove smudges.

Take a Minute to Calm Yourself

If nerves are frazzled on your wedding day, take some time to calm yourself with your favourite music, a relaxing herbal tea, or whatever best calms your nerves (other than alcohol, unless you want to wobble down the aisle!) before you apply your makeup.

The verdict? What is right for one bride is wrong for another. Repeat…“Know yourself and your limitations”!

Written by Juli Walsh, founder Musq Makeup.

As well as being a bride herself, and heading Australian makeup brand Musq, Juli has modelled and been the makeup artist for fashion parades, brides and formals.

This article is the intellectual property of Juli Walsh. It is available for free publication on the Australian Bridal Directory.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form without written permission by the author. July 12 2007.