I just came back from a very fancy wedding. There was lots of hustle and bustle, the energy and excitement of the big day permeated everything. It was a lovely affair....there's really nothing quite like a summer wedding.
Getting your makeup done is not something most people get done often. And when they do it's for big occasions, like a wedding. Big occasions where there will be lot of pictures taken so they want to look their best. But here's the thing about getting your makeup done. When you meet the makeup artist, you usually have no makeup on. And they've never met you before. So everyone is at a disadvantage. You have dreams of being the most glamorous version of yourself. And the makeup artist has an idea of how they think you should look based on their experience and their vision for you. In reality, this can lead to confusion and honestly, a bit of frustration and disappointment at times.
Here are a few suggestions for you for when you're getting your makeup done, whether you're the bride, the bridesmaids, mother of the bride/groom, or just a fabulous friend....
1. Meet the makeup artist for the first time (especially if you have the luxury of doing a makeup trial) wearing your makeup as you would on a normal day. Bring your makeup remover or some wipes so they can start with a clean face after you've had your initial talk. Not all makeup artists carry makeup remover, and besides, you want to use what's right for your skin. If your time is limited, bring in your favorite picture of yourself, one where you think you look your best, to show the makeup artist. This will be tremendously helpful in terms of communication with each other.
2. Bring in a tear sheet from a magazine of makeup you like. That said, take notice of the features of the person in the tear sheet you bring. If you are fair and have small features, maybe Kim Kardashian isn't a good reference for you. If you're dark haired and have bigger features, maybe Cate Blanchett isn't a good match. You may not be able to achieve that look. Try to pick someone who at least has a similar eye shape so that you know the key elements of the look will translate.
3. Have a camera on hand. And not just your phone. Bring in a point and shoot so you can take pictures of the makeup. You may want to see how it looks in a photo and decide from there if the look is working. Sometimes it's hard to voice your opinion right away. The person doing your makeup is an "expert" so you may feel intimidated. But the truth is that you know your face better than anyone else, and YOU have to be comfortable on the big day, so speak your mind. Makeup artists are used to collaboration. You won't offend anyone. That's part of working as a team, it's part of the job.
3a. Another good reason to use a real camera is so you can play with the flash. Is your face the same color as your neck and chest? Is the "dewy look" you requested more greasy than dewy? Do your eyes look too dark, too small, not dark enough? Does that trendy dark lip look too severe? Show your finance, friends, mom, co-workers. Do they think you look like the best version of you?
4. Try to look like yourself. Sometimes people want to go for BIG glamour but they normally wear pretty simple makeup. A full strip of fake lashes may seem like a good idea, but if you aren't used to wearing them, then they may feel too alien for you to feel comfortable. And who is going to be there with the lash glue if they start to come off when you're dancing the night away? Those types of things take maintenance and you're on your own once the makeup artist leaves. Opt for a few individuals instead.
5. Forgo the fake tan for the wedding. Or if you must, use a gradual self tanner and start a week before hand (and do a test with the product a few months in advance so you can see if the color is too orange or streaky). Using a gradual tanner will help you avoid the white hands/white neck syndrome. Or the patchy shoulder and elbow issues. And be sure to moisturize before applying. And again the next day. Self tanners can be drying, and the dryness tends to exaggerate the patchiness. But tanning in a booth only looks good for two days max and it just might not last til the wedding...
5. Finally, bring a few favorite lipsticks or glosses. The makeup artist may not be able to give you the lip color. Or they may only be able to give you a little scoop of color. At least have your favorite lippy on hand just in case.
Hope these are helpful! I'll do a post of doing your OWN wedding makeup in a few days.
Kisses,
Fiona
