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Hello Future Brides!

I wanted to share some of my top tips for making the most out of your bridal trial with your makeup artist, whether you have booked with me or another artist for your Big Day!

I’ve been doing bridal makeup for over 15 years and in that time I have had maybe 2 or 3 brides who haven’t done a trial with me and this was primarily due to travel and time but apart from that it is seen as an important ritual on the journey of becoming a bride.

From the first few emails when a bride is booking you, a connection should be made and you should feel really positive and happy with the commuication you are getting and be getting ‘a good feeling’ about your artist. you may not actually meet in person until the trial which I would suggest you do in the 3 months prior to your wedding.

I do have some brides that like to do it earlier to ensure they are happy when they initially book but if its a year before the actual wedding date they nearly always do a second trial as styling has changed in some way whether it be the hair style or the flowers.

So my first tip is leave the trial until closer to the date and ensure when you book your artist in advance you are familiar with their work, get a ‘good vibe’ from them and be content with the communication.

Secondly ensure you come to your trial prepared. If you are getting semi permanent lashes, have them done. If you are planning on wearing a tan or being spray tanned, have it done. If your hair will be off the face, have it pinned up and likewise if you are wearing it down, have it down. I would suggest you wear a low scoop neck top in white or cream as this will give you an idea of how your bridal makeup will look against the colour and your skin tone.

Thirdly, your artist should allow at least 1 hr 30 mins for a bridal trial so no one feels rushed. I would always say come with some makeup references that you like so it gets the conversation started on the look you are thinking of but try and use images that show someone with a similar skin tone and hair colour to yourself. I always suggest looking at red carpet images instead of pinterest as they are usually heavily filtered and only show one or two elements of the look. Let your artist make suggestions and show you different things that you may not have considered, respect their expertise and allow for some freedom… You may be surprised at the results!!!!

If you still aren’t happy after 90 minutes with an artist then you may need to consider that they may not be the one for you.

Fourthly, I’d always suggest you bring a few pieces of your makeup bag that you wear all the time. Again it starts the conversation on product choice and if you are a die hard studio fix fluid MAC foundation wearer then this may be the foundation your artist should be using on the day also. If it ain’t broke and all that!

And finally, Think about bringing someone with you that will be helpful and supportive but not take away from what should be a really enjoyable step on the road to being a bride. Too often I’ve found myself in a trial with a bride and ‘a friend’ who believe she is the next Charlotte Tilbury and knows EVERYTHING about makeup! They interrupt, give direction and opinions that aren’t always helpful. It can lead to confusion and uncertainty and the aim is to leave your trial confident and excited for you wedding day makeup!

I hope some of those tips help you on your way and if you found it useful please comment below!!

 

Til next time x x x

Nikki