One of the best decisions I made when planning my wedding was using an amazing professional makeup artist! Not any kind of makeup artist either – a specialist who does only weddings (and does them well). They are trained to do everything from proms to fashion shows to weddings – so everything you see done well in magazines or at bridal shows is possible with the right makeup artist! 

Here are some secrets from an expert wedding makeup artist on how you can choose the right makeup artist for you too!

The Secrets to an Amazing Wedding Makeup Artist!

The makeup artist you choose can make or break your look. There is so much that can go wrong – so choosing the right makeup artist is vital. But where do you start? How do you even find a great makeup artist?

A skilled makeup artist can sculpt your face to perfection, enhance your best features, disguise any blemishes, and accentuate your complexion while allowing your beauty to shine through. This is where many brides can use a little help. The right professional makeup artist can help you choose the right colours and types of makeup and show you how to properly use them. 

If you are in doubt at all about choosing a makeup artist, here are some simple tips to help you get started.

1. Use the internet to search for wedding makeup artists

Makeup artists’ websites will be listed along with information and examples of their work. Look through many artists’ websites. See how they present themselves and what kind of looks they create. Look carefully at the facial transformations they have done and notice the details. Be sure to see theirs before and after photos. Be sure to view the artist’s online portfolio of no makeup or makeup looks. Also, be sure to read the makeup artist’s page for client testimonials and references.

A makeup artist who specialises in wedding makeup will use makeup in a way that photographs well. A makeup artist who only does a few weddings every month cannot stay up to date in the wedding makeup industry. I have heard so many horror stories about makeup artists who use the wrong types of makeup, use too much makeup, or apply makeup incorrectly. Once a makeup artist reaches the skill level required for wedding makeup, they must perfect their skills.

2. Look for the Right Skill Levels

Do you think you need a professional makeup artist for your wedding? Really think about it. Are you getting married in a church and getting married in a formal, traditional setting? Do you want a classic, sophisticated look? If so, hire a professional makeup artist. Makeup artists have different levels of skills. Some makeup artists specialise in bridal makeup while others do makeup for special events, such as proms or weddings. Bridal makeup artists are more skilled in creating sophisticated, classic looks and they usually cost more. Makeup artists who specialise in proms or parties can create fun, funky looks, but these looks do not usually translate well into wedding photography. Therefore, a professional makeup artist would be the best choice.

3. Check References 

Before you choose a makeup artist, be sure to ask for references from recent brides. Ask specifically if they had a wedding makeup trial. Ask how the final look turned out and if the wedding party and the bride were happy with the result. Also, ask the bride if they were pleased with the price of their wedding makeup.

4. Look on Wedding Sites Looking for a makeup artist?

Try looking at wedding websites. Many makeup artists advertise their services on these sites. Also, many wedding websites have pictures of hair and makeup done by wedding makeup artists. Simply use the search engine and look under things such as “wedding makeup” or “wedding makeup artist.”

5. Use Referrals

See if friends or family members have used a professional makeup artist. If so, ask if they would mind contacting you and sharing their experience of hiring the makeup artist and their overall experience of dealing with the makeup artist. Be sure to ask specific questions such as, “How did the makeup artist perform during the trial?” “Was the makeup artist on time and prepared?” “How did the final look turn out?” “How did the bride like the makeup?” “Would you use this makeup artist again?”

• Ask Your Bridal Consultant: Wedding consultants are often the first ones a bride thinks of when looking for a professional makeup artist and many times, it’s the consultant’s professional makeup artist that provides makeup for the wedding. If you are getting married through a bridal consultant, ask that person if she can recommend a professional makeup artist. Remember, a bridal consultant refers to makeup artists all the time and knows what makeup artists can offer brides.
• Call Makeup Stores and Salons: If you need to find a makeup artist or a wedding makeup supply store, call local makeup and beauty stores. Ask the salespeople if they can provide the names of local wedding makeup artists. Also, ask to speak with the makeup artist or the beauty store owner. Tell this person the date you will be getting married and ask if they know of or can recommend a makeup artist. Oftentimes, makeup artists and styles who work as beauty store owners also provide makeup artistry services to brides. This can be an added advantage because, not only can the makeup artist provide makeup services, but she can recommend the right products and makeup tools you need to buy. 

6. Interview Prospective Makeup Artists

After you gather your information and references, choose prospective makeup artists to meet with. Always ask for a makeup trial. A makeup trial is where you and the makeup artist meet to discuss your makeup desires and how your wedding makeup should look. If you have pictures or makeup looks you want, bring them with you. The makeup trial is the perfect opportunity for you and your makeup artist to discuss your ideas for the wedding. This is also your opportunity to observe and ask questions about the makeup artist’s skill and professionalism.

Finding the right professional makeup artist for your wedding is no easy task, but if you follow the tips in this article, you should have no problem finding one. Remember that professional makeup artists are highly skilled professionals and that, like with any professional, their reputation must be good. Let your intuition dictate whether you can trust a makeup artist. Remember, this is your big day, and your appearance is important to you. So, do yourself a favour and hire a professional, skilled, experienced makeup artist. One who can transform you into the radiant, beautiful bride you are.