Makeup Trial Tips

[cassrae]

I know that having makeup trials can be really daunting. Here are my tips for successful trials:

BEFORE you spend a fortune on trials...

* DO YOUR RESEARCH!

- Look on websites for examples of a stylist's work, get some shots emailed to you or ask them to bring their portfolio to you to look at photos on paper. If you don't like what you see, don't book!

- Ask for proof of testimonials from previous clients. Ask others what it was they liked/disliked about their trials/wedding day stylist.

- ask PLENTY of questions when you contact makeup artists. Ask about products, service, qualifications, experience etc. A great question to ask is why you should book them over other stylists. If you don't like their answers it may be a good idea to look elsewhere.

- price does not always determine ability, qualifications, products or experience. You can still find a good stylist on a budget.

- start looking EARLY! You can still find someone last minute, but it does limit your options and you may end up paying more than you can afford. Years ago I was booked 2 years in advance in some cases, so it pays to leave plenty of time.

- ask if you will be having the same stylist for the trial as on the wedding day, as this is not always the case!

* DURING the trial...

- provide as much info as possible. A good stylist will ask many questions about your likes/dislikes, skin needs, colour scheme, bridal party etc. Have some photos from magazines of makeup you like/dislike to show them. What you DON'T LIKE is very valuable information, so speak up!

- ask to hold a mirror so you can look at each stage of the makeup process, because you must be happy with the beginning before you can be happy with the end result! This also means that if you are not happy, it can be amended before you move on to getting the next part done and avoids an awful fright at the end when your entire face has been made up (it does happen all the time!) For example, I let my clients look at their foundation before continuing on, then each stage, like eyes, cheeks etc. An understanding stylist will do this for you if you ask them.

- TALK to your stylist. Be honest if you really dislike something. And be persistent. The makeup trial is for you and you should get what you want. If the makeup artist is too pushy, find someone else who can communicate better with you.

- look at the end result in different mirrors, in different lighting if this is possible. Play around with your hair and/or clothes to simulate how you might look on your wedding day. This can really help to bring the entire look together and helps the makeup to look more 'in place'. This applies especially if you are uncomfortable with the amount of makeup you have on. If it doesn't help changing your hair and you still feel uncomfortable, ask the stylist to change it. Also, if you are having your trial during the day (recommended if possible) look at it in natural light!

- he/she should be more than happy to make changes, try different colours etc. This is what a trial is for! In the past I have spent up to 3 hours with clients on their trials. If your stylist has to rush off, will they also need to rush off on your wedding day?

- it may be a good idea to search for someone who books only one wedding per day, so there is less risk of them being late from a previous job, or having to rush off early for the next one, as wedding days can run over time...

* AFTER the trial...

- take a photo, with a flash is recommended, as some foundations react with camera flash and can leave you with a ghostly appearance. If you look ghostly in your photo, you may want to have more trials with other stylists.

- of you do book someone, advise them of any changes ie colour schemes, you decided to have that spray tan etc, as some stylists are less flexible than others with surprise changes on the day!

I hope this helps you girls, as I hear so many daunting "bad trial" stories!

Warm Regards

Cassandra

[bmuseful]

Great tips!
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Our Wedding Date 29th January 2005.

[shaz]

hi cassrae,

just wondering if you do any make up n hair trials?

cheers

[jasmina]

I agree with cass rae, I had a horrible experience with a makeup artist and the hairdreeser burnt me with the tongs......anyway, luckily I learnt from my bad experience. My best friend recently got married and after doing alot of research we came across Dilkes and Herath.

On the eve of the hens night we had a makeup, hair and styling masterclass, where we learnt all about choosing the right foundation, how to use proper makeup brushes and about makeup brands.

We were so happy with it we booked them to do the makeup and hair on the day and and it was fantastic.

xxJas
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JASMINA

[islandgirl]

glad to hear you had a great experience to follow on from the bad one...
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HAPPILY MARRIED (FIJI 04) & PROUD PARENTS!
Kingston Willem is 1yo !

[carbenthomas]

Here are some Bridal Make-up Tips:
1. Use heavy-pigmented cream foundation and layer it with powder foundation to make the skin look smoother.
2. Use powder foundation on neck, ears and chest too so that you don't seem to have a painted face.
3. Use a concealer shade similar to the foundation and blend both well.
4. Learn some camouflage makeup tricks and buy its products to use on your big day.
5. If you have combination skin, use water based foundation and a dry sponge.