Planning your wedding day look? We’re thrilled for you and are here to help! As professional makeup artists, we know how important it is to feel like the very best version of yourself on your wedding day. Whether you’re the bride, a bridesmaid, or a mom of the couple, our job is to enhance your natural beauty and make sure you’re glowing in every photo (and IRL, of course!).
To get the most out of your bridal beauty experience, we’re sharing five things your makeup artist really wants you to know. These tips go beyond just picking the perfect lipstick, they’re about setting yourself up for success so you can look and feel incredible from “I do” to your last dance.
Beautiful Makeup Starts With Beautiful Skin
Before your wedding makeup brushes ever come out, the real magic starts with skincare! Healthy, hydrated skin is the ultimate foundation for a flawless makeup application. We can do a lot with professional-grade products, but makeup can only do so much if your skin isn’t in its best condition.
If you’re struggling with acne, dryness, or uneven texture, don’t wait until the month of your wedding to tackle it. Start early and consult a licensed esthetician or dermatologist who can tailor a routine for your unique skin needs! Consistency is key, think of your skincare routine as a love letter to your future self (and those wedding photos!).
Bonus Tip: Avoid trying new products or treatments within 60 days of your wedding to prevent surprise breakouts or skin irritation!
Wedding Hair & Makeup Are Just As Important As Your Photographer
You’ve likely spent hours scrolling through photography portfolios and carefully selecting someone to capture your big day. But here’s the truth, your hair and makeup are just as important. Why? Because you are the subject of those beautiful photos!
When your hair and makeup are professionally done, they’re designed to last through happy tears, hugs, dancing, and everything in between. Your glam should enhance your features, photograph beautifully in every light, and stay fresh all day long!
We’re all about finding smart ways to save when planning your dream wedding, but professional hair and makeup is not the place to cut corners. Trusting a friend who’s “really good” at makeup or skipping professional services altogether might save you a little in the short term, but it can cost you in the long run, especially when those photos are all you have left to remember the day!
If you're looking to trim your budget, think about the dozens of items that end up in the trash at the end of the night, like stacks of custom cocktail napkins, novelty party favors, or decor no one really notices. Your wedding look, on the other hand, is forever captured in every photo and video. It's something you'll reflect on for years, and you'll want to feel proud and radiant when you do.
Think of your hair and makeup as part of your investment in your memories. Years from now, when you're flipping through your wedding album, you'll be so glad you chose a professional team to help you feel confident, polished, and glowing from the inside out!
Pre-Wedding Spray Tans Are a Game-Changer
A soft, sun-kissed glow can give you that extra boost of confidence, even out your skin tone, and make your dress pop, all without the damaging effects of real sun exposure! That’s why we love a good pre-wedding spray tan!
Here’s how to do it right:
Go to a trusted professional for a custom airbrush tan.
Schedule your tan 2–3 days before your wedding to allow time for it to settle and soften.
Do a trial tan a few weeks before the big day to make sure you’re happy with the tone and application.
Trust us, the right spray tan adds warmth to your complexion, builds confidence, and makes your makeup look even more radiant!
Set Realistic Expectations
Pinterest and Instagram are packed with gorgeous bridal looks, but not every image is one-size-fits-all! When searching for your dream wedding makeup, be sure to use keywords that match your skin tone, eye shape, and features. For example, if you have fair skin and freckles, try searching “natural bridal makeup for fair skin” instead of just “bridal makeup.”
This will help you find looks that are more realistic and achievable for you, and it helps your makeup artist understand your goals more clearly! We’re pros at adapting any look to suit your unique beauty, but starting with inspiration that resembles you is a total game-changer.
Makeup Isn’t a Magic Eraser; Start Skin Prep Early
We love what makeup can do, but it’s not a permanent filter! Makeup can soften fine lines, brighten under-eyes, and give you a flawless finish, but it doesn’t erase wrinkles, remove peach fuzz, or completely hide textured skin.
If you’re concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, or other skin concerns, talk to a licensed professional well in advance of your wedding day. Treatments like microneedling, dermaplaning, or even Botox (if that’s your thing!) can be incredible tools, but they require time and planning! The earlier you start, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel when the big day arrives.
What Your Wedding Makeup Artist Really Wants You To Know
At the end of the day, your wedding beauty is about feeling like you, elevated, empowered, and glowing from the inside out! Professional makeup artists are here to make that happen, but the real magic starts with the prep work you do ahead of time.
Want to look flawless in your wedding photos, feel amazing all day long, and glow with confidence? Start early, trust the pros, and most importantly, enjoy every second of this once-in-a-lifetime moment!
Need help planning your bridal glam? We’d love to be part of your big day. Reach out today to learn more about our wedding hair and makeup services near you!
Cover Photo Credit: La Vie En Rose Photography
