One of the more fun aspects of wedding planning is putting together your bridal look. Obviously, finding the perfect dress is crucial – but it’s just as important for all brides-to-be to come up with the best hair and makeup plans to achieve the looks they’re after.
Photo courtesy of M-Sutra Bride
Booking a makeup artist can be tricky. It’s not enough to work with someone who has done great work in the past – the person has to be a good fit for you and your wedding. These are seven questions you should ask – both yourself and your prospective makeup artists – before booking.
1. How will you handle my specific skin concerns? No woman has perfect skin and sadly, sometimes makeup can make it worse instead of better. Is your skin sensitive? Acne-prone? Dry? Textured? Dull? Figure out your skin’s big concerns and ask every prospective makeup artist how he or she likes to handle the specific issue. If you have acnetic skin, make sure your artist offers oil-free products. If you have sensitive skin, ask for fragrance free products only.
2. How are your hygiene standards?: It’s so, so important that you ensure your artist is properly cleaning each and every brush or applicator, tossing disposable items and using fresh products. You should definitely ask the makeup artist what he or she uses to clean those brushes – if they’re dirty, you could wind up with breakouts or a stubborn rash.
3. Have you worked with South Asian clients?: It’s a great idea to work with an artist who has experience with other Desi brides. That way, he or she will understand how to complement your complexion and will know how to apply a style of makeup that will look great with your Desi wedding outfit.
4. What are your other commitments on the day of my wedding?: The last thing you want to do is book a makeup artist and then find out he or she needs to rush out for another commitment. Make sure you’re booking with someone who can devote enough time to you on your special day.
5. Will you be on hand to touch up my makeup throughout the event?: Ask your makeup artist if he or she will be on hand throughout the wedding in case you’ve cried off your mascara (happens to the best of us!) or your lipstick has smudged – it might be a good idea to provide a vendor meal during the wedding if this is your wish. If your artist is unable to stay throughout the day, ask if you can have a bit of lipstick for touch-ups throughout the day and night.
6. How should I remove my makeup?: Makeup artists often use very tenacious makeup products on brides so they don’t have to worry about smudging or fading throughout the event. Because of this, it’s important that you understand how to remove it all at the end of the night. No one wants to wake up with a break out the day after the wedding!
7. How many trials should we schedule?: One makeup trial might not be enough. Ask your artist if she would be comfortable scheduling two or more trials – one a few months before the wedding, one closer to the big day. And be sure to take photos of the look you love most during your trials!
What other questions should brides ask makeup artists? Tell us in the comments!