The Insider’s Guide to Wedding Makeup

Being a professional aesthetician and makeup artist for over 30 years, I have acquired a list of do’s and don’ts to give to all brides as they plan for the Big Day. 

The first step is always a skin and makeup consultation with a professional. There are a lot of “makeup artists” out there who are uncertified, so it’s critical to make sure you hire someone with the appropriate qualifications. That means this person must be educated, licensed and experienced. A licensed makeup artist is knowledgeable about bone structure, face shape, skin types and color matching. As a specialized bridal makeup artist, they’ll know the ins and outs of the wedding industry, guaranteeing professionalism and an understanding of the flow of the day. This first step is critical to ensure everything goes smoothly before your wedding.

There are a number of other do’s and don’ts I recommend. Ultimately, you’ll want to focus on the ceremony and the experience. Makeup should add a critical component to such a romantic day and not be a source of stress.

Do begin a skincare routine six months prior to the big day. You’ll need a good canvas for your makeup artist. You’ll also want to allow time for a makeup trial. These allow you to see what you want, and just as importantly, what you don’t want. It also allows both the bride and the artist to form a connection and for the artist to get a feel for what it is you’re ultimately looking for. 

Don’t wait until the last minute to try something new, such as wearing eyelash extensions or false eyelashes.

Do start shaping your brows and removing unwanted facial hair ahead of time. Start maintaining your eyebrows three months prior to your wedding date. This will allow time to establish a polished look and know how your skin reacts to hair removal. 

Don’t wait until the last minute to get everyone in the bridal party ready. They’ll need to make sure their faces are clear and ready.

Do arrange a consultation with the makeup artist at least six months prior to the event. There is a charge for a consultation that must be factored into your budget in advance. A good makeup artist books up quickly!

Do know your options for a flawless base. A makeup artist’s job is to make you look as natural and radiant as possible. This all begins with high quality foundation and a precise application. The best artists educate you on your options and might have some tricks up their sleeves. Kira Maloney, the on-location bridal makeup specialist at Andrea’s Skin Care, applies foundation with an airbrush to provide customized color matching and a soft-focused, tailored application for long-lasting results. 

Do choose a lipstick or gloss. If you’re not a lipstick wearer, then choose something with a little color for a complete look. 

Don’t go into your special day unprepared. Know the terms and conditions and any additional fees to expect. There may be additional fees for on-location services, early hours, holidays, parking and travel expenses. The makeup artist is usually one of the first vendors to arrive, along with the hairdresser, and they are working under time constraints. The makeup artist and hairdresser need to coordinate their efforts to make sure your look is perfect and your time schedule is properly taken into consideration before photography begins. Communication helps prepare you and the team for this complicated process.

Most importantly, do whatever you can to make sure your wedding is everything you ever dreamed! This list is just the beginning. If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation at Andrea’s Skin Care, our team is waiting for you!

Andrea’s Skin Care
Andover, Mass.
(978) 749-3161
AndreasSkinCare.com