First of all, makeup and hair should be a part of every bride’s wedding budget. I’m not recommending this because I am a professional artist, but if you leave everything else to the professionals, why wouldn’t you hire someone for the most important part…you?!
Wedding day stress can be overwhelming and the last thing you need to worry about is how you look. A qualified artist can help make you feel relaxed and pampered. But how do you choose a makeup artist? Well here’s some valuable tips…
1. Don’t go to a makeup counter. These people are trained to sell makeup, not apply it. You are taking a chance on dealing with someone who has never applied makeup for photography or special events. But feel free to ask them if they can refer someone, often times a professional freelance makeup artist will purchase their makeup from that location so the sales personnel are familiar with them. Do ask your photographer. Do search online. Call a local modeling agency and ask who they use for their models.
2. If the makeup artist doesn’t have a portfolio, don’t hire them. If they don’t have the experience or interest in providing their clients with a professional portfolio then this is someone you don’t want to rely on for your wedding day. And ask for professional references from other brides and photographers.
3. Book a full consultation. This may be included in their rate or some artists charge a reasonable extra fee. Either way, it’s worth it. This way both of you can make sure you are compatible, you can practice your colors and application and the artist will be prepared on wedding day because they will already have your look picked out. Make sure the artist fills out a “face chart” and makes it available to you. (note: you may want to purchase the lip product prior to the wedding for touch-ups on your special day).
4. Upon you initial conversation, ask the artist what brand(s) they use. This is very important. Make sure it is a brand you are familiar with or are comfortable using. The wedding day is not the time to experiment with new makeup that can irritate your skin. Feel free to request the artist use any of your own makeup products if you feel more comfortable with the ingredients or shades.
5. Hygiene. This is the most important aspect of using a makeup artist. Look carefully at their makeup kit. Make sure every product is clean. Make sure all products are applied with a DISPOSABLE applicator. Make sure all “cream” products are not expired and the applicators are sanitized with 70% isprophyl alchohol. Feel free to request the artist clean their brushes and applicators in front of you before beginning an application. And make sure they cleanse their hands before touching you.
Kym McClean is owner of Who’s the Fairest and a well respected Charlotte Makeup Artist.
