One of the most common stories I hear from brides is how they were not happy with their wedding makeup. And honestly, that breaks my heart every time. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you deserve to look and feel your best.
Since I have already shared in a previous post why a bridal makeup trial is important, today I want to focus on something equally important: how to effectively communicate your makeup vision to your artist.
As a bride-to-be, feeling like yourself (just a more enhanced version) is key. If you look in the mirror and don’t recognize yourself, it can affect your confidence and mood throughout the entire day. This is why clear communication with your makeup artist is a must.
1. Bring inspiration photos that reflect not just the style you love, but also models or brides with similar features to yours. Consider:
🗸Skin tone and undertone
🗸Face shape
🗸Eye shape and color
🗸Brow shape
🗸Overall complexion
Why does this matter? Because what looks great on someone with different features might not translate the same way on you. A good makeup artist will know how to tailor the look, but having relatable reference photos gives us a strong starting point.
2. Explain what you like in the photos
Don’t just show the picture, but also explain what you love about it. Zoom in and point out specific details:
✔️Is it the matte skin finish?
✔️The soft blush?
✔️The defined brows?
✔️The nude glossy lip?
✔️The warm-toned eyeshadow?
What you see and love in a look may not be what we notice as artists. So be specific and tell us what catches your eye and how you imagine it working for you.
3. Know your preferences
Even if you don’t have photos, come prepared with answers to questions like:
✅Do you prefer a matte or dewy finish?
✅Do you like highlighter?
✅Do you want eyeliner (top and/or bottom)?
✅Glossy lips or matte?
✅Do you want a bold lash look or something more natural?
✅How dramatic or how soft do you want your eye makeup?
✅Do you want a natural makeup look or a glam one?
These questions help us, makeup artists, create a look that aligns with what your vision is, even if you don’t have exact references.
4. Be open to suggestions
Sometimes, the makeup look you fall in love with online might not be the best fit for your facial features, skin type or wedding setting (hello Arizona heat). A professional makeup artist will always aim to strike a balance between what you want and what works best for you. Trust their experience and be open to collaboration.
Great wedding makeup comes down to clear communication and mutual trust. The more honest and detailed you are about your look, the more your artist can bring that vision to life, so you can walk down the aisle feeling confident, radiant and 100% you.