Photo: Tiffany and Ryland Photography
Your wedding, one of the best days of your life, can feel overwhelming when you consider the planning. And the way you look is part of this process, since all eyes and the cameras will be on you. To help you relieve some stress on your big day, I have answered the top 15 questions brides ask about their wedding makeup.
1. What is the best bridal makeup look for me?
The best bridal makeup is the one that makes you feel like yourself. Are you a more natural or full-on glam girl? Then stick with your comfort level, yet complementing your wedding vibe. That is why consultations and trials are important. I will work with you to create the best look that makes you feel your best.
2. Should I follow bridal makeup trends or stick with something classic?
Trends are fun, but they come and go most of the time, yet your wedding photos last forever. Classic makeup doesn’t mean boring, on the contrary, it means it will look elegant even years from now. In the end, the decision is yours.
3. How do I prepare my skin for wedding makeup?
I love it when brides-to-be ask me this question. I noticed such a difference on their wedding day when they followed my suggestions without hesitation. Because great skin equals great makeup, start a skincare routine months before your wedding to address any concerns like dryness, discoloration, or texture. Do not wait till last minute, as your skin needs at least three months to show results.
4. How can I make sure my wedding makeup lasts all day?
A professional makeup artist is going to use the right products and techniques. Do not expect it to be just one product, as bridal makeup requires multiple steps to guarantee its longevity. One product cannot do it all. On the other hand, too many products can have the opposite effect, like causing the makeup to peel. Thus, it should be a good balance in between. That is why a bridal trial is also a great start to test the longevity. However, a touch-up kit is suggested to keep you fresh throughout the day. Even the best products and techniques are not going to keep your face looking like when they were applied.
5. Should I do airbrush makeup or stick to traditional techniques?
Airbrush makeup is great for lightweight, natural looks and works well for brides who don’t like the feel or look of makeup. Traditional makeup, on the other hand, offers more versatility in texture and coverage. I base this decision on the look you prefer and what you choose to have applied. I offer both as options at the trial. Some people love airbrush and some don’t. So again, the decision is yours. And as a side note, most of my brides have a hard time choosing between the two, as even the traditional makeup looks natural with the right products and techniques.
6. What’s the most important makeup area for photos?
Number one is your skin (foundation and blush) as it is the biggest area on your face that is visible. Then your eyebrows and eyeliner, as they are key for photos. Nicely defined eyebrows frame your face, and a touch of liner creates a nice definition for pictures.
7. How far in advance should I book my bridal makeup artist?
For peak wedding season (spring, fall and winter in Arizona) and weekends, book your makeup artist 8-12 months in advance to secure your date. Your trial should be scheduled at least 1-4 months before the big day.
8. How much time should I set aside for makeup on the wedding morning?
I suggest planning at least 60–90 minutes for bridal makeup, and 45-60 minutes for each member of your bridal party (depending on their look). Your final timeline depends on the number of people getting services, so discuss a schedule with your makeup artist to stay stress-free. At Makeup By Diana, you should not have to worry about this, as it is going to be provided to you ahead of time.
9. What should I bring to my bridal makeup trial?
Bring photos of your dress, wedding theme details, and inspiration pics for your desired look. Select pictures that are close to your complexion and be very specific about what you like most in each photo. Also, let your makeup artist know about any allergies or preferences ahead of time. My brides always get a “what to expect at the bridal trial” information ahead of time.
10. How can I avoid looking washed out in wedding photos?
Minimally defined makeup may look great in person but can appear washed out on camera. I recommend using a little more color and definition than usual, especially for the cheeks, eyeshadow and lips. Plus, testing the look under varying lighting conditions during the trial ensures the look is photo-perfect.
11. What if I cry during the ceremony? Will my makeup smudge?
Wedding tears happen all the time and they are allowed. Having a tissue handy is a great idea (hide it in your bouquet or in the groom’s suit pockets). Blotting instead of wiping is recommended, as you prevent creating friction and altering the makeup. A small amount of smudge is normal. I won’t lie. However, black eyes and tears (the same color) coming down the face are not very appealing and it should not happen.
12. What’s the best foundation for wedding makeup?
The right foundation for your wedding day depends on your skin type, tone, and the finish that you prefer. I prefer to use long-lasting and medium-to-full coverage foundations that also photograph beautifully, yet not feeling heavy. During a trial, we’ll discover the best product for you.
13. Should I splurge on a touch-up kit?
Absolutely! A small touch-up kit with your lipstick, pressed powder and blotting sheets is a wedding-day must to keep your makeup fresh all day and night.
14. Can I do my own makeup to save money?
While DIY makeup can save money upfront, it’s often one of the biggest wedding regrets. I hear this quite often from past brides: they either end up hating how they look in their photos, or they remember the stress of trying to perfect their look on their own the morning of the wedding. Many tell me they wish they had skipped something unnecessary and used that money to invest in feeling and looking their best instead. Stress on top of another stress does not bring the greatest results. If budget is an issue, most artists offer flexible packages to meet your needs.
15. How do I ensure my makeup artist understands my vision?
Communication is key! Share your likes and dislikes, inspiration photos, wedding colors, and dress details. During your trial, I’ll look for your honest feedback and make sure that the final result is a look you won’t just like, but you’ll love!
So plan ahead and ask the right questions. I hope you found this article helpful. If you are still looking for a bridal makeup artist in Arizona, then let’s chat about your bridal makeup today, as trial spots fill quickly!