Wedding Day Makeup Tips
The saying "look good, feel good" is no joke when it comes to your Wedding day.
This should be a day you look your best and feel it too. We know first hand that when your hair and makeup aren't cooperating with you right, it can affect your entire vibe. And this just ain't a day for that.
When hiring a wedding makeup artist there can be so many questions that arise no matter if you are a self proclaimed professional, or if you hardly wear any and prefer more nat-ur-al.
We sat down with one of our favorite Austin Wedding Hair and Makeup artists, Chloe, Manager at Mission Style House in Austin Texas and asked her all the burning questions we see brides curious about or too afraid to ask.
At a minimum take away we want you to be properly prepared and prepped for your bridal makeup needs so that you can go into the day feeling and looking your best! Don’t switch up your skin routine suddenly the final week of your wedding where you cause yourself skin irritations.
(Stay for the end to see a sample timeline)
It is more difficult to fix a bad spray tan or extreme lash extensions, than just doing it right the first time. You properly preparing will in return ensure that your MUA (makeup artist) can do their best to make you look and feel your best.
After reading the pro tips, you can take what you learn from Chloe and book them directly for your trial and wedding day at https://www.missionstylehouse.com/ or take these tips to your own MUA to confirm and set yourself up for the best makeover yet!
Alright, Let's get right into it.
Q&A with Chloe:
1. Wedding Makeup Trials: When, What, Who, Where, Why
“There really is no right or wrong answer for this! However we typically recommend doing your trial within 6 months of your wedding. Your trial run will be with the same artists assigned for your wedding day and are a great opportunity to get to know your stylists on a personal level and see what you will look like on your big day. We always recommend a trial as it is your test run and a chance to work out all of the things you love or loath to get it right on wedding day.”
We also recommend bringing photos of how you wear your makeup daily, times you have loved your makeup, and inspiration photos to show your stylist. Everyone has their own preference and styles which is why this trial is critical.
We also always tell our clients that they should take photos of their makeup and write down things they loved and hated so that when it comes to the big day they can pull up their notes for the stylist to adjust. (Pay attention to things like- did it last all day, smudge, did it get cakey or were you really oily or dry)
Always ask if this is included in the price or an additional cost. Tip: Great day to schedule engagement photos right after or a date night so your beautiful makeup does not go to waste!
Skin Preparation
Drink lots of water- We CANNOT stress this enough! Water will make you glow from the inside out.
Start your professional skincare routine months prior to get you to your desired texture. We recommend seeing a professional esthetician to work through the best regiment for you.
Bring your moisturizer to the appointment so your stylist can check for compatible ingredients in foundations.
Micro derming more than at least 48 hours before will help your makeup look flawless. We recommend trying this prior to wedding week.
ANYTHING new that you do for your prep, talk with a specialist for the right products and schedule and give yourself ample time to see how you like things.
What to Wear to your Trial or Day Of
Preferably a blouse that has the same or similar neckline as your dress
If you plan on getting a tan for your wedding have one for your trial also, if possible.
We recommend you wear white, (we know not all wedding dresses are white, if this is you, please wear the color of your dress). Colors oddly do a lot to your skin tone.
2. What if I am unhappy with my wedding trial? What about the day of? How do we address this without being hurtful?
“We want every single person in our chair to leave happy and comfortable. Sometimes clients don't realize they don't like something/want something changed until later in the day, in which case please reach out to your planner or the manager and they will be happy to pass your feedback along to your stylists. It does NOT hurt our feelings! We will ask you if you want anything different in person, please use that opportunity to tell us anything you would like different! Every person on our team has been in the industry for 7+ years and we are very open to all feedback.”
“In this case with every stylist or vendor they will tell you the same thing. Transparency is key and we don’t take it personally. We cannot be mind readers, everyone has a different style, and maybe there is another fit.”
Repeat Tip: Write down in your notes things you want to change and take pictures so when you are looking back on wedding day you know exactly what to change.
3. Does it help to have wedding makeup inspirational photos?
“Extremely! We love inspiration photos! Please be mindful that you want to find inspiration pictures with people who have similar features, skin tone and hair color as you. Also, it is meant to be an inspiration and not an exact duplicate!
It also helps to have a photo of how you normally wear your makeup or moments you have felt your prettiest, as you are probably coming barefaced and your stylist has not met you before.”
4. What is the ideal Timing for hair and makeup to be complete before pictures start?
“We leave this up to the photographer and planner to determine! They will know exactly how much time is needed before the ceremony for the pictures they need.”
Usually you want to wrap thirty minutes before you will be needed for photos. Your stylist will usually hang around for touch ups right before ceremony starts.
5. How long Does it take per person, per service?
“We give an hour per service for bridal services (2 hours for both hair and makeup) & 40 minutes per bridesmaids/mom/attendant service.” This is pretty standard.
6. Where in the line up does the bride go?
“This depends on personal preference, the usual order is makeup somewhere in the middle of services and then hair last. But if you have a preference of where you would like to go we can adjust the schedule however you like.”
7. Who is responsible for creating the makeup and hair timeline?
Leave this up to your professionals to decide hair and makeup timelines as their stylists may be doubling for hair and makeup as well as arriving later than another. You will need to confirm the names and number of people requiring services and this will help fill in that timeline.
If you have a preference of who will need to have their services done first or last, also let them know!
8. How to encourage / talk to people who never wear makeup about getting theirs done on wedding day?
“Most of our clients wear barely any makeup or none at all- we are very used to doing a natural "your face but enhanced" look! In the last decade I have been doing bridal makeup, many, many times there will be a bridesmaid(s) who don't sign up but then once they see everyone else getting hair and makeup done, they want to be added on at the last minute. We cannot guarantee adding people on the day of since we are always on a strict timeline, so if someone is on the fence we highly recommend they sign up in advance! It's so nice to just be able to relax and enjoy the morning and not have to worry about doing your own makeup or hair.”
It is also not rude to ask them to get it professionally done and you can reasure them it will be natural. Let them know it photographs better and it will be noticable with editing photos when some of the bridesmaids are sharper than others with their features.
9. If people really insist on doing it themselves what is your advice?
“Absolutely put on more than you think you need. You have to think "how will this show up in a picture" VS how it looks staring directly into a mirror. Also- false lashes elevate a look to the next level as well as adding some dimension with contour!”
Again, we do’t recommend adding something new if you haven’t practiced it a few times.
10. Will your MUA stay through the ceremony for touch ups?
“We can if you want to! There is an additional hourly rate for staying on site once all touch ups after services are completed. We will always stay to touch up the bride before they start photos, but if you want us to stay after ceremony there will likely be an additional fee.”
11. Why is my wedding makeup more than my bridesmaids?
“The difference in our prices between the bride and the bridesmaids is $30. And that is because you do get more attention, it's our priority to make sure that if anything needs to be changed, that the focus is on you. We are spending more time on your service as well.
Trust us- you want us to spend more time and attention on you as the bride.”
12. Why is wedding makeup more than other special events?
“Same as above, the care and attention to detail to make everything perfect is much higher than any other day or event. Everyone is important, but our bride deserves to have extra time and focus to get it just right.”
13. How much should I budget per person for hair and makeup?
“For bridal $140-$160 per service, for bridesmaids/attendants $100-$125. (Costs vary based on airbrush VS traditional, if clip-in extensions are applied etc.”
If you are requiring hair and makeup be professionally done, it is customary to pay for these services. Otherwise leave it up to your party and collect venmos to cover the cost.
14. Does it cost the same for natural makeup vs glam ?
“Yes! We do not charge different prices, whether the look is super simple or very dramatic it's the same cost.”
15. What kind of space do you need for set up?
“A lot of table space is a must! The more room so it's not too tight and cramped is best. Natural lighting is preferred but we have ring lights that we can use if necessary.”
16. Tips for best photographed makeup?
“A natural false eyelash to make the eyes pop, a matte t-zone & extra blush/bronzer make a world of difference!”
17. What is the tipping protocol for wedding hair and makeup?
“We are appreciative of any amount, most clients leave 15-20% of the services total.”
Speaking of cost, please note if travel is already included for your stylist or if this is a separate charge. Each company does things differently!
18. Wedding Day Skin Prep Do's and Don'ts
Facials- 1-2 weeks before wedding. Start working with your esthetician early to get on a routine and regimen.
Waxing- Allow more than 48 hours between waxing your eyebrows or lip to ensure that foundation will stick and not wipe off with sweat. We reccomend micro-derming.
Tanning- Spray tan 1-2 days before wedding.
Exfoliating- Night before wedding. (keep in mind this may affect your spray tan)
19. What if I want my freckles to show?
“No problem! Just let your artist know. We can do light coverage, but can also do very full coverage if you're wanting everything covered!”
20. Thoughts on Lash extensions?
“Lash extensions are great! Especially if you are going on a honeymoon right after your wedding and want to still feel dolled up.”
21. Will you apply falscara or lashes under my lashes? Can I bring in my own product for you to use?
“No, we only use regular strip or individual lashes applied above the lash line. We will gladly use a specific false lash provided by you, but you don't have to bring any as lashes are included in the service cost. If you prefer to attach them yourselves, feel free.
Tip: Include eyelash glue in your emergency kit for touchups
22. Airbrush vs regular wedding makeup?
Airbrush Pros:
seamless coverage,
flawless natural finish
non-comedogenic (it won't clog your pores)
hypoallergenic
light-weight
does not transfer
offers a bond that will stay strong for 6 to 8 hours
Airbrush Disadvantage:
the product doesn't work well with sunburn, excess hair, or dry skin.
The fine mist will pick up any fine hairs or dry skin patches.
touch ups will break down the coverage if it is a silicone-based airbrush formula
“Here is a link to a fantastic article that explains the differences in a super easy and simplified way! https://www.beautyintervention.com/charlotte-wedding-makeup/airbrush-makeup-vs-tradtional-makeup "
23. What can you do if I am sunburnt ?
“Unfortunately there isn't much that can be done. Time and hydrating the skin really well will be the only thing that will help, we can do our best to cover the redness, but if skin is flaking off unfortunately there isn't a way for us to fix that. Use Sunscreen the months leading up to your wedding and Hydrate a ton!”
What about dry skin?
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink lots of water and use your moisturizer day and night. Let us know your skin is dry in your consultation and we will prep your skin appropriately.”
24. If I had to buy a few products for touch ups / to make sure my makeup last, what would you recommend?
“Blotting papers & a full size lipstick that you love. Ask for a sample of your foundation just incase you need to reapply in areas that wipe off!”
25. What if I do my makeup a certain way? Can you replicate that? Can I do parts myself?
“If there is something you are particular about and want to do yourself, that's totally fine! Just let us know so when we get to that part we can have you do it. We can try our best to get it as close as possible to what you are wanting, but in some situations it's best to just do that part yourself if you know you love how you do it.”
26. Best wedding day lipstick shades / brands to last all day?
“Charlotte Tilbury is a go to favorite! Wedding Bells is a beautiful color, but If color is not your thing, gloss is always a fun pop to add. If it is a windy day however, you may want to avoid this for photo sake of hair getting stuck.”
27. Can you make my face skinnier?
“We can definitely contour you! We also recommend trying out gua shua or getting lymphatic drainage massages before your wedding to see if that helps slim out any excess water and toxins in your skin!”
28. What if I am worried about sweat?
“Having done hundreds of weddings in Texas, we hear this concern A LOT! We have lots of tricks and products to help with this. Gripping primers, setting powders and sprays ETC. Just let your artist know this is a concern for you and they will prep your skin accordingly! Again, do not wax your face less than 48 hours before or makeup will have a harder time sticking.”
Lastly we have included a little freebee of an example hair and makeup schedule for your wedding day. Please note that the number of services will affect the number of stylist needed.
We recommend that you work backwards and figure out what time you need to be ready for photos.
Based on a 10am start time, with 10 total services (5 hair/ 5 makeup), needing to be ready by 3pm:
10:00-10:30 set up
10:30-11:15 hair 1
10:30-11:15 makeup 1
11:15-12:00 hair 2
11:15-12:00 makeup 2
12:00-12:45 hair 3
12:00-12:45 makeup 3
12:45-1:45 hair 4 (bride)
12:45-1:30 makeup 4
1:45-2:15 hair 5
1:30-2:30 makeup 5 (bride)
3:00 Photos
4:00 Touch Ups
4:30 Ceremony
*If you have more time than this for your wedding day we recommend starting later rather than finishing earlier, but it all comes down to locations, logistics, and amount of services.
Thank you to Chloe and Mission Style house for always making us feel beautiful and for spreading knowledge on all of the makeup do's and don'ts for your wedding day!
Are you ready to book your HMUA for your big day but don’t know where to start? Reach out to us and we are happy to recommend some of our favorite Austin HMUA for you!