Your Wedding Makeup Trial

You'll want to arrange a wedding makeup trial around 3 months before the big day. Here are our tips on what to expect from your makeup trial and makeup artist...

Take inspiration pictures

As with your hair trial, taking pictures or a Pinterest board is a great way to let your wedding makeup artist know what kind of look you're after. Your makeup artist will ask you lots of questions about how you usually wear your makeup, what kind of wedding you're having and how you envision yourself looking on the big day, so having an inspiration board handy will give them a better idea of what you're looking for. 

Dress the part

We recommend that you wear a white or very light top on the day, so that your makeup artist can see how the makeup shades work when set against ivory. White reflects light up at the face, so it can really change the tones of any makeup you're wearing. 

Proper prep

To get the most out of your wedding makeup trial, make sure to do a little prep first. Groom your eyebrows - if you're waxing, we recommend at least a two-day gap to avoid redness. Exfoliate using a gentle scrub or flannel to remove any dead or flaky skin. Apply a moisturising face mask the night before. Your makeup will sit much better on a smooth, hydrated surface. If you're worried about any specific aspects of your skin, such as acne, dryness or rosacea, your makeup artist should be able to give you some good skincare tips to stick to ahead of the big day. 

Don't be afraid to tweak

The whole point of a makeup trial is to test a few different things before the day. If you want to try a few different lip colours, or want to try darkening the eyes after the look is finished, just let your makeup artist know! You may decide that you want to make changes after the trial is over and you've seen your makeup in a few different lights. Simply speak to your artist so that she knows well in advance of the big day. 

Picky about products?

If you're dead set on using a specific product, such as a lipstick shade that you love or a foundation that you know works well for your skin, then bring it along to the trial with you. If you have a specific colour or brand in mind, check with your makeup artist in advance. 

Ask about timing

It's likely that your makeup during the trial will take longer than your actual wedding makeup. However, it's always worth asking how long you think the look will take to recreate on the wedding day so that you can plan your schedule accordingly. This is especially true if your hair and makeup are being done by the same person!

Looking for the perfect makeup artist? Find your local beauty expert here.