There’s more that goes into hiring a wedding makeup artist than you may think.
Image courtesy of Cristina Ashley Beauty LLC
You’ve followed your favorites on Instagram, scrolled through BOLI Preferred Vendor profiles at length, and have read hundreds of reviews in the brides-only Facebook group. Your search for a wedding makeup artist has officially begun…and you’re already overwhelmed.
We get it. Putting together your dream vendor team is quite the undertaking. In Brides of Long Island’s latest series, we explain how to prepare for hiring each of your vendors — from photographers to florists and everything in between.
BOLI tapped two of our Preferred Vendors — Beauté Plans by A + C and Cristina Ashley Beauty LLC — for their thoughts on what to expect when hiring a wedding makeup artist. Here’s what they said.
Image courtesy of Beauté Plans by A+C
Book with a deposit — not an email
When you find the makeup artist you want to work with, know that you’ll be expected to sign on the dotted line.
“Many brides don’t realize that a date isn’t officially reserved until a deposit is paid and a contract is signed,” said Victoria with Beauté Plans by A + C. “Inquiry emails do not hold your date.”
So after you’ve discovered “the one,” don’t hesitate to get your contracts and deposits squared away quickly. Dates can book up fast, especially in busier months.
A good artists is more than their pictures
Cristina with Cristina Ashley Beauty LLC recommends that you consider lots of different factors when looking for an artist — not just their Instagram posts.
“It’s important to look beyond a portfolio of beautiful photos,” she said. “Ask about sanitation practices, experience with different skin tones and skin types, longevity techniques, professionalism, communication, and whether the artist has a reliable timeline for wedding mornings. A calm, organized artist can make a significant difference in creating a relaxed getting ready experience.”
Image courtesy of Cristina Ashley Beauty LLC
Trials are key
Both Victoria and Cristina stressed the importance of your makeup trial.
“We highly recommend scheduling your makeup trial as early as possible, especially during peak wedding season. Popular artists book up quickly, and having your trial done early ensures you secure your date and have peace of mind,” said Victoria.
“A bridal trial is much more than a makeup appointment,” added Cristina. “It’s an opportunity to build trust with your artist, discuss your vision, evaluate how products wear throughout the day, and make any adjustments well before the wedding. Brides should come prepared with inspiration photos, but also remain open to professional recommendations based on their skin type, features, wedding style, and the season. There are a lot of details that go into prepping them for their special day. “
Photos help, but manage your expectations
On the subject of inspiration photos, both Victoria and Cristina advised brides to stay realistic when it comes to their wedding day look.
“Bringing inspiration photos to your trial is incredibly helpful, but it’s important to remember that lighting, skin tone, and photo editing play a big role,” said Victoria. “Your artist will work with you to customize a look that enhances your natural, unique features. we always recommend having photos that look like YOU, with similar coloring.”
Cristina agreed. “One of the most important things brides should know is that your makeup artist should be someone who enhances your natural beauty while making you feel like the best version of yourself, not someone who changes your appearance,” she said. “On your wedding day, you should still look like you, just elevated, confident, and camera ready.”
Image courtesy of Beauté Plans by A + C
Healthy skin is in
Your skin will play a major factor in your overall bridal look, so if you aren’t already, start taking care of that gorgeous face!
“Your makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath,” said Victoria. “Starting a consistent skincare routine months before your wedding day makes a massive difference in how your makeup applies and wears throughout the day.”
“Skincare leading up to the wedding is just as important as the makeup itself,” Cristina echoed. “Healthy, well-hydrated skin creates the best canvas for long lasting, flawless makeup. Your artist should be willing to provide skincare guidance before the big day so your makeup performs at its best.”