Brides, it’s time to think about your wedding makeup! You’ve probably got lots of questions – choosing the right products, makeup trial do’s and don’ts, having that beautiful glow, what makeup artists costs, and more. Take a peek at our fabulous wedding makeup artists as they answer all of your frequently asked questions.
How can I look like myself on my wedding day?
This is one of Audrey O’Connor‘s biggest tips: “Stay true to you!” Nothing is out of bounds on your Big Day, but you want your makeup to reflect your everyday style so you can look and feel like the best version of yourself.
She adds, “If you are a red lip person or a natural/neutral lip person, don’t make a dramatic change for your wedding day. Always keep your personal style in mind. Almost always, I will ask the bride to bring her collection of lipsticks with her on the day of the trial and I’ll ask her what is your favorite go-to lipstick. This is a perfect starting point because now I know this is the shade range we need to be in when we make our final decision.”
What’s your favourite blusher?
2023 brides, want to know which blusher is best? Audrey Bourke shares her favourite: “Rosy Glow by Dior. It looks amazing on every skin tone!”
Do I have to have a makeup trial?
According to Maria from Allure, a makeup trial isn’t necessary, but she highly recommends one! It’s a great opportunity to get to know your makeup artist, browse through their portfolio, and see if you just “click”.
Maria says, “Trial is not your way or their way, trial is like two lane high road = combining your ideas and hopes and our experience and expertise to get to the final destination – bride to be looking and feeling like the the most beautiful version of herself. That’s the kind of person you want around you and your family on the morning of your wedding. So are trial’s important? In my opinion absolutely.”
If you want a “test run” of your wedding day makeup look as well as the products that will be used, a trial is a great space to do that! Christine O’Connor recommends a makeup trial because it’ll keep your wedding morning free from stress, knowing that everything will run smoothly. She adds, “Makeup is visual and can be difficult to describe. Also, quite often the meaning of terms like “natural makeup” or a “smokey eye” varies for each client. So, being able to see the makeup in person and make any changes from there will go a long way for both you and the artist.”
Bonus: “I suggest coming without makeup on. Makeup done on fresh and clean skin looks the best.”
Wedding morning: How much time will I need? Should I hire an assistant? What comes first, hair or makeup?
Here’s what Aoife suggests: “I always recommend reaching out to your artist and asking them to book an assistant they trust to come and help with bookings over 5 people. This means the whole morning will be super relaxed and everyone in the bridal party will feel stunning. The feedback I get from brides who hired my assistants is incredible. It’s a morning they always remember full of stories shared over lipstick and Prosecco. You want to feel perfect and perfection takes time.”
If you don’t want your girls up at 6am getting their makeup done, then an assistant makeup artist is a great asset to the wedding morning team.
Will I need to get my makeup touched up at some point on the day?
Wondering when to do touch ups? This is Sara’s advice: “I always advise my brides to touch up their lips straight after the ceremony as this is when the majority of your photos will be taken and then every time she visits the bathroom, just touch up the lips. Regardless of skin type, I would suggest a bride has a pressed powder for the day. Apart from that, you shouldn’t need to touch up the makeup at all.”
For lips, Nelly recommends a lip stain liquid lipstick for a long lasting effect.
How can I have glowy skin on my wedding day?
Grainne also recommends a cleanser, toner (optional), serum, moisturiser and of course, SPF (nothing less than factor 30).
How do I choose a wedding makeup artist? What do they cost?
And what should you expect to pay? Laura says, “Prices range from €350 to €800 depending on where your wedding will be and the size of your bridal party. Most of the artists also ask for a deposit to book your date in.”