Bridal Trials

Anymore the fall is just as busy with weddings as the summer is. Once a bride or someone in the bridal party contacts me I always bring up a makeup trial. Some gals want to practice others want to save some money. In this blog I want to give future brides a list of helpful things to consider before a trial.


First off most trials are NOT free. The reason is because artist have to pay expenses/ taxes and there is nothing to say someone will get free makeup and never call again. Artist look to make a living and as fun as makeup is it isn’t a hobby it’s their career.


If an artist says she does do free trials she may be very new at makeup or may add the fee into the bride’s price for the final bill.


When going to a bridal trial take any images of what you would like to have done. Texture/shades of shadows, color ideas for lips and photos of your dress and accessories also might help.


Make sure you have your brows shaped prior and any other facial waxing services this will help your makeup look complete.


Take someone you trust with you. Pictures from your bathroom sent after from a cell phone won’t do the makeup justice.


Plan how much time you will be at the trial; don’t rush the process.


Communicate with your makeup artist. It might be an easy fix to what is bothering you if you’re not satisfied.


Don’t expect a few different styles of makeup on the trial. There is generally one idea and then tweaked from there.


Make sure the makeup you want is practical to your facial features.


The artist may have suggestions; keep an open mind.


Make sure you sign a contact and ask what happens if the artist is sick.


If you don’t do a trial send over a photo of yourself in makeup to the artist before the wedding and discuss over the phone any expectations.


Discuss exit times for the bridal party so a timeline can be made on the wedding day.


On the wedding day never be the last one getting makeup applied. You will feel rushed and you will be needed for photos before you head out to the ceremony. Consider this in your timeline.


Your wedding day should be a dream come true. Make sure you find an artist that fits your style and if she is amazing BOOK her then! Don’t wait because amazing artist get booked almost a year in advance and if you call back she might be unavailable.

Eye Candy

Over the course of my career eye makeup has changed so much, from blue eye shadow to the smoky eye. Usually, trends start at Fashion Week and move into the mainstream. Cream and glitter shadows are worn on celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Christine Aguilera. This type of shadow is pretty but I do suggest if you are being photographed by camera phones for an event that you mix in some matte shadow. This will help bring down the shine of the lids.

  First, before you apply any shadow, use an eye shadow primer first. A liquid foundation can also work on your lids, this will help shadow stay placed and not smear or wear off before you want it to. Many cosmetic companies sell lid primer. I like Laura Geller’s it can be found at ULTA stores or on her website. You really don’t want to use more than three colors on your lids. If you do exceed three, it just looks a mess. If you’re afraid of color choices ask for help at the department store or Sephora. Don’t ask the clerk at Walgreen’s; while they are nice, they generally are not trained for this.

 Cream shadows have a nice pearl look to them. I suggest SMASHBOX Limitless it is 15 hour long wear. I use a lot of this product as a base and also alone. It has build able coverage and you can use matte shadows with it. London Butter has an awesome cream shadow called WINK color English Rose It comes in a tube with an applicator. The colors are beautiful and highly pigmented.

 As far as bold colors, Urban Decay has velvety suede shades. Pictured below is Free Love it is a peach color and in this  spring it will be a must have. M A C also has Pigment it is a highly concentrated loose powder shadow.  The gold I have photographed below has a sparkle high shine metal look. It does not streak or smear. I suggest with all shadows you do your eye makeup first to avoid shadow fallout on your foundation under your eyes.

 Eye shadow can look more intense my patting it on and not using brush strokes. It is best to use brushes not a sponge applicator. I hope these tips help you with your eye shadow choices. While I am at the makeup counter, I see the shadow colors and it reminds me of candy; not that it is sweet of course but how I usually can't pick just one.  

Laura Geller

Smashbox

London Butter

Urban Decay

MAC