PREPARING FOR YOUR MAKEUP PREVIEW
 

Wear a top with a color and neckline similar to that of your bridal gown. That will make a huge difference on how the makeup and hair will appear to you.

Bring all of your accessories such as jewelry and veil to the trial. These will help you envision the whole look.

We strongly encourage browsing online (Pinterest is often useful), as well as in fashion and bridal magazines to discover and gather the makeup and hair looks that appeal to you most. Ask yourself what you like about the images and what draws you towards certain looks: the eyes, lips, skin, or general feel.

Think about what skin finish you might want: glowy, matte or just natural. Would you want full coverage, medium or light. Are there any skin concerns you want to address with the makeup artist?

Choose images where the models are similar to you in terms of face and eye shape, skin tone and hair color. Certain looks can be amazing on pale skin and others on olive skin, and a similar logic applies to hair color. In general, you want to work with your natural beauty, not against it. 

Please note that not all looks are possible on all faces and hair. The makeup will look very different on someone with big eyes and a lot of lid space and very different on someone who has more of an almond shaped eyes. Same when it comes to lip shape and size as well as texture and thickness of hair.

When we meet for your makeup and hair trial, we will look at the images you’ve collected and discuss them with you. Some people will look at a photo and see mostly dramatic eye makeup, while others will focus on the glowing skin. The key is to arrive at a common vision of the look you want to create. If you aren’t sure about what this should be, we can give you suggestions and figure out together what would work best for you and the style of your wedding look.

We all have extensive experience working with different media – from photography and videography to film, so you can be assured you are in good hands. While your bridal look needs to be a bit more polished and enhanced from the everyday look, it is a myth that you need very heavy makeup for it to show on photos, as most wedding photographers now use natural light, or at most a flash (which is never directed at the subjects). In other words, soft, glowy makeup is completely fine. It is also okay to have “dewy” makeup on your wedding day; no need for a full-face matte look.

Incorporate a pop of color, such as lipstick, gloss, or blush, to enhance your overall appearance and prevent appearing washed out in white or ivory attire.

Please arrive with your hair washed and dried. Please, bring images of hairstyles you are considering with you to the trial. If your hair is thin or short and you would like to wear it down, you might consider clip-in extensions to help add volume and/or length. We do have few colors at the studio which you can try on and see how you like them.

If you are considering a bun and would like to add volume extensions will not be necessary. We can use a mesh insert, just please let us know ahead of time so we can be prepared.

Each makeup application and hairstyle we do is individualized to your style and needs. We use techniques such as contouring, brow fill-in and false eyelashes on all of our clients, however, all shade and finishes are customized just for you. We also suggest that you do your facial waxing/tweezing/threading before your preview and few days before wedding day. 

In preparing for your wedding, it is important to make sure you take exceptional care of your skin in the months leading up to the big day.

We highly recommend Rescue Spa if you are in Philadelphia or NYC. They can help you customize your facials according to your skin needs and help you achieve that perfect glow even before we start on makeup.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid over-exposure to the sun (including tanning booths.) Follow a good skin care regime diligently, and, if possible, have facials done monthly. For additional tips on skin care visit our blog:

» LIPSTICK ON THE MIRROR «

or ask us directly about recommendations on products and local spas. A healthy moisturized skin will help you achieve your goal of flawless glowing makeup.

If you are a regular user of anti-acne or retinol-based products, I recommend lowering the frequency of applications to a few times a week and focus on deep moisturizing instead. We would much rather cover a pimple or two than have to deal with dry, flakey skin.

If you are fair and want a bronzed makeup look it will be very hard to achieve with makeup alone. We would recommend a light airbrush tan before the big day. Our favorite is Baked in Philadelphia.