So you’ve tried different hairstyles in the past and have followed some makeup trends but always came back to the basics, or, have resigned yourself to the complex. Whatever the case might be for you, on your wedding day, you’ll definitely want to look your best–for your fiance, family, guests, and especially for the cameras. You’re spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on your dress alone, not to mention the cake, invitations, DJ, flowers, and the rest of the very long list of expenses, so the two things you need to be at their best is your hair and makeup.

Top 10 Mistakes Brides Make With Their Wedding Hair and Makeup

Winging it isn’t an option, especially for such a big day, and while you are stressed about getting things done in time, you need to put your best efforts into your makeup and hair. After all, when a friend happens onto your wedding album years from now, you won’t have to dive over the furniture to snatch it away and hide it.

You wouldn’t book a photographer without looking at his portfolio, would you? No. So don’t skip scheduling a trial with your makeup artist. This is an important first step because you need to figure out what look you want and make sure you and your makeup artist are on the same page. The last thing you need is a spur-of-the-moment smoky eye when you wanted a lighter look. –Cosmopolitan

What you want is to look back on your wedding day fondly, not frightened, and, if you make one of these ten hair and makeup mistakes, you might have to keep your wedding pictures under lock and key. Here are the top wedding makeup and hair mistakes you should avoid:

1. Not choosing the right color foundation. The camera won’t be kind if you choose the wrong color foundation. Too light, and you’ll look like you gave blood just before the ceremony. To dark, and you’ll look like a character out of a Tim Burton movie. The camera will only enhance these, so, take the time to get the right color foundation.
2. Sticking to your “comfortable” hair style. Okay, so you have a comfort zone and don’t want to step outside of it. Just know that your stylist has seen all kinds of face shapes, hair colors and types, and knows makeup down to the molecular level. Be open to advice and try different styles, colors, and shades.
3. Picking the wrong colors and shades. Speaking of colors and shades, if you pick the wrong ones, you’ll have to send your wedding pics off to a photo-shop lab. Your colors and shades must complement to your look, your dress, and your wedding colors.
4. Not using waterproof mascara. Let’s face it, when you see your fiance’s face and hear the spoken words, you’re going to get emotional. Tears will be problematic for your eye makeup, so don’t forget to use waterproof mascara.
5. Insisting on a hairstyle that won’t work. Your headpiece and dress might be beautiful, so you don’t want to look as though you borrowed them just minutes before the ceremony. Here again, your stylist is your best friend.
6. Over dramatizing your eyes. A soft and sophisticated look is what you want, and where some brides go wrong is to breakout the black. If you do this, understand that what might look good in-person won’t necessarily look good in photos.
7. Being unwilling to cut off a few inches. So you love your hair length and it’s just got to be long enough for that certain style your set-on, but, you could get a better look by cutting off a few inches.
8. Wearing lipstick or lip gloss. Instead of these, go with lip stain. If you use lip gloss, it will wear-off super quick, and lipstick will get all over your groom. Not to mention that these can cause picture glare or lose definition.
9. Washing your hair and using conditioner. While you might have heard it’s best not to wash your hair the night before, it’s okay. Conditioning, however, is another matter, don’t use it the day of or even the night before.
10. Starting your hair and makeup too late, or, too early. If you wait too long to get your hair and makeup started, you won’t have enough time and that will create super sized stress. By the same token, some makeup does wear off early and hairstyles are permanent. (Our makeup artists use 14-hour wear makeup so that shouldn’t be a problem but something you should definitely consider).  Talk to your makeup artist and hair stylist to time your hair and makeup right to look your best.

If you’re tying the knot, you’ve probably started planning, and, planning big time. The venue, rehearsal, food, flowers, photographer, colors, dress, headpiece, and of course, your makeup. There’s just so much you have to find time for in between your already busy life. If you’ve begun the search for a makeup artist, you probably have a lot of concerns about how you’ll look on your special day, both in person, and, in pictures.

20 Questions You should Ask before Hiring Your Wedding Makeup Artist

While you don’t want to offend someone, tsk-tsk, you do need to know which wedding makeup artist is right for you. After all, you don’t want to look like a clown or a ghost, but you do want the right balance and to look your best when you walk down the aisle.

A good makeup artist can guide you toward a flattering look, but if you speak up more during a trial, you give her/him a better shot at pleasing you. It is important for your artist to know as much about you as possible–how you wear your makeup daily, what colors you’re attracted to, colors that you never wear or dislike, products/finishes that are uncomfortable. –Glamour

If you want to find the right makeup artist but don’t know where to begin, here are twenty questions to ask before you make a decision:

1. Do you specialize in certain techniques? Makeup artists are typically either well-rounded, doing a variety of techniques, or, specialize. So, you ought to be willing to ask what techniques they specialize in and how those might be a good fit for you.
2. What’s your style? The majority of makeup artists have a style, like beauty makeup, dramatic, or vintage inspired. Know which one to help you make a decision.
3. Do you have a portfolio I can see? Makeup artists like to capture their best work, and, to give clients ideas with a portfolio. Flip through it and see what you’ll discover.
4. What products do you use? If you don’t wear a certain brand well or have never tried it, then you should ask about that.
5. What’s your experience and background? Knowing their background and experience is important because it will help you decide if she or he is a good fit.
6. Will my makeup look the same in person and in photographs? There’s no way to guarantee this, but in general, you’ll get an idea if there wi’ll be any big differences.
7. Will my makeup wear well and for how long? All makeup is temporary, and, it will be an emotional day. So, get in the know before your big day.
8. How many people can you handle? Generally speaking, makeup artists work with other professionals and they work well together to handle big bridal parties.
9. I have a skin condition (acne, oily, dry, etc.), can you conceal it? The answer will depend on your type of condition, but again, in general, you’ll be able to conceal problem skin.
10. What happens during the makeup trial? You’ll try different shades, colors, and styles that work best with your face and headpiece.
11. Who will do my makeup on my wedding day, or, what if you can’t make it? The person doing your trial will likely be your artist on your wedding day.
12. Do you offer traditional and/or airbrush makeup? Most artists do both, and, some have more experience in one type than the other.
13. For my skin type, which would work best, traditional or airbrush? The answer will depend on the look you’re going for and your skin type. The artist should be able to tell you which one will work for you.
14. What are your rates and when do I need to book your services? Typically, artists charge a flat rate and give group discount rates. You should book her services as soon as possible.
15. Will you do touch-ups after the ceremony? Though your makeup will be applied so it will wear well and for a long time, you might need a touch-up, so, ask about this.
16. Can you duplicate a look I found in a magazine or online? Most experienced makeup artists can duplicate a look, but that doesn’t mean it will look good on you, so, be willing to try something else.
17. Will the look I found look good on me in person and pictures? Here again, what looks good on someone else, might not be a fit for you. That being said, your makeup artist will be able to give you an idea.
18. What type of payment forms to you accept? You want to know what types of payment are accepted, if there’s a deposit needed, and, when you need to pay.
19. Are there any extra expenses? Some artists have extra charges for certain things like travel, but not all do.
20. Do you have a blog I can read? The reason you ask this question is it will tell you how dedicated she is to her career and clients. It shows professionalism and passion for doing makeup and hair.

The Difference between Airbrush Makeup and Regular Makeup Applications

There are differences, obviously, between traditional makeup and airbrush makeup, however, these are probably what you might think. The wear-time in both is typically the same under certain conditions, but the biggest differences are made by the quality and the person who applies it.

Every type of makeup has it’s own pros and cons. Every makeup artist will have their own opinion on what they prefer to use on their brides. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal preference. If you can’t decide between the two, do a trial with both and see what you’re most comfortable with. –Wedding Wire

Another factor that either makes airbrush makeup work is twofold, you have the right primers and the right formula for your skin type. If these two aren’t right, your face won’t look its best and that can mean bad pictures, even in the most spectacular place and with a very flattering dress. Simply put, your makeup will have to be the right combination in color, application, shade, and so on, in order to make you look your best.

Airbrush Makeup

Airbrush makeup is just like what the name implies, and is, just that–a lightweight makeup through an air gun. This air gun delivers an even layer of makeup and creates a smooth, matte finish. Depending on the application, airbrush makeup can be heavy or thin. The fine mist produced and delivered from the air gun allows the applier to evenly distribute makeup.

Of course, like most things in life, there are pros and cons with airbrush makeup. A great benefit is that it doesn’t rub off, so, if you have skin contact with others, your airbrush makeup won’t smudge or transfer to him or her. On the other hand, airbrush makeup isn’t waterproof, so if you sweat, cry, or are in a humid or rainy area, then it might run, streak, or come off. When airbrush makeup gets moist or wet, there’s little that can be done to fix it, short of blotting it for a quick fix, once it’s wet, it’s going to start to come off your face.

Traditional Makeup

Traditional makeup is either pressed powder, pancake, liquid, or cream. As you well-know, you apply it with a brush, sponge, tools, or finger tips. You’ve used this practically your entire life and you have your quirks and hacks for it. Like airbrush makeup, it must have the right blend for your skin type, the right color balance, and, the right foundation. You know what you look like when one of these aren’t right, and, that’s good news, because you’re in-the-know.

Airbrush Makeup Myths

Now that you know the differences between airbrush makeup and regular or traditional makeup, you’ve probably heard a few things about airbrush makeup that simply aren’t true. One of the biggest myths about airbrush makeup is that it will make you look flawless–not so much. While it can make you look super, it’s still limited to reality and it won’t change the texture of your skin. Another big airbrush makeup myth is that it’s waterproof, but, if you read the truth above, you know this isn’t truth, because it’s not waterproof.

Your wedding day is more than a special day, it’s a living memory, and, one that you’ll look back on fondly for many years. It’s important to have the right right dress and veil, your best friend as your bridesmaid, cute bridesmaid dresses, a handsome tuxedo for your soon-to-be hubby; and of course, a gorgeous location with all the right decorations, along with a scrumptious, well decorated cake.

Every detail is important to get right, particularly your hair and makeup. On your wedding day, you certainly don’t want to be dealing with bad hair, or struggling to get your makeup right. You’ll be in your dress for hours on-end, from the time you are in the dressing room, through an emotional ceremony, having pictures taken with your man, and throughout the reception. Every eye in the room will be on you and the spotlight is where you want to shine.

The Importance of a Hair and Makeup Trial

Some brides are brave and crazy enough to wing it, opting for a quick and simple updo, but for the majority, on-the-fly isn’t acceptable. After all, you plan for months in advance for everything and your hair and makeup shouldn’t be any different. When you walk down the aisle, it’s your chance to wow, and, just perhaps, stir-up a bit of envy.

Some salons really will offer free trials, no strings attached. Others will make it free if you book (and pay for) your wedding-day hairstyle. Others will charge a reduced fee for trials, but won’t curl all of your hair or place your veil, headpiece, or hair clips. And you want to know exactly how your hair will look, accessories and all. –Glamour.com

To look your best, you need to have the right look and that’s far more than your dress–your makeup and hair will have a big impact. This is where a hair and makeup trial comes-in handy. You’ll get to try different styles and see how they look with your headpiece.

5 Reasons You should Do a Hair and Makeup Trial before Your Wedding

It’s nerve-racking enough to get everything ready for your big day and you don’t want to rush through your makeup or hair. Here are five good reasons you should do a hair and makeup trial before your wedding:

1. You need to be in-the-know. Every woman has qualms about her hair and makeup. Face it, you gripe about them practically every day of your life. Think about it this way–getting out of the shower, you really want to do your hair just like your stylist does. Now, multiply that many times over, and that’s how frustrated you’ll feel about finding the right look. This is especially true if you really don’t know what you want. With a hair and makeup trial, you’ll be able to narrow all those styles down and find the one that fits best.
2. You’re super-picky about your makeup or hair, or, both. Okay, so you fret over every aspect of your makeup, your hair, or worse of all, both. The great thing is that your stylist will be able to test and tweak until you find the right look. But it’s important to remember, your stylist can’t read your mind, so, you have to be willing to communicate. Don’t feel as though you’re insulting your stylist.
3. You have skin and/or hair issues. If your skin breaks out or you’re growing your hair out, those things need to be discussed. In addition, you can talk about things like color, extensions, and so on with your stylist. A trial will give you a chance to hone-in on the right combination and one that fits your dress and veil.
4. You found the perfect style, but… One problem with looking through magazines and social media is you don’t always get the whole picture. In other words, you might find the perfect style, but only see one or two angles. Don’t worry, that’s what a hair and makeup trial is for, to experiment and find exactly what you’re looking for.
5. You’ve become so confused. Speaking of magazines and social media, there really is such a thing as too much information. You might feel overwhelmed and throw your hands in the air. Everyone has different tastes and you’re no different. Bring plenty of ideas along and be open to suggestions.

Excited to share with you today some photos that I received from a wedding I was the bridal makeup artist for that took place at the Universal Sheraton in Los Angeles, CA on December 13, 2014. For this particular wedding I did the bride’s hair and makeup as well as the bridesmaids and mother of the bride.

It was an absolutely wonderful wedding.

Believe it or not, I met Jessica for the first time on the day her wedding. Because she is from out of town she decided to not do a hair and makeup trial and just trusted that I would give her the look of her dreams on her wedding day. Although I do recommend to all my brides that they do a hair and makeup trial prior to their wedding, I really do enjoy the challenge of meeting someone for the first time and delivering the look they always dreamed of.

Jessica and her bridal team were an absolute pleasure to work with on the day of her wedding. While she was getting ready, music was playing, the champagne was flowing and the bride was going… It was obvious that Jessica was ecstatic to say I do!

For Jessica’s makeup we went for a soft, smokey eye and gave her thick,individual lashes using my favorite lashes, Ardell Lashes. We also gave her a soft contouring of the cheeks with a pop on the apples with Pale Pink by Bobbi Brown cosmetics. We tied it all together with a baby pink lip, which she absolutely loved.

For Jessica’s bridal hair we gave her a soft, yet voluminous low updo, teasing the roots using small sections to make sure she kept the height all day. We also gave her textured curls swirled to perfection at the nap of her neck… When you add the lovely sparkling headband she wore on her big day, it all came together beautifully made she looked stunning!

Wishing Jessica and her husband Ryan nothing but the best in love and marriage!

Life is Beautiful,

Brittany Renee
Elite Makeup Designs