Wedding Makeup and Grooming
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we jump in, let me start by saying that the most important part of my job is making sure you feel comfortable, supported, and most importantly, like YOU! I am a huge advocate of inclusivity, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community.
I love traditional and non-traditional weddings alike. So please know that you always have a safe place with me when we work together. Whatever I can do to make this experience as fun and easy as possible, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
1. Why do I need a professional makeup artist?
Aside from the fact that wedding makeup is very different from everyday makeup, the main benefit of having a professional makeup artist is that you don’t have to worry about a dang thing.
You won’t have to stress about whether or not your foundation is the right shade, if your eyeliner is symmetrical, if your blush is too heavy, if you’ll have any white/ashy casting in your photos, or if you remembered to bring everything. You’ll look and feel amazing, and you can be rest assured that your bridal party will look cohesive and compliment your styling.
After our trial run together you’ll know 100% what to expect on the day of your wedding. And that peace of mind is everything!
You won’t have to stress about whether or not your foundation is the right shade, if your eyeliner is symmetrical, if your blush is too heavy, if you’ll have any white/ashy casting in your photos, or if you remembered to bring everything. You’ll look and feel amazing, and you can be rest assured that your bridal party will look cohesive and compliment your styling.
After our trial run together you’ll know 100% what to expect on the day of your wedding. And that peace of mind is everything!
2. What brands do you use?
As an animal lover and a beauty fanatic, it's my mission to find the best professional products on the market that don’t test on animals. Everything I use is cruelty-free and vegan, which means no animals were harmed in the making of my favorite products.
Below are some of the brands I use both personally and professionally:
Skincare
Kani, Tata Harper, Acure, Derma●E, Andalou Naturals, Paula’s Choice, Lush, Pixi Beauty, Juice Beauty, and 100% Pure.
Makeup
CoverFX, e.l.f., Ofra, Makeup Geek, ColourPop, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Clove and Hallow, Red Apple Lipsticks, Aromi, Wet N Wild, Juice Beauty, and Pixi Beauty.
Tools/Accessories
MOTD Cosmetics, Sigma, Eco Tools, Beauty Blender, House of Lashes, and Ardell.
Below are some of the brands I use both personally and professionally:
Skincare
Kani, Tata Harper, Acure, Derma●E, Andalou Naturals, Paula’s Choice, Lush, Pixi Beauty, Juice Beauty, and 100% Pure.
Makeup
CoverFX, e.l.f., Ofra, Makeup Geek, ColourPop, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Clove and Hallow, Red Apple Lipsticks, Aromi, Wet N Wild, Juice Beauty, and Pixi Beauty.
Tools/Accessories
MOTD Cosmetics, Sigma, Eco Tools, Beauty Blender, House of Lashes, and Ardell.
3. How soon should I book you for my wedding?
I book up fairly quickly, especially during wedding season. The best bet is to book a year out, but ideally no sooner than 6-5 months out from your wedding. It never hurts to ask though, even if you're a week out!
4. will you travel to my location, or Do I come to you?
For wedding day services (unless requested otherwise) I will always come to your location. The first 60 miles round trip is included. Travel fees outside of that will be discussed upon contract signing.
For all other services, including trial runs, engagement photos, bridal photos, rehearsal dinners, etc, I offer on-location pricing and discounted pricing for services in my in-home studio.
For all other services, including trial runs, engagement photos, bridal photos, rehearsal dinners, etc, I offer on-location pricing and discounted pricing for services in my in-home studio.
5. Do I need to bring my own makeup?
Nope! All you need to bring is yourself. I’ll supply all the makeup, however if there is a favorite lipstick or blush that you love we can absolutely incorporate that. Otherwise, from foundation to lashes, I’ve got you covered.
6. Can you do makeup for my bridal party and any guests of honor?
You bet! In fact, it’s ideal for all members of the bridal party to have their makeup professionally done. The bridal party’s makeup should be cohesive and complement the bride’s aesthetic, as well as the general color scheme of the wedding.
7. Am I expected to pay for my bridal party to get their makeup done?
It depends.
Some brides prefer knowing with certainty that their party will have a cohesive look that’s appropriate to the attire and theme of the wedding, and so they require their party to have their hair and makeup done professionally. If that’s the case, it would be most appropriate for the bride to cover the costs.
However, if you are opening up the opportunity to your party as a suggestion but not a requirement, it’s not expected that you would cover those costs.
Some brides prefer knowing with certainty that their party will have a cohesive look that’s appropriate to the attire and theme of the wedding, and so they require their party to have their hair and makeup done professionally. If that’s the case, it would be most appropriate for the bride to cover the costs.
However, if you are opening up the opportunity to your party as a suggestion but not a requirement, it’s not expected that you would cover those costs.
8. How much time should I budget for myself and my guests? Will you help with a day-of Schedule?
During our initial consult we can chat about timing expectations, but as a rule of thumb you can expect the following timeframes:
I will draft up a schedule based around the timing of your wedding and the services needed. I am happy to work with you or your event planner to make sure we have the timing just right.
- Bride, full-face application: 60 minutes
- Includes the whole shebang (lashes too!)
- Groom, partial-face application: 10-15 minutes
- Includes skin primer, color correcting, concealing, brow grooming
- Guest, full-face application: 30-40 minutes
- Includes the whole shebang (lashes too!)
I will draft up a schedule based around the timing of your wedding and the services needed. I am happy to work with you or your event planner to make sure we have the timing just right.
9. Are there any extra charges or day-of costs I should be aware of?
Everything will be outlined in our contract and there will be no surprises. The items that typically get invoiced after the wedding are either for parking expenses, or if the services extend beyond the agreed upon timeframe.
10. How long will my makeup last?
All my primers, potions, powders, and setting sprays ensure a long wear. After about 7-8 hours you might need a minor touch up, likely to blot down any shine, refresh your lip, and maybe sweep a little more color on your cheeks.
During your trial run, we’ll cover what touch up items you might want to keep on hand.
If you’d feel most comfortable having me stay for any touch up needs, I do offer these services and would be happy to help.
During your trial run, we’ll cover what touch up items you might want to keep on hand.
If you’d feel most comfortable having me stay for any touch up needs, I do offer these services and would be happy to help.
11. What’s a trial run, why do I need it, and how soon should I schedule one?
The purpose of a trial is to:
During your trial I’ll do your makeup start to finish just as I would on your wedding day. Trials usually last 1 hour (2 hours max). Typically only one trial run is needed, but we can do as many as you want.
I advise most clients to book their trial once they have a clear vision of their wedding theme, outfit, and decor, which usually comes together around 2-3 months out.
- Meet each other and get acquainted
- Establish a clear vision of your look (now is the time to explore your ideas and see what feels most like you and the aesthetic you’re going for)
- Discuss any skin sensitives you may have
- Talk about what to expect day of your wedding
- Learn the dos and don’ts: how to ensure your makeup wears flawlessly
During your trial I’ll do your makeup start to finish just as I would on your wedding day. Trials usually last 1 hour (2 hours max). Typically only one trial run is needed, but we can do as many as you want.
I advise most clients to book their trial once they have a clear vision of their wedding theme, outfit, and decor, which usually comes together around 2-3 months out.
12. Are trials just for brides?
Trials are for everyone! Any person who is involved in your big day and is planning on having their makeup done by me can schedule a trial.
This is especially good for people who:
And makeup isn’t just for women either. It’s not uncommon for the groom or other men in the party to need a little sprucing up with eye brightener or concealer. If this is an area of concern, we can absolutely address this in a trial run.
This is especially good for people who:
- Are very particular about how their makeup is done
- Don’t typically wear much makeup and wants to see what it would look and feel like
- Want to try something new
And makeup isn’t just for women either. It’s not uncommon for the groom or other men in the party to need a little sprucing up with eye brightener or concealer. If this is an area of concern, we can absolutely address this in a trial run.
13. I don’t typically wear a lot of makeup. What should I expect?
You can expect to feel 100% comfortable with whatever look we come up with together.
There’s a delicate balance between natural makeup, and makeup that will show up in photos. We might need to take you slightly outside of your comfort zone, but I promise it won’t feel excessive and you will feel like yourself.
This is exactly why trial runs are so important. There will be no surprises, and we’ll have plenty of time to make sure your look is exactly what you want.
There’s a delicate balance between natural makeup, and makeup that will show up in photos. We might need to take you slightly outside of your comfort zone, but I promise it won’t feel excessive and you will feel like yourself.
This is exactly why trial runs are so important. There will be no surprises, and we’ll have plenty of time to make sure your look is exactly what you want.
14. I’m really particular about my makeup and/or have a very clear vision of what I want. How will you accommodate my preferences?
My advice, first and foremost, is to find an artist whose work and style you jive with right off the bat. If you like my general aesthetic there’s a good chance we’ll make beautiful makeup together. (You can check out my portfolio here, and my posts on Instagram here.)
I cannot underscore the importance of trial runs for this reason, because it allows us to talk through and plan out your vision.
You and I are a team, and we’ll work together to make sure you’re 100% happy with the final look.
I cannot underscore the importance of trial runs for this reason, because it allows us to talk through and plan out your vision.
You and I are a team, and we’ll work together to make sure you’re 100% happy with the final look.
15. I am a groom and/or identify as masculine-of-center. Do you offer any services that can help me on my special day?
Absolutely! Makeup is for everyone.
Whatever complexion needs you have, I’ve got you covered. I offer partial-face applications that include skin prep, color correcting, concealing, and brow grooming. This will ensure a fresh finish that looks like you.
Whatever complexion needs you have, I’ve got you covered. I offer partial-face applications that include skin prep, color correcting, concealing, and brow grooming. This will ensure a fresh finish that looks like you.
16. Do you use airbrush makeup?
The short answer is no. The long answer is that after using airbrush for a few years, I found that I prefer traditional skin correction mediums (cream & liquid foundations, powder foundations, concealers, etc.) because they allow for more customizable options pertaining to coverage, color, texture, and finish.
For these reasons, I do not offer airbrushing services.
For these reasons, I do not offer airbrushing services.
17. Do you have any advice regarding grooming, waxing, skincare, facials, or anything else that would affect my skin and the wear of my makeup?
Yes! We’ll cover this more in-depth during your trial run, but here’s some pretty universal advice I give most people. (Also, make sure you check out Question 20 for some day-of advice.)
Skincare
As soon as possible, but definitely no later than 3 months out from your wedding day, find a solid skincare routine and stick to it. Once you hit 3 months out, do not introduce any new skincare into your routine. It takes awhile for your skin to get acclimated to a routine and you don’t want to do anything that will make your skin angry.
If you find that you are having issues with your skin, consider ditching dairy at least 3 months prior to your wedding. You’d be surprised how often dairy is the culprit of pesky breakouts.
Below is my triple-threat mask cocktail that works on all skin types and with any skincare routine. Your skin will feel so dreamy! I’ve listed them below in the order I use them.
Facials
You might start to notice a “3 month” trend with my timing recommendations! Unless you have a regular facialist and a regularly scheduled routine, start looking for someone about 3-4 months out from your wedding.
Make sure you share your expectations with your facialist, any skin sensitives, and map out a plan that will ensure healthy, supple skin right up to the day of your wedding.
Please defer to your facialist, but typically any type of aggressive facial that involves an exfoliant (chemical or physical) or extractions shouldn’t be done sooner than 2 weeks out. Hydrafacials and other treatments geared for hydration can be done as soon as 2-3 days before (and sometimes even the morning of) the wedding.
Facial Waxing
I’ll start off by saying makeup doesn’t adhere very well to freshly waxed skin. So it’s important that you aren’t waxing a day or two before your wedding.
My general rule of thumb, and the safest bet, is to get all your facial waxing done no sooner than 5-6 days before your wedding.
If you’re a regular waxer and know your skin doesn’t have any issues with ingrown hairs, bumps, or irritations, I’d say get all your waxing done no sooner than 3 days before your wedding.
Never waxed before but thinking about giving it a go? Start experimenting 3 months out from your wedding. This will give you enough time to find someone you like, and to see how your skin will react.
Tanning
While it’s not uncommon to want to look bronzed and golden on your special day, you want to look like yourself.
Don’t go over the top with tanning beds or self-tanner because 1) the whole skin damage, hyper-pigmentation and fine lines thing and 2) makeup tends to wear a little finicky if you have on moderate to heavy self-tanner.
If you do want a little bit of color, get it naturally and gradually with 5-10 minutes of sun during non-peak hours. Or find someone who does spray self-tanner and can make you just a shade or two darker.
Skincare
As soon as possible, but definitely no later than 3 months out from your wedding day, find a solid skincare routine and stick to it. Once you hit 3 months out, do not introduce any new skincare into your routine. It takes awhile for your skin to get acclimated to a routine and you don’t want to do anything that will make your skin angry.
If you find that you are having issues with your skin, consider ditching dairy at least 3 months prior to your wedding. You’d be surprised how often dairy is the culprit of pesky breakouts.
Below is my triple-threat mask cocktail that works on all skin types and with any skincare routine. Your skin will feel so dreamy! I’ve listed them below in the order I use them.
- Step One. Cleanse your face. Juice Beauty Cleansing Oil. 3mins.
- Use a gentle cleanser. Nothing with beads or scrubbies or a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid.
- Step Two. Mask #1. Kani Botanicals Petal Polish. 10mins.
- Rub the Kani face scrub all over your face and let sit for 10mins. Scrub off with warm washcloth.
- Step Three. Mask #2. Shamanuti Pumpkin Enzyme Masque. 15mins.
- Apply a healthy later of the Shanti pumpkin enzyme mask all over your face and down your jaw. I will warn you that this mask “stingles” because it’s intense. You’ll feel it the first minute or two and then it’ll subside.
- Step Four. Mask #3. 100% Pure Collagen Boost Sheet Mask. 10mins.
- Unfold this mask, apply, and relax.
- Step Five. Follow with your regular serum or moisturizing routine.
Facials
You might start to notice a “3 month” trend with my timing recommendations! Unless you have a regular facialist and a regularly scheduled routine, start looking for someone about 3-4 months out from your wedding.
Make sure you share your expectations with your facialist, any skin sensitives, and map out a plan that will ensure healthy, supple skin right up to the day of your wedding.
Please defer to your facialist, but typically any type of aggressive facial that involves an exfoliant (chemical or physical) or extractions shouldn’t be done sooner than 2 weeks out. Hydrafacials and other treatments geared for hydration can be done as soon as 2-3 days before (and sometimes even the morning of) the wedding.
Facial Waxing
I’ll start off by saying makeup doesn’t adhere very well to freshly waxed skin. So it’s important that you aren’t waxing a day or two before your wedding.
My general rule of thumb, and the safest bet, is to get all your facial waxing done no sooner than 5-6 days before your wedding.
If you’re a regular waxer and know your skin doesn’t have any issues with ingrown hairs, bumps, or irritations, I’d say get all your waxing done no sooner than 3 days before your wedding.
Never waxed before but thinking about giving it a go? Start experimenting 3 months out from your wedding. This will give you enough time to find someone you like, and to see how your skin will react.
Tanning
While it’s not uncommon to want to look bronzed and golden on your special day, you want to look like yourself.
Don’t go over the top with tanning beds or self-tanner because 1) the whole skin damage, hyper-pigmentation and fine lines thing and 2) makeup tends to wear a little finicky if you have on moderate to heavy self-tanner.
If you do want a little bit of color, get it naturally and gradually with 5-10 minutes of sun during non-peak hours. Or find someone who does spray self-tanner and can make you just a shade or two darker.
18. Which should I do first: makeup or hair?
Truly, one won’t affect the other. Depending on your hairstyle, your stylist may set your hair first, and then while it sets you can get your makeup done. Focus on what makes the most sense from a timing standpoint; I'm all about efficiency!
19. Is a deposit/retainer or contract required to hold my wedding date?
Yes, a signed bridal contract and a 30% retainer from the total amount due on your wedding day are required in order to reserve your date. I won’t be able to hold your date until the contract has been signed and the retainer has been paid. The retainer will be put towards your final bill and it is non-refundable and non-transferable.
20. Any extra tips or things I should keep in mind for the day of my wedding?
Below are some additional day-of tips, but keep in mind how you treat your skin leading up to this day is super important! Make sure you check out the answer to Question 17 above regarding facials and skincare.
- **Don't use anything new on your skin or in your routine!!!** That goes for skincare, sheet masks, under eye patches, primer, etc. Not only is there a risk of skin irritation, but an adverse reaction might prevent your makeup from adhering properly. Unrelated to skincare, sometimes people take new vitamins or supplements that might help with energy levels, bloating, or other claims and it's just best to stay away from anything that isn't tried and true.
- Get as much sleep as you can. I know, such a silly suggestion given everything going on. But good rest means you’ll be perky and awake, and will help eliminate any additional puffiness or dark circles around the eyes.
- Keep hydrated! The week leading up to this day will likely be exciting (and a bit stressful) so water intake tends to fall by the wayside. Keep slugging back that water to make sure your skin stays clear and plump.
- Do not pick at or pop anything on your face the morning on your wedding because 1) it can lead to irritation, redness, and swelling, and 2) you don’t want to be putting makeup into an open wound. (Not to mention makeup doesn’t adhere well to an open wound.) If you have any “little friends” visiting you, be rest assured I’ve got plenty of tools to tackle those suckers and you won’t even know they are there.
- Makeup wears best on a clean canvas. If you can, please have your face freshly washed and treated with your normal skincare routine. (If your morning is hectic, no worries, I’ve got plenty of skincare in my arsenal.)
- Lastly, on the day of your wedding, stay away from using any products that have SPF because SPF can produce a flashback in photos. Culprits to look out for are skincare with SPF and mineral makeup. Great items to have, but you’ll want to consider leaving them in your bag on your wedding day.