15 Questions To Ask Your Makeup Artist

Your wedding makeup has to look flawless, gorgeous and most importantly, like you! Don’t worry, we know exactly how to find the right makeup artist for you, so sit back and enjoy the trial runs – here are some questions to ask!

15 questions to ask your makeup artist

1) Do you specialise in wedding makeup?

Wedding makeup artists have different skills to fashion and editorial artists and will know how to make you look spectacular and natural in your wedding photos, no matter the lighting. Some makeup artists specialise in wedding makeup, and they will know what the bride usually wants, and how to make you look stunning on your wedding day. 

2) Can I see photographs of brides whose makeup you did?

You will want to know if the artist’s style works well with yours and if you can imagine yourself wearing one of their looks on your wedding day. Its always a good idea to do your research before picking the makeup artists that will take care of you, seeing pictures of other brides is a good way to get your doubts out of the way. 

Most of the makeup artists you will find on Bridebook will have photos of brides and bridesmaids who they worked for, so you can take care of this step yourself. 

3) Can I contact them for references?

A wedding makeup artist will be with you on the most exciting morning of your life and you want a professional who will keep you calm and relaxed. The only way to find out if the artist is a calming presence is by asking previous brides.

Once again, you can take care of this step yourself by checking out the reviews on your favourite makeup artists’ Bridebook profiles! 

4) What does your price include?

Find out if the overall price includes a makeup trial. Getting a makeup trial is really important since it will help you find your dream wedding look with your makeup artist and relieve some of the “will I look perfect for my wedding” jitters!  You can also ask about the prices for Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaid makeup – arranging their makeup is a great gift idea for your team!

Don’t know how much you should spend on your wedding hair and makeup? Go to your budget tool and we will figure it out for you!

5) Are you able to travel to my location?

The majority of artists will charge you more if they have to travel to your destination, so make sure you know how much you will be required to pay.

Have you found your wedding transport? Browse through the UK’s best wedding transport providers!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride smiling from the wedding car
By Anna Clarke Photography

6) How long will makeup take on the day?

Essential information for you to know exactly what your timings will be on the day, at what time the makeup artist needs to be there etc.

Pro tip: Put together a schedule of the day, with contacts to your suppliers. and ask your Maid of Honour to make sure it’s followed by everyone involved on the day! Definitely something to add to your wedding checklist.

7) How long will you be staying for on the day?

This is a good question to ask because you are almost guaranteed to get teary during your ceremony and it is handy to have someone there to touch up your makeup for the photos or to leave a touch-up kit. Not only that but if your makeup artist is staying for a good portion of the day, plan to have a meal or a snack made for them!

8) How long will the makeup trial take? Do I need to prepare for the trial and how do I prepare?

The more looks you want to try, the more time the trial will require, but some artists will only have certain time slots available. We also advise you wear a white top for the trial, to give you an idea of how your skin will look next to your dress on W-Day, but your makeup artist will also let you know what to wear! 

9) Will a fake tan affect my makeup?

You need to communicate if you are planning on bronzing yourself in the run-up to your wedding day, so that the artist is prepared with the correct colours and shades! You can also ask them for advice on what fake tan to get and how to make sure it’s the right one for you and for your makeup! 

10) What brands of makeup do you use?

The products your artist uses should be allergy tested and of the highest standard for your wedding day. It’s always good to know what kind of products they use, and if you need to bring your own concealer (more on that below). 

Bridebook.co.uk- bride with a glass of champagne having her hair styled
By Chris Giles Photography

11) Would you be open to using my own make-up?

For some brides it is paramount that they use their own make-up, especially if they have sensitive skin. It is also a great idea to ask the artist if he/she has used these products before. Bring them to the trial and decide exactly what you will be using from her and from you, and make sure you don’t forget your makeup (if you have to bring it) on the day! 

12) Do you have the right makeup/makeup skills for my skin tone?

Your potential artist should have extensive knowledge of skin types and the products that they use, so they should advise you which products would work best with your skin. It’s important that you know this now: some makeup artists have more experience working on all skin tones than others, so this question is absolutely vital! 

Read Nu Bride’s guide to finding the perfect makeup artist for your skin tone!

13) Do you also do wedding hair?

It’s great when you can find a makeup artist that also does hair (or a team of hair and makeup that work together). If not, find out if they would be happy working alongside your hair stylist, or if you haven’t found a stylist yet, ask for some recommendations!

14) If you are happy to travel to my home, do you have any specific space requirements for the trial and for the wedding day?

The majority of makeup artists will need an open space and natural light to do the makeup in. Make sure you can provide that during the trial and on the day of the wedding (if the artist is travelling to you). This is also something which you should communicate with your wedding venue, in case they need to provide a space for this on the day.

15) What will happen if you can’t make it on my wedding day?

Reputable artists will always have a professional at the ready to make sure you look flawless on your wedding day. Make sure you have a contingency plan, accidents happen!

If you need a place to get started on looking for the perfect makeup artists for you, browse through some of the UK’s best Wedding Beauty, Hair and Make-Up suppliers! 

Bridebook.co.uk- bridesmaid taking a selfie with bride and bridesmaids
By Weddings Vintage

Happy beautify-ing!

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