Bridal Makeup Artists… Do I Really Need One?
Hello lovely Brides-to-be! I’m sure many of you out there are wondering if you need a professional bridal makeup artist for your wedding and if so, what makes the difference between “everyday” makeup and “wedding” makeup. As a professional bridal makeup artist, I have come to learn a couple of things: On your wedding day, you will more than likely be stressed out with people calling every two minutes with tedious and sometimes irrelevant questions, and having your hair and makeup done will be your one moment of zen of an otherwise emotional day. It’s also great to have someone familiar with the effects of professional photography and will know what to do and most importantly what not to do makeup-wise so that your wedding pictures look flawless and amazing.
Things to Consider:
Flash Photography
Most weddings have professional photographers on-site to document the occasion. Flash photography is a medium in which certain products cannot be used or they will not “read” correctly on the photograph. (i.e. using a foundation or powder with SPF and having your face come out lighter than the rest of your body in your photographs. Not fun considering they will be one of the only items you will have to remember how you looked on your wedding day). We’ve all seen it, whether on ourselves or on somebody else. The dreaded “mask”. The look in which one has a pasty white face paired with a tanned looking body. It’s no fun to look like you feel face first into a vat of flour, which is why a professional makeup artist will know what products are specifically made for photography use and which ones need to be avoided at all costs.
Most weddings have professional photographers on-site to document the occasion. Flash photography is a medium in which certain products cannot be used or they will not “read” correctly on the photograph. (i.e. using a foundation or powder with SPF and having your face come out lighter than the rest of your body in your photographs. Not fun considering they will be one of the only items you will have to remember how you looked on your wedding day). We’ve all seen it, whether on ourselves or on somebody else. The dreaded “mask”. The look in which one has a pasty white face paired with a tanned looking body. It’s no fun to look like you feel face first into a vat of flour, which is why a professional makeup artist will know what products are specifically made for photography use and which ones need to be avoided at all costs.
Durability of the Makeup Used
While our personal idea of beauty differs from person to person, today is a day in which wearing slightly more makeup then you would on a regular basis (unless you already wear a full face) is an absolute necessity not only for photographic purposes, but also for longevity as this is an occasion in which you will be moving around for hours, people will be hugging and kissing you, and you will most likely be slightly stressed and emotional and therefore prone to sweating and tears. Good quality makeup that is applied correctly will last for hours and still look fresh, giving you one less thing to worry about. There are also sealers that can be applied after your makeup is done to prevent smudging cause by sweat or tears.
While our personal idea of beauty differs from person to person, today is a day in which wearing slightly more makeup then you would on a regular basis (unless you already wear a full face) is an absolute necessity not only for photographic purposes, but also for longevity as this is an occasion in which you will be moving around for hours, people will be hugging and kissing you, and you will most likely be slightly stressed and emotional and therefore prone to sweating and tears. Good quality makeup that is applied correctly will last for hours and still look fresh, giving you one less thing to worry about. There are also sealers that can be applied after your makeup is done to prevent smudging cause by sweat or tears.
It’s a Big Day!
While weddings are a beautiful and momentous occasion, they will be documented and your photographs will be something that you will have and treasure for years to come. For that reason alone, make sure whatever you have done (hair, makeup, nails, tanning, etc.) let the “real you” shine through so that you feel confident and beautiful and ready to make that trip down the aisle. Nerves may not allow you to apply your makeup as nicely as you do on a regular basis, so having someone who does it for a living should put you at ease and give you a moment to relax.
While weddings are a beautiful and momentous occasion, they will be documented and your photographs will be something that you will have and treasure for years to come. For that reason alone, make sure whatever you have done (hair, makeup, nails, tanning, etc.) let the “real you” shine through so that you feel confident and beautiful and ready to make that trip down the aisle. Nerves may not allow you to apply your makeup as nicely as you do on a regular basis, so having someone who does it for a living should put you at ease and give you a moment to relax.
What Exactly Needs to be Adjusted?
As I mentioned, flash photography presents a situation in which the foundation and powder (and even skincare) you use on a regular basis may have to be altered slightly for your wedding. Any product that contains SPF (your moisturizer, foundations, powders, etc.) should be avoided as they will cause the “mask” on your photographs . This is because SPF’s are meant to block out harmful light (any type of light) and sun rays. This includes flash from a camera. A professional makeup artist will have a kit full of camera-friendly products and will ensure a quality application.
As I mentioned, flash photography presents a situation in which the foundation and powder (and even skincare) you use on a regular basis may have to be altered slightly for your wedding. Any product that contains SPF (your moisturizer, foundations, powders, etc.) should be avoided as they will cause the “mask” on your photographs . This is because SPF’s are meant to block out harmful light (any type of light) and sun rays. This includes flash from a camera. A professional makeup artist will have a kit full of camera-friendly products and will ensure a quality application.
