How to Choose a Wedding Makeup Artist

Whether this is your first time having professional makeup done or you’re already a seasoned pro, finding the perfect makeup artist for your wedding may seem like a daunting task. From researching local artists to booking a trial run, here are some of our best tips for choosing a wedding makeup artist for your special day.

Know Your Style

While a great makeup artist should be able to achieve your desired look, it’s helpful to have a style in mind so you can search for an artist who’s work is similar to that. For example, if you want a more subtle and understated look for your wedding day, you won’t need a makeup artist who specializes in bold color palettes. We recommend searching Pinterest, magazines and wedding websites for makeup looks you love and creating a mood board around those.

Do Your Research

Like all parts of the planning process, it’s always best to do your research before deciding on a wedding makeup artist. A great starting place is doing a quick vendor search on sites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire for a roundup of the top makeup artists near you. Their profiles will usually have contact info and photos from past weddings as well. Once you’ve narrowed down a few options, browse through their portfolio to see some of their work, visit their website and social media pages, and check to see if they have any reviews from past clients.

Know What Products They Use

Don’t be afraid to ask the makeup artist which products they use – most will be happy to tell you. Artists who work with a variety of different brands is a great sign of their experience versus someone who works exclusively with only one brand of products. If using cruelty-free or sustainable products is important to you, this is also a great time to see if the artist’s products align with those values.

Do a Trial Run

When you think you’ve found a wedding makeup artist that’s the right fit for you, ask them to schedule a trial makeup session. Bring a few looks with you that you have in mind so the makeup artist can have a better sense of what you’re looking for, and have them use the same products they’d use for your wedding. This allows you to see how the products work with your skin, how long they last and how well they’ll stay put through your ceremony and the reception.

Be Comfortable

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a wedding makeup artist is finding someone whose personality pairs well with yours. You want to choose an artist who is easy to work with and makes you feel relaxed and at ease on your wedding day. It’s also important to be open and honest with your makeup artist so they’re aware if you’d like any changes made or want to avoid a certain step such as filling in your eyebrows.

Not sure what to include in your bridal emergency kit for your wedding day? Whether you have a small eyeliner smudge or your lipstick wipes off, don’t forget to include a small makeup palette in your kit for an easy fix!