7.6 Bridal makeup

For the majority of freelance makeup artists, unless going down a specialist path, bridal makeup will likely be your bread and butter. There is always going to be a need for bridal makeup artists and it is a very rewarding career path both financially and emotionally. Making your bride and her bridal party feel beautiful on the most important day of her life is a very rewarding feeling.

In this lesson, you will learn the most important aspects of becoming a successful bridal makeup artist from our Makeup Course Facilitator and one of Queensland’s leading bridal makeup artists, Emma Lancaster.

Promoting yourself as a bridal makeup artist

If you make the decision to become a bridal makeup artist, it is very important that your social media pages and website reflect this. You may be able to create the most amazing artistic editorial looks, however if that is all people can see when they are looking for a makeup artist for their big day, despite how talented you are, unfortunately you will likely miss out on bookings.

Be sure to showcase a broad range of bridal-friendly looks, both natural and glamorous, and any past weddings you may have been involved with. A downloadable bridal brochure with frequently asked questions on your website is also a great idea so brides have all the information they need before they get in touch with you.

Dealing with enquiries

When it comes to dealing with enquiries, be mindful that 9 times out of 10 your bride will be shopping for prices and determining availability with a number of different artists, so taking a week to respond will likely mean you will miss out on the job! It is handy to have an email template ready to go congratulating the bride on their engagement and asking them all of the details you need to know to provide an accurate quote. Getting this to them as quickly as possible shows you’re enthusiastic and professional.

Quoting

In order to provide an accurate quote for a wedding, you will need to know the following details at a minimum:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Date of wedding
  • Location of wedding
  • Location bridal party is getting ready
  • Time of wedding
  • Time of photographer arrival
  • Bride makeup required? Yes / No
  • Bridesmaid makeup required? Yes / No and numbers
  • Flower girl/s makeup required? Yes / No and numbers
  • Mother of the bride makeup required? Yes / No
  • Any other makeup required

Expert tip: Have a fillable PDF form (or similar) ready to send a prospective bride with the above details.

Once you have the above details at hand, you can then compile a quote for your bride, including any travel costs. It is strongly recommended, in order for the bride to lock in a booking, to take a deposit and, at this time, email a confirmation outlining your terms and conditions regarding payment and your cancellation policy.

Bridal makeup prices can vary depending on experience and location, so it’s important to gauge what is the industry standard in your area and price yourself accordingly. When first starting out, you will want to price yourself to be an attractive option in order to build experience, however, once you are feeling confident, be sure to up your prices! Most brides want to splurge a little on their big day so don’t undersell yourself!

Timing

One of the most critical aspects of becoming a successful bridal MUA is time management! The average time for a makeup artist to complete a look is one hour, however, if you feel you need a little extra time (for touch -ups etc.) be sure you factor that in. The last thing you will want to do is to take an extra five or ten minutes per person (which may not seem like a lot) and then end up only having 30 minutes to complete your bride’s makeup (the bride generally has her makeup applied last on the day).

A good idea is to plan to have all makeups completed by the time the photographer arrives to take photos of the bridal party getting ready. They can then get some photos of you touching up lips etc. however the core of the makeup applications will all be complete.

If there is a large bridal party or a number of guests also requesting makeup you may need to have another makeup artist accompany you on the day. Be sure to inform the bride if this is the case, however, as brides do not like any surprises on their special day!

Bridal trials

A bridal trial is just that, an opportunity for you to trial or test a look/number of looks on a day well in advance of the wedding. Trials are important as they allow for you and the bride to agree on a look/specific products to use on the day of the wedding. This will in turn act to both calm your bride’s nerves on the big day, as well as allow you to thoroughly plan for the occasion and provides you with a much better chance of completing the bride’s makeup in the allocated time.

If you are attending the bride’s home for the trial, be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to set up. Ensure you are well presented and well prepared, and have left adequate time to try a few different looks.

Prior to commencing a trial, discuss the following with your bride:

Do you have any inspiration photos?

Inspo pics are a fantastic way for brides to visually convey the look they are after. Once you have some experience as an MUA, you can ask your bride to scroll through your own Instagram/social media/website for inspiration pics. Until then, ask them to use anything that might assist you, for example magazines, websites or other MUA socials.

As with any makeup trial, it is important at this stage to use your knowledge and training to help guide your client towards a look that will suit their individual features (i.e. eye shape and skin tone). You need to be honest but tactful, and if you think a requested look may not work try suggesting something else in a positive way.

For example: “That dark grey smokey eye in the photo looks amazing however you may find a chocolate brown eyeshadow will make your blue eyes pop and create the illusion of a larger eye. Shall we try something not so dark, and then if you still want it smoked out at the end we can give that a go, too”.

Remember, it’s easier to start lighter and make an eyeshadow look darker at the end!

How do you usually wear your makeup if you go out?

It is also a good idea to gauge how heavy your bride’s is used to wearing her makeup by asking if she has any photos of herself with makeup applied. If she is a no-fuss, mineral makeup and mascara kind of girl, you may frighten her with a full face of glam! However, if you can see that your bride loves to wear a full face, this is a good indication that she will be happy with something a little heavier.

Have you decided on a lip colour?

As with any makeup application, when it comes to bridal, it is a good idea to determine your bride’s desired lip colour first so you can then ensure your planned blush and eyeshadow colours work with this. The last thing you want is to complete a beautiful face of warm bronze and peach tones, only to then learn your bride has her heart set on wearing her favourite cool-tone pink lipstick!

When discussing lip colour, it is also important to discuss the lipstick finish. Cream, satin and gloss lipsticks can look far better in photos than a matte lipstick, however these will also need touching up more often.

Do you usually wear fake lashes?

This question is to gauge what your bride is used to wearing (if anything). If she wears strip lashes on the regular, you know she’s going to be comfortable with something a little heavier. However, if she has never worn lashes before however would like to try them for her wedding, you may like to suggest a light layer of individual lashes as a starting point. Make sure you show your bride a few options.

It is also handy to have photos of the various lash styles (from your previous clients) to show your bride so she can see what they look like on.

Do you have sensitive eyes?

If your client has sensitive eyes (i.e. they water easily), it is a good idea to try to guide them toward individual lashes as these tend to be far less irritable than strip lashes and generally more comfortable to wear for a long periods of time.

What is the style of your wedding/dress?

Finally, prior to creating your makeup look, it is important to determine what style of dress, hair and wedding the bride is planning. Whether she is planning a romantic garden wedding, a simple boho beach wedding, or going all out with a glamorous five-star hotel set up will significantly impact the makeup look you should plan for her.

The big day

Ok, so the trial has been completed (in most cases, but not always) and you’ve arrived at the big day. You need to remember that this is one of the most important days in a bride’s life! To ensure the day runs smoothly and you don’t add to your bride’s stress levels(!), below are a few expert tips..

  1. Firstly, PRIOR to the big day (we recommend a week before at least), email the bride to finalise any outstanding balance in payment. It is a good idea to either request the balance be transferred prior to the day, or for cash to be ready for handover on the day. Whatever the payment method, be sure it is 100% clear prior to the day to avoid adding additional stress on the day. Remember, this should also be in your terms and conditions when booking the wedding, however a little reminder is always helpful as your bride will invariably be extremely busy leading up to the wedding day.
  2. Text or call your bride the day prior to remind her of your arrival time (again, we highly recommend this is at least 15 minutes prior to your start time). If getting ready at a hotel/other accomodation, ask if she has already checked in and request specifics concerning access (i.e. room number, key access). If someone needs to provide you with access, it is a good idea to get a second POC (i.e. a bridesmaid) to again alleviate as much stress on the bride as possible.
  3. When the big day arrives, be sure to front up well presented and prepared. Pack your kit the day prior so you are confident you have everything you need. Make sure you have an assortment of foundation colours and types to suit any skin tone. ALWAYS carry the lightest and darkest shades in any foundation range you have in your kit so you can mix colours if need be. Keep in mind that you will most likely be in bridal photos and videos, so, again, make sure you are well dressed and your hair is neat and tidy. I like to make sure I am wearing something black so as to not take any attention away from the bridal party.
  4. Be sure to pack water and a some snacks. A wedding can be a long day so make sure you have something to keep you going that you can quickly eat between clients.
  5. Keep an eye on the time! As previously mentioned, all it takes is running late by five to ten minutes on each bridesmaid to significantly cut into the bride’s allocated time. Be sure you are constantly checking you are on time. When you are five minutes from finishing one client, let the next client know so there is no delay when switching from one to the next.
  6. Finally, enjoy yourself! Weddings truly are magical days to be involved in, and a positive, upbeat and calm energy from you will really help the entire bridal party (but especially the bride) if feeling a little anxious.

Bridal makeup looks

There really is no right or wrong when it comes to bridal makeup, you just want to ensure your bride feels comfortable and beautiful! As mentioned previously, if your bride regularly wears full glam makeup they may want to go for a smokey eye on their wedding day. However, for someone that wears very minimal makeup, a heavy application will likely make them feel uncomfortable and overdone. This is why it is so important to ask lots of questions and get to know your bride at their trial.

Foundation: unless your bride doesn’t wear foundation or has asked for a sheer coverage, always suggest a medium to full coverage. You may need to apply their makeup early in the morning and it still needs to look flawless at midnight, so as full a coverage as possible is recommended.

Eyes: be sure to use complimentary colours that aren’t too overpowering. You want the makeup to compliment your client and enhance their features, not be a stand out. Again, how soft or smokey you are applying your eyeshadow and liner really depends on your individual client.

Lashes: as mentioned previously, individual lashes are generally a lot more comfortable as they are lighter on the eyes. However, if your bride is used to wearing strip lashes, these can provide a much fuller look and are generally faster to apply.

Below are the most common modern bridal makeup looks.

Soft & romantic [natural]

This look is perfect for brides that generally don’t wear a lot of makeup.

Tips to creating this look:

  • Ensure you achieve flawless skin! Even if your bride has opted for a sheer coverage foundation, all imperfections must be concealed.
  • Keep eyeshadow minimal. Use a matte shadow over the entire lid, blending up to the brow bone. Bring the same colour under the eye. A little shimmer can also be used on the mobile lid.
  • Keep eyeliner soft; often a brown eye pencil will work best for this look.
  • Use either mascara only, or a scatter of short-medium individual eyelashes to open up the eyes.
  • Use your powder or pencil to fill in any gaps in the brows without making the brows too heavy or structured.
  • Apply contour very subtly and ensure it is well blended.

Expert tip: adding a pink or peach to the cheek and lip will create a romantic feel (however this look can also work with a nude lip).

Fresh and glowing [medium intensity]

The most requested bridal look!

Tips to creating this look:

  • A full coverage foundation that will last your bride well into the night.
  • A deep crease eyeshadow with a shimmer over the lid (gold, rose gold or champagne are the most popular). A warm, golden tone through the socket and a darker brown on the outer edges of the lid.
  • Eyeliner and brows are more defined and full.
  • Contour is noticeable but very well blended.
  • Brows are filled in and structured whilst still looking natural.

Expert tip: if wearing a strapless gown, add a little of your chosen highlighter to your bride’s collarbones.

Bronzed glam [full glam]

A bronzed, smokey eye; perfect for a glam bride! This look really suits a bold brow and dark eyes.

Tips to creating this look:

  • A full coverage foundation with a noticeable yet well-blended contour.
  • Bold and structured brows.
  • Eyeshadow can be any brown tone which compliments the eye colour. A pop of bronze, gold, copper or champagne on the lid can also add a little extra glam.
  • A wing liner is the perfect finish to this look, however be sure that your bride’s eye shape will suit a wing.
  • The inner rim is painted in a waterproof gel to define and add intensity to the eye.
  • Finish the look off with a nude or bold lip!

Expert tip: try using a lip liner a shade or two darker than your lipstick to create a fuller pout.

Pretty in pink [natural to full glam]

Pink and berry tones are very popular with brides, and using the right shade can really make blue or green eyes pop.

Tips to creating this look:

  • Essentially, this technique is simply using pink and berry tones with any of the above looks. Just adjust your depth of eyeshadow, liner and lashes to completely change the look.

Expert tip: ensure your shadow, cheek and lip colours all work in harmony.

Bridesmaid makeup

As detailed in the above section on bridal makeup, there really is no right or wrong when deciding on looks for bridesmaids. As each bridesmaid will have different face/eye shapes and colour, choose a shadow, cheek and lip colour palette that will work for all and will compliment their dress, then adjust the makeup techniques where necessary for each bridesmaid.

Flower girl makeup

Flower girl makeup is mostly about making the girl/s feel special and as though they are a part of the big day. When it comes to flower girls, your choice of makeup application is primarily dependent upon their age/s (keep it age appropriate), however, here are a few general tips:

  • Firstly, always ask a parent or guardian’s permission before using any makeup product on a child.
  • Check if the child has any allergies/sensitivities.
  • For a pre-teen, avoid using any foundation. A moisturiser or illuminating primer can be used to give the skin a nice glow.
  • Conceal any marks or bites etc. with a minimal amount of concealer.
  • Keep any eye makeup very minimal and neutral. A hint of shimmer on the eyelid and a coat of mascara is all that is needed unless requested otherwise.
  • Use a cream blush for a nice dewy finish.
  • Apply highlighter to the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupids bow.
  • Apply any lip balm or lip gloss as close to the ceremony time as possible.
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