The beginning of the year is always my busiest time for bridal makeup trials (also known as a ‘bridal preview’). I love meeting you in-person, often for the very first time, getting to know you and learning more about your wedding plans. Your trial is an opportunity for us to discuss what you want, experiment, and create your dream makeup look.
Where Will My Makeup Trial Take Place?
Trials are hosted at my private makeup studio just outside of Canterbury. The studio itself is intimate and luxurious, somewhere I hope you’ll be able to switch off and relax. Refreshments will be provided, and I’ll do everything I can to ensure you leave feeling excited, pampered, and special.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Prepare?
Prior to your trial, you’ll be invited to complete a detailed makeup questionnaire designed to help me understand your everyday makeup habits and preferences. You’ll also be asked to include a range of inspiration images. When gathering visual inspiration, try to select images where the bride or model has a similar complexion, skin tone, hair colour and eye colour to yourself. This will help you see how a particular style of makeup will potentially look on you.
Be wary of images on Instagram and Pinterest that might be photographed under studio lighting, heavily filtered or photoshopped. Although they can be amazing for inspiration, these looks are usually impossible to recreate because they’re not real. Often, even the model doesn’t look that flawless in real life!
If you’ve had your makeup done before, consider what you loved about the end result. Is there anything you’d change if you had the same makeup look again? When you’re applying your own makeup, is there anything you always do – a detail you don’t feel yourself without? Including these things in your bridal look can help you feel like the best version of yourself.
As well as your preferred look and style of makeup, think about any products you absolutely love or can’t live without. Feel free to bring them along to your trial so I can take your everyday favourites into account when creating your bridal look.
Here are a few other things you can do to prepare for your makeup trial:
- Try to give your complexion a little extra TLC in the run-up to your trial. The condition of your skin impacts the makeup look, especially the application and longevity of your foundation. I’m more than happy to offer tailored advice, but reading How to Build a Skincare Routine is a good place to start.
- If you’re considering a (fake) golden glow, either professionally applied or by self-tanning at home, I’d recommend a test application to coincide with your bridal trial. This will give you the best idea of how everything will work together on your wedding day. Don’t worry if you don’t manage it – I can always add some warmth to your makeup to give you a sense of how it will look with a tan.
- Your bridal trial is also the best time to experiment with false lashes. Nearly all my brides have a few individual lash clusters applied to create a very natural, fluffy effect. They can either be applied at the outer corner of the eyes to enhance the natural shape or used to add discreet volume along the entire lash line. If you’re considering semi-permanent lashes (a great option if you’re heading off on honeymoon straight after the wedding), I’d recommend a trial run with your lash technician too. You can always try both options and see which look you like best.
- If possible, arrive makeup free having completed your usual skincare routine in the morning.
- Try to style your hair roughly how you plan to have it on your wedding day. If you’re unsure, we can try it both up and down once your makeup is done and you’re looking in the mirror. You’ll find it can have quite an impact on the overall look.
- You don’t need to wear a top with the same neckline as your wedding dress but try not to choose one that comes up too high. It’s important I can see the colour of your face and neck when selecting foundation.
What Happens During the Makeup Trial?
Referencing the inspiration you’ve provided, we’ll chat through what you do and don’t like, highlighting any individual elements you’d like to recreate. We’ll also discuss your wedding plans in detail to ensure your makeup complements the overall look and feel of your day. Based on this, I’ll create your perfect bridal look. This might mean using products you already know and love or introducing new brands, techniques and ideas to elevate and enhance your current makeup style. As we’ll be experimenting and tweaking things until they’re just right, trials tend to take a little longer than your makeup will on your wedding day.
Once you’re happy with the final look, I’ll create a personalised face chart to reference on your wedding day. Along with a suggested schedule for your wedding morning, I’ll upload this to your dedicated online portal so you can review it whenever you want (super handy if you ever want to purchase any of the products we use). At the end of your trial, you’ll receive my signature bride-to-be gift bag containing a handpicked selection of luxurious treats, just for you.
Find Out More
If you’re getting married and you haven’t booked your Makeup Artist yet, you can learn more about my approach to bridal makeup here. If you’re already one of my brides, you should have received an invitation to book your trial. Working on your questionnaire? My Instagram is a great place to look for inspiration!
