Bridal makeup is very different from every day makeup. Unless you have taken a make-up course and you are very seasoned at application, you probably will not be able to achieve flawless foundation, the expert contouring of your cheeks and jawline or get that perfect highlight above your cheekbones, like a professional make-up artist would.
Neither would you know all the tips and tricks for getting your makeup to last throughout the day. Therefore, having a trial make-up session is something that's usually recommended for most brides. Ideally, your trial should take place at least eight weeks before your wedding. There will be a fee for the trial, so be sure to enquire about this in advance.
If you like, you can also do your hair style trial on the same day but be sure to have it done before you have your makeup done. One of the reasons for this, is to prevent the heat of hair styling tools from affecting your makeup and its application. On your wedding day itself, most make-up artists will apply make up to the bridesmaids' and mother of the bride's make-up first and save the bride's makeup for last.
Here are some tips before you head off to your make-up trial:
• Carry magazine photos of brides in makeup that you like. This way, the make-up artist will get an immediate idea of whether you lean towards a more natural look or whether you are open to being a bit more dramatic with your makeup
• Walk with a picture of your dress and if possible, a fabric swatch and even the accessories you plan to wear, to show your make-up artist. This will give her added inspiration to create your look.
• Ask your make-up artist in advance about whether she does eyelash application, if this is something you're interested in having done.
• If you wear contact lens, be sure to put them on before too, so that you can gauge whether any eye shadows, eye liners or mascaras will affect them.
• Get your eyebrows waxed a few days in advance of your trial.
• Wear a buttoned up blouse or a shirt, so that if you have to change your clothing post-application, it will not ruin your hair and makeup.
• You should go to your trial bare-faced, that is, with no makeup at all.
• Observe whether the make-up artist's tools and equipment are sanitised and well-organised.
• If you don't like how the make-up artist has applied your make up, be sure to tell him/her. After all, this is the purpose of the trial!