No one wants to walk down the aisle not looking or feeling like themselves so my main importance is that you feel the best version of you. We are all different, some people love makeup, for others it might terrify you. Either way, even if you don't wear a lot of makeup on a day to day basis, you will still maybe wanting someone to advise and help you feel amazing without the need of copious amounts of it. I tailor this service to be about each individual bride, there is no right or wrong with how you should look on your wedding day except for looking and feeling like you at your absolute best!

What happens at the trial?

This is the most important part of the process and I like to do the trial around up to 3 months before the wedding day however I am more than happy to accommodate this to fit around your time frame.

This is a service tailored around you and no two trials I have ever done are the same! If you feel like you would like to have you mum, or sister or best friend there for a second honest opinion then absolutely feel free to. We sit down initially and discuss the day itself, the getting ready location, the timings, the bridesmaids and Mother of Bride makeup. I really do listen to what you have to say and take it all into consideration when I am doing the makeup. Here are some common questions and thoughts

WHAT TO EXPECT at the trial?

Most of my clients have never had their makeup done professionally. I am incredibly mindful of this and so creating a comfortable space where you feel at ease is my main priority from the get go. It should be an enjoyable experience!

The trial differs greatly from the wedding day itself, for many obvious reasons but the main being that it is a “normal” day where you will be in your own clothes. The feel of the day is also different so sometimes I encourage you to plan something in the evening so you have something to wear the makeup to.

It’s not uncommon for people to have to get used to the look of themselves in their “wedding” makeup on their trial day. It is more makeup than you would usually wear, but for good reason. It has to look polished and appropriate for the occasion whilst lasting the whole day and night.

Your wedding makeup is perfected in a way to create a cohesive look together with your wedding dress and hair style. It may be more than what you usually wear but I strongly encourage you to wear it for as long as possible as people who are a little unsure about what they would adjust often have a lot more clarity after seeing it in the evening as well as the morning.

What should I wear?

You may want to consider wearing a cream or white top as this can really help to visualise how it may look against a similar colour to what you are wearing on the day, I have found that this really helps during the trial process! If you don’t want to wear anything white, then a top which shows some of your decolletage is always a good idea so you can focus solely on the makeup itself.

HOW DO YOU DESIGN A LOOK FOR ME?

Everyone’s interpretation and preference of makeup differs greatly, so if you are a makeup wearer it’s important to me that you wear your “everyday” makeup to the trial, however little or as much as that may be. It may seem like a pointless exercise as I will be removing it before we start, however seeing you in your own makeup tells me a lot about how comfortable with makeup you are, how much you wear and what kind of colours you feel comfortable in. It all helps me to create the perfect look for you retaining all the elements that are important to you and I assure you, it can make all the difference. Lastly, I don’t judge people’s makeup application!

The starting points for all my clients is using colour theory to decide on what “neutral” palette is best suited to you taking into consideration your skin tone, eye colour and even hair colour plays a part.

If you aren’t a makeup wearer then don’t worry, but try and bring images of bridal makeup from Pinterest, my portfolio or anyone else’s which can really help us start discussions around what will and won’t work for you.

SHALL I BRING PINTEREST IMAGES I LIKE?

If you find it difficult to describe what you like, then Pinterest or Instagram images can be very useful. However there are things to take into consideration when choosing images.

Be mindful that pictures you bring should be seen as inspiration rather than expectation. No two people look exactly the same and pictures on Pinterest have been heavily edited so we look at the images and discuss what it is you like and what draws you to them, be it the colours, tones of eyeshadows, the way the complexion looks etc. We will also discuss how we can adapt the makeup to compliment you but it’s definitely recommended to have an open mind and have fun with the idea of playing around with an idea.

What if I am not entirely happy?

The chances of you not fully liking it, are very slim. There will however be parts which you may want to tweak or alter which is totally normal and to be expected. Through the many years I have been doing this job, I have crafted a process which will meet most people’s expectations and end result. The consultation process is very thorough but of there things which you feel are not completely right, then I want to correct them! It’s important to remember that makeup isn’t permanent, it can be changed accordingly but it is super important that you are as honest as you can be if there is something you are not sure about. I'm not easily offended and I certainly won't feel upset because you would like something different! We talk it through and discuss what's worked and what hasn't and most importantly we will get it right.

ANY OTHER TIPS?

When I show the first look, be sure to hold the mirror an arms distance away from you. I see too many people at the trial hold up a mirror very close up and they very quickly start to over analyse every imperfection on their skin (and believe me, I would know as I have acne scars and I do it too!) It’s important to remember to be realistic but also understand that the things you see, I can guarantee no one else even notices! Look in different mirrors in different lighting too as your makeup should take you through from the morning until you can’t dance anymore in the evening!

Finally, there is one thing that you have in common with all of the real brides in my gallery (other than the fact you are getting married!), you all started off by getting in touch with the same concerns about wanting to stay true to yourself on your wedding day. If they can feel amazing, you can too!