Do I need a Bridal Makeup Trial?

Let’s kick off by explaining - What is a Bridal Makeup Trial? A Bridal Makeup Trial is an appointment you have before your wedding day which allows us to test and confirm your wedding day makeup as if it were the day itself. It is an opportunity to try looks that you like so that on your actual wedding day you have confidence in what your makeup will look like, how well it will last and most importantly that your makeup artist knows what you want and is able to deliver it. Put simply, a Bridal Trial ensures that on your wedding day you will be anxiety free in relation to your makeup and preparations can be calm and enjoyable.

Bridal Makeup Trial – What to expect?

A Bridal Makeup Trial with me is around 1.5hrs long. It includes a personal consultation where we discuss all the finer details of your wedding day, a makeup application including lashes, and an opportunity to try a couple of different looks. Bridal Makeup Trials are carried out in my Landsdale studio due to the length of the appointment. I follow up with you within a week to see how you felt in the makeup, whether you were happy with how it lasted and if there is anything you would like to change. I also confirm the lip colour that was chosen as I order one of these for touch ups for my brides and bring this with me on the day as a wedding day gift.

Bridal Makeup Trial Tips - :

· Decide your budget! There is no point researching Makeup Artist’s only to fall in love with one that is more than you want to spend. Make sure when you are getting quotes or reviewing prices that you understand what is included for the price. Do they include travel and lashes? Do they charge for early starts? Do you get any inclusions eg. Touch up lipstick. Have you been quoted for a trial with one and not the other? It is always important to ensure you are comparing apples with apples.

· Determine the style of makeup you want and research your MUA to find one with images of that style. Are you having a themed wedding eg. Boho, Vintage. Or do you like a specific style of makeup? When you are doing your research check the MUA’s website or Instagram account to see if they have an image of the style of makeup you like. That way you can already have some reassurance that will be able to provide the look you are after.

· Review images of their previous work and client testimonials to get an indication of the quality of their service.

· BOOK A BRIDAL MAKEUP TRIAL. A Bridal Trial is important for several reasons:

o It gives you an opportunity to get a feel for your Makeup Artist. Do you like them, do they make you feel calm and listened to, can they confidently answer your questions.

o It gives you an opportunity to try your wedding day makeup. If you are unsure of what you want it is an opportunity to try a couple of looks out so that on the day everybody is sure of what you are having and there are no surprises. Be sure to bring images of makeup styles you like so that the MUA can ask questions to really determine what you want.

o It gives you an opportunity to test the longevity of your makeup and get feedback from people you trust. This is very important because we all put a lot of weight in the opinions of our loved ones. Even if it is only your future husband you show, if he feels you are overdone or don’t look like you, it could ruin your day.

o A trial is a great time to have a lengthy conversation with your MUA regarding the run sheet for the day, any allergies or dislikes for the bridal party and any questions you might have about timing and preparation for the day.

· Talk to your MUA about the lipstick for the Bridesmaids. Quite often the Bridesmaids do not have a touch up lipstick. I provide one for my Brides but not the bridal party so if you ask at your trial about a colour that can be recommended the Bridesmaids can pre-purchase this to ensure they have a touch up lippie too.

· Skin regimes – every bride asks me “what should/shouldn’t I do before the wedding day with regards to my skin?” This will vary depending on how far out from your wedding day you are. I usually recommend that brides seek advice from a qualified Beauty Therapist however, I never recommend that you majorly change your skin care regime or undertake aggressive treatments less than 3 months from your big day. Making small changes to your diet, increasing your water intake and ensuring you cleanse and moisturise daily will all go a long way to having the skin of your dreams forever, not just on your wedding day.

· Lastly, be sure to let each vendor for the day know what the movements of the others involved are. For eg. Hair and Makeup Artists need to be able to work together so talking to them about the order they want to work on the bridal party and confirming how long each will take is important so that everything runs smoothly. They will also need to know the movements of your photographer so that you are ready at the right time and the appropriate getting ready photos can be snapped.

How much is a Bridal Makeup Trial?

I charge $150 for a Bridal Makeup Trial. This includes your personal consultation and makeup application with lashes. I always encourage my brides to book their Bridal Makeup Trial for a day when they have something else on such as their hens day, engagement shoot or other special occasion so they can, not only test the longevity of their makeup but also feel they are getting value for money.

If you’d like to eliminate all the too-ing and fro-ing over email and have a conversation about how I can help you on your wedding day, please book a bridal consultation call HERE. You can view images of my Bridal Portfolio on my website or simply send me an email and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Happy Planning x

Bio

Tara Clark is the owner and Makeup Artist at Black Lash Makeup Design. Tara provides makeup services for Branding Photography, Special Events and of course, Bridal. Her makeup style can be described as natural and complementary and she focuses on providing an exceptional experience for all her clients. Weddings, in particular, provide Tara with an opportunity to do this and she believes that keeping her Brides calm and stress free is as important as the makeup itself. A busy mum of 4, Tara knows how important it is to fill your own cup so her mission is to encourage busy women to “treat” themselves and take time out for a self-indulgent experience through makeup.

Tara Clark2 July 2021