Ceremonies

Wedding Hair and Makeup Tips: How to Look Your Best on Your Big Day

June 2, 2023
9 min

As a bride, your wedding day is one of the most important and special days of your life. Naturally, you want to look and feel your best on this day, and that's where wedding hair and makeup come into play. Your hair and makeup can completely transform your look and enhance your natural beauty. 

In this blog post, we'll cover some tips and tricks for achieving the perfect wedding hair and makeup look, from preparing your skin and hair beforehand to finding the right hairstylist and makeup artist. So, whether you're going for a natural, effortless look or a bold, glamorous one, we've got you covered.

Finding the Perfect Hair and Makeup Artists

Finding the perfect hair and makeup artist is crucial to achieving your desired wedding day look. Here are some tips for choosing the right artist:

Research and review: Begin by researching hair and makeup artists in your area and reading their reviews. Check their portfolios and ensure that their style matches your vision for your wedding day.

Recommendations: Ask friends, family, and other vendors in the wedding industry for recommendations. Their experiences can help you make an informed decision.

Consultations: Schedule consultations with potential hair and makeup artists to discuss your vision and preferences. During the consultation, ask the following questions:

  • Do you have experience working with my hair and skin type?
  • Can you show me your portfolio and examples of your previous work?
  • What products do you use, and are they suitable for my skin type?
  • Can you provide a trial session before the wedding day?
  • How long will the hair and makeup process take on the day of the wedding?
  • What is your pricing and availability on my wedding day?

Contracts: Once you've chosen your hair and makeup artist, ensure that you have a contract in place that outlines all the services they will provide, the cost, and the schedule.

Preparing for Your Hair and Makeup Trials

Preparing for your hair and makeup trials is crucial to ensuring that you get the perfect look on your wedding day. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your trials:

  1. Gather inspiration: Collect photos of hair and makeup looks that you like and bring them to your trial. This will help your stylist understand your vision for your wedding day look.
  2. Wear white: Wear a white top or something similar to your wedding dress to give you a better idea of how your hair and makeup will look with your dress.
  3. Cleanse and moisturize: Ensure that your skin is clean and moisturized before your trial. This will help your makeup artist achieve a flawless base.
  4. Bring your accessories: Bring any hair accessories or jewelry that you plan to wear on your wedding day to see how they will look with your hair and makeup.
  5. Communicate: Communicate with your stylist throughout the trial. Let them know what you like and don't like, and don't be afraid to ask for adjustments.

During the trials, your stylist will experiment with different hair and makeup styles to help you find the perfect look. Things to keep in mind while trying out different looks include:

  • Take photos: Take photos of each look so that you can compare them later and decide which one you like best.
  • Be open to suggestions: Your stylist may have some suggestions that you haven't considered. Be open to their ideas and try them out.
  • Don't be afraid to speak up: If you don't like something, let your stylist know. They want you to be happy with your look and will make adjustments accordingly.

Choosing the Right Wedding Hairstyle

Choosing the right wedding hairstyle is essential to completing your overall bridal look. Here are some tips on how to choose the right hairstyle for you:

  1. Consider hair length and texture: Depending on your hair length and texture, certain hairstyles may work better than others. For example, an updo may work better for longer hair, while shorter hair may look better in a bob or pixie cut.
  2. Determine your face shape: Different face shapes work best with different hairstyles. For example, if you have a round face, you may want to avoid hairstyles that add volume to the sides of your face, while if you have a square face, you may want to avoid hairstyles that emphasize your jawline.
  3. Consider your dress style: Your hairstyle should also complement your dress style. If you have a strapless dress, you may want to consider an updo to showcase your shoulders and neck, while if you have a high neckline, you may want to consider a half-up, half-down hairstyle.

Here are some hairstyle options for different hair lengths and textures:

  1. Long hair: Updos, braids, and loose waves are popular choices for long hair.
  2. Medium-length hair: Half-up, half-down styles, sleek bobs, and textured curls are great options for medium-length hair.
  3. Short hair: Pixie cuts, sleek bobs, and retro-inspired finger waves are great options for short hair.

Bridal Makeup Tips and Trends

Bridal makeup is an essential part of your wedding day look, and here are some tips and trends to help you achieve a flawless and long-lasting makeup look:

  1. Prep your skin: Ensure that your skin is well-prepared for makeup application by cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin.
  2. Choose long-lasting products: Opt for long-lasting products such as waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and setting spray to ensure your makeup stays put throughout the day.
  3. Consider airbrushing: Airbrush makeup is a popular choice for brides as it gives a flawless, natural-looking finish that lasts all day.
  4. Enhance your natural features: Enhance your natural features with a subtle highlight, contouring, and a natural-looking flush of blush.
  5. Stay true to your style: While it’s good to keep up with makeup trends, it’s important to stay true to your style and choose a look that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Some bridal makeup trends for the season include:

  1. Soft and natural: A soft and natural look that enhances your natural beauty and features.
  2. Bold lips: A bold lip in shades of red, plum, or pink can add a pop of color to your look and make a statement.
  3. Shimmer and glitter: A touch of shimmer or glitter on the eyes or cheeks can add a touch of glamor to your look.
  4. Statement eyes: A dramatic eye look with a bold liner or smoky eye can make a statement and add some drama to your overall look.

Hair and Makeup Dos and Don'ts on Your Wedding Day

On your wedding day, it’s important to take care of your hair and makeup to ensure that your look stays flawless from start to finish. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos:

  1. Do keep a touch-up kit: Bring a touch-up kit with you that includes lipstick, blotting papers, powder, and any other touch-up products you may need throughout the day.
  2. Do wear a button-up shirt or robe while getting ready: To avoid ruining your hair and makeup while getting dressed, wear a button-up shirt or robe while getting ready.
  3. Do communicate with your hair and makeup artist: If you want any changes or adjustments made to your hair and makeup look, communicate with your hair and makeup artist before the final look is set.
  4. Do plan ahead: Make sure to plan for your hair and makeup schedule, including enough time for any last-minute touch-ups or changes.

Don’ts:

  1. Don’t try anything new: On your wedding day, it’s best to stick with a hair and makeup look that you’re comfortable with and have tried before, rather than trying something new.
  2. Don’t touch your face: Avoid touching your face throughout the day to prevent smudging or smearing your makeup.
  3. Don’t use new hair products: Avoid using new hair products on your wedding day as they may cause allergic reactions or may not work well with your hair type.
  4. Don’t use too much hairspray: While you want your hair to stay in place, using too much hairspray can make your hair look stiff and unnatural.

Tips for maintaining your look throughout the day

  • Use blotting papers to control the shine and oiliness on your face throughout the day.
  • Avoid using too much powder, which can make your skin look dry and cakey.
  • Use a setting spray to help your makeup stay in place.
  • Bring your touch-up kit with you and designate a trusted friend or family member to hold onto it for you.

Common Hair and Makeup Emergencies and Solutions

Smudged Eyeliner: If your eyeliner smudges or runs, gently remove it with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover. Then, apply a small amount of eye primer and reapply your eyeliner.

Frizzy Hair: To tame frizzy hair, apply a small amount of hair serum or oil to your palms and run your hands through your hair, focusing on the ends. You can also try using a smoothing brush or comb to smooth out any flyaways.

Mascara Stains: If you accidentally smudge mascara onto your skin, wait for it to dry and then gently remove it with a clean, dry cotton swab. To prevent this from happening in the first place, apply mascara after your eye makeup is complete.

Blotchy or Uneven Foundation: If your foundation looks uneven or blotchy, use a damp beauty sponge to blend it out and smooth over any areas that need more coverage. Be sure to blend down your neck and onto your chest for a seamless finish.

Conclusion

Wedding hair and makeup are important for every bride, and with careful planning and preparation, you can have a stress-free experience. To ensure a successful outcome, it's important to choose the right hair and makeup artists and communicate your preferences clearly during the trial sessions. 

Additionally, understanding your face shape, dress style, and hair texture can help you select the perfect hairstyle for your big day. Keeping up with the latest makeup trends and choosing a long-lasting, flawless look will ensure you look and feel your best throughout the ceremony and reception. Remember to follow pre-wedding hair and makeup dos and don'ts to maintain your look and be prepared for common emergencies. 

Above all, relax and enjoy your special day; trust your hair and makeup artists to make you look stunning. By following these tips and suggestions, you can have a smooth and stress-free hair and makeup experience, leaving you feeling confident and beautiful on your wedding day.

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