Why You Should Hire a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding

If you think professional makeup is an “extra” on your big day, think again. We’ve talked to a few pros with some pretty strong opinions!

Tara Dumser of La Dolce Salon & Spa is passionate about her chosen profession. “A professional makeup artist has passion, is patient, calm in stressful situations, reliable, thick skinned and talented,” she said. “Booking one for your wedding day is not an unnecessary splurge. Sometimes you truly do need to leave it to the professionals. “

“Keep in mind, this is what a makeup artist does for a living. It is not just a hobby,” Dumser said. “We have spent countless hours doing makeup and are conscious of everything, from sanitation to true customer service.”

Sonia Stancombe of Nicholas J Salon & Spa couldn’t agree more. “While you are busy doing your job, they are busy educating themselves on the what’s and why’s of makeup,” she said. For example, if you’re interested in contouring to make your face thinner or your nose smaller, you might understand why the makeup professional is termed an “artist.”

Some expert tips:

Keep in mind that the goal of every makeup professional should be to make you feel beautiful. Feeling calm and confident on your wedding day is key and this will set the tone for the rest of the day. Reducing wedding day jitters and soothing raw nerves puts everyone else at ease.

Makeup requires maintenance. Your makeup artist can give you tips for looking fresh and beautiful, but you may need to touch up your lip color and eliminate shine.

A trial run is a must! Your big day is not the day to take a chance on a whim and go with a super smoky eye if you have never tried it before. During the trial you should carefully look at the portfolio of the makeup artist to match the style you’re seeking, according to Melissa Marshall, of LeRoc Salon & Beauty Bar.

Special care is needed for your wedding day. Your everyday makeup will not cut it in terms of photography and lighting. Marshall is a proponent of airbrushing to protect makeup during the typical eight or more hours of a wedding celebration. You might find yourself in a church with no air conditioning, taking photos in the rain or in a barn full of hay that makes you sneeze!

As difficult as it is to find the perfect bridesmaid dress that flatters all the bridesmaids, so makeup treatments vary for each bridesmaid according to her skin tone and facial shape. Don’t assume that just because bridesmaids are young and attractive, that they know anything about applying makeup!

The mother of the bride and groom want to feel great, too. Age, wrinkles and all that jazz might require a little more time to apply, but Mom deserves some special attention, too. A makeup trial for her is also a good idea.

Some makeup artists are willing to stay during the wedding and reception (for a fee) to maintain the beautiful look that was created for you. No need to worry about tears, hugs and the affect effects of all the emotion of the day.