Guide
How to Choose Your Wedding Makeup Artist
Your wedding makeup artist is one of the last people you'll spend real time with before you walk down the aisle. Here's what's actually worth looking for.
Your wedding makeup artist is one of the last people you'll spend real, close-up time with before you walk down the aisle. It's a decision worth taking seriously, not just for how your makeup looks in photos, but for how calm and looked-after you feel that morning. Here's what I'd genuinely suggest looking for.
Look at their real portfolio, not just their best five photos
Anyone can post five flawless shots. What you actually want to see is a range of real work across different skin tones, ages and styles, so you can judge whether their finish matches what you're picturing for yourself. Take a look at my portfolio for an honest sense of the soft glam, natural-finish style I specialise in.
Always book a trial before the big day
A trial isn't a nice-to-have, it's how you actually design your look together, test how it photographs, and make sure it lasts. I'd never recommend booking a wedding makeup artist who doesn't offer one. If you want to know exactly what happens at a trial and when to book it, I've written a full guide: What to Expect at Your Bridal Makeup Trial.
Ask about their training and experience
Training varies enormously between makeup artists, and it's worth asking. I trained at Elstree Film Studios, working across film, television and photoshoots, which is where I learned that makeup has to hold up under real cameras and real lighting, not just look good in a mirror. You don't need a film background specifically, but you do want someone who can explain how their experience translates to a full day of photography, tears, dancing and heat.
Check whether they take more than one wedding on the same day
This one's easy to overlook but makes a real difference. If your makeup artist is splitting their morning between two weddings, your appointment is being rushed by definition. I only ever take one wedding a day, so whoever I'm with has my full attention from start to finish, it's worth asking any artist you're considering the same question.
Read the reviews, not just the star rating
A star rating alone doesn't tell you much. Read a handful of the actual reviews and look for the details that matter to you, whether that's how the makeup held up through the day, how communication felt in the run-up, or how relaxed people felt in the chair.
Understand what's included and what travel costs
Before you book, make sure you know exactly what's included in the price (trial, false lashes, touch-up kit, travel) so there are no surprises later. You can see my full, upfront bridal and occasion pricing here.
If you're getting married in Hertfordshire or nearby and would like to talk through your date, I'd love to hear from you.