Wedding Make-Up...Pro or DIY?

[Cleopatra]

Just wondering....what are you brides doing for wedding day make-up? Are you having a professional apply it, a friend, or doing it yourself??

I''m curious because I went to an engagement party this weekend where the bride "tested" out a make-up artist and had him do her make-up for the party - and it looked like she was, what''s the appropriate term.... a "street girl" .... Heavy, dark eye make-up, dark lips - the works.

I guess I''m just curious partly because I haven''t made a decision regarding this....and I think that the make-up is a very important part in the bride''s overall "look"

 

[CrownJewel]

I''m trying to figure that out too. It seems like in NY the makeup artists charge an arm and a leg, so I would love to save money by doing it myself. I also have 4 bridesmaids who would need makeup too. The other girls really don''t need makeup because they have flawless skin and they''re so beautiful as is. But I will definitely need a bit of makeup because my skin is always so shiny.

I wonder if we can get lessons from a pro, and then buy the "materials" so that we can do it ourselves on the day of? Has anyone done that before?

 

[misysu2]

Ditto for me. Especially since my FI likes my very natural look. Every time I wear even eye shadow or tinted lip gloss he says something like, "Why are your lips so red? Are you sick??" Haha. Worried that a pro''s job, even if I liked it, would turn off my FI.

My hair stylist in town was sad to learn that I''m having the wedding in another state because she wanted to do my hair and makeup. Was thinking the same thing...maybe I could charge her a "consultation" fee for makeup and just have her tell me what to use and what to do?

 

[TravelingGal]

I would vote pro with a TRIAL.

I had my makeup done for for my cousin''s wedding (she paid for it) with no trial, and it was beyond bad. Caked on, and TOTALLY a different color from my body and neck (they did me up white-geisha style) and looked ridiculous in photos as the flash made me look whiter.

For my wedding, I hired Joyce Luck here in socal, who is fabulous. You can see the trial pics at https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/what-would-i-do-without-ps-hair-and-makeup-trial-joyce-luck.50758/ (I posted it below as well) and there is a fair bit of makeup on me...but it looked and felt so natural and on my wedding day the pics came out great.

 

[Cleopatra]

TGal - you look gorgeous in that pic! That''s exactly the type (and coloring) of make-up that I''m hoping for.

My biggest problem with DIY vs Pro:

- With DIY, will I look like I do everyday? Am I versatile enough with my make-up "abilities" to make my look "special" on my wedding day?

- With Pro, I can come out looking like a clown - or worse.

A trial is a good idea. I may try that....I''m doing a "hair trial" next month, so maybe I''ll schedule a make-up trial then too!

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I have been trained to do my own makeup and I still want a pro to do it. There are a lot of things to consider.
White and ivory are not very flattering to most skin tones so you need someone who can get your color right.
To show up well on film, in the bright sun or at a dark reception, the make up nedds to be a lot more dramatic than you would expect.
This is your chance to shine and they can do things with make up you always wanted to but were never able to.
You spent all the money on the dress and probably a hairstylist to look perfect, why would you do any less for something that is arguably more important.

If you are going to do it yourself I reccomend getting the book making faces. I can''t spell his last name, but he is the best and will help a lot.

 

[HollyS]

Did mine myself; less than 1 hr before walk down the aisle. Still had time for pictures, and I looked *very fresh* which is really important to us ''older'' brides!

 

[Cleopatra]

Making Faces by Kevin Aucoin....yes, I totally agree with buying this book! Wonderful book! Good suggestion BIH!

 

[jcrow]

i did my own makeup, but i did have a few unsuccessful professional trials before deciding to go diy.
i am very very happy with my decision. i felt like i knew my face better than anyone else.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 12/10/2007 1:55:25 PM
Author: Cleopatra
TGal - you look gorgeous in that pic! That''s exactly the type (and coloring) of make-up that I''m hoping for.

My biggest problem with DIY vs Pro:

- With DIY, will I look like I do everyday? Am I versatile enough with my make-up ''abilities'' to make my look ''special'' on my wedding day?

- With Pro, I can come out looking like a clown - or worse.

A trial is a good idea. I may try that....I''m doing a ''hair trial'' next month, so maybe I''ll schedule a make-up trial then too!

Thanks. Joyce is really good and I am simply not as good with my makeup to DIY.

I am trying to find a pic of the bad makeup job to show you, but I can''t find it anywhere on my computer! Oh well...

 

[CrownJewel]

TGal, you look so beautiful! A long time ago, before I was even engaged, I was asked to model for this photographer so that he could develop his bridal portfolio. It was only headshots, so we girls were put in strapless bustier/corsets and veils. There was a makeup artist who had done work for InStyle Weddings before. Since I''m Asian, she said she was excited to have an "exotic" model. Well, they did a test shot and asked me what I thought. I was dumbfounded. It looked so bad. Eyebrows were darkened so much that I looked like Groucho Marx, purple eyeshadow up to my eyebrow, cheeks looked totally flat and colorless. Then the makeup artist was whining "oh nooo the model doesn''t like her makeup!" And the whole time, I was thinking, "but...she''s done work for InStyle Weddings. Maybe there''s something wrong with me?!" I am not a model and had never done a professional photo shoot before, so I thought maybe they knew better than me.

When I got the photos, my friends wanted to see them. I had to photoshop the makeup because I looked so bad. Anyway...ever since then I''ve been afraid of the camera and makeup artists. Needless to say, if I decide to go pro for my makeup, I will not be calling that woman.

 

[CrownJewel]

Oops. Sorry, I just realized that my post does not help to answer the OP''s question. AT ALL. Sorry!!!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 12/10/2007 2:43:44 PM
Author: CrownJewel
TGal, you look so beautiful! A long time ago, before I was even engaged, I was asked to model for this photographer so that he could develop his bridal portfolio. It was only headshots, so we girls were put in strapless bustier/corsets and veils. There was a makeup artist who had done work for InStyle Weddings before. Since I''m Asian, she said she was excited to have an ''exotic'' model. Well, they did a test shot and asked me what I thought. I was dumbfounded. It looked so bad. Eyebrows were darkened so much that I looked like Groucho Marx, purple eyeshadow up to my eyebrow, cheeks looked totally flat and colorless. Then the makeup artist was whining ''oh nooo the model doesn''t like her makeup!'' And the whole time, I was thinking, ''but...she''s done work for InStyle Weddings. Maybe there''s something wrong with me?!'' I am not a model and had never done a professional photo shoot before, so I thought maybe they knew better than me.

When I got the photos, my friends wanted to see them. I had to photoshop the makeup because I looked so bad. Anyway...ever since then I''ve been afraid of the camera and makeup artists. Needless to say, if I decide to go pro for my makeup, I will not be calling that woman.

I know what you mean. I am trying to still find that other pic, but they are now where to be found. It''s horrible. Total geisha, but I guess a lot of asians like (?) that look? Plus a lot of asian girls don''t like to be tan, but that year I WAS tan, and I looked like I was wearing a mask. Yuck. It''s not a wonder that TGuy did not compliment me when he saw me at my cousin''s wedding.

Cleopatra, when you do the makeup trial, take lots of pics so you can see how you look on camera. It really helps.

 

[Cleopatra]

Date: 12/10/2007 3:02:46 PM
Author: TravelingGal

I know what you mean. I am trying to still find that other pic, but they are now where to be found. It''s horrible. Total geisha, but I guess a lot of asians like (?) that look? Plus a lot of asian girls don''t like to be tan, but that year I WAS tan, and I looked like I was wearing a mask. Yuck. It''s not a wonder that TGuy did not compliment me when he saw me at my cousin''s wedding.

Cleopatra, when you do the makeup trial, take lots of pics so you can see how you look on camera. It really helps.

Ohhhh! Very good suggestion! I would have never thought of that tid bit! Thanks!

 

[brgirl]

Hi! For my wedding, my sister did my makeup. First, she went to the Bobbi Brown counter and had the makeup counterperson show her how to do her makeup for her own wedding, which she successfully replicated in Jamaica (where her wedding was). Then, for my wedding, we went to the counter again to have my colors figured out, then my sister did my makeup at my wedding. It was just lovely. I now wear Bobbi Brown everyday (except foundation - that is bare escentuals - which i also used at my wedding). So I had a sister ''DIY'' my makeup! We did a trial first, and it just looked so nice!

 

[Fancy605]

I had mine done. I am not big into makeup in the first place, and in the second place, there is NO way I could have handled being responsible for it the day of the wedding. I would have stressed over any imperfection I created, and I probably would have ended up crying about it or something ridiculously silly like that. So, I set up a trial hair/makeup run at a local salon. The girl I had my appointment with was beyond awesome. She could read me like a book. After talking to me about what I wanted for my hair and trying some things with it, she said, "Okay, so for make up I''m guessing simple, understated, as natural as possible, enough to look good in pictures, nothing heavy, nothing flashy." Which is exactly what I wanted. She did SUCH a good job. The day of, she only charged $25 for makeup (I was so surprised that I ended up tipping like 100%). I was very happy with it. I felt glamorous, but not made-up.

Anyway, the moral of the story is: if you want it done, find yourself a makeup person who speaks your language. And DEFINITELY have a trial before hand. And photograph the trial so you know how the makeup will look in pictures.

 

[Pandora II]

I'm doing my own. I used to do quite a lot of modelling and always wanted to fiddle with what the make-up artists had done.

So I see no point in paying someone to do something I will just go and redo anyway!


I wear a lot of makeup every day - although most people don't think I wear any - I use it mainly to even my skin tone out and protect it from the London air!
The secret is in a good base and good products with plenty of pigment so they stay put.

I did my sister's make-up for her wedding, she had tried a few people out in stores and they made her look like a prostitute. She has white blonde hair and invisible eyebrows and eyelashes to match, so she needed really subtle looking makeup that would give her the lift for the photos.

I do read a lot of books and magazines and try out the different ways of doing eyes etc.

I would say if you are artistic and used to wearing make-up then go DIY, if you are a novice then go pro.

 

[CrownJewel]

Pandora will you come and do my makeup?

Should I start a new thread asking makeup-DIY-ers to post their bridal makeup products, colors, etc? I know JCrow looked amazing on her wedding day, so I would love to know the products that she used.

 

[sumbride]

I fought with my makeup artist, and I''d never hire her again, but I do think pro is better than DIY for most people. I am also trained in makeup but I don''t wear much color on a daily basis and she had my eyes so dark I couldn''t stand it... but everybody ELSE said "you look amazing" and it looks really good in the pictures... Definitely hire someone you''re comfortable with. I was stuck with the lady at the salon my sister goes to and while she''s nice, and good at what she does, she moves INCREDIBLY SLOW (made me late to my bridesmaid lunch! An HOUR late!) and she took a smoke break and then wiped her smoky hands on my face. I''m really sensitive to smoke so I was rather disgusted that I could smell smoke while she put on my eyeliner.

In the end, I''m the only one who knows how much I despised her... the end product was great and I''m glad I didn''t have to try to do it myself because I was really shaky on my wedding day.

 

[happilyeverafter]

I am going pro for my wedding day. I had my first trial, and though it was very nice, it just wasn''t me (tho it was my fault since I showed her pics of what I wanted and she followed it to a T, but I just didn''t like it on me). People say you should look like a beautiful enhanced you on your day. So I went back with pictures of makeup that looked more like the minimalist style I do every day, and talked a lot more about what I wanted, and together we came up with the perfect makeup and it looked AWESOME! So if you find a good pro that will work WITH you (most important thing) then you''ll probably come out better than DIY (unless you do a lot of makeup every day, then you might do better yourself, such as JCrow''s flawless makeup!).

A couple extra thoughts, some makeup (especially the good stuff) could total more than your pro makeup, so you may not be saving much, especially if you won''t wear most of it again.

You may be too nervous to do your own makeup the morning of (think shaky hands and teary eyes)

Apparently you should NOT get any regular makeup with sunscreen in it. I know this sounds bad but flashes from cameras reflect a white light from sunscreen and can make you look way pale (so i''ve heard). Although pure mineral makeup with sunscreen is supposed to work better (less reflection). This is all just what i''ve heard.

My pro would do a makeup lesson and document everything for me if I had wanted to do it myself. Many pros offer this.

 

[bee*]

I am going to go pro as well. I''m not the best when it comes to putting on make-up so will definitely need some help.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 12/10/2007 7:28:58 PM
Author: CrownJewel
Pandora will you come and do my makeup?

Should I start a new thread asking makeup-DIY-ers to post their bridal makeup products, colors, etc? I know JCrow looked amazing on her wedding day, so I would love to know the products that she used.

Lol, my youngest sister (not the one that got married) and I have often thought it would be a fun career move to become make-up artists - but I think I'd get bored unless you were doing films and fun stuff as well as 'pretty makeup' for people.

If you were in the UK, I would - I do it for quite a few friends.

I tend to like natural colours on people - I use a lot of browns, golds and beiges on the eyes, and a lot of matt colours for contouring. Too much pearly shadow can look bad in photos. NEVER go for the blue look - even if you have blue eyes - it looks so 1980's.

I also sweep a bit of blusher over the outer part of the eyelid just to add a bit of warmth.

I also keep dark brown and grey liquid eyeliner handy - black can look very harsh on fair people. Ditto with mascara - dark brown will look better.

Base is the most important thing - I love Oil of Olay Regenerist Serum as a primer, it makes skin feel amazing. Then a good foundation that will stay all day. I have several colours, and ones with a yellow tone and others with pink tones so I can blend them if necessary to get an exact match.

MaxFactor Panstik is great as concealer with good coverage and staying power.

I tend to use a small sponge and my fingers to apply the base and brushes for eyes. Blusher I will often use the lipstick the person is wearing so you have the same tone - but you MUST apply it before facepowder.

Lipstick hint - if your teeth are less than Hollywood white, an orange based lipstick will often make them look more yellowy than a pink based.

A small bottle of water is handy for diluting liquid liner and foundations to get a lighter look.

It's important to know your own face shape. If you have small eyes, don't surround them with eyeliner - they will look even smaller. If your eyes are close together, keep darker colour to the outer edges and use a light colour nearer to your nose. You can do so much with contouring to emphasise cheek bones, tone down heavy jawlines etc - and applied properly it should still look light and totally natural even though you have a lot of product on. Your skin should also not feel heavy.

Most important thing - and they say it everywhere - is BLEND everything and make sure base doesn't stop at the jawline, or infront of ears and there isn't a funny mark round the hairline.

For most products I like MaxFactor, Bourjois, Bobbi Brown, Lancome and in the UK, Boots No.7

I haven't done much on black or asian skin so I can't really advise on products there.

 

[karasue91]

I used weddingtracker.com to create our website for guests to see. It was $30 for a year, but it has tons of tools for planning too.

Another popular one is weddingwindow.com

 

[CrownJewel]

Date: 12/11/2007 2:11:32 PM
Author: karasue91
I used weddingtracker.com to create our website for guests to see. It was $30 for a year, but it has tons of tools for planning too.

Another popular one is weddingwindow.com

Haha karasue...did you mean to post that in Mr. Chips'' thread?

 

[karasue91]

Date: 12/11/2007 2:52:55 PM
Author: CrownJewel

Date: 12/11/2007 2:11:32 PM
Author: karasue91
I used weddingtracker.com to create our website for guests to see. It was $30 for a year, but it has tons of tools for planning too.

Another popular one is weddingwindow.com

Haha karasue...did you mean to post that in Mr. Chips'' thread?

hahahaha i have no idea how that happened!!! thanks

 

[basil]

I''m getting a professional, and I''m having a trial.

I don''t wear makeup on a daily basis, and I''ve never really learned how to do it properly, so I thought it was pretty important. I''m always surprised how much different things look in photos and such, so I know I''d under-apply if I did it myself.

 

[BriBee]

I''m definitely going pro, definitely having a trial. I feel lucky though because my facialist that I''ve gone to for 5+ years does wedding hair and make-up, so I feel like she really knows me and will do a good job. Plus, I recommended her to my friend for her wedding, so a bunch of us got our makeup done, including me as a BM and it turned out great, so that was kind of like a trial right there. She only charges $75 for hair and makeup, and if at least 4 girls (BMs, MOB, FMIL etc) pay to get theirs done, she does the bride for free. I''m not sure if this is her regular rate, or if I just get it bc I''ve been a client for so long, but it seems like a great deal.