Bridal Makeup Advice Nobody Tells You: From a Licensed Esthetician and Pro Makeup Artist
Hi friends :) If you’re new here, hi! My name is Madeleine and I am a pro makeup artist and licensed esthetician based in Los Angeles, CA. I’m here to guide you on a few essential tips as you get ready for one of the biggest, happiest, most special days of your life.
PREP WORK
First, let’s talk FACIALS and SKIN CARE! That’s right, as important as your makeup is for the big day, what’s going to be even more crucial is what you are doing to prep the skin the months leading up to it. If you want the best, most flawless makeup application, these are a few steps I would suggest you take that will take your bridal look from average to extraordinary.
HYDRAFACIALS:
What is a hydrafacial? From the official Hydrafacial Website, it is described as “An invigorating treatment that can be given in as little as 30 minutes. It delivers long-term skin health and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of all skin types. It offers instant, noticeable results with no downtime or irritation. The Hydrafacial treatment removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective.”
Why is this important for bridal makeup? Well, healthy skin is the best canvas for a seamless, beautiful makeup application. Dry, dead skin cells clinging to your foundation is a recipe for a patchy base that no amount of makeup can save. With a proper at-home skincare regimen in conjunction with receiving facial treatments by a professional, your skin will really thank you. As a licensed esthetician myself, I recommend my bridal clients do a series of hydrafacials at least 3-6 months in advance, one treatment per month, before your wedding date for optimal results.
2. DERMAPLANING:
Dermaplaning is one of the hottest facial treatments right now, and there is definitely a reason for that! On the topic of dead skin, this treatment uses a scalpel to remove dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) from the face. Please do not use an eyebrow/face razor you ordered on Amazon, I can assure you it’s not the same and can actually do more harm than good. You could scratch your skin, creating a tear, which in turn could develop into a scar. If there is bleeding from the scratch, your skin also may come in contact with harmful bacteria and could get infected. The dermaplane blades that estheticians use are one time use and sterile. I can’t say the standards are the same for those at-home tools. They also aren’t going to leave your face feeling as smooth, because an eyebrow razor is a guarded blade, so it physically cannot remove the hair as deep as a professional dermaplane treatment would.
Here are some more reasons why dermaplaning is the best thing in the world and something you should consider investing in:
It will ensure your wedding day makeup is smooth and flawless. Peach fuzz will no longer be an issue, because your foundation will not be clinging to it and making it more apparent. Even when you’re not wearing makeup, your face will appear more glowy and feel pillowy soft.
Your daily at-home products such as serum and moisturizer will have the ability to absorb more effectively with all of that buildup gone. The products will actually be getting delivered into the deeper layers of the skin, and not just doing diddly squat sitting on the surface.
Your dollars spent on these products will go further because you won’t need to be emptying the whole jar of product on your skin for it to feel moisturized. Look, I’m helping you save money!
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Steam your dresses, lay flat your accessories and have your shoes ready the night before. Once the makeup and hair team arrive, and the room is flooded with bridesmaids, family members, and other vendors such as the wedding planner, photographer, etc. there is not always ample room, or time, for this to be done. Doing this simple task the night before will take some of the stress away and is one less thing to think about for the next morning!
Emotional cards and gifts should be opened the night before to avoid teary, watery, bloodshot eyes. Makeup products do not adhere well to wet eyes and it will be difficult to touch up afterwards. It’s best to hold off until the ceremony if you really want your makeup to look its absolute best!
Skip the polyester pajamas and gowns if you want to avoid extra sweat! Opt for breathable fabrics instead such as cotton, and make sure the top is a button up, or wear a robe instead for an easier transition into your dress.
THE MORNING OF
Ensure there are snacks and water readily available. Even if you don't feel hungry, nibbling on small portions of fruits, pastries, or veggies and dip can help settle your stomach. Staying hydrated is vital, so remember to drink plenty of water as well.
If you’re expecting to be in hot weather, it’s important you have the means to ventilate your space. Make sure your windows can be opened, and consider having a fan on hand to keep you cool and comfortable. I always carry a personal mini fan in my makeup kit, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to purchase one for yourself to have throughout the day. I got mine from Amazon and I’ll link it here
Last but not least, when deciding on where you’ll be getting ready, assess the space. Will your entire bridal party, a hair and makeup team, photographer, videographer, wedding planner, and family members all be able to fit in the same room? And do their jobs efficiently? It’s important that hair stylists and makeup artists have ample room to set up – after all, we are carrying a mini salon with us! A table is ideal so that all of our tools and products can be laid out. It wastes a lot of time having to dig around our bags for the items we need. Take note of how you are going to feel with several personalities and energies in the room as well and account for that when making a decision on the location you’re getting ready. The more room we all have, the calmer the day will be!
Hey! I'm Madeleine,
A makeup artist based in Los Angeles with 9 years of experience in the beauty industry. I'm passionate about helping people learn more about makeup, skincare, and wellness, and how it can enhance their natural beauty. Sign up here to get emails when I post a new blog!
