How to Prepare for Your Bridal Makeup Trial, Treat It Like Your Wedding Morning!

How exciting, it’s finally time to do a trial run of your wedding makeup look. Here’s my essential checklist to help you get the most out of your appointment and ensure a truly successful trial.

1. Save inspiration photos of women with a similar skin tone and hair colour to you

This will not only help your makeup artist get an idea of your preferred style but also help you realise what you like and don’t like. Where possible avoid images from Pinterest, as they are highly edited (AI/Photoshop!) so Instagram is a better place to find realistic bridal makeup looks. Even better if they are from your makeup artist's portfolio as they will be able to recreate that look and know which products were used!

2. Arrange hair and bridal makeup trials for the same day

If possible try and arrange your hair and makeup trials on the same day so you can see what your hair and makeup look like together. If you've not yet booked your bridal hair stylist check out my Recommended Suppliers list. If you are unable to do have both your trials on the same day due please style your hair similar to how you envisage you will have it on the wedding day so you can feel as bridal as possible

3. Tan according to your wedding plans

If you plan on being tanned on your wedding day it is essential to arrive to your bridal makeup trial with a tan as your makeup will look very different otherwise. If like me, you prefer a natural, light colour I can recommend the Dove Visible Glow Gradual Tan (in shade 'Medium to Dark') which is easy to use and buildable with no transfer on to bed sheets. Or if you prefer something deeper, book a spray tan 2-3 days prior with a professional who specialises in tans. If you are local to Ipswich, Suffolk you can trust Marcellas Beauty Studio who uses the brand Sienna X, the 6% or 8% tans are great realistic tan shades. (Please avoid fake tanning the face as this dehydrates the skin, affecting the makeup application.)

4. Book in for brows

Book a professional brow shape around 7 days prior to your bridal makeup trial and wedding day. Depending on how much hair you have naturally, either HD Brows, brow lamination, or simple threading with a technician who specialises in eyebrows. Brows frame the face, and well groomed brows make a big difference to how polished and refined your makeup can look.

5. Organise a pro facial

If budget allows, invest in your skin with professional facials ahead of your bridal makeup trial and wedding day. Lots of my brides love 'Hydrafacials' which are customisable multi-step facial treatments that focus on delivering effective cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating the skin for a smooth and glowing result. If you are local to Suffolk, I can highly recommend seeing Donna at Look Wright Aesthetics. Booking a professional facial 7-10 days prior to your bridal makeup trial and wedding day will create a perfect canvas for your makeup to be applied and last all day.

6. Wear a top that shows your neckline

Arrive at your bridal makeup trial wearing a low-neckline top (strapless, cami, or off the shoulder styles are ideal). This allows your makeup artist to clearly see your chest skin tone and achieve the most accurate colour match. Avoid T-shirts and roll-neck jumpers. We recommend wearing a white or ivory top similar to your wedding dress, as makeup can look very different depending on the colour worn as it reflects onto the face.

7. Bring along your usual makeup

Bring your makeup bag and any products that you love to wear eg; lipstick/foundation so we have an idea of the texture/tones that you feel most beautiful in.

8. Wear your wedding earrings

If you have your wedding earrings, bring them too as you will instantly feel 'more bridal' and get a feel for the actual wedding day look. If you haven't chosen yours yet, check out Lily & Roo, Kiri & Belle or Perlanova Bridal for your wedding accessories.

9. Time your makeup trial for earlier in the day

Book the trial during the day rather than an evening so you can wear the makeup for at least 6 hours to properly test run the longevity and see it clearly in daylight.

10. Be honest!

If you aren’t sure about something, communicate with your artist. Trials are a collaboration process and we want to ensure you are happy and feel like yourself.

Hope this was helpful, I look forward to meeting you in the coming months!

Best Wishes, Emily x

All Photography by Sharon Cudworth

Book a wedding makeup trial with Suffolk and Essex bridal makeup artist Emily Chantal.