So you have searched the shops and finally picked your beautiul dress, and are now starting to think about the beauty side of things. Many Brides that book me, are booked from even before they have their dress picked out. But when it comes to getting your makeup trial, I would recommend you wait until you have your dress picked out. Then we can go ahead and create your look and make sure you look flawless on your big day. So over the last few months I have be compiling this list of Do's and Don'ts I hope you might find helpful in the lead up to the big day. Hope you enjoy,

Do:

First of all, if you have a hair and makeup supplier preference, book them ASAP! It is never too early to book. Send the email and check availability and go from there.
Make sure you book in for your trial up to 8 weeks before the wedding. Contact your hair and makeup suppliers and schedule in a date. You have no idea how quickly weekends book up with weddings.
I also always recommend girls that if you plan on using fake tan for the big day, have a test run before your make-up trial so that your artist can see what colour your skin becomes with the tan. Here I always advise tan to be done 2 days prior to both wedding day and trial.
Wear a white top for your trial, this will show you how the makeup looks against the white of the dress and in pale real light. If you are going for a coloured dress then I would suggest to wear a top in that colour also. Makeup looks completely different depending on tones of colour we have on.
Bring pictures to your make-up trial. Start looking for images of make-up that you really like and bring them with you on the day. Explain to the artist what you like about each picture. The skin, the lip colour, they eyes etc. Here we can get to see what kind of makeup you like. It is all good wanting to have a Kim K look, but if you are very pale skinned and light haired then this look won't exactly replicate on to you. But together with your artist and taking your dress, hair and features in to account. You will be able to create the perfect unique look for you.
Focus on your features, your wedding day is not the day to experiment with a different look. You should still look like yourself, just a more polished version. Your makeup should be timeless classic, and in ten years time when you open your album again you will still be delighted with how you looked.
Go for the lashes. Many girls come in to me not wanting them, but always have them going out the door!! It is all about how they are applied, to look natural and full. Opt for the individual ones, they give the best effect and can be as natural or as full on as you like.
Waterproof mascara is a MUST!
After your trial your artist should give you advice in relation to skincare ahead of the big day. But do not fix it if it isnt broken. So many ladies fall in to the trap of 'needing' a course of 6 facials that cost a fortune and are guaranteed to make you look ten years younger. If you have problematic skin - see a dermatologist who will guide you in the right direction! If you do plan on having a facial, do not do so within 2 weeks of the wedding day.

Don't:

Leave it to the last minute to book your makeup artist. As I said above it is never too early to get in touch and check availability.
Skip a makeup trial. It is always recommended to have one. However do not stress if you simply can't, be sure to chat to your artist to discuss the plan of action for the morning of the wedding and that there is adequate time to create your makeup look.
Think that you need to cake your makeup on. It’s a total myth that your make-up has to be plastered on for the photographs. Yes coverage is needed but remember you have to look flawless in real life too. Most wedding photography is done in natural light, and if you choose a heavy heavy base the make-up will look obvious and literally look 'plastered'. Using the right products and skin prep your makeup can look full coverage and also stand the test of time lasting you the whole day.
Forget translucent powder! Regardless of how your skin is, be it combination or dry or oily. Be sure to have this in your touch up bag. After all the dancing, kissing and mingling you are bound to get a little shiny on the T-Zone area. So just have this at hand to do a quick dab to soak up any natural oils. This together with your lippy and a little concealer should be all you need for touch ups during the day. If you wish you can bring along blusher, this might need to be reapplied later on in the evening.
Wax or thread any facial hair the day of or before your trial/wedding day. Do it at least 2 days before as sometimes this can strip some of the natural oils on the skin and makeup will not sit properly on the face.
Go last, the Bride should never go last! Unless there is hours to spare. Usually in the middle or 2nd last. Then after hair is completed she should get her touch ups.
Stress. Your artist knows what they are capable of and you have enlisted your trust in them for the big day. They won't disappoint!