Questions to Ask Your Makeup Artist During Your Trial

Choosing the right makeup artist for your wedding day is essential—but it can be challenging, especially if you haven’t had your makeup done by a professional before. That’s where the makeup trial comes in, and it’s an important step in your wedding beauty prep schedule. It not only ensures you and your makeup artist are the right fit, but also enables you to collaborate on the perfect wedding beauty look for you.

Your artist can expertly direct you through the process, recommending tips and tricks to prep beforehand and ensuring you feel your best on your special day. Here are some questions to ask your makeup artist during your trial to make sure everything goes smoothly on your wedding day and that you get the best results.

Are You Available, and Do You Do Weddings?

Seems like a no-brainer, but they’re essential questions. Don’t assume that your favorite makeup artist is available for your special day or that they do wedding-day makeup. Wedding makeup artists have different skills than those who work in fashion or editorial. Save time and avoid disappointment by confirming they do weddings and checking their availability on the date of your wedding before booking the trial.

How Many People Can You Accommodate for Day-of Wedding Makeup?

Depending on their working style, some makeup artists need 30 minutes per person—some need two hours. If your bridesmaids and mothers are included in the day-of beauty plan, you may need two or three makeup artists.

What Skincare Products Should I Use?

Makeup artists may not be estheticians, but they sure know a lot about skin. The more you care for your skin and work to get it in peak condition, the better your makeup will look. Ask your makeup artist what you can do—and which products to use—to ensure great skin on your big day.

What Style of Makeup Works Best for Me on My Wedding Day?

Whether you’re aware of it or not, you have a personal beauty style. Gather images of makeup looks you like (people who have skin tones and features similar to yours are best), and let your makeup artist know what you’re looking for. If a makeup artist insists on a look that isn’t your style, you may not be a good fit beauty-wise

Can You Use or Stay Away From Certain Specific Makeup Products?

You should definitely share with your makeup artist any specific products that you really like or dislike, especially if you have sensitive skin. (And be sure to point out any product from your own makeup bag that you’d like to use.) But they may suggest things for your wedding day that are outside of your normal routine; your trial is a great time to try them out.

Do You Provide a Day-Of Makeup Touch-up?

If you’re getting married in a warm-weather locale, expect to sweat; others may get teary during the ceremony. Ask your makeup artist if they can refresh your makeup on the day of the wedding. If they agree, it can be included in the wedding makeup fee.

What Products Will I Need to Buy?

Expect to buy a lip color, so you can touch up throughout your wedding day and night. Ask about other essentials you’ll need if your makeup artist won’t be on hand to freshen you up later in the day.

Can I Take Some Photos of the Trial Makeup?

The makeup artist should say yes—these images are important to see yourself up close and further away to get an overall feel of the makeup look. These photos are also helpful to refer to on the day of the wedding.

Can We Tweak My Makeup Look If I Don’t Like Something During the Trial?

Your makeup artist should work with you until you’re satisfied with your wedding-day beauty look. Don’t worry about offending anyone. If there’s anything you don’t like at the end of your trial, you should certainly speak up. This is the time to express your opinion, so there’s still time to fix the issue and create a look you love. And often the solution is as easy as swapping a product, shade, or tool.

It’s so important to meet with your wedding makeup artist before fully committing. They’re a key part of your wedding day, making your beauty vision a reality, so you want to be sure you feel comfortable and confident about your wedding-day look. Asking your makeup artist these questions during your trial will ensure there aren’t any surprises on the day of, so you can focus on what really matters.