FAQ
What products do you use? My kit contains a range of makeup from both professional and luxury brands. I only use products I believe in, regardless of who makes them or how much they cost and I do not represent a particular brand. Some names you will find in my kit: MakeUp ForEver, Yaby, Kett, MAC, Illamasqua, Benefit, with skin care products by Avene. Hair products I use include L'Oreal, Wella, KMS, Osis, & Umberto Gianni.
Do you have insurance? Yes. I am fully insured with Professional Beauty Direct.
Are you mobile or do I have to come to you? I am fully mobile and will come to you, whatever the occasion. I will travel to you for your trial and on your wedding day, whether you're getting ready at home, at a hotel or another venue. The first 30 minutes travel from my base in Teddington is free, after that there may be a small travel charge.
I have no idea how I want my wedding hair, do you have some tips? Start looking through magazines and websites for inspiration - try Googling 'wedding hair ups' or 'bridal hair styles'. If you have some images of styles you like it is always useful to have them at your trial. When looking at styles, be realistic about what can be achieved with your hair - is your hair long enough/thick enough for your chosen style? Hair extensions are an option for a bit of volume or length boost and I can provide them colour matched to your hair.
Should I have my hair up or down? Think about the neckline and style of your dress - is it modern and unusual or a classic shape? Choose a hair style that will compliment it. Will you feel comfortable with all your hair back, or do you usually like to have some hair down? Your wedding hair can reflect your personality! Your face shape is important too - if you have a long face, then you'll suit a style with more volume and width, perhaps with curls, whereas rounder faces suit sleek, long styles and high up do's.
I don't wear much makeup and don't want to feel like I'm wearing a mask - how can you help? Makeup is a very personal and subjective thing, which is why it's important to have a trial for your wedding. That is the time where we figure out what you are comfortable with and we make sure that you're going to feel like yourself. Most brides opt for a very natural look, and the makeup is applied with a light hand, to be invisible to the eye and feel like it's 'barely-there'.
What would you recommend for a flattering bridal makeup look? Your bridal makeup should enhance your natural beauty and should reflect how you usually wear your makeup, just a little more glam! Most brides go for a natural look, but if you are never seen without your red lippy or love your eye-liner flick, then you should wear the makeup that's going to make you feel good. Having said that, even for a very natural look I would usually define your features a little more than normal everyday makeup, so that everything shows up well in the photographs - this isn't a normal everyday-day after all!
Will my makeup be ok if I cry? Even if you are really sure you won't be shedding any tears, I always use waterproof mascara at weddings anyway! Better safe than sorry!
Do I have to have a trial? Your trial is a very important part of your wedding preparation. You might think you know exactly how you want your hair, but when it's done you may find you don't like that style on yourself. Or perhaps you think "Oh I only want a simple Grecian up-do, I don't really need a trial", but your version and my version of a simple Grecian up-do might be totally different! Maybe you want curls, but your hair doesn't like curls - these are things I'd find out at your trial and so I'll know to prepare your hair using every tool and product I've got to curl it into submission! On the makeup side of things it's also a chance to tweak your look to exactly what you want. How I apply your makeup won't be the same as how you apply your makeup, so it's at your trial that I find out that you like your blusher to go down to "there" or you want your lashes to look "just so". It's also an important chance to try the products and test for any adverse reactions or sensitivites that you might have. For special occasion hair and makeup, trials are not expected, but if you would like one don't hesitate to ask!
When should I have my trial? Trials can be arrange once you have decided on your dress, theme and other important details of your wedding. Once you decide on a makeup artist/hair stlyist it's good to have a trial as that's another thing to tick off your list and you'll know you're happy with your booking. If you would prefer to have a trial closer to the wedding date that is fine - I'd recommend no later than 6 weeks before your date.
How long does the trial last? There is no time limit set for the trial. Sometimes brides know exactly what they want, I'll do it and they love it. Sometimes they have no idea, and we have a play around with some different styles, or I do what they ask and then they decide they want something totally different! On average they take 2-3 hours, but may be shorter and on the odd occasion may be longer.
I don't know what to have in my hair - sparkles, beads, flowers? Many brides choose to have hair accessories that tie in with their theme. Flowers look lovely with relaxed curls, and pins and grips with sparkling gems can really add dimension to up dos and have a stunning effect. Don't worry if you don't have any of these things at your trial - I have a box of lovely sparkly and pretty hair accessories which we can have a play with and which will give you an idea of what the style looks like with hair adornments.
Why do you take a deposit? I take a deposit in order to secure my services (or one of my team) on your wedding day. Once your booking is taken and your deposit is paid, you can be sure that no other job will be taken for the date of your wedding. Your deposit is refundable up to 6 weeks before your wedding.
Can I afford a makeup artist? Everyone will tell you to make the most of every moment of your wedding day as it'll fly by. One of the best things you'll have to remember the day by, as well as your memories of course, will be your photographs, which can be one of the most expensive parts of the wedding! Once the food has been eaten and the flowers have wilted, you're still going to be looking at those pictures, so don't you want to make sure you to look your best?! This is a shameless plug for what I do, but it's also the truth!