Planning a wedding involves making many important decisions, and one of the most personal is choosing your bridal look. Once you’ve nailed down the destination, date, dress, and accessories, it’s time to think about your beauty look. And a wedding hair and makeup trial is the perfect opportunity to see and feel how you’ll present yourself on one of the most memorable days of your life.
In this article, Nataliya, a professional makeup artist and owner of Le Beige Beauty, a wedding hair and makeup company, shares details and her advice to help you correctly plan your trials. By following this guide, you’ll ensure your hair and makeup contribute positively to your wedding preparations. Understanding what to expect and how to communicate your desires effectively will help you achieve a perfect wedding look.
MEET THE EXPERT
Le Beige Beauty is a luxurious wedding makeup and hair company founded in Arizona by Nataliya in 2020. It is a place where wedding dreams metamorphose into reality, beauty becomes an art form, and every bride radiates confidence on her journey to happily ever after.
From its launch in 2020, the studio, with the aid of its 40+ highly skilled makeup artists and hairstylists, has graced more than 500 weddings with its exquisite touch. Their core philosophy revolves around creating soft-glam bridal beauty, ensuring brides radiate on their special day.
What Is a Wedding Hair and Makeup Trial?
A hair and makeup trial is a practical test run to ensure that your vision for your wedding day aesthetics aligns perfectly with the outcome. A trial session with your beauty team can provide several non-obvious benefits regarding bridal look. Firstly, your artists will be able to see your hair and skin in person and suggest the best treatments for them. Additionally, they can see how your skin and hair react to the products they use, ensuring they have the right products for your big day. It also helps identify potential issues, such as allergic reactions to products or the durability of the hairstyle under various conditions.
The Right Time to Book a Trial
The best time to schedule your hair and makeup trial is three to six months before your wedding day. It allows you enough time to make necessary adjustments (for example, cutting or dyeing your hair) and book a follow-up session. By scheduling your appointment closer to the celebration, your hair and skin condition will likely resemble that on your wedding day. It is better to plan the trial session after selecting your bridal gown, location, and theme to understand the style and incorporate it into your look.
Who Should Attend?
While bringing a party along for opinions might be tempting, it’s often best to limit the trial to fewer attendees to avoid confusion and too many contrasting opinions. Consider bringing just one or two trusted people whose taste aligns with your own, such as your maid of honor or a close family member.
Communication with Your Stylist
Clear communication with your stylist is key to ensuring a successful trial. It is important to share any specifics about your wedding that may influence your look, such as the venue, season, and time of day. This information will help your stylist tailor their approach to your needs. Remember, a good artist prioritizes their client’s needs and comfort.
During the trial, brides can typically try one primary hair and makeup look. However, some artists may offer the option to experiment with additional styles for an extra fee. Clarifying with your artist beforehand is crucial to maximize your trial experience. “At Le Beige Beauty, we recommend narrowing your choices down to two looks, and we do not charge anything extra for trying a second hairstyle,” Nataliya says.
If you are still looking for a stylist, check out this article on How to Choose the Right Beauty Team for Your Wedding.
Preparation for Your Trial
Inspiration: Flip through bridal magazines, scroll through Pinterest, and explore Instagram to find looks that resonate with your style. Check out the makeup looks on models with skin tones and hair colors similar to yours. This will help you imagine what the final look will look like on you. Remember to check out your beauty team’s portfolio to see their signature works.
Clean Face and Hair: Follow your regular skincare routine before the appointment. It’s best to avoid experimental masks or peels before the trial—instead, opt for calming procedures. Make sure to arrive with clean, moisturized skin and freshly washed hair. This will ensure that your skin is well-prepared for makeup and that you can get the best possible result.
Foundation or Face Products: If you have sensitive skin or a preferred product, consider bringing it to the trial to avoid skin reactions. The trial is an ideal time to discuss these concerns with the artist.
During a Trial
At the beginning of the trial, you’ll have a discussion with your artist about the look you want to achieve. During this time, it’s important to communicate your preferences and collaborate with your artist to create your dream bridal look. Your hairstylist will experiment with different styles based on your preferences and help you find the perfect fit. Your makeup artist will use their talents to create a flawless look that highlights your natural beauty. They’ll take into account factors such as your skin tone, facial features, and past experiences to achieve a cohesive and stunning result.
Important Considerations to Keep in Mind
Throughout the trial, don’t be afraid to provide feedback to your artist. If you experience any discomfort or skin reactions during the trial, or if there are any elements of the hairstyle or makeup look that you are not entirely satisfied with, speak up and let your artists know, so they can make adjustments until you are thrilled with the final result.
Cleanliness is crucial in makeup application, so ensure you feel secure in your makeup artist’s attention to hygiene practices. Good makeup artists always use clean brushes, sponges, disposable mascara wands, and other tools.
Remember that your makeup should make you feel confident and beautiful, not self-conscious or overdone.
Evaluating Your Trial Results
After your stylist has applied the final touches to your hair and makeup, it’s crucial to evaluate the results carefully. This evaluation is about ensuring the look meets all your needs for your big day.
Longevity Check: Spend several hours with your makeup and hairstyle intact to see how they hold up. Consider simulating wedding day activities like dancing or moving around outdoors. Does the makeup stay fresh? Does the hairstyle hold its shape?
Comfort Check: You must feel comfortable with the makeup and hair. For instance, heavy makeup might look stunning, but it can also feel uncomfortable.
Photo Check: To better understand how you will look on your wedding day, photographing in various lighting settings is essential. It would help if you took pictures in natural light, evening light, and indoors. Additionally, it’s crucial to test your makeup with and without flash to see how it reflects light, as this can significantly impact your appearance in photos.
Your trial a chance for you to experiment with different looks, refine your desired style, and ensure that you feel confident and absolutely beautiful on your special day. To make the most out of your trial, we recommend that you prepare well in advance, maintain open communication with your makeup artist, and provide clear feedbacks. The Le Beige Beauty team is here to ensure that you look and feel your best as you walk down the aisle.
