3 Wedding Make-up Mistakes & How to Avoid Them: from a Wedding Photographer’s Conversations with Make-up Artists

Whether you’re 100% set on the look you want to go for in your wedding make-up, or you’re relying on your make-up artist (MUA) to give you a helping hand in your choices – it’s important to avoid the following mistakes!

1. Neglecting, or not having, a Skincare Routine
   • It’s easy to get carried away with focusing on The Look itself – but you have to start with good foundations (your skin!). Hydration is absolutely key, but in an ideal world, we’re talking scrupulous skincare routine started at least 12 months in advance of your wedding. And if you can keep your routine going past your wedding day then you’ll be reaping the rewards forever!
   • Saying that: if you can’t commit to a full 12 month change, it’s still worth committing to as much as you can! Even 3 months of great skincare can make a difference. However: if your wedding day is quickly approaching, remember that skin doesn’t like abrupt changes. Consistency (and hydration!) are key – so try out any changes in products or facial treatments well in advance!
   • Your make-up artist will thank you: while they are incredibly skilled at their job, make-up will always look best on healthier skin, no matter how skilled the application, or how high-end the product. Be willing to ask for professional advice – whether from your MUA or a dermatologist – and on top of that, eat well and stay hydrated!
     
2. Pushing the boat out with their chosen look – and pushing it too far!
   • We all want to look our best on our wedding day: but there’s a fine line to tread between that and feeling like you look like a whole different person, and nothing like yourself! As a photographer I’d just remind clients that you’ll be looking back on these photos for years and years to come, and you want to be able to recognise yourself in them! It’s also worth remembering that your partner/significant other has also fallen in love with, and chosen to spend their life with, – the person you look like everyday! So on all accounts, stay true to yourself and what you like – and only go for striking looks if you know it’s definitely what you want.
   • The best way to check is to book a make-up trial with your chosen MUA (important!) – or even several if you’re undecided – and then wear those looks all day (and hopefully feel fabulous). Go about your day as you usually would, look in mirrors, take selfies – see how it feels, look back on the photos in a few days’ time.
   • Make sure you love your chosen look – and feel like yourself!
     
3. Not considering Touch-Ups
   A great MUA will provide a touch-up pouch – with lash glue, cotton buds, your lipstick – but consider packing your own backup in case one gets left behind!
   • No matter how incredible your MUA is, make-up doesn’t last forever – especially on a fast-paced wedding day, when champagne is flowing, endless hugs with family and friends, lots of movement and potential exposure to the elements depending on the time of year (especially here in Scotland). Make sure you have a touch-up kit, and ideally a backup too! Have a bridesmaid keep an eye on your makeup situation and schedule a 20 minute breather and break to freshen up after the ceremony or before your First Dance. You might not know it yet but your wedding day will fly by and before you know it you might find yourself using a phone camera as a mirror on the edge of your reception room – save yourself the drama now!
     
4. Bonus Mistake: Choosing the Wrong Make-up Artist!
   MUAs can rack up quite an expense on your wedding budget, especially if you have a large party needing make-up – but it’s for good reason!
   • Just because your youngest cousin can do a fantastic face of make-up, doesn’t mean she should be tasked with your big day (though we love a self-starter, and we all have to start somewhere!). When you hire a professional MUA, you’re paying for someone who knows their stuff inside-out: using quality products that will go the distance of the day (helped, of course, by #3 – our touch-up kit).