Finding a makeup artist that can help you with your bridal look on your wedding day is an important decision for any bride. Together with your hair stylist, a makeup artist will be able to help complete your look. Your hair and makeup artist should complement together. Getting a pair that have been working together is best because they already know each other's works.

If you are on a budget you can always talk to your makeup artist regarding your budget and maybe you can work something out. Just remember that freelance artists are usually charging higher than salons because usually these artists have more expenses to spend on their own. So if you will be asking for a budget price, just don't expect a whole lot of freebies that will come with it.

1. The first place to start your search for a makeup artist is by talking to family members and friends. Best to ask friends who have gotten married and ask about artists they used or have tried. Even if you do not know anybody that has been recently married, they may still know of a great makeup artist. Not only will they be able to give you the name of their makeup artist, but they can also show you pictures and let you know how the overall process was for them. Talking to somebody with first hand experience with a makeup artist is a great way to find what you are looking for.

2. If you have to start the makeup artist search on your own there is nothing to worry about. You will just have to put in a little bit more work up front. Often the best place to start searching for a makeup artist is online where most of their work are now posted. Check popular forums and beauty blogs for artists.

3. Once you have a few names listed down, there are two things that you can ask for that will help you measure their talent level. First off, ask them if they have any references that they can provide you with. This way you will be able to speak with people who have experienced their service in the past. The most reputable makeup artists will always be able to give you a few references upon request. In addition to references, also ask if they have a portfolio of past clients. This will give you a good idea as to what their style is. Seeing pictures of past brides will allow you to make a decision on whether or not their style fits in with what you are looking for.

4. After you find one that you are comfortable with, and think that you are on the right track, the next thing that you will want to do is schedule a consultation with the makeup artist. During this consultation you will be able to go over everything that you need to discuss. One thing that you should keep in mind is that consultations may cost you a small fee. This is standard practice, and something that you should expect. If you would like to schedule the consultation and trial in one go, all the better. At least you will only have to spend once.

5. Take a photo of your trial session. Don't forget to take pictures from all angles so that you will be able to see what you would like to change. Specially with the hairstyle. Remember also that point and shoot digital cameras have harsh white lighting so this may not flatter the makeup that your artist have done. If you would like to see the effect properly, take a photo with lots of natural light and don't use a flash.

6. Be honest with your makeup artist. They will usually do a look that they think will look best on you and your skin tone. But if you feel you would like to go with another direction, be honest with him or her. Do not base everything with the trial look. They can always change for what you would like. What you should watch out for is the cleanliness of their work and the quality.


7. Finally, when all is said and done and you are ready to hire a makeup artist make sure that you know every last detail of what you are getting. The two most important details are the price they charge and the hours that they will work. Be sure that you know if they charge a flat rate, or if you will incur hourly expenses. In addition, you may want your makeup artist to be available on your wedding day during the time that you need them. These are all things that should be discussed up front in order to avoid any problems that may occur down the line.


PHOTO CREDITS
Thanks to real bride Trina Martinez for the photos
Makeup by Sabs Hernandez
Hair by Tony Dusich