Welcome to the first post in our newest series called “Ask the Experts”! With this series we will be posing a set of questions around a specific topic to various local experts in order to give you relevant information for planning your day.

This week we asked a few of our local beauty experts questions about how to prepare for having your make up done on your wedding day. Our contributors are Erin Guenter, Sarah Shirley, and Leah Whitehead.

What do you need if doing the make-up on location?

ERIN: I usually will have a conversation with the Bride as to where she will be having her Bridal Party get ready, whether or not it will be in someone’s home, a hotel room etc and once that is established I will make requests such as needing to be in an area with the most natural light and ideally facing a window. I will also request enough space that I can set up, a table, a garbage can, and I usually bring my own chair because having a client sitting at the right height is important to keep both myself and the client comfortable. I prefer to situate the client in an area that is slightly away from the hustle and bustle as it allows them the opportunity to sit down, take a breath and enjoy the experience!

SARAH: Typically we need at least a table, a well lit room (not the bathroom!), our timeline adhered to and a glass of water. You would be surprised how often we do an 5-8 hour wedding, with no breaks, and we aren’t even offered water. Yes, we bring our own snacks and water but it gets hot during those summer days and we often finish our water before we know it! A good makeup artist will bring everything else she/he needs.

LEAH: The first thing I look for when I arrive on location is where the most natural light is and where that natural light is going to remain throughout the day, as to me that’s the most important necessity. Natural light is our best friend. I also choose a spot that has a table with some space around it so no one feels cramped & I can move around my clients easily.

How long should makeup take?

ERIN: Makeup will usually take 30-45 min depending on a few factors. The condition of the clients skin, the look that is requested and whether or not lashes are required are all factors which will determine the timeline of an application. I will create a schedule based on the total amount of faces needing makeup and will place the Bride either 3rd to last or 2nd to last so there is always ample time for her, she never feels rushed and her makeup is fresh!

SARAH: Every artist is different, but most reserve an hour for the bride and 30-45 minutes per face after that.

LEAH: Everyone is different with the amount of time they take to do makeup. I usually take approximately 30 minutes per person but when I do timelines for my clients, I allot 40 minutes per person. This is just incase, as I’d rather finish early than run late. This also gives extra time for people to switch chairs, put in those contacts they may have forgotten to put in, bathroom / snack breaks etc. For makeup trials I usually allot an hour so that there’s plenty of time to make any wanted changes or to play around with different looks. This way my clients can be sure of the makeup look they want on their wedding day.

Should I do hair or makeup first?

ERIN: I prefer to do makeup once the hair has mostly been completed. Usually if hair is done on location the hair stylist and I will work together to keep the processing of the clients moving, moving the client from hair to the makeup chair maintaining efficiency.

SARAH: I don’t think it really matters too much when updos are involved. What matters is if someone is having a wash and set/blow dry. Then hair should DEFINITELY be done first or else the foundation around the hairline gets washed down the drain.

LEAH: I don’t necessarily have a preference as I do touchups before leaving anyways, but I have heard of some hair stylists recommending they do hair first as they may have to touch the face and don’t want to disturb any makeup. It’s always good to have a timeline so that there’s always someone in a chair, whether it’s for hair or makeup. This helps things to flow smoothly and everything run on time.

What should I do before getting my makeup done?

ERIN: If the Bride and I have had a trial I would have assessed her skin and made suggestions for products and treatments to ensure great skin on the day of. Having a great canvas is vital to achieving the most flawless natural makeup. On the day of I always recommend the client/clients have a clean, moisturized face using a lightweight moisturizer of their choosing. Once the client is in my chair I can asses whether or not any additional skin care or primers will be needed. It is important that no NEW products or treatments be introduced within 2-3 weeks prior to the Wedding Day to eliminate the risk of having an adverse reaction.

SARAH: Please have a clean, washed face with no remnants of yesterday’s waterproof mascara around your eyes. Any facial waxing should be done about a week prior to your date and nice, but not required, a facial about 3-4 weeks before the big day! Our work is only as good as the canvas (your skin) we are given.

LEAH: Before getting makeup done, I usually suggest having a clean, fresh face. If my clients want to put on their moisturizer or sunscreen they are more than welcome to, but I do suggest refraining from tonnes of moisturizer on those super hot days. I don’t recommend any oils. However, it’s best to stay away from any tanning lotions or products that can flake or peel off. Have your contacts in & brush your teeth, to avoid smudging. I would definitely suggest that you don’t get your first facial or first anything really right before your wedding day as you don’t know how your skin will react. And if you have a breakout, don’t pick! It’s better to have a little bump with a smooth surface than a rough one.