At this time of the trial, you probably won't yet have bought your outfit or jewelry, so the trial itself would focused on finding a makeup artist whose style of work suits you best. A good makeup artist will always be able to recreate a similar look on the big day, adjusting to the exact colours and details of your wedding dress.

A CHECKLIST OF THINGS TO TAKE TO THE TRIAL

• Do lots of research and bring along tear sheets from magazines and photos of looks that appeal to you for the various wedding functions, so that the makeup artist can get an accurate idea of the look you are trying to achieve. Also take clippings showing makeup styles that you would like to avoid!
• It may be handy to bring along a photo of yourself that you really like, to show how you usually do your own makeup when you are going out. It will give the MUA an idea of your preferences and general makeup style.
• If you have already bought your outfit and jewellery, it is a great idea to take these with you so that your makeup can be coordinated with it. Hair accessories such as tiaras and tikkas, for example, play a major part in the overall hairstyle that you end up choosing.
• If you have not yet chosen your wedding outfit, an experienced makeup artist will be able to work from the pictures you present and create an appropriate look. Even a dupatta alone or a fabric swatch of the exact colour of the outfit is sufficient for the makeup artist to work with.
• You may wish to incorporate the colour of the flowers from your bouquet into your makeup, so taking colour samples to the trial would be helpful.
• If you have a preference for a certain foundation or cosmetic item, which you would want to wear on the day, then take it with you to the trial session and let the makeup artist try it with the rest of the look.
• ·Remember to take a digital camera with you - we will discuss the reasons shortly!
• You may like to bring a friend or relative with you for a second opinion.
• Remember to go to the trial absolutely natural, without wearing any make-up.
  
  

CLEARLY EXPLAIN WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
A few points to explain clearly:-
Which facial features you would like to accentuate or try to cover up?
Do you prefer shimmery colours / glitters / matte / powdery shades in eyeshadows?
Would kind of foundation coverage do you prefer - light / medium / heavy?
Are you allergic or sensitive to any skin products?
What kind of lipstick or blusher shade will you require - light / medium / dark?

Before the trial, you will have a good idea of what you want to look like on your wedding day, but more importantly, you will know what you do not want to look like. Try to explain clearly and concisely what kind of looks you have in mind and any personal likes and dislikes. Photos are a great way to communicate the look you are aiming for as everyone perceives colours and textures differently; a photo will show the beautician what you mean to say and vice versa, preventing them from making any errors of judgment.

Other points to show or explain can be your flowers, the wedding colour theme, dress style, and bridesmaids styling and colours. This information can be very handy in helping the makeup artist create and coordinate your bridal look. Makeup like any other creative art is subjective, what looks good to one person may not appeal to another, so the more creative and expressive you can be, the more likely that the MUA will understand your requirements and exceed your expectations!

ASK TO SEE A PORTFOLIO
A portfolio should be impressive, as it is demonstrating the artist's finest work. To get a good idea of the actual quality of work, ask to see the artist's portfolio of previous bridal clients instead of just model portfolio shots. Photographs taken on bridal magazine shoots are always re-touched to perfection using computerized effects and are far from portraying the true skills of the makeup artist.

Experienced beauticians are likely to have a detailed portfolio for you to examine, showing a variety of different bridal styles on various faces. Photographs of "Real Brides" with before and after shots are always best to show their real talent.

When browsing the makeup artist's portfolio, study the individual photos instead of just flicking through and ask yourself these questions?

Does everyone seem to have the same look or style of makeup applied on them? Does he or she have experience working on different types of skin tones and textures? Do the people in the photos look polished and complete? How do the makeup colours translate on the actual photograph - particularly with flash photography?

Article By FACES BY AVINA, Makeup & Styling ~ www.facesbyavina.com
Contact Avina on 07961 436 449 or email her at info@facesbyavina.com