Make Up Tips By Cassandra Rae Ferguson

I know that having makeup trials can be really daunting, time consuming and quite costly if you are having trouble finding the right Makeup Artist for you. Here are my tips for successful trials:

BEFORE you spend a fortune on trials...

* DO YOUR RESEARCH!

- Look on websites for examples of a stylist's work, get some shots emailed to you or ask them to bring their portfolio to you to look at photos on paper. If you don't like what you see, don't book!

- Ask for proof of testimonials from previous clients. Ask others what it was they liked/disliked about their trials/wedding day stylist. The best referrals will be from those who have experienced it all before!

- ask PLENTY of questions when you contact makeup artists. Ask about products, service, qualifications, experience etc. A great question to ask is why you should book them over other stylists. If you don't like their answers it may be a good idea to look elsewhere.

- price does not always determine ability, qualifications, products or experience. You can still find a good stylist on a budget.

- start looking EARLY! You can still find someone last minute, but it does limit your options and you may end up paying more than you can afford. Years ago I was booked 2 years in advance in the summer months, so it pays to leave plenty of time.

- ask if you will be having the same stylist for the trial as on the wedding day, as this is not always the case with companies who employ multiple stylists!

* DURING the trial...

- provide as much info as possible. A good stylist will ask many questions about your likes/dislikes, skin needs, colour scheme, bridal party etc. Have some photos from magazines of makeup you like/dislike to show them. What you DON'T LIKE is very valuable information, so speak up!

- TALK to your stylist. Be honest if you really dislike something. And be persistent. The makeup trial is for you and you should get what you want. If the makeup artist is too pushy, find someone else who can communicate better with you.

- look at the end result in different mirrors, in different lighting if this is possible. Play around with your hair and/or clothes to simulate how you might look on your wedding day. This can really help to bring the entire look together and helps the makeup to look more 'in place'. This applies especially if you are uncomfortable with the amount of makeup you have on. If it doesn't help changing your hair and you still feel uncomfortable, ask the stylist to change it. Also, if you are having your trial during the day (recommended if possible) look at it in natural light!

- a makeup artist should be more than happy to make changes, try different colours etc. This is what a trial is for! In the past I have spent up to 3 hours with clients on their trials. If your stylist has to rush off, will they also need to rush off on your wedding day?

- it may be a good idea to search for someone who books only one wedding per day, so there is less risk of them being late from a previous job, or having to rush off early for the next one, as wedding days can run over time...

* AFTER the trial...

- take a photo, with a flash is recommended, as some foundations react with camera flash and can leave you with a ghostly appearance. If you look ghostly in your photo, you may want to have more trials with other stylists.

- of you do book someone, advise them of any changes ie colour schemes, you decided to have that spray tan etc, as some stylists are less flexible than others with surprise changes on the day!

I hope this helps you girls, as I hear so many daunting "bad trial" stories!