I need honest advice

noodle_oo · August 2010

So my wedding is 2 weeks away and I'm freaking out a little. I had my hair and make-up trial within the last 2 weeks. I wasn't thrilled with the makeup but I figured it would be better the day of. I was initially happy with my hair, but after looking it over, I realized I could probably do what she did myself and it doesn't look that graet. My problem is, I'm paying these people a LOT of money and now I'm starting to think that it isn't worth it. The make-up is $150 and the hair is $180. I can cancel, but then I have no real backup plan.

So, can you guys give me an honest opinion? Pics:

Make-up Trial

Hair Trial

This is me, no make-up/regular hair.

banana468 · August 2010

I do like them both but I don't think they're worth what you're paying.

Calumet · August 2010

I like them both, but not for what your paying.

Have any of your BMs a love for hair? Could you all do each other?
Could you cancel now and not lose any money?

noodle_oo · August 2010

Sigh, that's what I thought. I can cancel without losing money. The down side is that I was relying on them to do me and all the BMs so now I need a backup plan for everyone. And they all want their hair professionally done. I'm thinking salon now. Boston is SO freaking expensive for hair/makeup. I started looking 10 months out and everyone was booked.

I wonder why my poll didn't work...

SarahPLiz · August 2010

I think you could definitely do that hairstyle yourself. I'm not so impressed with the makeup either. I don't think it is dramatic enough to translate well in the photos.

squirrly · August 2010

I don't think they're worth nearly what you're paying. There are bunches of vendors recommended on the Boston local boards - I'd start calling/emailing. You might also go into Sephora, get your makeup done, and see if the artist does any freelance work. If not, they might have a friend that does OR they might be able to teach you how to do what you want. Take a BM with you who's good at makeup and see if she can help.

Also, you might look at vendors in Maine, NH, etc. depending on where you're located, exactly. But, yeah, I think with some hot rollers you could achieve that on your own, most likely. Practice, practice, practice!

[Deleted User] · August 2010

Not worth the money. I like them both, but honestly, they look like something you can do yourself. The makeup doesn't look like it will stand out enough with your skin tone.

Hopefully you will be able to book other vendors and squeeze some trials in before the wedding. If not, do you have any friends that are good with hair/make-up? My sister/MOH is awesome with make-up & she did mine for the wedding. Good luck.

mocha beans · August 2010

I agree with Sarah. That's not what I would be expecting from a pro. The curls should hold through anything, they look like they held for 5 minutes then went flat. It honestly makes you look like you're going for lunch and errands, not your wedding.

Can you tell her your thoughts and get a new trial? If not, I'd start looking elsewhere, if that's what she normally does, that's not going to cut it.

megk8oz · August 2010

I'm going to ditto the PPs, they're both very nice, but not for that price.

andy71781 · August 2010

That's a lot of money! I feel like you are going for a similar hair style to what I had and I only paid $80 for hair (downtown Chicago). My friend did my makeup and I'm very happy that she did. I feel like makeup is something you'll want more control over and can redo as needed.

KevinMegan1008 · August 2010

I agree with PP's. It is not worth your money. Especially your hair. You are going to be running around all day and there are barely any curls there. By the time you walk down the aisle theyll all be gone already.

Brie2010 · August 2010

Yeah, you can do better. I don't think the makeup is bad, but the hair just looks limp and the back looks kind of terrible. You can do better for a lot less!

Brie2010 · August 2010

PS: You're really pretty!

Theresa626 · August 2010

If you're not happy with it, I'm sure you can find someone else to do it. Call around quickly and find someone. It's really important that YOU be happy with how you look.

tldh · August 2010

Sweetie, you are a beautiful woman and this stylist did nothing to help you. The curls should have held long enough to take a photo and I think the color palette she used was wrong for your skin tone. Try posting on your local boards for recommendations.

Try a small salon - they might be able to get you in. Yesterday, I was really dubious walking into what turned out to be a strip mall salon (I'm getting married an hour away from home and don't know the area well) for a hair and makeup trial and couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. It was also 1/3 of what the big salons wanted to charge me.

michaelandjulie2 · August 2010

I would definitely not spend $150 on the make-up. Do you think she will put something in your hair on the day of to make your curls hold better? The stylist who did my hair said she saves the "good stuff" for the day of since it is really difficult to wash out. If yours did not mention that, I wouldn't count on it.

Honestly, I wouldn't spend my money on either the make-up or hair, unless you went with a different hair style (more up). A different hair style might hold better and you might feel more like you are getting your money's worth.

I am super jealous of your hair though! It looks long and healthy- two things mine can never be at the same time!

ShanaFry · August 2010

I happen to be a hairstylist as well as a makeup artist and I have specialized in Brides for about 7 years, your hair will definately not stand up throughout the evening, trust me and your makeup needs to be more dramatic even if you're looking for a simple look, It's called photo makeup for a reason. If a bride was unhappy or felt she needed one more trial and had already paid for the first one I would absolutely work with her at no charge! It's the most important day of your life and you should feel your most beautiful, call them see what they can do and for that price the answer should be "of course we will help you". Trying to have BM's do hair and makeup can be scary mostly because of time restraints, depending on the size of your party I would absolutely make sure you're in a salon or working with professionals.

Kreskin79 · August 2010

I'll echo what PPs have said: For what you're being charged, you deserve artistry - especially for a major event.

Your hair looks "going to work" pretty, but that style's nothing you couldn't do yourself, I suspect. If that's the style you specifically want, go with it, but I'd learn to DIY in order to save money.

Also, I'll echo the sentiment that the make-up color palette doesn't complement your features as it should, and may get totally washed out in wedding day photos. I'd have gone with warmer lips and deeper lids (I'm no make-up artist - I just like to play.).

You're very pretty - your hair is a lovely deep brown, and you have big, doe eyes. Many women probably have much less going in - play up those features!

So. At this point:

Have you liked the hair/make-up of any local friends on their wedding days? If not, get to Googling & trials! I'm sure you'll find people, even at this late date. Good luck!

Goldlie11 · August 2010

You can go to MAC and they will do your makeup for free. All you have to do is agree to purchase $50 worth of makeup. The makeup is definitely not worth what you're paying for.

I like the hair, but it too looks like it can be done quite easily with the help of a friend. I know you're in Boston, which is expensive, but that doesn't look like it's worth $180.

I hope you don't think I'm being too harsh. You do look pretty, but that seems like way too much money.

Knottie56296520 · August 2010

If you think the makeup artist or hairstylist could address your problems with direction, I'd ask for another trial. Otherwise, start looking. As a fellow Bostonian, I've had luck getting really amazing haircuts with people just starting out in their profession and trying to build their client base. You can find very talented stylists in the swanky salons on Newbury St. that would probably work out a deal with you for the chance to make connections with you and your bridal party.

kd.joseph · August 2010

You are a very pretty girl, and I would expect something more then what you got for what you are paying. I don't like the eyeshadow on you, with your skin tone I think you should go for plums,and deep purples.

The hair is pretty, but not "bridal" pretty.

I paid $225 for air brush make-up, and my hair, in SC. And it held up for almost 13 hours. I agree with Squirrley, go to the Boston boards and get some recs ASAP.

Good Luck.

shoegal715 · August 2010

That is an insane amount of money. I have never heard of anyone paying that much.

You are a very gorgeous girl, but I'm sorry - I don't think it's working for you. Your hair doesn't look like wedding day hair, and except for your eyes (which I love), you look like you aren't wearing any makeup at all.

I actually like your regular hair 100 x better than your hair in the trial.

I would definitely do another trial with them or look around elsewhere.

jasmineh7777 · August 2010

You are so pretty!
I don't think it is worth what they are asking. The hair is really cute, but I think you could do that yourself. I think the makeup doesn't go with your skin tone. I think you could find someone to do your makeup and hair for far less. Good luck!

fallbride1109 · August 2010

Hair/makeup is also very expensive in Dallas. For what I was paying, I wanted people's jaws to drop when I walked in. You should definitely be completely satisified for what you are paying. That being said, I was not happy with my first trial AT ALL. I changed artists, going only slightly up in price and was thrilled with the results (you can see my saga in my planning bio). Sometimes it just means finding that right person. Good luck. You'll be beautiful though no matter what.

skippylouwho · August 2010

Just thought I'd add, people aren't just trying to make you feel good. You ARE really pretty and the people you did the trial with didn't do a good job to show it off. Plus the prices are outrageous. I hope people on the Boston boards are able to help you find someone that can really highlight your pretty face and hair.

kris10royal · August 2010

ditto what everyone else is saying. You are beautiful. For those prices, it should be more dramatic. The makeup looks like it might sweat off (given, I don't know anything about Boston weather - I just know it's hot where I am) and the curls don't look like they would hold all day. I'd start looking fast, or go to a department store and have someone at the MAC counter do the make up and buy some of the products for touch ups and look at smaller salons or even for girls in cosmetology school to do it. Good luck.

NuggetBrain · August 2010

MAC it up, hon. Your makeup lady did absolutely nothing to enhance your features (which are gorgeous, by the way). In fact, the color palette leaves a lot to be desired. I would go to the nearest MAC store and talk to the ladies there. A lot of them freelance on the side and I'm sure you could find somebody who will be able to do your makeup for way way less than that - if nothing else, go through the store and like someone said, it's free with $50 in makeup.

kebmtm071605 · August 2010

If you're not 100% happy, I'd try looking around. I found that initially I liked my makeup while it was being done, then after photographing it, I hated it. I went through three makeup artists before I found the right one for me. I know you're in Boston...check out www.youknowthatplace.com. Stephanie Noyes is her name, and she is incredibly talented. She works with a salon that does hair as well if you want to look into other options. Also check out Kim Fosher for makeup (www.kimberlyfoshermakeup.com). Incredibly talented.

My honest opinion based on your "regular" look is that you are much prettier than the hair/makeup do justice. I think you could find better vendors.

kmabjo · August 2010

I think $150 is crazy. I am letting my hair down and curly and it is costing me $50 plus tip.

Since you are not that happy, keep looking around sicne you still have some time.

noodle_oo · August 2010

Hi Guys,

Thank you SO much for your honest opinions (and all the compliments!). You have confirmed what I was worried about. I went to Sephora today and found a wonderful MUA that did an amazing job! SO much better. I hired her on the spot to mine day of. Here's a pic:

Now I'm on a mad search for a new hair person. I'll keep you updated!

thesuninherhead · August 2010

So glad you found a better makeup person! Can we see the outcome? I don't mind the hair but do think you could find something better. Good luck!

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