NER: Need advice on wedding make-up

monkeysip · April 2013

Hi ladies,

This isn't E related, but the beauty board doesn't get nearly as much action.

I've had the worst time trying to find a hair/makeup artist, and I need advice on what to do now. My budget was 350 for a trial run and the day of hair/airbrush makeup. It's been so hard to find someone in my budget, and those I did find either had no good reviews/no portofolio or had terrible communication (I seriously had several who were rude or took a week to reply to each of my emails).

I finally found one girl, and even though I couldn't find any reviews, she seemed decent and had a good price. I had my trial with her yesterday, and it did not go well.

I will preface this my acknowledging that it's partly my fault. I have difficulties telling people "I don't like this" and "can you redo this?" If I'd been more vocal, maybe it would have gone better. At the same time, however, I kept emphasizing that I wanted something very natural looking, not overdone at all.

My hair turned out looking nothing like my inspiration photo. It made me look older. And I did have her redo it once, but it still didn't look how I wanted. Sister, mom, and FI didn't like it later when I showed them.

MAke-up was too much. She gave me a smoky eye, but I don't want that at all. When she first showed me, she said, "don't worry, we can always add more." I was shocked, and asked her to take some off. She did, but I still felt like it was too much. I wanted a really fresh, natural, young look. FI said it was too much and distorted my eyes.

I also felt like the airbrush looked cakey. I even had thick makeup creases under my eye when I got out to the car and looked in the mirror. And I think she made me a shade darker than I should be.

Here's the deal... I do need some kind of foundation. My skin is blotchy and uneven, and anytime I do my own make-up, it seems to melt off in a couple hours (thank you houston weather). But I also have pale skin, and wanted something very fair, soft, natural, with a little rosy cheek. I didn't get that at all.

And I KNOW I need some kind of eye makeup. Otherwise, I'll wash out in photos. But do I really need smoky eyeshadow? If I just do mascara, a little eyeliner, and maybe a little light eyeshadow, will it be enough?

What I'm really asking is whether you think I should keep looking for a good MUA who can do a GOOD airbrush application or just do my makeup myself? Is it possible to do it myself and have it stay on and look good all day? There's no way I can do my own hair, so I'm going to have to find someone new for that, but I'm already out all this money for the failed trial run, so I'd like to save money. But I'm worried I wont get a good effect without a MUA.

If you think I should do it myself, can you make make-up recommendations to me? I'm willing to buy good expensive products, but I'm very ignorant. All I know is covergirl kind of stuff :P

CN: Had a bad experience with hair/makeup trial run. Airbrush looked cakey, and eyemakeup too heavy. Should I look for better MUA or just do it myself? If myself, do you have recommendations for good makeup? And can I just do a little eye makeup and still look good in photos?

THANK YOU!

winelover123 · April 2013

I think you really need some primer to keep your makeup on your face if you're going the DIY route. Then, depending on your skin, you can get a foundation that is light, medium or heavy in its weight. Sephora has an awesome return policy, so I'd definitely take advantage of that (even if you don't have one near you, go online and look at reviews. They tend to be pretty spot-on).

I don't plan on doing a smokey eye - I seriously look like I have a black eye if I do eyeshadow that is too dark. Get some good mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow (again get primer so your eyeliner and eyeshadow stay on) and curl your eyelashes and you should be good to go. Look up some youtube tutorials for different styles and give them a try until you find something you like. Keep pressed powder (I like Revlon's translucent powder) and oil blotters with you the day of for any shiny spots.

audreyecu61 · April 2013

I looked around just as you did and have had 2 trials. I'm 51, so I don't want to look like I'm trying to be 21 but I am 51, so I've got 51 year old skin. I just couldn't see myself spending $350 to look that 'made up'.

After looking and looking, I am going to Nordstroms, the Chanel counter. The trial went great.

They only require that you buy $50 worth of make-up.

They set and appt for me and my daughter. The artist only does make up, doesn't sell and there will be no waiting.

If you have a hair salon you like, they may know someone too!

Good Luck,

Ella and Pedro · April 2013

I had a hard time finding someone to do make-up too. The person I found seems to be really well-reviewed and loved, as in, when I have mentioned who it is, the other vendors who would know her were like "oh, you're in great hands...I LOVE her." (Photographer, caterer, florist all said some version of this).

Bad news is, including trial run, she is $450 and this is without tipping her. And this is just make-up. It does include one other make-up application, but if we did all our 'maids' that would be way more. So I'm gifting her service to my FMIL, who is taking me to the trail run, and to a measuring session for my custom dress. I tried to get her to take off the free make-up, but no. This is a traveling vendor, going to a hotel room for me, when I ask her to.

My guess is that you are not getting a response,, and that some are being rude, because you are asking for something that is costing more (way more?) than your budget for a big city event. Our wedding is in Baltimore. If I had wanted the same service (custom make-up with false eyelashes, tattoo cover-up, in hotel room) someplace like rural Vermont, I bet I'd only find one or two vendors, but they'd charge less.

My FMIL (who does not know the cost but is savvy enough to know it's not cheap) did suggest I look into a nearby dept. store make-up counter, such as MAC or Clinique. I love Sephora, but on this kind of schedule with this kind of day, I did not want to mess around with that sort of plan. Way stressful, way awkward if I'm wearing 'wedding hair' (as is the plan, before the make-up.)

So, I guess I would suggest you speak to a few make-up artists at dept store counters (whose make-up work you like, whose product you like) and see if they can meet you at the hotel, or a nearby location to your wedding, or if they can at least do it on appointment for the day-of.

As to hair, I am waiting to book that depending on my budget, because for that I could do my own, in a pinch.

Good luck!

lizap77 · April 2013

Makeup (especially foundation and concealer) doesn't stay on my face very well either, even with a primer. My friend did my makeup for another wedding I was in and used her finishing spray and that really seemed to help. I still am not confident enough in my own skills to do my own, but the airbrush was just out of my budget. I decided just to have a professional do regular make up for a much more reasonable price. I haven't had the trial yet so no guarantees, but it's something to look into.

monkeysip · April 2013

Just to clarify, the people who had poor communication were in my price range, but just slow/rude about getting back to me. I'm always really polite and prompt with emails and expect the same back.

I have thought about department stores, but the logistics seems problematic. Especially since I wanted to get ready with my two bridesmaids (with or without a professional hair/makeup person).

I think a big problem for me is that I'm just so scared of having another trial with someone. I'm just worried about wasting more money that I don't have.

I thought about trying some youtube videos... but I need the to get the right product first before honing the application method.

At the end of the day, I just keep wondering if it's really worth it to spend $200+ for makeup alone, let alone the hair as well. I always wanted it professionally done because I've never done it before, and it would be nice to have someone make me into a more perfect and glamorous version of myself. But what that MUA did was turn me into somebody else, which I don't want at all.

drg424 · April 2013

OP, I had a couple of failed trial runs, too. I can completely empathize. Even my second one, which I am going with (and like you is someone EVERYONE loves), left me with some disappointment - hair wasn't really a wow factor, and the makeup while beautifully done, was oily and disappearing an hour later.

Like you, I have a hard time saying I don't like something, or I'd prefer something done differently. To my credit, I did email the woman I selected to ask her if we can use my Bare Minerals makeup instead of what she used for foundation. I use the matte stuff and combined with Laura Mercier mineral primer, it looks flawless and absolutely stays all day. And it's the "right" color. At the end of the day, it's makeup I like, so why switch for my wedding day?

I was still *this close* to doing my own makeup, but I decided I don't want to be hassled with the pressure of doing it myself, at the venue, while everyone is getting ready and I'm fueled with emotion, nerves, etc.

If you do want to do your own makeup, my personal opinion is to go to a makeup counter at either Sephora or Nordstrom and have a consultant try out different products on you for foundation, eyeshadow, blush and lipstick. You can get away with most mascaras if you are not a big makeup person; same with eyeliner. Also, buy a primer - that's the ticket to flawless makeup that stays on all day. Finally, consider having your hair person or someone in your party applying false eyelashes. It's a small thing (and you can get subtle ones), that makes a big impact on your overall look.

Hope that helps - you are totally not alone in the poor trial experience, trust me.

monkeysip · April 2013

I'm thinking at this point, my best bet would be to go to Sephora and have one of the people there try some stuff on me. I know you usually have to buy some product or something, but that would be fine with me. At the very least, she could show me what products I could buy to put on myself.

I think with some practice I would be fine with blending eyeshadow, blush, and do lip application. I think the hardest part is doing a good all-over face applications of foundation/ concealer/primer etc. If I could find products to even out my complexion and keep is matte all day (with minor powder/blotting touch ups), I think I'd be happy.

Sort of side note, I got my E-pics back today, and my complexion didn't look that bad (thank you professional photographer and soft camera lens). My eyes could use more make-up, but all I had on was mascara and a tiny bit of soft eyeshadow. Probably with some eye-lash curling and eyeliner, my eyes would pop enough but without giving me the smoky eye.

Thanks for all the advice so far. Any more imput or make-up recommendations is appreciate!

bunni727 · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_ner-need-advice-on-wedding-make-up?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:43809510-9df7-4ce6-8f16-ccbbc1eb1efbPost:89133e78-5282-410b-b443-573a84600999">Re: NER: Need advice on wedding make-up</a>:
[QUOTE]Just to clarify, the people who had poor communication were in my price range, but just slow/rude about getting back to me. I'm always really polite and prompt with emails and expect the same back. I have thought about department stores, but the logistics seems problematic. Especially since I wanted to get ready with my two bridesmaids (with or without a professional hair/makeup person). I think a big problem for me is that I'm just so scared of having another trial with someone. I'm just worried about wasting more money that I don't have. I thought about trying some youtube videos... but I need the to get the right product first before honing the application method. At the end of the day, I just keep wondering if it's really worth it to spend $200+ for makeup alone, let alone the hair as well. I<strong> always wanted it professionally done because I've never done it before, and it would be nice to have someone make me into a more perfect and glamorous version of myself. </strong>But what that MUA did was turn me into somebody else, which I don't want at all.
Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]

I thought I would feel that way, but I ultimately decided it wasn't worth it. I just couldn't stand the idea of paying someone that much money for make-up, when it's very possible I would have hated it anyway.

Actually, I had very similar concerns and desires about how my make-up should look. My SIL was a pageant kid, so she did my hair and makeup; she's not a professional, and we used drugstore products, but she did a good job of "normal" make-up on me. While it was more than I've ever worn, it's closer to most people's everyday face.

It sounds like it would be more trouble than it's worth for you, too.

Here's how my make-up looked at the beginning and end of the day (4 pm outdoor wedding, KY in summertime= ~75 and humid):

<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/13/5/ed7096d3-2219-4136-b5fe-2d1b82a2d3f0.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/13/5/ed7096d3-2219-4136-b5fe-2d1b82a2d3f0.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>

<a href="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/13/7/0d304fb3-3e88-497b-977f-a63f3c3c85b3.large.jpg" title="Click to view a larger photo" class="PhotoLink"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/13/7/0d304fb3-3e88-497b-977f-a63f3c3c85b3.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>

Do I think it would have looked/held up better if I had it done by a professional? Possibly. My hair would have held up better for sure. But would it have been $250-300+hassle of conveying how little make-up I wanted to wear worth of better? Nope.

Hope my experience helps!

monkeysip · April 2013

I think your make-up looks beautiful!

My sister (MOH) is coming over tomorrow, and we're going to try some make-up looks. We don't have good primers/foundations yet, but we can at least experiment with how much eyemakeup, what colors, etc.

bunni727 · April 2013

Thanks!

I just wanted to put it out there that professionally done make-up and hair isn't for everyone. I got a ton of pressure about it during my planning from certain friends and family members that were just aghast at the thought of not having it done (I also did my own nails: the horror!), and want to kind of advocate for non-professional make-up not being the end of the wedding beauty world.

monkeysip · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_ner-need-advice-on-wedding-make-up?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:43809510-9df7-4ce6-8f16-ccbbc1eb1efbPost:cfc1c719-48b4-4d6f-bff7-eeed904d8a65">Re: NER: Need advice on wedding make-up</a>:
[QUOTE]I am lucky to be friends with 2 excellent make up artists. Each of them worked at Sephora at some point in their make-up careers, and each of them free-lanced during that time. Do a trial at Sephora, and then if you like the girl, ask her if she'll do it for the wedding. There is a very good chance she will.
Posted by Liatris2010[/QUOTE]

<div>Good to know. I didn't know if Sephora girls could do that (conflict of interest thing?). But I'll definitely ask if she does a good job.</div>

emeejeeayen · April 2013

I'm just writing to say I feel your pain. I have nothing helpful to add since I'm equally clueless, but I'm sending good vibes your way?

Kate61487 · April 2013

I think you should definitely not settle, and the sephora idea sounds like a good option. I'm not awesome at expressing what I like and don't like during a hair/makeup situation, but a good artist should understand "natural". And a smokey eye is totally not necessary, IMO.

This was me post-hair but before any makeup (and that's what I look like pretty much every day - I wear eye liner and MAYBE some shadow on a normal day)

And this is post-make-up (probably 8am-ish?)

and towards the end of the day (probably 8pm-ish; a little oily, but otherwise it held up really well)

Since I wear, like, no make-up on a daily basis (and usually have eye-liner smudges under my eyes at the end of the day) I knew I needed a pro. This was just normal make-up, not airbrush. But if you actually do a full face of makeup semi-regularly I think it would totally be worth learning some techniques and trying stuff out.

ridedatbike · April 2013

I havent seen what you looked like after the trial but heres my two cents. This all really depends on your priorities and your comfort level. I mean at the end of the day youll be married wether or not youre washed out in your photos right? If you feel beautiful and comfortable isnt that what matters? If however photos are a concern I would do more than you described. I always think of photo make up and about one to two steps below stage (it really depends on what your idea of stage make up is mine isnt obnoxious but quite functional). Youll really want some kind of definition. If you dont mind me asking what colors did she use on your eyes?

monkeysip · April 2013

As long as you ladies won't judge me, I'm posting photos.

Before:

<--- Hi! This is me!

After makeup, in salon lighting:

It doesn't look that bad in this photo, but it's more than I wanted, and it's more severe in person. And this was AFTER I had her take a lot of it off. I don't really know what colors she used because she didn't show me or tell me, but it looked just like shades of grey/black, with maybe a little brown.

This is a more close-up picture of me in sunlight to try and show the texture of my skin. It's an awkward close-up shot, but whatevs.

So this kind of makeup may photography well, but it doesn't look good to me IN PERSON... which I feel is just as important as photographs.

ridedatbike · April 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_ner-need-advice-on-wedding-make-up?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:43809510-9df7-4ce6-8f16-ccbbc1eb1efbPost:a4d2ab91-a38e-41f6-b58d-3384a4ff1bab">Re: NER: Need advice on wedding make-up</a>:
[QUOTE]As long as you ladies won't judge me, I'm posting photos. Before: <--- Hi! This is me! After makeup, in salon lighting: It doesn't look that bad in this photo, but it's more than I wanted, and it's more severe in person. And this was AFTER I had her take a lot of it off. I don't really know what colors she used because she didn't show me or tell me, but it looked just like shades of grey/black, with maybe a little brown. This is a more close-up picture of me in sunlight to try and show the texture of my skin. It's an awkward close-up shot, but whatevs. So this kind of makeup may photography well, but it doesn't look good to me IN PERSON... which I feel is just as important as photographs.
Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>ok well Im used to wearing a lot of make up so to me that looks great, of course like you said it looks different in the picture so I guess I cant really give you my opinion. May i suggest maybe browns instead of black? maybe youd feel better with something a little more nuetral. I do think you look great in those pictures though if it makes you feel any better. I feel you on the foundation though.</div>

ridedatbike · April 2013

o! and do you have any close friends or is your mom really good with make up? I always bring my mom to these kinds of things shes more assertive than I am as well so I get an outside opinion from someone with experience.

monkeysip · April 2013

I don't know anyone really good with make-up, but I do want to bring my sister to another trial if I have one. Need someone to speak up for me and make sure I like what the girl is doing.

Again, I think the eye make-up is PRETTY... but for someone else. Not for me. It's just not how I ever wear my make-up or what I wanted to wear for my wedding.

My dress is really sweet and vintage like. I don't feel like the make-up goes with it.

I'm going to experiment myself just to find what kinds of looks I like, then get a professional to help me with how to apply it well.

CrazyCatLady3 · April 2013

Get a long-wearing foundation--they make some that are sweat a humidity proof. I think these last longer than airbrush foundation. I've tried the pricey brands and honestly like almay truly lasting color the best. Seriously stays on. As for eye makeup, look for neutral eye shadow shades like taupe--will give you a little emphasis without an overdone smokey look. Go on youtube and search for tutorials on how to apply eye shadow--they will show you the way professionals do it to have your base color, crease color and highlighter color--it will look fab and you can use your own hand so you won't overdo it! then just put on some curling lightweight mascara, and you should be good (no eyeliner).

melb2013 · April 2013

People tried pressuring me into getting my hair and makeup done professionally, but I wanted to do it myself. When other people have done it for me, it's nice, but it's not ME. I want to look like ME on my wedding day. I've been doing trials and I have everything down to a science. I'm using primers and the makeup lasts all day long.

hoffse · April 2013

Honestly? I would save yourself the cash and frustration and do it yourself. I got all sorts of flack at the outset because I did my own nails, make-up, and hair. God forbid. Guess what? All of it together took me less than 30 min, and half that time was spent waiting for my nails to dry.

I found a hair tutorial on youtube, tried it, and it was easy. It took me less than 3 min to do it with the pins, hairspray, and veil. And bonus? When the whispies started coming out about 4 hours later (mine are epic) I stepped into the bathroom and re-did it. It looked the same. My make-up and nails were what I wanted because I did them. My photog took some pics of my and my BMs all doing our makeup together in a long mirror - we wouldn't have those pics if I had gotten it done professionally.

For me it wasn't the money, it was the time. I had a brunch that morning at 10 am and then onto the church afterwards. I had no intention of being in a salon at 7:30 in the morning. Turns out, it was one of the best decisions I made that day. I don't have close-ups of my make-up yet, but you can see it was natural. Between the makeup and hair I was way more intimidated by the hair. Some photos:

hoffse · April 2013

I should add - I've had my make-up done professionally twice (both times for weddings) since H and I have been together. His reactions:

1) To the airbrush look: "What happened to your face? It looks like somebody ironed it flat." Valid point - I have round cheeks, a long nose, prominent chin, etc. The MUA gave me no highlights or lowlights at all and it looked 2-dimensional on me. It was weird. He even got close and was like, "Why can't I see your pores at all? This freaks me out."

2) To the "smokey eye" look that was designed to match silver-purple bridesmaids dresses: "Holy crap. Did you get punched in the face? How did you get two black eyes? Do we need to take you to the hospital?" I have very fair skin and the MUA used purple eyeshadow. It was a trainwreck.

So that's why I didn't hire somebody to come to the church and do make-up.

SB1512 · April 2013

Is it possible to not do the airbrush makeup and just have traditional makeup professionally done? I must say, I know that you can get hair and makeup done at varying price points, but I would not spend that much on both. I am having my hair and makeup professionally done, but the total will be about $150 plus tip. They are both being done by the woman who has been cutting and highlighting my hair for about 6 years. She did hair and makeup for my friends wedding a few years ago and it came out wonderful. I had her to my makeup for my ephotos. It was not airbrush makeup, but mineral makeup instead. It was applied in the morning and my photos were not until 4pm, and it still looked wonderful.

Is there any way you can look into students at a beauty school doing makeup and hair? I had another friend who used a beauty school but specifically requested a student who was just about finished with her program and looking to create a portfolio. Not only was the cost super inexpensive, but the girl did a great job because she knew it was a good way to get recommendations and end up with photos of her work for her portfolio that she would be proud to show off.

monkeysip · April 2013

@ Hoffse--pretty pictures! I don't know if I could hair alone. I've never been very good at doing my hair, which is why I always wear it down. I would need to learn, or have someone helping me learn how to french braid. But I guess it's possible!

@SB--From what I've seen, traditional make-up isn't much less. Like maybe a difference of 40 dollars. When I'm already paying $200 for makeup... $40 doesn't make that much of a difference to me. I was under the impression that airbrush would be so much better and "worth it", but I don't know. Maybe traditional would be better for me.

I always have my highlights/haircuts done at the Aveda school nearby. Last time I was there, I asked my girl about hair/makeup for the wedding, and she advised me against it. She said that the students there aren't trained as well in those areas, and I was better off going to a professional. I assume she was being truthful, since it wouldn't benefit her to have me go elsewhere.

audubonbride2013 · April 2013

I know Sephora has been thrown out there as a suggestion, and I think this may be a good route for you to take. You can even just have them show you looks then buy some of the makeup and do it yourself. I did this for my engagement pictures because I was clueless and it turned out great. They're having "Chic Week" through April 22. During Chic Week you can get 15% off with their coupon from the Beauty Insiders club (free!) and most locations are doing completely free makeup lessons with no obligation to buy anything just check the store locator on their site for the in-store events near you. I took advantage of this last year and I highly recommend it.

ErinElizabethR · April 2013

In Response to Re:NER: Need advice on wedding makeup:[QUOTE]I don't know anyone really good with makeup, but I do want to bring my sister to another trial if I have one. nbsp;Need someone to speak up for me and make sure I like what the girl is doing.Again, I think the eye makeup is PRETTY... but for someone else. nbsp;Not for me. nbsp;It's just not how I ever wear my makeup or what I wanted to wear for my wedding.My dress is really sweet and vintage like. nbsp;I don't feel like the makeup goes with it.I'm going to experiment myself just to find what kinds of looks I like, then get a professional to help me with how to apply it well. Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]
For your eyes I suggest white eye shadow on your brow bone underneath your eyebrow and on the inside corner of your eye apply that lightly with a good make up brush and some good mascara on curled lashes. You won't look made up. you'll look like you had a great night sleep. Also I hate the feeling of lipstick and gloss. So I use smiths rose lip balm and burt bees tinted lip balm, and it just makes my lips look hydrated and a little brighter. It's not heavy or waxy feeling. With those you'll avoid lipstick teeth and getting lipstick all over your groom. I suggest going to sephora and asking what they recommend. I went there earlier this week and the girl was extreme help. For a fraction of what you plan on spending to have it professionally done you can do yourself with help of a more experienced friend. I forgot throw away the useless qtip things that come with eye shadow and get a brush, they're easier too use and blend easier.

drg424 · May 2013

In Response to NER: Need advice on wedding make-up:
[QUOTE]Hi ladies, This isn't E related, but the beauty board doesn't get nearly as much action. I've had the worst time trying to find a hair/makeup artist, and I need advice on what to do now. My budget was 350 for a trial run and the day of hair/airbrush makeup. It's been so hard to find someone in my budget, and those I did find either had no good reviews/no portofolio or had terrible communication (I seriously had several who were rude or took a week to reply to each of my emails). I finally found one girl, and even though I couldn't find any reviews, she seemed decent and had a good price. I had my trial with her yesterday, and it did not go well. I will preface this my acknowledging that it's partly my fault. I have difficulties telling people "I don't like this" and "can you redo this?" If I'd been more vocal, maybe it would have gone better. At the same time, however, I kept emphasizing that I wanted something very natural looking, not overdone at all. My hair turned out looking nothing like my inspiration photo. It made me look older. And I did have her redo it once, but it still didn't look how I wanted. Sister, mom, and FI didn't like it later when I showed them. MAke-up was too much. She gave me a smoky eye, but I don't want that at all. When she first showed me, she said, "don't worry, we can always add more." I was shocked, and asked her to take some off. She did, but I still felt like it was too much. I wanted a really fresh, natural, young look. FI said it was too much and distorted my eyes. I also felt like the airbrush looked cakey. I even had thick makeup creases under my eye when I got out to the car and looked in the mirror. And I think she made me a shade darker than I should be. Here's the deal... I do need some kind of foundation. My skin is blotchy and uneven, and anytime I do my own make-up, it seems to melt off in a couple hours (thank you houston weather). But I also have pale skin, and wanted something very fair, soft, natural, with a little rosy cheek. I didn't get that at all. And I KNOW I need some kind of eye makeup. Otherwise, I'll wash out in photos. But do I really need smoky eyeshadow? If I just do mascara, a little eyeliner, and maybe a little light eyeshadow, will it be enough? What I'm really asking is whether you think I should keep looking for a good MUA who can do a GOOD airbrush application or just do my makeup myself? Is it possible to do it myself and have it stay on and look good all day? There's no way I can do my own hair, so I'm going to have to find someone new for that, but I'm already out all this money for the failed trial run, so I'd like to save money. But I'm worried I wont get a good effect without a MUA. If you think I should do it myself, can you make make-up recommendations to me? I'm willing to buy good expensive products, but I'm very ignorant. All I know is covergirl kind of stuff :P CN: Had a bad experience with hair/makeup trial run. Airbrush looked cakey, and eyemakeup too heavy. Should I look for better MUA or just do it myself? If myself, do you have recommendations for good makeup? And can I just do a little eye makeup and still look good in photos? THANK YOU!
Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]

Just want to add one more thing here - since I replied to this post I've had my e-pics done and am now more than ever advocating (for me at least) for hiring a wedding day professional MUAH artist!!

Long story short, I am pretty good at doing my own makeup and even did a DIY trial run on myself the weeked prior to our e-pics. I was impressed at my ability to replicate a "professional" makeup look.

So, I went out and "treated myself" to $250 worth of MAC makeup (use BareMinerals day-to-day; heard it doesn't photograph well). And guess what? I CHOKED the day of our photos.

For our casual look I wore cowboy boots and a denim shirt and let's just say I looked more rodeo clown than cowgirl.

By the time we got to our formal look, I was sweating and greasy and kept compounding the problem by piling on more and more blush and powder and eyeshadow and lipstick.

One of my fake eyelashes was falling off too.

My wedding day trial run makeup, done by a professional, which I thought was ho-hum, is not looking too shabby now!

I would be devestated if I self-induced that kind of trainwreck on my wedding day. In all seriousness, I feel like my epic makeup fail distracted me during the e-pics and messed with my self-esteem and I'm thinking the photos are definitely going to reflect that. So yeah, professional for me - let them deal with that stress!

NER: Need advice on wedding make-up

Re: NER: Need advice on wedding make-up

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