While every wedding is unique, one thing is always certain: the bride wants to look her best. The right makeup artist can help a bride’s vision for her look come to life. Local makeup artists Dorian Hatchett, Meggan Ory, Dee Rouzan and Javetta White offer advice sure to help brides shine throughout the celebration.
The four agree that research is the first—and most important—step when selecting a makeup artist. White, founder of Lipsticker Artistry and Lipsticker Cosmetics, notes that the artist’s experience and style are some of the first things to consider. Ory, founder of Makeup by Meggan Cosmetics & Spa, says brides can get a feel for artists’ styles by viewing photos and videos. Hatchett, cosmetologist at Spa Atlantis, emphasizes that artists’ portfolios should “include examples of makeup on a variety of skin colors and face shapes.”
Rouzan, founder of Faces of Virtue Beauty Studio, highlights some practical details that should be considered, such as the artist’s policies, procedures and timelines. Furthermore, she cautions against entering into a verbal agreement for bridal makeup. Echoing this sentiment, White says “A bridal contract is so important to have. It puts everything in perspective and protects both the client and artist.” The contract should include an agreed-upon beauty budget. Hatchett advises remembering that the cost of services includes not only the makeup, but also the cost of the artist’s business licensing and liability insurances.
After the bride and artist have come to an agreement, the next step is a trial run, which should take place around three months before the wedding date. Rouzan tells brides, “Wear white to your bridal trial and bring any accessories with you to help you visualize what you may look like for your special day.”
In addition to working closely with their makeup artists, brides should also take steps to prepare their skin to look its best. White does not recommend experimenting during the weeks before the wedding, especially if a bride’s skincare routine is already working for her. Similarly, Ory notes that a good routine takes time to build, especially when it comes to getting facials. She, Rouzan and Hatchett also stress the importance of drinking plenty of water in the weeks leading to the big day.
When the day arrives, artists will be doing makeup either in their studio or at a site of the bride’s choosing. All our experts note that lighting is a huge factor to consider; while studios will have proper lighting, the bride’s dressing suite may not. However, the convenience of having makeup done on-site may take stress off the bride and also, as White notes, eliminate any chance of unforeseen traffic to or from the studio throwing off the schedule.
Wherever she gets glammed up, a bride should choose a look that stands the test of time. New products, makeup fads, and Instagram trends should be avoided. As Ory says, “You want to look back 20 years from now and still love the makeup.”
Dorian Hatchett
Instagram: @hatchettglam
spaatlantis.com, Instagram: @spaatlantisnola
Meggan Ory
Instagram: @makeupbymegganspa
makeupbymeggan.com
Dee Rouzan
Instagram: @facesofvirtue
facesofvirtue.com
Javetta White
Instagram: @lipsticker_
lipsticker.com
