What to Expect at Your Bridal Makeup Trial (And How to Get the Most Out of It)

If there's one appointment I don't want you rushing through before your wedding, it's your makeup trial.

This is where we get to try things out. Maybe you've been saving the same makeup inspiration for a year, or maybe you've got 40 screenshots on your phone and haven't quite figured out what you like about each one.

Either way, that's what I'm here for.

My bridal trials are two hours long and take place in my private studio. I want you to have enough time to see the makeup on your own face, make changes and actually enjoy the appointment.

Here's what you can expect when you book with me.

Before your trial, there's a little homework

I know, a questionnaire isn't exactly the exciting part of wedding planning. But there's a reason I ask every bride to complete one before coming in.

It's pretty detailed. I want to know about your skin, the makeup you normally wear, products you love, things you've tried that didn't work and anything you're particular about.

I'll also ask for inspiration photos so I can get a sense of your style.

I go through your answers before we meet.

By the time you walk into my studio, I already have a good idea of what you're looking for. We can get straight into the fun part rather than spending half your appointment figuring out your preferences.

And if you're not entirely sure what you want yet? That's fine too. You don't need to have everything figured out.

When should you book your bridal trial?

I usually recommend booking your trial about two to three months before your wedding.

By then, you've probably chosen your dress, have a better idea of your hairstyle and aren't changing your makeup inspiration every other week.

It's also close enough to the wedding that your skin and hair colour are likely to be similar to how they'll be on the day.

For my South Asian brides with multiple wedding events, we'll also schedule a video call closer to the celebrations to go over your outfits and plan the makeup for each event.

Why I only book the bride for trials

I know it can be tempting to bring your mom or best friend along. Especially when you're making so many wedding decisions and you're used to asking them for their opinions.

But my bridal trials are bride-only, and there's a reason for that.

Makeup is personal. What your mom loves might not be what you love, and your best friend might have a completely different idea of what bridal makeup should look like.

I've found that it's much easier for brides to tell me what they really think when there isn't an audience.

If you want more blush, tell me. If you absolutely hate a lip colour, I want to know. You won't hurt my feelings.

It's your face, and I want to hear what you think.

You can absolutely send photos to your friends and family afterwards. I just prefer that we figure out what you love first.

What actually happens at your trial?

Once you've arrived and we've had a quick chat about your questionnaire, we'll get started.

First, your skin

I start with skin prep, including a mini facial, before applying your makeup.

I'll look at how your skin is behaving that day and choose products that work with it.

The finish of your foundation makes a huge difference to the rest of your makeup, so I'm particular about getting this part right.

I want your skin to look beautiful in photos, but I also want it to look good when someone is standing right beside you.

Then we get into the makeup

This is where your inspiration photos come in.

I use them as a starting point rather than trying to copy someone else's face. What looks amazing on a model in a studio photograph might need a few changes to work on your features.

We'll look at colours, placement and how much makeup you're comfortable wearing.

I also like to show you different lash options. Lashes can completely change the way an eye look feels, and sometimes a small adjustment makes more of a difference than adding more eyeshadow.

I'll give you my opinion throughout the appointment, too.

You hired me for my experience, and I'm not going to agree with something just because it's trending on Pinterest.

We'll make changes as we go

This is probably my favourite part of the appointment.

You get to look in the mirror and tell me what you think.

Maybe you want a little more coverage. Maybe the blush needs to come down a notch. Maybe you thought you wanted a nude lip, but now that you're seeing everything together, you'd prefer something with more colour.

That's exactly why we're doing a trial.

I don't expect you to love every decision on the first try, and I'd much rather you say something while you're in my chair.

And yes, I'll take photos

Before you leave, I'll photograph your makeup in different lighting so we can see how it translates on camera.

Makeup can look quite different under studio lighting compared with natural daylight or flash.

I'll also keep a record of the finished look so we have something to refer to on your wedding day.

What should you bring to your bridal trial?

You don't need to arrive with an entire Pinterest presentation, especially since I'll already have your questionnaire.

But a few things are helpful.

• Photos of your wedding dress. I love seeing what you're wearing. The neckline and overall style can influence the makeup.

• Your makeup inspiration. Send me the looks you love, but don't be afraid to show me what you don't like either.

• Your hairstyle plans. Even a rough idea helps. Hair worn up can give a completely different impression than hair around your face.

• A top with a similar neckline to your dress. It's a small detail, but it helps you picture the finished look.

• Information about any skin reactions. Please tell me about allergies or sensitivities in your questionnaire, not when you're already sitting in my chair.

Come with clean skin, and avoid trying unfamiliar skincare products or aggressive treatments right before your appointment.

Otherwise, just show up ready to have your makeup done.

Please make plans after your trial

Seriously.

You're going to have your makeup professionally done, so you might as well enjoy it.

Book dinner. Make plans with your girlfriends. Go on a date.

Some of my brides arrange their engagement photos or hair trial for the same day, which can be a great way to see everything together.

I actually love when brides wear their makeup for a few hours after leaving the studio.

You'll get a much better idea of how it wears, what feels comfortable and whether there's anything you want to change.

Take a few photos in different lighting while you're out, too. And pay attention to how your makeup looks later in the evening.

If you notice something, let me know.

What if you change your mind afterwards?

It happens.

Sometimes you get home, look at your photos and realize you'd prefer a slightly different lip colour. Or you decide you want a softer eye than what we originally planned.

That's not a problem.

We can make notes about smaller changes for your wedding day.

If you're considering a completely different makeup look and want to test it before the wedding, we can book another studio trial for $300.

I'd always rather have that conversation ahead of time than have you worrying about your makeup on the morning of your wedding.

Is the bridal trial included in your package?

Yes. Every one of my bridal collections includes a two-hour studio trial.

You'll also have a welcome call and access to my Interactive Bridal Skin Prep Portal, which includes a year-long skin preparation guide.

I want you to have the information you need well before we meet, especially if you have skin concerns you'd like to work on leading up to the wedding.

A few more things brides ask me

Can I bring someone to my trial?

Trials are bride-only. You're welcome to share photos with your family or bridal party afterwards, but the appointment itself is just for you.

What if I don't normally wear much makeup?

That's completely fine. Tell me what you're comfortable with, and we'll work from there.

You don't have to suddenly become someone who wears full-coverage foundation and dramatic lashes just because you're getting married.

Do I have to know exactly what I want?

Not at all. That's part of why I ask you to complete the questionnaire before your appointment.

If you know what you like but can't quite explain it, I can help with that.

What if I don't like the makeup?

Tell me!

I want your honest opinion while we're working. We have two hours together for a reason, and making adjustments is part of the appointment.

Where do trials take place?

All bridal makeup trials are held at my private studio. You'll receive the address and appointment details when your trial is scheduled.

When do I book my trial?

Once your wedding date is officially booked with me, we'll arrange your studio trial based on your wedding date and availability.