Bridal make-up has much in common with photographic make-up, yet it involves building a close relationship with the bride to be, unlike on a regular shoot. It is an ideal extra for many freelancers as a fun way to earn supplementary cash without the usual strains of invoicing large companies.
Weddings are always really social occasions to work at and are the only time that many make-up artists ever get a full hour to do a beautiful flawless look. Whether this is a main source of income or just occasional work, there are a few kit essentials which will make for a job done well.
Special Make-up Products for Weddings:
Hiring a freelancer is expensive, so it is good for a make-up artist to offer something special. It could be a look someone might not be able to do themselves, or a product people do not regularly buy.
- Individual false lashes are fabulous for creating a softly defined eye, and offer a little extra without being too theatrical. Put on carefully by a professional they will look natural, last all day and make any bride feel pretty. Carry brown and black for all eventualities.
- Brow gel, clear or tinted, gives surprising polish to the overall make-up and will keep a bride looking camera worthy the whole time. If you have a professional qualification, offering brow shaping before the wedding can also be part of the service.
- Professional camouflage is not something most people have in their make-up bags but will help a make-up artist deal with any eventuality. Last minute spots, too many sun beds, sunburn, cuts or bruises can all be blended away on the day.
The Best Skincare:
As a freelance make-up artist, it is important to always insist on a trial before the wedding day. This ensures that the bride is happy with the look as well as preventing any nasty surprises, such as an allergy to a skincare product in your kit. In any case, it is usually best to use simple skincare products and gentle brands for all make-up work and leave anything more complicated to facialists.
- All purpose balm for healing any sudden scaly dry patches or chapped lips. This is also useful on the body in case of short sleeves and chapped elbows or rough areas. Ren's Mayday Mayday balm or Elemental Herbology's Wind and Cold Therapy are both excellent and affordable choices. Neither of these products contains petroleum, so they sink into the skin rather than risking coming off on an expensive dress.
- Super light body lotion or dry oil is the best thing to smooth on to limbs which might be exposed. A light shimmer can also be dusted over this. However take care to use products that absorb well and do not come off on a white dress.
General Tips for Make-up Artists:
Many brides will be nervous on their big day and as a professional make-up artist part of the job is to act in a calm and confident manner, helping to ease the situation and be part of helping a bride to feel special.
- Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy is always a good thing to carry in a kit for nervous emergencies.
- Sugar-free herbal pastilles or mints provide a calming focus, fresh taste and fresh breath for all; even those too nervous to eat.
- A clothes roller is a must for tidy working.
- A needle and thread plus pins has very little to do with make-up, but is still quite often called for on wedding mornings. Having this in your kit will keep the bride or bridesmaids sitting in their make-up seat, and keep a make-up artist on schedule.
- Pack some hairspray and pins, just in case the hairdresser leaves before the bride and pieces of stray hair start to fall down.
Shefali Choudhury - Writer and visual artist, Suite Beauty topic editor, Shefali spent 10 years in professional makeup artistry from beauty to blood ...
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