10 Wedding Makeup Mistakes Your Makeup Artist Wishes You Would Stop Making

Makeup isn’t an afterthought — it’s a crucial part of your overall look. It accentuates your natural beauty, mirrors your fashion and complements the mood of your event. Plus, with so many pictures being snapped, your makeup will remain on everyone’s mind long after the day is over. That’s why so many brides opt to hire seasoned artists to make sure they look picture perfect for their wedding day glam.

But simply hiring a makeup artist doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Between scheduling and communication for skin prep and product selection, there’s still plenty for you to oversee. To guide you, we talked to three seasoned bridal beauty professionals, who revealed the biggest mistakes they’ve seen — and how to sidestep fall into — along with some other personal pet peeves.

Skipping Out On Pre-Wedding Skin Prep

Your bridal beauty look begins long before your makeup brush touches your face. “Makeup is only as good as the skin underneath,” says Lauren Kelly, lead artist at Everglow Studios. Focus on prepping from a year out, with the help of a dermatologist, because from a year you’re getting into a regular skincare routine. Oh, and daily hydration and SPF.

Hiring a Makeup Artist That You Don’t Jive With

Skill counts — but so does chemistry. “You’re giving this person your entire morning. One who can help you remain calm and confident, says Kelly. The vibe can make or break the experience.

Skipping the Trial

“Your wedding is not the time to experiment,” says Alicia Chen, creative director at Lumiére Beauty Co. Hiring a photographer, doing an engagement shoot and testing out potential hair and makeup artists with a trial (ideally 3-6 months before the big day), is a great way to test things out and gain trust in your artist.

Following Trends Blindly

What’s trendy might not always be timeless — or “you.” “Just stay true to what feels right,” Chen says. “Go classic if you’re not sure what to wear that won’t date your images five years later.”

Trying a Brand-New Look

This is not the moment to upend the applecart. “If you never wear a bold lip or a smoky eye — this is not the day to start,” Kelly says. Instead, elevate your everyday in a manner that still feels like you.

Thinking ‘More’ Means Better

“Less product more does not mean the better makeup,” says Shannon Rae, founder of Bloom Artistry. “What you need is more technique ― more blending, more layers, more time ― not necessarily more foundation.” The secret: improvement, not overhaul.

Ignoring Your Artist’s Advice

Your artist has professional experience that you lack. “We’ve worked with every skin type and skin tone and scenario for the wedding,” says Chen. Be agreeable to suggestions – especially regarding items with a long shelf life or when there is a lighting concern.

Forgetting About Lighting

Lighting changes everything. Makeup can look totally different inside versus outside or in flash photography. “Make sure to look at your wedding makeup in both indoor and outdoor light during your trial,” adds Chen.

Not Buying Your Lip Color

You will have to do some touch-ups with your lips through out the day, especially after meals and drinking. “Definitely be certain to go and buy the same lip product that your artist is using,” says Rae. Check your lips after your first glance, or your pre-ceremony, and before your reception photos, she adds.

Not Booking Your Artist for Touch-Ups

Tears, sweat and hugs can all ruin your makeup. “A lot of artists have full- or half-day packages,” says Kelly. At the very least have your MUA stay throughout the ceremony for a touch up. It can have a big impact on how you look and feel for the rest of the day.