Your wedding makeup is one of the most important parts of your bridal look. You want to look like the best version of yourself, feel completely confident and know that your makeup will look beautiful from the moment you walk down the aisle through to your evening celebrations.
That is exactly why we always recommend having a bridal makeup trial before your wedding day.
At Catherine Taylor Bridal, our bridal hair and makeup team works with brides across Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and London, creating everything from beautifully natural bridal makeup to elegant soft glam looks. Our bridal trials take place at our luxury salon in Wokingham, Berkshire, giving you the opportunity to relax, talk through your ideas and work with your makeup artist to create a look that feels completely right for you.
If you are wondering what happens at a bridal makeup trial, what you should bring or when you should book yours, we have put together everything you need to know
What is a bridal makeup trial?
A bridal makeup trial is your opportunity to test and perfect your wedding makeup before the big day.
It is much more than simply trying a makeup look. Your trial gives you time to get to know your makeup artist, discuss your wedding plans, show them your inspiration and work together to create a look that suits your personality, dress, hairstyle and overall wedding style.
At Catherine Taylor Bridal, we use the trial to understand exactly what you like and dislike. We can look at the tones that complement your complexion and eye colour, discuss the finish you prefer and consider how you want your makeup to look in photographs.
You may already have a very clear idea of your wedding makeup, or you may have no idea where to start. Both are completely fine.
Some brides arrive with a Pinterest board full of inspiration. Others simply say, "I don't normally wear much makeup, but I want to look really special."
Our job is to listen and guide you.
When should you have your bridal makeup trial?
We recommend having your bridal hair and makeup trial around 2 to 3 months before your wedding day.
This gives you enough time to make any adjustments while keeping your wedding date close enough that your ideas, dress and overall plans are fresh in your mind.
If you are getting married during a particularly busy wedding season, it is always worth discussing your trial with your bridal makeup artist well in advance.
Your wedding day comes around quickly, and having your makeup trial booked gives you one less thing to think about.
It is also a lovely opportunity to take a little time for yourself during what can be a very busy period of wedding planning.
What should you bring to your bridal makeup trial?
You do not need to arrive with a suitcase full of beauty products.
There are, however, a few things that can make your bridal makeup trial even more useful.
Your makeup inspiration
Bring photographs of makeup looks that you love.
Pinterest, Instagram and bridal magazines are all great sources of inspiration. You may have saved a particular skin finish, eye makeup, lipstick shade or overall style that you would like to recreate.
Do not worry if you have several completely different looks saved.
In fact, this can be helpful.
Your makeup artist can look at your choices and identify the elements you consistently like. Perhaps you love glowing skin but prefer a softer eye. Maybe you like defined eyes but want a natural lip.
These little details help us understand your personal style.
A photograph of your wedding dress
If you have a photograph of your dress, bring it along.
Your wedding dress can tell us a lot about the overall feeling you are creating for your wedding. A classic, elegant dress may inspire a timeless makeup look, while a more modern dress could work beautifully with something slightly more contemporary.
There is no strict rule that says your makeup has to match your dress, but considering your complete bridal look helps create a more cohesive result.
Information about your hairstyle
If you are having your bridal hair professionally styled, it is helpful to know what you are planning.
Your hairstyle can influence your makeup. For example, an updo may place more focus on your eyes, cheeks and complexion, while wearing your hair down can create a softer overall appearance.
At Catherine Taylor, we also have a professional bridal hair team, so we can help you consider your hair and makeup together if you are booking the full bridal package.
Your skincare information
Tell your makeup artist about your usual skincare routine and anything you are currently using.
Your skin preparation is an important part of achieving a beautiful makeup application. We believe looking after your skin before your wedding is just as important as the makeup itself, and our team is happy to offer guidance on preparing your skin for your wedding day.
Should you wear makeup to your bridal trial?
Ideally, arrive with clean skin and avoid wearing a full face of makeup.
This allows your makeup artist to properly assess your skin and create the look from the beginning.
If you have specific skincare products that you regularly use, you can bring details of these with you.
And if you are unsure about anything, simply ask.or you.
How do you choose the right bridal makeup style?
One of the biggest questions brides ask is, "What bridal makeup should I have?"
The answer is different for everyone.
Your wedding day makeup should still feel like you.
If you rarely wear makeup in everyday life, you may not suddenly want an extremely dramatic look on your wedding day. Equally, if you love makeup and regularly wear a full glam look, you may want something more defined and glamorous for your wedding.
There is no single bridal makeup look that works for every bride.
At Catherine Taylor Bridal, we create a range of bridal styles, from classic natural makeup through to sophisticated soft glam. We use professional luxury makeup brands including MAC, NARS, Charlotte Tilbury, Armani, Chanel and Dior.
The key is finding the right balance for you.
You want to look beautiful in your wedding photographs, but you also want to look in the mirror and immediately recognise yourself.
Natural bridal makeup does not mean no makeup
If you are considering a natural bridal makeup look, do not worry that your makeup will disappear in photographs.
Natural bridal makeup can still be beautifully polished and sophisticated.
The focus is usually on creating fresh-looking skin, softly defined eyes, groomed brows, a natural flush of colour and a lip shade that complements your complexion.
The result is elegant rather than heavily made up.
For many brides, this is the perfect choice because it enhances their natural features without changing how they look.
What about soft glam bridal makeup?
Soft glam is another popular choice for brides who want a little more definition.
It can include beautifully perfected skin, softly blended eyeshadow, defined lashes, sculpted cheeks and a more noticeable lip.
The key to soft glam is balance.
Your makeup should still feel elegant and bridal rather than looking like an evening party makeup look.
During your trial, we can adjust the intensity until you find the level of glamour that feels right for you.
Your bridal makeup trial is not the time to be afraid to speak up
This is perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice we can give you.
If you do not like something, say so.
Your makeup artist wants to know.
Maybe you would prefer less coverage. Perhaps you would like your eyes to be more defined. You may want a different lipstick shade or a softer blush.
There is no need to apologise.
A bridal makeup trial is specifically designed so that we can make adjustments and create a final look that you feel completely happy with.
Our aim is for you to leave your trial feeling confident about your wedding makeup.
Will my wedding makeup last all day?
Long-lasting makeup is a major consideration for any bride.
Your wedding day can involve an emotional ceremony, photographs, hugs, dancing, eating, drinking and plenty of happy tears.
Professional application and the right products and preparation can help your makeup remain looking beautiful throughout the day.
At Catherine Taylor Bridal, we use professional luxury makeup products and create bridal looks designed to last throughout your wedding celebrations.
Of course, no makeup can be completely immune to a few happy tears or a busy dance floor, which is why having a few essential touch-up products with you can also be helpful.
Can my bridesmaids have a makeup trial too?
Your bridal makeup trial is primarily about creating your own wedding day look, but it is also worth thinking about the rest of your bridal party.
Bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and other members of your wedding party may all want professional makeup.
One of the benefits of booking a professional bridal team is that your bridal party can have a coordinated experience while still having makeup tailored to each individual.
Everyone has different skin, features and preferences, so we never believe in giving every member of the bridal party exactly the same makeup.
Instead, the aim is to create looks that work beautifully together while allowing everyone's individual personality to shine through.
Why choose a professional bridal makeup artist?
Your wedding day is not the time to be experimenting with a completely new makeup routine.
A professional bridal makeup artist understands how different products work together, how makeup photographs and how to create a look that suits the individual bride.
There is also something to be said for having someone else take care of your makeup on the morning of your wedding.
You can sit back, relax and enjoy being pampered while your makeup artist takes care of the details.
At Catherine Taylor Bridal, our experienced bridal team provides luxury hair and makeup for hundreds of brides every year across Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and London. Our team includes more than 30 bridal hair and makeup artists, allowing us to cater for larger bridal parties as well as individual brides.
Why have your bridal makeup trial at Catherine Taylor?
Our bridal trials take place at our luxury salon in Wokingham, Berkshire.
We want your trial to feel relaxed, enjoyable and completely personal to you.
It is your opportunity to sit down with your makeup artist, talk through your wedding plans, look at your inspiration and experiment with different ideas until you find the perfect look.
We can discuss your skin, colouring, eye shape, wedding dress, hairstyle and personal preferences before creating your makeup.
And if you are still unsure, that is absolutely fine.
You do not need to know exactly what you want before you arrive.
Sometimes the best bridal makeup look is discovered by trying a few different options and seeing what makes you feel amazing.
Your wedding makeup should feel like you
There are so many bridal makeup trends to choose from that it can be easy to get overwhelmed.
Glowy skin. Soft glam. Natural makeup. Defined eyes. Nude lips. Rosy cheeks. The list goes on.
But your wedding day is not about following every trend.
It is about feeling confident, beautiful and completely yourself.
That is why your bridal makeup trial is so important.
It gives you the time and space to discover what really works for you, make adjustments and leave knowing exactly how you will look on your wedding morning.
At Catherine Taylor Bridal, we believe your bridal beauty experience should be just as special as the finished look.
If you are looking for a bridal makeup artist in Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire or London, our experienced bridal team would love to hear about your wedding plans.
From natural bridal makeup to sophisticated soft glam, we will work with you to create a look that makes you feel confident, beautiful and ready for one of the most exciting days of your life.
Ready to start planning your bridal look?
Get in touch with the Catherine Taylor Bridal Team to discuss your wedding date and request your personalised bridal quote.
Your perfect wedding makeup starts with a conversation.
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