As a wedding and elopement photographer I have worked with many hair and makeup artists over the years. I would say about 99% of my clients choose to have their hair and makeup done on their wedding day, whether they do it themselves or hire a professional for the job.
I asked professional hair and makeup artist Kayla Anne Flores, owner of Salt Beauty Bar in Fort Pierce, FL, some questions about the best makeup for your wedding day! So if you have been wondering “Should I get airbrush or regular makeup?”, “Which brands last the longest?”, and “What questions should I ask during my trial run?” then check out her interview below!
Are there certain products or brands that you recommend above all else? Which ones are the longest lasting?
Yes, there are certain brands and products that are designed to be long lasting. A few brands that tend to be for longevity, weddings, photoshoots, filming, etc. are Smashbox, Urban Decay, Nars, and Este Lauder double wear (mainly the foundation from this line). I use many of these brands in my kit. To really make something long lasting and flawless you need to have the right products but also the right artist who knows how to properly make those products work for your particular skin type. We could have all the right products but someone’s skin really determines how the product will wear and last.
What is the best waterproof mascara?
To be honest, the waterproof version of L’Oréal voluminous in carbon black or Essence Lash Princess in waterproof (black and blue) — both drugstore and under $10!
Airbrush vs. regular makeup? What are the pros and cons?
Okay, to be honest I think airbrush is overrated and not all it’s cracked up to be. I think people hear the word airbrush and think “Wow, must be nice and naturally I need this on my wedding day”. But in my professional opinion, even though I have it and offer it I don’t prefer it. I end up having to use regular makeup to make the airbrush makeup look good and without being set like regular makeup it doesn’t last. You will pay more not because it’s better but just simply because it costs more to buy the product.
With regular makeup I am able to control the coverage, the formula, and blend it nicely into the skin to make it last all day but to also make it look like skin! All my brides request a naturally enhanced face that looks radiant and with regular makeup I am able to achieve that much nicer than with airbrush.
What needs to be touched up most often throughout a wedding day?
I would say the T-zone (oils) and lips. I leave my brides with sponges and loose powder to touch up and a small lipstick to apply as needed.
Are there any drugstore brands you recommend?
Essence, L’Oréal, Morphe, Maybelline, Makeup Revolution, NYX, Colourpop, and Physicians Formula.
Tips for brides when doing their trial run?
- Find inspiration pics from the artist you’re doing your trial with (You’re booking with them for a reason! Find something of theirs you like!).
- If you’re searching Pinterest, especially for hair, find hair styles that are your hair color and length (a hairstyle will look 100% different on a blonde with dimension than on someone with all over color).
- Be open to what the professional recommends for you. I know for me I want to make my brides happy but I do feel that it’s my job to be an expert in this subject and I’m here to help and direct my brides so they ultimately get what they are looking for.
What questions should brides ask their hair and makeup artist?
- “How much time will you need?” Allow your glam squad plenty of time to give you and your girls your dream looks! Trust me, we don’t like rushing.
- “How should me and my bridesmaids arrive for the wedding day?” (i.e.: hair clean, 100% dry, and no makeup or moisturizer on).
What advice do you most commonly give brides?
Enjoy every minute of the day, it goes by too fast!
What are the most commonly asked questions you receive from your brides?
The main thing people say is they heard they should come with dirty hair and that’s a no. Second day hair if you’re not too oily is fine but dirty hair is not. We have amazing products now that can give your hair body, volume and texture so please come with clean hair ☺️
