Top 10 Tips for Achieving Your Ideal Makeup Look With a Pro
Planning to get dolled up by a professional makeup artist for an upcoming special event? You go, beauty lover! Whether you’re a beauty novice or someone who is regularly pampered by a pro, it never hurts to be prepared.
To make make the most of your beauty session and get the exact look you’re going for, here are my top 10 tips based on lessons learned and years of personal experience.
Trust the process (and your artist)
Whether you’ve had your beauty done professionally many times before, or it’s your first time in a pro’s chair, remember you hired this artist for a reason. Makeup and hair can often go through many wonky stages until the gorgeous end result is achieved. Unless your artist is going down a totally wrong path, trust the process and allow them the opportunity to work their magic and wow you!
Know what you want and bring inspo pictures
Often times things can get lost in translation with beauty. “Smoky eyes,” “natural makeup,” even “red lips” can mean many different things to different people. Often times I have clients equate “natural” to Kim Kardashian, and she basically wears stage makeup everyday! When you have a picture as a jumping off point it speaks volumes, quickly getting you and your artist on the same page.
Keep your canvas fresh, clean and in normal condition
The week leading up to a big event is NOT the time to switch up your skincare routine or get a facial (which can totally purge your skin and cause breakouts). Do your regular routine, get as much rest as possible and drink lots of water! It’s also best to arrive to your appointment with a clean, lightly moisturized face.
Play up your eyes or lips, not both (unless it’s your jam!)
As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t believe in rules when it comes to makeup. That being said, if you’re looking to make more of a ‘natural’ impression, emphasizing the eyes OR lips will help you achieve your goal. If you’re looking to make a bold statement, be bold, lady! If you want smoky eyes and deep lips, I will help you get there.
Align on expectations and be specific
It’s important to remember your makeup artist/stylist is a mortal being, not a wizard (although sometimes I feel like one). If you bring a photo for inspiration, know that 99% of the time this photo is edited beyond belief, the model is likely wearing hair extensions, and every imperfection is erased. Your artist will tell you what is possible and what isn’t, sometimes purely based on time constraints. Let them know what key elements of the look are most important to you (dewy skin, dramatic eyes, contour, etc.) so they can be sure to incorporate those into your look.
Keep the full look (hair, makeup, wardrobe) in mind
Sometimes when your makeup or hair is all done, you see yourself and think, “wow, this looks way too extra!” But remember to keep the whole look in mind! Your makeup/hair will look different when the whole look is put together, so reserve full judgment until all beauty elements are complete. Things always come together when you’re not in athleisure!
Consider false lashes for extra oomph
False lashes, IMO, are an absolute must. There are SO many options now, and a true artist will have multiple shapes, sizes, and options in their kit. Lashes are not one-size-fits-all, some are better for more petite eyes while others are better for larger eyes. All lashes however, open up your eyes, add lift, degrees of volume and drama, and an overall refreshed look. Even if you want to be very ‘natural’ in photos, a subtle false lash elevates the entire appearance. Do the lash, ladies!
Ask questions and request recommendations
It’s totally ok if you show up to your appointment and want to trust the vision of the artist 100%. Ask questions about what their artistic opinion is, and what they would recommend to enhance your natural beauty.
Don’t lose sight of your comfort zone
A big event isn’t necessarily the time to try something new. If your artist is steering you in a direction that doesn’t feel authentically beautiful, or just totally something you aren’t ready to do (like a deep or bold lip), let them know your feelings. Communication is so important with your artist, so make sure you book someone you are comfortable sharing your wishes with and that sets you at ease.
Speak up or forever hold your peace
Once you see your look, if there is something you don’t love, let your artist know. A true artist will not be offended by being asked to make edits. This is your appointment, and your face/hair is literally their calling card.
A true pro wants you to be totally comfortable, confident, and in love with your look — so always speak up if you don’t feel like the goddess you are!
