How to Choose a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding Day
If you’re a little overwhelmed when it comes to choosing your wedding suppliers - especially makeup and hair, look no further! Today I’m chatting with my business friend and a person I recommended to my brides countless times, the multi-award-winning, pro-make-up artist Sinead from @maidbysineadbridalmakeup. She’s kindly answering all my questions about booking a pro-make-up artist for your wedding, giving some tips on how to stay sane on the morning of your wedding and talking about switching career and starting her business. Sinead has helped so many of my brides achieve that beautiful glow, which ultimately resulted in stunning photos on the day. She's always positive and calm, which helps you relax when you're a little stressed during the getting ready part. If you’re unsure what suits you and your bridal party, she can advise you in a way that will enhance your natural beauty, rather than putting a mask on your face.
Scroll down for the Q&A! :)
Paula: Many people would love to have a little thriving business like yours – how did it all start for you?
Sinead: Some people laugh when I tell them I was a social worker for over 12 years! I worked in Children’s services within residential childcare which I loved however by the end I was burnt out with the long hours and craved to be at home more with my family.
I have always loved makeup and would be one of the girls stalking the beauty counters in House of Frazer, Debenhams and Boots buying the latest foundation or palette. I also just loved to watch the make-up artists applying makeup to customers. For me it wasn’t just the application of product - it was watching how a face can be transformed and in turn, gave the individual more confidence. Still to this day, I am always so delighted when a person looks in the mirror after their application and tells me they love their makeup.
Whilst pregnant with my third child in 2014, I signed up for my makeup diploma with Oonagh Boman School of Makeup. I remember climbing 3 flights of stairs on the final week (and booked into hospital 2 days later to have Rory) to sit my exam and not being able to breathe. I don’t think Oonagh will ever forget that either! From then I took the bull by the horns and began to get myself out there. I did ALOT of free work, I assisted other artists to weddings and I continually hustled. Looking back, I started at a good time but knowing now what I did to get there, I’m not sure I would have gone all the way. My business is not just about the application of makeup. It also entails a lot of behind the scenes work including admin, blogging, SEO for my website and a serious amount of time marketing for social media.
My Social work salary was ultimately aiding me to invest in my kit which helped, plus I had an incredibly supportive husband who freed me up at the weekend to work. The hard work began paying off when I began to get booked for weddings and I was able to fully resign from my Social work Post in Jan 2019. I have since gone on to win Northern Irelands Wedding Journal Reader Awards 2018 in the Bridal Make-up Specialist of the year. I was also delighted to win Bridal Makeup Artist of the year 2019 at the Northern Ireland Makeup and Beauty Awards. These accolades have certainly held me in good stead the past few years and ensured I’m kept busy from April-December.
I am lucky to be surrounded by some amazing people within the industry who are also able to collaborate on photoshoots and events which is brilliant for social media. Its so nice to be called ‘a thriving little business’, especially from another professional within the industry given we are amid a pandemic – Covid19 where I’m currently not working. Like many businesses within the industry, I cannot wait to get back doing what I love. I have missed my work over the last 3 months and I’m so excited to get back to my first Bride on 12th August!
Paula: How would you describe your typical booking process from enquiry to wedding day?
Sinead: It's quite true what they say about buying from a small business - I do a happy dance with the children as every booking is so very important to me and my business. I think the time during COVID 19 has made me reflect on what it is like to be self-employed with no other support and to value every single booking I have in my diary whether it is for a wedding, occasion makeup or spray tan.
Generally, a booking will be made 18-24 months in advance of the big day. Over the recent number of years, I am finding that bookings are past Bridesmaids or family members of past Brides which is always so lovely as I know that I’ve done a good job! A wedding date is secured with a £50 booking fee and completed booking form. Bridal trials are included in packages however these are not scheduled until 6-8 weeks before the wedding day. By this time Brides will have purchased Bridesmaids dresses and had a consultation with their florist meaning colours and theme are all confirmed. During the Bridal trial, I will have a consultation with my Bride we discuss her preferred look and also ensuring that certain lip colours/looks won’t clash with flowers and dress colours.
Paula: You’ are involved in the morning of a wedding day, do you have any tips on how to have a relaxed start to the big day? Is there anything special a Bride needs to do the day before?
Sinead: I love the buzz of a wedding morning! It is such a happy occasion however it can also be a roller coaster of emotions, especially when it comes to the Brides ‘first look’. This gets me emotional every time! I firmly believe the key to being relaxed and enjoying your wedding morning is to be organised. Always ask what time your makeup artist and hairdresser are arriving at. I, myself will have a schedule to stick to and I always like to have my Bridal parties ready 1 hour before they are due to leave the house or hotel.
Your photographer will also have a schedule and if they are coming to the house its always a good idea to have dresses hanging, shoes, perfume, jewellery, or anything symbolic you would like photographed. A big one is to have all labels from dresses and shoes removed. I have seen this so many times before when I am running out the door after Bridesmaids cutting off labels just before they get into the wedding cars!
Order Breakfast in! I’ve been witness to poor mummy’s up early to cook breakfast, stressed and the last to get ready. There are so many great businesses out there who specialise in wedding day breakfasts and its also a great way of ensuring everyone eats and there is no smell of bacon and sausages throughout the house when putting on those beautiful dresses.
Don’t drink too much. Go easy on the alcohol that morning. Not only is it dehydrating which has an impact on your make-up but you want to keep a clear head and enjoy your wedding morning.
Sit back and relax! Your wedding morning will arrive and go in a flash! Just remember to be present and stick to the timed schedule of your vendors when possible. You are paying them for their professional services which also includes having you ready and getting you to the Church on time.
Paula: What is your best advice for Brides when booking their bridal make-up artist? Maybe they do not know what will suit them and where to start?
Sinead: Research, Research and Research. Any reputable Make-up artist will have their work available on their social media platforms. Facebook and Instagram will have their most up to date work to view so make sure to have a look at their style of makeup and their reviews by past Brides. If they have a website, this is even better as you know that they are investing in their brand, business and their clients.
Email them and ask to schedule a call. I always love to chat with anyone which is so much more personal especially when you are going to have a person applying makeup on your wedding morning, you want to make sure that you are comfortable with them.
Book in for a pre-trial if you have never had your make-up professionally applied before. I always recommend my Brides to stay true to themselves and to ultimately look like themselves only at their best. Their groom/bride will want to see ‘them’ coming up the aisle and not looking completely different.
Paula: How would you describe your style of bridal makeup?
Sinead: I would say that I am highly regarded for a radiant, flawless and classic bridal look. I am renowned for creating unique and specific looks tailored to every individual need. I passionately believe that on your wedding day you should look like yourself at your most beautiful. I only use the highest quality products which are developed to look equally impressive in real life and photographs.
Paula: Do you recommend every bride has a trial before the wedding?
Sinead: I always recommend my brides to have a trial as it’s always a great way of meeting each other before the big day. The consultation stage is so beneficial for me that I can get the feel of a wedding including any vendors and also any ideas my Bride may have regarding their wedding day look. I do have a large number of Brides who live abroad so I do understand that at times this can be difficult to fit in especially if they are flying in the week before, however, I always try and accommodate everyone as best I can.
It is also a good opportunity for a mother of the bride/bridesmaid to have a trial if they are feeling anxious about having their makeup professionally done. It is lovely to see clients leave after a trial knowing they are happy with their look for a wedding day. With the impact of Covid19, I do understand that Bridal trials may have to take a back seat for the short term to help minimise risk however I am happy to accommodate anyone where necessary.
Paula: Do you have any tips for prolonging the life of your makeup on the wedding day? How to make sure I won't look like a panda after crying during the ceremony.
Sinead: When you are having your make-up professionally applied, it should ultimately. The issue with Bridal Makeup is the fact that so many family and friends will want to kiss/hug the Bride, therefore, cause some transference especially around the cheek and mouth area. Where possible I can provide my brides with a ‘Bridal Touch up kit’ which will make sure to keep their makeup in place throughout the whole day including their evening photographs. It is always lovely to get feedback/photos from my previous Brides thanking me for how well their makeup stayed in place throughout their wedding day including any tears that may have been shed.
Paula: When should I secure my wedding date with my Bridal Makeup artist?
Sinead: I would recommend getting in touch with your Bridal Makeup Artist at least 12-18 months in advance of your wedding date. Key dates include Friday/Saturdays throughout the Summer months including Bank holiday weekends. Other dates include those such as 6/6, 7/7/ 8/8 as some couple’s love getting a date that is easy to remember or significant to them! Plus the earlier you book, the better package price you will get. Rates increase every year and most reputable artists will be booked well in advance so don’t leave it too late.
Paula: How can Brides get in touch with you to enquire if their wedding date is still available?
Sinead: You can follow me on my social media links below; www.facebook.com/maidbysinead www.instagram.com/maidbysineadbridalmakeup You can check out my website; www.maidbysinead.co.uk or email me sinead1985@live.com