Your wedding day is one of the most memorable (and photographed!) days of your life. Naturally, you want to look and feel your absolute best. Enter the hair and makeup trial—your beauty dress rehearsal that ensures your final look is exactly what you envisioned.
To help you make the most of your trial, we’ve put together this fun and expert-approved guide filled with do’s and don’ts that will have you glowing with confidence on your big day!
Why Is a Hair and Makeup Trial Important?
A trial isn’t just about testing looks or products; it’s about making sure you and your artist are on the same page. It helps:
- Eliminate wedding day stress by ensuring no last-minute surprises.
- Fine-tune your bridal look to match your dress, theme, and personal style.
- Test product longevity so you know your hair and makeup will last from “I do” to the final dance.
- Allow for adjustments so you get exactly the look you want!
Now, let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts so you can walk into your makeup trial feeling prepared and excited!
The DO’s of a Trial
1. DO Bring Inspiration Photos
Having a visual reference helps your artist understand your dream look. Save photos from Pinterest, Instagram, or celebrity weddings, but remember to choose images featuring models with a similar skin tone and face shape as well as hair color and texture for the most accurate expectations.
💡 Pro Tip: Show your artist both what you love and what you don’t love to refine your perfect bridal look!
2. DO Come with a Clean, Moisturized Face and Clean, Dry Hair
A blank canvas is best! Arrive at your trial with cleansed, moisturized skin (and no makeup). Well-prepped skin ensures your makeup applies smoothly and evenly. Second day hair is a thing of the past. Come to your trial with clean, completely dry hair. If you are unsure about using a product on your skin or hair before the trial just ask your artist for advice.
Pro Tip: Hydrated skin = flawless foundation! Start a solid skincare routine at least 3-6 months before the wedding to ensure your complexion is at its best.
3. DO Wear White or a Color Similar to Your Dress
What looks great in everyday wear may appear different against a white gown. Wearing a white top during your trial will give you a more realistic preview of how your makeup will appear on your wedding day.
4. DO Communicate Openly with Your Artist
Your artist wants you to be 100% happy! If something doesn’t feel right—speak up! It’s much easier to adjust during the trial than on the wedding day. If you tell your artist that you love it, but secretly hate the look, you are doing a disservice to yourself and the artist.
Pro Tip: Be honest about your comfort level with foundation, contouring, or bold lips. Your artist can adjust the intensity to match your preference.
5. DO Take Photos in Different Lighting
Makeup can look totally different under natural daylight, indoor lighting, and flash photography. Step outside, take a selfie, and see how your makeup translates in various settings.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your artist to take before-and-after photos so you can see the transformation side by side!
6. DO Test Longevity
A wedding day is long (hello, 12+ hours of celebrating!). After your trial, wear the hair and makeup for the rest of the day to see how it holds up.
💡 Pro Tip: Note any areas that get oily, creased, or faded. For hair, you should note how well the curl holds and how secure the style feels. This feedback helps your artist make adjustments for long-lasting wear on your big day!
The DON’Ts of a Wedding Makeup Trial
1. DON’T Try a New Skincare Routine Right Before
Trying new skincare treatments or facials right before your trial can cause irritation or breakouts. Stick to your regular skincare routine leading up to the trial!
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a facial, schedule it at least two weeks before your trial to avoid skin reactions.
2. DON’T Arrive with Heavy Makeup On
Some brides wear full makeup to their trial, thinking it will help their artist see what they usually wear. However, removing layers of makeup takes time and can affect the final application.
3. DON’T Be Afraid to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
This is the perfect time to experiment! You may discover a bold lip or sultry eye that flatters you in ways you never imagined.
💡 Pro Tip: If your artist suggests something different, give it a try! You can always tweak it if needed.
4. DON’T Forget About Weather Conditions
Getting married in the humid Smoky Mountains or sunny Tennessee? Ask your artist for humidity and sweat-resistant makeup options! Certain hair types don’t do well in the heat and humidity either. If your hair doesn’t hold curl well, a more structured style will mostly likely work best for you.
Pro Tip: Airbrush makeup is a fantastic option for long-wear, humidity-proof coverage.
5. DON’T Bring an Entourage
While it’s tempting to bring your whole bridal squad, too many opinions can be overwhelming. Bring one trusted friend or family member for a second opinion without distractions.
6. DON’T Skip the Lipstick Check
Your lip color should complement your skin tone and last all day. Ask your artist for recommendations on a long-wearing lipstick that won’t smudge during those first-kiss or cake-cutting moments! We like Maybelline Stay Matte Ink .
Pro Tip: Purchase the exact lipstick your artist uses so you can reapply throughout the wedding day!
Final Thoughts: Your Hair and Makeup Trial = Your Beauty Blueprint!
A trial is more than just a test run—it’s a chance to feel confident and excited about your wedding day look. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll ensure a stress-free, picture-perfect bridal beauty experience!
Are you ready to book your bridal beauty trial? Contact Southern Sirens today to schedule your personalized session and get one step closer to your dream wedding look!