Planning Ahead For Your Wedding Hair and Makeup Trials:

Buy your dress first. If you haven’t already picked out a wedding gown, stop right there—there’s no use in scheduling a hair and makeup trial appointment just yet. Your dress will dramatically affect the style you choose for hair and makeup. A messy bun would look a little off with a princess-inspired dress, and a stunning back might call for an updo instead of cascading curls. (Be sure to bring photos of your dress to the trials!)

Give yourself plenty of time. And we mean that in more ways than one. First of all, you need to give yourself enough time before your wedding day. After all, if the trial doesn’t end well, you could need time to schedule a second one. Three months before your wedding date should give you enough time. Plus, be sure to schedule a long enough appointment. Since you might be testing out a few different styles, the trial will take a little longer than an average appointment. Trials typically run about an hour per service.

Know what you want. Your trial will go much smoother if you have an idea of what you’re looking for. Know what you don’t want, too—that can be just as helpful! Plus, this knowledge can help you decide if you even need a trial. If you sport a ponytail and just want a fancier ponytail for the big day, there’s no need to practice.

Schedule smart. When you leave your trial, you’re going to be all primped—so don’t just sit around the house. Try to plan these appointments for the same day as your dress fitting, engagement photos, bridal shower, bachelorette party, or just a fun date night!

When scheduling these appointments, also consider if you’ll do them both on the same day. If only one stylist is doing both, one appointment will be easiest. But if you’re working with two separate stylists, meshing schedules might be a little trickier. It’s always a plus if you find a company who does both hair and makeup. If it’s just not possible, do your hair or makeup (whichever appointment you’re not going to) a little better than usual so you get the same effect.

How to Prepare:

Go clean and product-free. For a hair trial, wash your hair the night before (so it has time to regain its natural oils) and don’t put in any product. If you need to do a little taming with a straightener or curling iron, that’s OK—just don’t overdo it. You want your hair to be as natural as possible.

For a makeup trial, continue your typical skin-care routine. Don’t put on any products before your trial. A clean face will hold makeup better.

Bring photos. And lots of them. If you like elements of a couple different hairstyles or makeup looks, bring photos of all of them, so your stylist can use them to build one cohesive vision. Bring along photos of what you don’t like, too, because your definition of a “smoky eye” might be much different from the makeup artist’s definition!

Pick the right outfit. If you plan to show off your look for the rest of the day, wear clothes that are easy to change out of. But choosing an outfit carefully can make your trial that much more enjoyable. Select a top that has a similar neckline to your dress—you’ll get a better picture of your big-day look.

What to Bring:

All of your accessories. Veils and other headpieces should be a given—your hair wouldn’t look the same without them! But don’t forget about jewelry. Bring any earrings and necklaces you plan to wear.

A camera (or your phone). Aren’t you dying to know what you’ll look like in your wedding photos? Snap a few pics at the salon to get a sneak peek! But don’t limit it to the salon. Take photos outside and in other settings to see what you look like in different lighting.

Your wallet. Hair and makeup trials usually aren’t free. Be prepared to pay for the appointment.

A friend. What’s better than having someone there to compliment you when you’re looking your best? A friend or family member can offer much-needed support and encouragement (and some tough love if needed).

During The Trial:

Speak up. Don’t like something? Say something! That’s the whole purpose of the trial. Don’t be shy.

Run your stopwatch. Timing the appointment can help you plan your wedding-day schedule later on. If the stylist takes an hour to do your hair during the test run, she probably will on the big day, too.

After the Appointment:

Pay attention! Keep tabs on how your hair and makeup are holding up. Has your lipstick totally disappeared? Are your curls starting to look limp? A little wear is expected—just note it and ask the stylist to add more hairspray or plan to touch up your lips often on the day of.

The Difference between Airbrush Makeup and Regular Makeup Applications

There are notable differences between traditional makeup and airbrush makeup. These variances center around quality and how they are applied. Ensuring that you use suitable primers and formulas that cater to your skin's unique needs plays a pivotal role in the efficacy of airbrush makeup. Without the right products, your makeup might not achieve the desired look, potentially resulting in less-than-ideal photographs, regardless of the beautiful surroundings. Ultimately, the key is to have makeup that harmoniously matches your skin tone, is applied flawlessly, and complements your features to elevate your overall look.

Airbrush Makeup

Airbrush makeup is a lightweight and versatile technique that involves applying a fine mist of makeup using an air gun for a flawless and matte appearance. This application method permits layering to create a range of desired looks, ensuring uniform coverage. A notable advantage of airbrush makeup is its durability, as it withstands normal skin contact without smudging. While it lacks waterproof properties, it is advisable to exercise care around moisture to prevent potential running, prompting timely touch-ups like gentle blotting when necessary.

Traditional Makeup

Traditional makeup is either pressed powder, pancake, liquid, or cream. As you well-know, you apply it with a brush, sponge, tools, or finger tips. You’ve used this practically your entire life and you have your quirks and hacks for it. Like airbrush makeup, it must have the right blend for your skin type, the right color balance, and, the right foundation. You know what you look like when one of these aren’t right, and, that’s good news, because you’re in-the-know.