Getting married is beyond exciting, and your wedding will be one of the most photographed and memorable moments of your life. Looking and feeling your best is the ONLY option when you get those stunning photos back! As a professional wedding makeup artist for over 10 year, completing hundreds of beautiful weddings - these are my top 5 tips to look and feel fabulous. 

1. Botox - PLAN AHEAD! 

If you’re considering Botox for the first time, or even if you are a veteran, it’s crucial to plan your treatment at least three months before the wedding. This timeline allows the Botox to settle, giving you a chance to see the full results. If a touch-up is needed, make sure it’s done no later than one month before your big day. This ensures you’ll look fresh, natural, and flawless as you walk down the aisle. You don’t want a completely frozen look for your wedding, you want your face to show some emotion, it is your wedding day after all! Even if you have had botox several times before, bruising and reactions can happen. Planning it at least a month prior will give it time to properly settle and any reactions to be settled. 

2. Don’t change your face with makeup! 

While it might be tempting to follow the latest makeup trends, your wedding day is all about looking like the best version of yourself. Think fresh, glowy, and elegant—styles that enhance your natural beauty. The last thing you want is to look back at your photos and feel disconnected from the heavy eye makeup you chose, especially if you usually wear just a swipe of mascara. Keep it timeless and true to who you are. It is great to have inspo photos to show your makeup artist, and the reality is you will wear more makeup that day, but you still want to look like yourself! When I am working a wedding, I ask my bride to always bring inspo photos, but I also ask for her social media - so I can see how she looks day to day in photos. I then combine the two - we don’t want the groom confused at who is walking down the aisle to him! 

3. Your hair: No Drastic Changes!

If you colour your hair or get highlights, plan that appointment 2-3 weeks before your wedding. You always want time to do a few moisture masks and let the colour settle. Make sure to avoid any big changes as well, don’t chop your hair off or make any bold colour changes. When you drastically change your hair, you also need to adjust your makeup - which can lead to a double whammy of regret on your wedding day. 

4. Makeup Trial: Wear White

When scheduling your makeup trial, wear a white top to mimic how your makeup will look against your wedding dress. This simple step can make a big difference in how you perceive your bridal look. If possible, align your makeup trial with your engagement photo session. Seeing your makeup professionally photographed gives you a better idea of what adjustments, if any, need to be made before the big day. As a professional makeup artist, I keep a white satin robe in my studio for the brides that don’t wear white on trial day - but not every artist does this. When you wear colour, or black it can really affect the way the makeup looks on your skin. 

5. Avoid New Skincare Products Before the Wedding

Two weeks before the wedding is not the time to experiment with new skincare products. The last thing you want is a breakout or allergic reaction close to your big day. While your makeup artist can work wonders with concealer, we can’t hide texture issues caused by a reaction. Stick with what you know works for your skin to minimize any potential risks. This goes for professional facials as well - facials can cause break outs, so if you are having skin treatments done - stop at least two weeks before and keep your makeup and skincare routine simple until after the wedding! For a natural glow, drink green tea and LOTS of water. Keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. 

BONUS: 

For the love of god, do not and I repeat DO NOT get a spray tan for the first time the day before your wedding! If you are considering a spray tan, try it at least 2 months before, and get a couple! DO NOT spray tan your face! The makeup artist will blend the foundation to your neck. If you spray tan your face the undertones adjust and you will look like an Oompa loompa! 

These are just a couple of my tips that I have learned over the years as a professional wedding makeup artist. Keeping things simple, remembering less is more and hiring a makeup artist that specializes in the look you like, will ensure you look and feel your best on your beautiful day.