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This post is taken directly from Martha Stewart Weddings. No plagarism here.

Booking your Makeup Artist early should be a top priority.

The next paragraph is absolutely true. MANY brides have told me that all their vendors were already booked when they contacted me.

Most wedding makeup artists will tell you that they’re often one of the final vendors their brides book. By the time they choose their makeup specialist, they’ve already locked in their venue, photographer, flowers, wedding dress, and favors. At that point, you might be a mere few months out from the big day. While you’re surely busy pouring over every other wedding-related detail, here’s why you need to make time to book your beauty pro early on.

THE BEST OF THE BEST BRIDAL MAKEUP

The most in-demand artists are usually booked early.

Just like you needed to move fast on your favorite wedding venue or photographer, you’ll need to make a decision about your makeup artist early on. Since popular ones book up fast, you should lock in your preferred artist as soon as you have a wedding date and venue.

Your makeup plan can help inform other decisions.

Unsure about the neckline of your dress or whether or not you should go with that moody-colored bouquet? Surprisingly, your makeup artist can help, especially if you’ve already had a trial and know the look you’re going for. If you’re still deciding on your big-day beauty look, they can help you make those details work-say, by suggesting a berry-hued lip to match your bouquet or subtle makeup that works with a more dramatic dress.

You’ll look back on the pictures forever.

When you think back to your wedding, what will flash most in your mind is an image of you and your husband locked in a kiss or you and your family celebrating on the dance floor. In all of these pictures, you will be a vision of youth, happiness, and love. Your skin will be glowing and your eyes will be sparkling-especially if you’ve nailed your big-day beauty look. Booking your makeup artist early means you’re putting your best face forward for the rest of your life.

All eyes will be on you.

People won’t remember your bouquet, or the favor, or the seating chart. Nobody will remember your husband’s tux, or the limos, or the cake. The first thing and the last thing that anyone will ever think of when they think back to your wedding day is just how beautiful you looked.

I absolutely had to write a follow up to my post regarding all things wedding & Pantone Living Coral ! So I did 4 graduating makeup looks on my friend Gabrielle. I will describe them below with each photo. The 4 diverse looks will display that no matter what the season or event or your comfort level you can integrate Living Coral into your makeup.

The first look is very clean for daytime or for a woman who is most comfortable with a very natural look. It includes soft eyes & peach matte lip.

I added liner to Gabrielle’s eyes for the second look & added more color to her lips plus a peachy gloss.

Gabrielle’s eyes are much more smoky & bronze for the 3rd look with a very nude cream lip.

The fourth look has some gold on the lid and under the inner corner and I added a lush pair of lashes. Her lips are a soft matte Cognac by Nars overlayed with a gloss.

I employed the products and brushes above in doing Gabrielle’s makeup. The products in the first photo and the brushes are available at Che Sguardo Makeup Studio in Chicago. They will ship all over the U.S. & Internationally. If you live in or near Chicago pay them a visit…It’s an amazing place and they offer detailed makeup lessons ! In the 3rd photo are MAC lipsticks and glosses.

No matter what color palette you choose to work in, try the looks above. Enjoy !

The subject I am writing about today close to my heart. I feel it is for everyone: bridal clients, special event clients, makeup artists and pro hair stylists.

I belong to a special group of professional makeup artists and have connected with many of them through social media. Last August one of these talented people wrote an entry that concerns all of us greatly.

Here is the post:  “Today is Wednesday.. and she needs a makeup artist for her wedding for THIS Saturday..for herself (bride) and 5 bridesmaids… and she thinks she is in a position to negotiate her prices and my time… When I asked why is she just now booking a makeup artist.. She said she figured she didn’t have to book so far ahead and it’s only makeup.”

It’s only Makeup ?!!!  Infuriating !   So many things to say about this.                                               1.) Many women have never had contact with a pro makeup artist before…    They have no idea what goes into the process itself. My artist friends and I put our whole souls into a face. Some of us were painters and graphic artists to begin with.

2.) Years of study, classes, seminars and practice go into our careers. What we do is a calling and our integrity demands the Best work and beyond. We pay considerable attention to trends and use the top products available so no matter what media we work in the client looks excellent in person & on camera.

3.)  I have spoken to other Event professionals such as Planners, Photographers & Floral Designers about this. They told me that clients do not attempt to bargain with them. They accept their prices at face value. What is it about makeup artists that inspires this flea market client behavior ? We cannot bargain with people…it devalues us and our art.

I want you to know that I have had MANY generous and wonderful clients over the last 25 years who have never questioned my prices and greatly valued my work.

Which brings us to the next issue: VALUE.   My prices are moderate, well below others of my calibre in Chicago. The same goes for my other really talented artist colleagues.             Last year I had a client who was an important member of a bridal party. I worked with her to achieve the exact look she wanted  (One hour & 15 minutes) and frankly she seemed thrilled. I thought she looked like a movie star and told her so. Yet she gave me a 3 out of 5 stars for Value when reviewing my work on a major wedding website. I was shocked.

I planned this blog months ago but this issue came up today again when another artist in an online group posted about a last minute request (SAME DAY) for 2 girls and yet the client wanted a deal because there were 2 people.   WHAAAT ? !!!                                                            This is a perfect example of not respecting value and art.                                                 Here’s my last Statement: We LOVE what we do !

Here are some examples of our work and Thank You for reading !

Hair & Makeup by Ginger Damato

Tara Lipinski Hair & Makeup by Ginger Damato

Makeup By Nicole Ventura

Makeup By Nicole Ventura

Makeup by Wendy Kimmel/visagejoli.net Hair by Renee Tolnai Amelse Photography

Makeup By Wendy Kimmel/visagejoli.net Photo by Jennography

Makeup by Wendy Kimmel/visagejoli.net Hair by Ginger Damato Photo by Caitlin Hazelton

Bride’s Makeup by Wendy Kimmel visagejoli.net Bride’s Hair by Jennifer Benigno Ujiiye

Wedding Planning Guide…Nine Months Out.

There are many engagements between now & Christmas ! So let’s get busy.

1) Shop for your Makeup & Hair team. Get recommendations from friends who have similiar tastes. Try to go with quality as opposed to price and if possible try out a few & take photos at the trials. Also, these people will be spending several hours with you & your bridesmaids & Moms. Make sure they are friendly & likable.

2) Florists. Again, Check out the wedding websites. Usually if a vendor has lots of good reviews they will be winners ! Go to your meeting with a firm idea of what you want and beforehand check out what flowers will be in season on your wedding day.

3) Hire your Photographer & Videographer     Ask other married friends for recommendations and look at their albums & videos. Also ask your makeup artist for photographer references. They are particular & have a good eye.

Ask to see entire weddings from these 2 vendors. You want to be positive that your vision is the same as theirs.

Acquire references from them & call these brides.

I feel a small studio is a much better way to go because you are dealing directly with the people who will be shooting & filming your wedding.

Also find out how long it will take to get proofs & that you see them before they go online.

Next.. in a couple of days I promise; Your DRESS, entertainment, caterers & more.

        Have a great day !