Clueless about makeup—help!

If you feel comfortable, you could share the few artists you are considering, and also an inspiration picture of what you'd like, and we could offer some pointers or who might be good?

For me, I looked for someone who was doing the kinds of looks I liked, and that didn't appear to use photo shop. When my friend got married she showed us her shortlist and 3/4 had very obvious filtering, photoshopping and so on - so we wouldn't have looked remotely like ourselves. Ooh another big thing to look for is the eyebrows. Eyebrows have a huge impact on the overall impression the face gives, and if they are too heavy and poorly put on, it will really unbalance your face, but is also a good indicator of their overall skill.

Hmm.

Lueur Beati is the more dramatic, heavier style, I would say, which seems to be less what you are looking for - although there is more variation in the looks posted (winged eyeliner, colourful cut-crease looks etc).

Comparatively, Alyssa Diana makeup is reasonably one-note (ie, most of the looks posted are very similar) but they are all well executed and if that is the look that you are going for in terms of colours and level of drama, she's clearly experienced and I think would do a good job - the skin looks very natural and glowy.

I wasn't overly impressed with Patty Mcguire hair and makeup. The hair looks a bit simple and like it wouldn't stay all night - the freelancer's stuff looks more secure to me.

Based on looking at their portfolios, I would choose Alyssa Diana and Emily Rae, if the pricing isn't too different amongst these providers. This is assuming I want a soft, peachy/shimmery traditional bridal look for my makeup, and a curly, slightly messy updo or braids.

If I wanted more dramatic makeup, I'd pick Lueur Beati. Either way I think Patty McGuire would be my last choice - I feel (and this might be very unfair) most people are good at one thing or another, and very few are good at both hair AND makeup, so I'd pick professionals who specialise in each.

You're so welcome! I love hair and makeup so I have been quite picky about what I wanted, so I'm probably just still in that zone of comparing, haha!

I hope that's still relevant but there are also websites where you can try digital makeup on to see if it looks good on you! Maybelline has an online tool like this and also there are free photo editors like Photodiva with a makeup option. I also remember Taaz but it's down now.