Sephora makeup vs makup artist?

I went to Ulta and I was very happy, I have never used Sephora

@Amy, yeah I know its so expensive! I coulnt believe it when I went in there yesterday. I would definatly be using it again, but I wonder if it would be cheaper just to get the mua...

but then Id have to stop being such a control freak lol

My suggestion would be to go to Sephora way way ahead of time and try a bunch of different products and see what works for you how well it stays on etc. They have a great return policy so if you use something for a few weeks and hate it, I'm pretty sure you can bring it back. I'm having one of my bridesmaid do my makeup for me. They afterall were the girls who helped me the first time I EVER wore makeup back in middle school and are far more talented than I.

Here are the products I really like and plan to use:

HD Makeup Forever Primer, Foundation, and Finishing Powder (you can buy it as a kit)

I use brushes to apply the primer and finishing powder but use a makeup sponge for the foundation

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner- It's waterproof and stays put all day. I use a brown one

Dior Iconic Waterproof Mascara- Just bought this to try and have worn it a few times and it seems to work great.

I haven't decided on an eye primer or if I'll do eye shadow yet. no idea on lips either

@Shannon, is the primer important? Ive never used primer before. Id just be worried after all three of those Id look like cake face, does it look natural?

This is pretty much what I did, except my MOH did the make up for me. It worked out fine because all I have is a 3-4 year old mini train case of make up, so updating some things (which my mom then kept and used, since she paid for it all) was worth it.

Wrote it up on my wedding blog: http://reenskibride.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/dyo-make-up/

Thanks Reenski! You looked beautiful on your wedding day!

@Samantha, yes Im having getting ready photos done. And I am having my hair done too. But I am a little weird about my make up. I just don't like the idea of someone else doing it... but Im totally clueless when it comes to long lasting good quality makeup

Hello fellow CT bride!

I'd say hire a professional. Makeup for photography is different than what you'd wear on a regular basis. You don't want to deal with the stress of doing your makeup the day of your wedding anyways. If you can afford it, I say go with it. If you hire a good makeup artist, they'll already know all the tricks of the trade and all the perfect products for your big day. My makeup artist is AMAZING and did exactly what I asked her to do. I'm getting airbrush foundation and it feels like nothing is on my face at all.

That foundation is really light and it does look natural. You won't look like cake face. I'm not a huge makeup person and ended up loving this foundation because it's sooo light. All together it felt lighter than the tinted moisturize I was using before. If you search the forums there have been a few discussions on that particular foundation recently.

I am in love with Nars blush and Bronzers.. It is pricey $27 or $28 for the blushes and I think I paid $36 for the bronzed.. Not sure.. Urban decay naked palettes or other eyeshadows they have are awesome.. So pigmented and they have pretty colors.. If you do decide to buy stuff at sephora, don't forget the urban decay primer potion for eyes and the setting spray.. You want that makeup to stay put!! Ysl lipsticks are so creamy, I love them! I never tried to mufe hd foundation. I usually wear Mac, but I always see everyone recommending it that I want to try it now.

Definitely practice several times and be sure to look at it indoor and outside. You want to make sure it looks good in all lighting. Try applying it early in the morning to see how it looks by the end of the night. You want to be sure it will last through to the reception. Opt for good, quality brands such as Make Up For Ever. Look for their Aqua line to find waterproof products. I also suggest taking photos of your makeup to see if it "flashes" white on the camera. Certain ingredients designed for SPF protection will reflect the flash of a camera and you'll appear whiter than normal.

If you can, maybe schedule a session or two with a local makeup artist for some tips and pointers.

Best wishes!

The advantage about DIY is that you'll have all the makeup for later. But I feel like for the same cost or even less, you can have a pro on site.

It's not just the makeup that's expensive, the tools to put it on make a big difference as well. Having the proper brushes for foundation (if liquid), blush and shadows will help with application and not waste product. A good makeup brush will run $15 + but they'll also last you for years. If you're starting from scratch, I'd say get your makeup done at Sephora from someone that actually does artistry on the side (if you ask, they'll usually tell you who's best at weddings or event makeup) and all you should need to do is make a certain amount of purchases - I'd recommend buying the lipstick to reapply and then some blotting sheets to keep you matte throughout the day.

Seriously? Get a makeup artist for your wedding day. You want to look great in pictures AND in person, and it's not easy for an amateur to accomplish that. You will probably spend just as much starting from scratch, and if you don't wear a lot of makeup regularly, you may never use it again.

Your wedding is in August. It's going to be hot probably, and humid probably, and not all makeup is going to hold through all the posing, eating, dancing, kissing and photos.

Some wedding things are definitely worth the splurge, and this is one of them.

Yea I think you ladies are probably right about just hiring a MUA... I had no idea about all this primer and setting spray and expensive brushes... itll probly end up costing more and be a much bigger headache than its worth

Thanks ladies, saved again by WW!

I agree with Celia on this one, especially considering your wedding is in the summer. Getting your makeup done well at any of these makeup stores depends mostly on two things: the makeup itself, and the person applying it. I went to Sephora one time and came out looking like a ghost. Another time, I came out looking a bit better. But that second times, it was a different girl and more expensive products. Actually now that I think of it, my profile pic is from that second time.

As you are having a summer wedding, you will need to take into account the heat, and sweat aside from the natural activities for that day. You also have to think about lighting. Camera flashes, video lights, if you do your makeup yourself or at Sephora, you might come out looking different from picture to picture.

It's really up to you. But if you're going to go with Sephora make sure you go to multiple trials first. Oh that reminds me,

Many to the Sephora makeup artists are really good and do side jobs. Maybe you can connect with one and get a special price.

Since I dont wear makeup all the time I think I'm just going to have a makeup artist do it for me.

Wish you the best!!!

Hire a MUA, a professional one, that is their trade leave it to the pro