So Many Make up Trial Fails

I think all the advice you listed is good, and I especially agree with having your hair up/down based on your wedding plan, but I think it’s important to also note that the possibility of makeup trial fails are exactly why trials are necessary. No matter how much you prepare, some MUA just won’t do a good job- maybe they aren’t comfortable with the look you’re going for, or with your skin tone, or maybe they just don’t have much experience and they aren’t able to do what you want.

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I agree, and MUA's should be able to take their work seriously by doing their best or being honest that they are not able to achieve the look. I think a consult should be a priority. Buy yes you have valid points. Researching make up artist is a process.

This is very useful as I move forward with the wedding planning. Thank you so much for sharing. Making this reply is the only way I can think of to bookmark this discussion for a later time. 😘

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Yes! and I was also thinking after I do my trial I will go home and try on my veil/accessories to get the complete look

Based on the pictures, it looks like some people watch videos on youtube and think that makes them MUAs. Ask about experience and even consider asking for references and pictures of previous jobs.

That's really good advice. Never occured to me to wear white/ivory. Thats a realky good idea. I can understand why number 4 is important. It will give you and the MUA an idea of how long everything will take on the big day. It will also give you an idea of what you look with yoyr hair up or your hair down. That way you can decide of you want to keep it or change it.

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Yes! great point!!

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Exactly great point!

I agree with the hair thing. Also if you have your hair pulled back in a ponytail and looks messy it will effect how you see the overall look and distract from the makeup.

One of the big things I see making make up trials fail are the ladies who bring in a picture with makeup that looks great on that person but the colors are absolutely not good on them. Know your color palette. For me I'll be looking for inspiration photos of people with red hair and fair skin because that's what I am. If I bring in pictures of people with olive skin and brunette hair the look will be totally different.

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Great point! yes bringing pictures of women who share your hair color and skin tone can help the MUA , thank you!

And we can also ask what brand of makeup they use, and if your MUA allows it, you can bring your own make up and have them apply it. that way you know it is going to look good.

All fabulous tips!
Particularly looking at the skin tone/hair of their previous work!!
When I was calling hmua and looking online at their portfolios, I made sure to check for those with similar skin tones to myself and whether they had worked with very long hair or ethnic hair before!

I have an odd skin tone..being half Saudi you'd think it's "just browner" but NOPE. ..It isn't as brown as my sister's, but not exactly Olive and a lot of foundation either looks too yellow or too brown, very fine line for me!

That being said, the girl I ended up choosing, and signing a contract with BEFORE my trial, was of mixed race who also had middle eastern women who worked in her shop - and wouldn't you know she nailed my trial!!

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Good for you! thanks for sharing!! I agree

My hair and make up trial went pretty perfect and some of your tips are right on point!

1. Definitely bring inspiration pictures. My HMUA artists asked for these beforehand. They clarified what I liked about the pictures and went from there.
2. Wear a lighter colored shirt, preferably white or ivory.
3. Take pictures with and without flash, and indoors and outdoors in natural light.
4. Take pictures again at the end of the day. This will show your artists how your make up and hair held up after a full day.

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Agreed #4 is critical! thanks for sharing!

I would also like to add, make sure your MUA is capable of working with the age of your skin. My MUA is 25, I'm 39, so what looks good on someone in their 20's doesn't translate the same way for someone in their late 30's. Thankfully, my hair stylist will be on hand and can oversee my make up. My hairstylist is 2 years older than me and has done my make up before, so she understands exactly what my concern is.

@Earias was kind to give me permission to use her day of photograph as an inspiration make up look since we're of similar age and coloring.

I don't think that I would have thought to wear white or ivory for the trial. Thanks for sharing!

Great post! Thanks for sharing! I think the hair makes sense because it makes or breaks the make up for me. Wearing ivory/white is a great idea!!!

This is all really amazing advice! I’ve never even thought of half of this stuff!!

I think paying attention to how the hair & makeup stays for the rest of the day is great too. I had a trial (I paid for it because I hadn't booked her yet) and watched how my hair and makeup stayed. My curls ended up falling out pretty quickly so it was a good mental note to make!