YES!!!!!!! People are scandalised that I’m not doing having my make up professionally done. Unfortunately every time I go any where to have it done, I end up looking like a man in drag!
I too dont wear an awful lot of makeup. I’m a girl with a heavy jaw, and sadly as much as I’d love to play with colours and styles, it just won’t work for me. I finally bit the bullet and made the commitment to do it myself, and then recieved a lot of raised eye brows and drawing in of breaths!
However, I think that I know my face best – I see it everyday, I know what works for me, and I know what I will be comfy with.
I don’t think you should ever let anyone tell you what you should look like on your Wedding Day – you’re the one who looks back at the photos not the artist. You have to recognise yourself!

I think you probably echo the sentiments of many a natural bride out there – I had exactly the same thing with my hairdresser. She insisted she understood that I liked the ‘relaxed, beachy look’ and then promptly straightened my hair poker straight, which looked utterly ridiculous! So hair will be done myself and I’ve recruited my younger sister for make-up, as she is a dab hand with make-up brushes!

Good on you for choosing to be a true ‘real’ bride 🙂

I’m saddened to read about Emma’s experiences with her Make-up Artist and those of Nik and her hairdresser. I can assure you we certainly are not all like that.

One of the key things is to listen to what the Bride wants and understand how she sees herself. Yes, we do make suggestions and offer advice but that is part of our role. That is one reason for having the trial. So we can understand and work WITH the bride to be. Our ultimate aim is to make a bride look and feel her best on her wedding day but Make-up Artist’s should never pluck, thread, apply lashes, cut, dye or whatever else WITHOUT the express permission of the client and before doing so should thoroughly discuss the outcomes. These things (with the exception of false lash application if it is desired) should certainly never be done at a trial and I know I speak for the majority of Make-up Artist’s when I say that.

Doing your own make-up or choosing to have a Make-up Artist isn’t what makes you a ‘real’ bride. There is no distinction, just personal choice. Neither is wrong and what matters ultimately is that you are happy with the choice you have made.

I am glad that Emma has made the decision that makes her feel happiest and look forward to finding out more about her wedding plans.

I think finding the right hair or make up artist is as tricky as finding the right photographer. I agree with the Organic Make up Artist above. I think there are ‘artists’ out there who could have got the look just right but you do need to do your research and probably have several trials. Im a photographer and have seen some simply amazing hair and makeup stylists, beautifully applied or styled and so natural it amazes me!! but similarly I have seen some not so great ones too, with upset brides – thankfully not very common! I often have a makeup artist saying to me ‘ isn’t it true you need heavier makeup for the photographs’ and being someone who wears very little also and knows how it feels wearing too much and feeling uncomfortable about it, I find myself being very diplomatic about it and agreeing but at the same time also suggesting ‘quite strongly’ 😉 that bride needs to feel comfortable and if that means wearing less then that should be the priority – they will still look amazing because I am a good photographer. Its not a fashion shoot, its a precious day that should be cherished and enjoyed for every single moment and the last thing you want to feel is uncomfortable about the way you look.
So i’d say definitely shop around or ask for recommendation, there really are some amazing stylists and MUA’s who really do ‘get it’ or ‘you’.
And if not, its not the end of the world – I see many who have friends or relatives doing their makeup – at least you can have lots of free trials and fun getting the ‘right’ look 😉 x

TRUE WORDS! That’s the reason why I didn’t even really consider to go to a professional make-up artist. On that day I want to look like me and don’t want my financé to wonder who this pretty lady is, walking down the aisle! 😉

And I’m sure, you don’t look more beautiful with a professional make-up. Your inner glow and your smile is what makes you really beautiful!
🙂 🙂

Love, Yoojin