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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To do my own makeup?

102 replies

Tonicandginn · 09/12/2018 17:03

Hi everyone,

I am getting married abroad next year, and the hotel we are having the ceremony in obviously offers makeup and hair services. But it is so expensive! I’m talking £150ish for hair and the same for makeup, and I’ve got my two bridesmaids to think about as well.

So I’m thinking about doing my own make up - I’ve got a few months to practice. Would I bitterly regret this? Has anyone else done there own?

OP posts:

MiamiLogic · 09/12/2018 19:55

I would say the same as PP and go to a counter for some tips. If you’re after a ‘natural’ look I would say maybe Bobbi Brown over Mac or something. Is it a hot location? Ask them the best way to make the makeup last and how it looks best photographed. Some makeup has flashback which will make you look like a ghost!

SlipperyLizard · 09/12/2018 20:00

I did my own makeup (but went to a nearby Toni & Guy to have hair put up), no regrets at all. I went to a few counters to try out, ended up going with Prescriptives (sadly now gone!) as the most natural look.

I also did my sister’s for her wedding and then a friend who never wears makeup and asked me to do a “natural” look after the MUA trial made her feel not like herself.

abcriskringle · 09/12/2018 20:04

I did my own. I watched quite a few make up tutorials and did a few trial runs beforehand. I kept the same routine pretty much but bought a nice lippy and new mascara (which I promptly lost at the hotel after only having used it about 3 times so that was £25 well spent....!). I did pay for hair though as I am useless at styling hair. It was expensive but I was ultimately glad as it did look good.

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 09/12/2018 20:07

If there is air con do your own,I did mine and I was getting stressed and sweating like a pig,it all turned out fine but I was so hot and bothered

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 09/12/2018 20:08

I invested in a premium brand primer and foundation,the rest was my usual stuff

anniehm · 09/12/2018 20:10

I did my own, why pay? I did pay for a hairdresser (£20) though not in a hotel! Keep things sensible, only spend on what matters to you

DrCoconut · 09/12/2018 23:38

I had a couple of make up sessions in shops and both made me look like a clown. The makeup was really thick and heavy and made me look a really strange colour with red cheeks and garish lipstick. On one the mascara had clumps in and I looked like I had spiders attached to my eyes. I did my own for my wedding.

justilou1 · 10/12/2018 03:47

Of course you can do your own makeup! It's not rocket science, and there are so many tutorials on youtube! You can even find a youtuber who has similar colouring and follow their bridal advice. You don't have to buy the expensive stuff, although I do recommend a good foundation, concealer and primer so you don't have to touch up all day. And waterproof mascara. (Maybelline and L'Oreal mascaras are as good as the expensive ones, btw....). To be honest, bridal makeup is easy - you want it to be natural glam, and not like a drag queen. You've got this!!!

SilverDoe · 10/12/2018 04:08

To be honest I’d always think it’s best to do your own makeup; everyone has their own preferences and knows which products work best for them (or if you don’t, you have the time to figure this out)

If it’s to your taste have a YouTube search for Charlotte Tilbury; her way of doing makeup is just my favourite and looks wonderful as bridal makeup. She is insanely annoying to listen to as she just hugely pushes each an every one of her own products that she’s uses in the videos but she does a great job.

Also just in case it’s helpful, I’ve recently discovered AHA toners (like Pixi Glow Tonic) and my formerly dry and kind of dull skin that I could never moisturise enough is now so lovely and smooth - it also makes a huuuuuge difference to how my base makeup goes and and sits for the rest of the day.

And congratulations on the wedding :)

Iseverynametaken · 10/12/2018 04:28

Absolutely consider doing it yourself. Although I had mine done for big day, I would now have considered doing myself had I done research on long lasting products. Check out some youtubes reviews and social media for products. Even check out a beauty counter for samples. Foundation is a big one - people will be hugging you, kisses and depending on the weather on the day the last thing you want is patchy skin!

Original poster

Tonicandginn · 10/12/2018 08:13

Thanks everyone, im going to go for it

OP posts:

Alfie190 · 10/12/2018 08:17

I had mine done and I still looked like me! I asked him not to cake it on and I am glad I had it done for me.

SuchAToDo · 10/12/2018 08:21

Op find some YouTube videos of the wedding makeup look you are wanting ( the tutorial videos that show you step by step how to do it to get a professional result)

Letsmoveondude · 10/12/2018 10:31

I treated myself to a new blush and lipstick and eyeshadow set at Dior for my bridal make up. I said I was planning to do my make up for my wedding . They gave me lots of tips. At the time you could get a make over if you spend £25 or so. I'd hate having someone else do my make up for that occasion. I wanted to look like me.

loubluee · 10/12/2018 10:36

Only once when I was 15 did I have my make up done and I looked like a clown. For my prom I done my own, and when I went to have my hair done the hairdresser said ‘your make up looks gorgeous did you have it done at John Lewis?’. And I’m not good at all! So it goes to show, sometimes you are better off knowing your own look.

Santasushi · 10/12/2018 10:38

I paid. It was the one time in my life that I could treat myself without feeling awful about it.
I told them what I liked and what I really didn’t like. During the trials they went slowly, great communication and I felt that I was in control of what they put on my face. They had the skills to put it on and were able to suggest ideas.
I looked hot only trouble is is that I want it done again!

OhHolyJesus · 10/12/2018 10:42

I had a horrific make up trial with someone who came recommended. It was awful so I cancelled the re trial and did my own. It just caused me stress and she still hasn't paid me back the deposit!

I did my own on the day, successfully covering up a big spot on my check on the day but I did indulge in some posh make up as a pre wedding treat.

I honestly didn't think about it on the day at all, was glad not to have another person in my house that morning!

BiddyPop · 10/12/2018 10:48

I went to my regular hairdresser, for a first thing in the morning appointment, for an updo. DM had a wash and blowdry as did 1 DSis, and the other 2 DSis's also had updos. But we went in 30 minutes before opening, and were all done by about 45 minutes after opening (first regular clients were in seats before we left). He had 2 apprentices and 2 other stylists working with him.

I then did my own makeup at home. I was pretty decent at it anyway, as I wore it a fair amount for work. I could have done slightly better by taking time beforehand to find a nicer colour lipstick - but I liked how it looked in the end, still "me".

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 10/12/2018 10:48

I did my own makeup with my usual products. I did get a mobile hairdresser to come a give me a proper blow-dry; I didn't want a fancy 'updo' but I wanted to look a bit less like a bisom in a fit than I usually do...

Julietee · 10/12/2018 10:56

Buy a handful of good brushes and you can look really polished. Fluffy socket brush for blending eye shadow. Nice face brush for buffing in foundation (fingers are great for concealer) , and another for blush/ bronzer. You’ll need a brow brush also.
Cotton buds are great for blending eye liner and thus avoiding hard lines.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 10/12/2018 11:02

Weddings aren't cheap are they. Therefore, Why add more unnecessary expense. If you can do it yourself why pay someone else to do it.

AnotherPidgey · 10/12/2018 11:07

My BM did my make-up. She knows my usual style and did a more polished version of it, for example, I don't usually wear foundation, but she made it a slightly stronger look for the photos, but not so strong that I looked unlike me.

We did use hairdressers. My hair was too elaborate to risk doing ourselves on the day.

Unicornandbows · 10/12/2018 11:09

I'd say do your own and perhaps buy 1 or 2 special make up for example if you are having it abroad the foundation that doesn't completely melt or a nice mac lipstick or eyeshadow or blush. I had my cousin do mines and looked just as good as a pro

Twinningsloverbutnotanymore · 10/12/2018 11:52

I did my own too! I bought nice makeup and really researched what I could wear - plus it meant I can keep it after and use it so not a one time offer! :) Worth looking at Estee Lauder for their foundation.
Hair - I got someone in to do mine and my mums but it was such a small event it didn't take the girl long.

I think if you are in a rush or have a huge wedding maybe its best but if it's small and intimate and you are handy with makeup then go for it. I just didn't want to look like a painted doll!!

BikeRunSki · 10/12/2018 11:55

I did my own H&M. No regrets.

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