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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:
TheVortex · 10/12/2018 12:29

I've seen several 'tango-ed' looking brides in FB pics where they've clearly had make up done and it's OTT.

Shame when they are naturally beautiful.

aintnothinbutagstring · 10/12/2018 12:33

Go for it, I did my own, I would highly recommend urban decays fixing spray as it worked at keeping me non shiny on a super hot July day.

MrsStrowman · 10/12/2018 12:34

I did my own for our legal registry bit, and it looked nice, but had it done properly for our main ceremony and whilst it looked nice in person it looked so much better than my own attempt in the photos. Mine was part of the wedding package (we got married abroad) though so it didn't cost extra

LooksBetterWithAFilter · 10/12/2018 12:39

I did my own as well. I went around the make-up counters in search of the perfect foundation. They were happy to put it on me and let me go away and see how it looked later and how well it lasted. Even had a practice with a friends and a camera flash to see how it help up.
Was really glad on the day I did my own and got ready to my own schedule not the time the make-up person turned up.

LaurieMarlow · 10/12/2018 12:59

I did my own. I splashed out a bit on product beforehand and had a department store demo. No regrets at all.

Tryingtothinkofaclevername · 10/12/2018 13:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bonbonours · 10/12/2018 13:40

I did my own, and as others have said went and had a makeover lesson thing at a counter so I could see the products I might want.

I totally agree with the person who said some people don't look like themselves on their wedding. Presumably your proposed other half loves you the way you are so why try to look completely different? I had a friend who I didn't recognise on her wedding day because she never ever wore her hair up but had an up do for the wedding and wore loads of makeup when she usually wore none.

I had my hair done in a fancy version of a style I usually wore, and subtle makeup which still looked like me (hardly wear makeup normally). You can look nice without completely disguising yourself.

minipie · 10/12/2018 13:47

I did my own. I had a trial with a make up artist and ended up looking appalling so decided to do my own.

My tips: A bit more skin coverage than you’d usually have, and focus on staying power, especially if it will be warm. Estee Lauder Doublewear Light was a good option for me (may have been overtaken by better since). I also used a primer for the only time ever. Waterproof mascara and an eyeliner that won’t budge.

Wheresmrlion · 10/12/2018 14:33

I did my own after two appalling trials with different make up artists.

I had bridal make overs at Bobbi brown and Christian Dior make up counters and bought the best bits from each, plus learnt some good tips! Urban decay fixing spray is a must, and some blotting papers for a shiny nose without adding more powder.

I’d do everything a bit ‘more’ than you normally would, bit darker eyes, bit more blusher, so you don’t look washed out on the photos. Enjoy!

Wheresmrlion · 10/12/2018 14:36

Don’t go for a foundation with a high spf, apparently that is what can cause a white flash back on the photos. I used Christian Dior forever and it was fine.

BabiesComeWithHats · 10/12/2018 14:48

If there had been a really great MU artist near where I was getting married I'd have happily paid, but there wasn't much choice and the trial I did left me very underwhelmed. Uninspiring colours, 2nd rate products, very used looking brushes. I just didn't enjoy it.

So I went to Space NK and got them to do an easily replicable look for me, bought some nice Chantecaillie stuff from them, and did it myself.

The only awkward bit was the MU artist was my hairdresser's partner so I had to blag it a bit, but he did my hair brilliantly.

Youmadorwhat · 10/12/2018 14:50

I did my own and I have no regrets over it either. I would opt for a brow and lash tint or extensions deal before you leave maybe??

Mushroomsarehorrible · 10/12/2018 15:18

Did my own, not a fan of the 'made up' look that most make up artists do for weddings.

I wanted to look like me. I asked the photographer if I should wear full make up on the day for the photos but she said that all that was necessary was a light pinky natural gloss and some light handed blusher, even then I couldn't wait to get the gloss off!

I did give my bridesmaids a budget to buy their own make up, I was pretty generous with this as I wanted them to feel beautiful on the day, and I booked a hairdresser for them, although I did my own hair, she did help me with my veil.

I felt beautiful on the day and so will you Smile

MichelleM30 · 10/12/2018 17:29

I got married in Cyprus and got my make up done for me in the hotel and it was lovely but yes expensive.

There were parts of it that I would have done better myself, like putting on the mascara getting closer to lash line, my eyebrows I'm good at doing myself.

Eye makeup though was great way better than I cld do myself but maybe if I had practiced a lot I cld have done similar.

I was disappointed in my foundation. I thought they would have used something more resilient to hot weather and coverage wasn't great. I did say I wanted natural but that doesn't have to mean less coverage!

Even having my makeup done here too some things I loved other parts not so much.

So if I were you I'd get practicing and testing with products. YouTube videos are also great for this.

KnightlyMyMan · 10/12/2018 17:40

OP- I’m like you - getting married next year and not very big on make up.

I wanted to do my own and was totally set on it but am now having a make up.

I used to pick up modelling/tv work a while ago and had to have it done for that. HD photography/videography needs a higher level of make up. Not ‘more’ make up just a specific style. So I’ve been talked into it - but we’ll see how it goes.

I would happily walk down the isle completely natural though - but apparently I’ll look like a troll in my HD pictures 😂😭

KnightlyMyMan · 10/12/2018 17:40

*am now having a trial

KnightlyMyMan · 10/12/2018 17:41

*aisle - jeez my phone hates me tonight

MaidofEyes · 10/12/2018 19:21

Another one who did their own, I knew I'd look too made up and feel not like me if a make-up artist did it. Used my own normal make up too although I did buy a few bits like a long-lasting eyeliner etc.

Roaringlyoblivious · 10/12/2018 20:04

Same as others, abroad wedding, cost was ridiculous so couple of department store lessons worked a treat!
Also, found a local hairdresser to wash and blow dry my hair on the morning of the wedding (plus mum, sister and niece all for under 50 Euros) then i did my own hair (little help from you tube tutorials).

rebeccamarlowe · 10/12/2018 21:02

I did my own make up and had no regrets. I did go for a trial in Debenhams and did buy some of the make up used in the trial. However, I didn't replicate the look given to me on the day as I looked ridiculous and like I belonged in a window in Amsterdam!! 😂 I just treated myself to some nice make up and kept it simple.

Moisturiseloads · 10/12/2018 21:34

I had a shocking trial with a well recommended MUA. I just hated it and this pic is after she listened to my refinements three times and tried to make it more what I wanted Confused

She made me orange, rubbery and like a hot tranny (IMO! Lol), not in any way bridal...

To do my own makeup?
HappyClappyDinosaur · 10/12/2018 21:37

I did my own. I don't really wear make up, so I had a make over/tutorial at Debenhams about 6 weeks before. The girl was fantastic and gave me loads of samples and a discount for products I got on the day. Matched the colours to my skin tone and recommended what was "essential" and what wasn't really necessary. She also got me to go back for a refresher the week before and my photos came out looking like me, but fresher.

Moisturiseloads · 10/12/2018 21:39

So after I had to pay her the cost of the trial since I wasn’t continuing with her services (£60 for the privilege)

I decided to do my own. I went for a bit of a test run at Laura Mercier and MAC. I did splash out on all new products but I kind of needed to anyway and I didn’t get anything I wouldn’t use again.

The thing I really spent money on tho was skin care products. I went on cult beauty and bought loads of stuff then used it religiously every day for six weeks before my wedding. Having good skin is the most important factor.

To do my own makeup?
Betty777 · 10/12/2018 22:16

i had someone do mine and wished I had done it myself!

If in doubt about anything speak to someone not annoying at a beauty counter and get their advice

Mamawingingit1234 · 10/12/2018 22:46

I did my own. I went to MAC for a bridal make up lessons. You can redeem the cost of the lesson on products. Found it so helpful

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