How to find the perfect hair and makeup artist for your wedding – with Makeup by Flynn

Hiring a professional hair and make up artist for your wedding day is vital to not only look your best, but feel your most relaxed (trust me, this is one day you don’t want to be stressing about a bad hair day). I asked Flynn of Makeup by Flynn, a professional New York City hair and makeup artist, to share her input on how to find the perfect hair and make up artist for your wedding.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional hair and makeup artist?

Flynn: Hiring a professional to do your hair and makeup will not only ensure you look your very best but will boost your mood. Everyone loves to sit back, relax, and be pampered so why not do this on your wedding day? An artist will use their expertise to create the look you desire with ease. We all have those days where your hair just isn’t willing to cooperate or your lashes just won’t go on perfectly and the artist is there to ease you of those burdens while being fun and calm to be around! 

Why your photographer (me!) wants you to hire a professional – A professional artist who has experience doing makeup for photography will know all the tricks to make sure you look your best on camera. They will enhance your natural beauty, bring attention to your eyes, and sculpt the light to flatter your face (it’s photoshop in real life.) What’s more, professionals know how to make your hair and makeup last all day, so you’re looking fresh in the photos through the entire night.

What questions should I ask a makeup artist to make sure we’re the right fit?

Flynn: To ensure an artist is the right fit first and foremost it is very important to click with them on a personal level. On the day of your wedding, you are spending a lot of intimate time with them so you want to make sure they are someone who can go with your flow. Your wedding day is an emotional, stressful, exciting day so it is important to choose an artist that will compliment your mood.

Other questions to ask:

– What is your aesthetic? If you are looking for an enhanced natural look, working with an artist who typically does heavy-handed theatrical makeup might not be the right fit for you. Make sure to take a look at the artist’s work prior to working with them to make sure they have the aesthetic you are looking for.   

– Are you available? Not only for your wedding day but for your rehearsal if that is something you are interested in. 

– Can you share a breakdown of your cost? This is important if you are looking for specific “add ons” such as lashes, extensions, touch ups etc. 

– Do you have a team? This is important if you have a wedding party and/or family members getting ready with you. When the artist has a team, the flow of your wedding day goes very smoothly especially because these artists are most likely used to working together. 

How do I make sure my artist achieves the look I’m envisioning?

Flynn: It is also very important to set up a trial before booking, This ensures you and your artist can work together to create a look you love and work out any adjustments. Bring pictures of looks that you think you might like – I always suggest searching looks on Pinterest or your artists Instagram page, website, the knot, social media. 

Should I do a trial?

Flynn: I always suggest a trial. If timing allows, I suggest you schedule your trial on a day that you can show off your look like before your engagement photos, bridal shower or just a night out with your fiance. 

Sarah: Professional hair and makeup will take your engagement photos to another level! I always recommend it to my brides.

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