Categories: Planning & Ideas
August 20, 2009 / Danielle Freedman
Good Morning! We are so sorry for our absence lately – Devon is busy with planning her wedding (only a few weeks away!) and I have been consumed by the quickly approaching wedding season – so exciting! Nonetheless, we had a chance to catch up with Laura Bateman, one of the most talented make up artists in the District. Not only is she as sweet as pie, Laura has an incredible touch that brings out the natural, glowing beauty of every woman!
How far out do you usually recommend that a bride do a trial run with you? What helps you determine the style of her make up?
Assuming the Bride lives in the DC area, we usually do a trial run about a month before the wedding…this ensures that her skin tone will be very similar to what it will be on the wedding day, and also provides her with enough time before the wedding to make sure she is happy with how her makeup will look on her big day! I usually request a picture of the bride in their “normal” makeup, so I can see what they do on a day-to-day basis. Most brides want to look like themselves on their wedding day, just more enhanced and photo-ready. Also, her personality, level of comfort wearing makeup, time of year, and the level of ceremony/reception formality play a role in my makeup choices.
Do you provide your own makeup or do you require brides to purchase it themselves?
I use my own makeup kit for all makeup services, although I always recommend for the bride to purchase a few key items on her own to have with her throughout the duration of the event. I also offer to purchase her key items for her and provide them to her in a “day-of kit” which is then added to her fee. This takes one thing off of her plate to get done before the wedding.
How long does it usually take for you to do a brides make up? And do you stick around for touch ups or leave any makeup behind with her?
I like to allow one hour for the bride’s makeup, and it is typically the last step, after her hair but before she gets into her dress. I do not stay for the event, but I leave the bride prepared to tackle any makeup mishaps on her own. And she usually has her powder, lipstick and lip gloss to keep with her.
How often do you also do the bridal party or family members’ make up?
I almost always do the entire wedding party, and usually the MOB (Mother of Bride) and MOG (Mother of Groom). Most brides prefer that her entire party look similar and have makeup done in the same style and color palette, and it also adds to the fun of getting ready in a suite together, as I see a lot of bridal parties doing.
What are the benefits to having a make up artist versus doing it yourself?
There are many benefits of securing the services of a makeup artist for your big day. I work with a lot of brides that do not wear makeup on a regular basis, so they just do not have the know-how to apply makeup, especially not for such an important occasion. If you are investing in professional photography, as most do, it makes sense to have your makeup professionally done. A lot of people do not realize that you must apply a little more product than you normally would in order to make your features really pop in photos, but once the photos come back they see the results!
There are also new products available all the time for special event makeup, and tips and tricks that will help you achieve your desired look, that only a pro knows. Also, hiring a makeup artist ensures a uniform look across your entire wedding party, another factor that really makes a difference in your photos, and plus, it is one less thing to worry about on that crazy day!
Are there any trends that you are seeing? How do the seasons affect the look of your work?
Every season there are new makeup trends that come out of magazines and off the runways, but in my opinion, your wedding day is not a time when you should be trying out the latest trend, or you may look back at your pictures in 10 years and shudder. Rocking that new fuschia lipstick or a dramatic smoky eye is a great idea for a night on the town with your girlfriends, but I like to keep wedding makeup natural, so the bride looks like herself, just prettier and more confident. The seasons slightly affect the look; I may use a deeper lip color in the fall or winter, or a rosier blush in the spring, but my goal is always to make the bride look beautiful and radiant on her big day, and it is what I love to do!
So there you have it! Hiring Laura for your big day is a no brainer! And, be sure to check out her blog for great leads on make up sales, fun events around town, and beautiful photos!
Ladies do not skimp in this area! A good makeup artist is priceless.