Q: What should I look for when booking a makeup artist for my wedding day?

A: When booking a makeup artist for your wedding day, it’s important to look for someone who knows the ins and outs of bridal makeup and can handle the special challenges a wedding day can bring—like long hours and different lighting conditions. Check out their portfolio to see if their style matches your vision and definitely read their reviews! You’ll want to know if they arrive on time, if their brides were happy with the service, and how their makeup held up throughout the day. Most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable with the artist—you’ll be spending your wedding morning together, so it’s essential to have someone who gets you and your style.

Booking Your Makeup Artist

Q: How far in advance should I book hair and makeup for my wedding day?

A: Girllll, don’t wait! Articles may say you can book 3-6 months ahead, but trust me, we get booked at least a year in advance, especially during peak wedding season. As soon as you have your wedding date and you’ve found a makeup artist whose work you love, lock it in! It’s heartbreaking to say no to brides reaching out last minute, and we don’t want you to miss out.

Q: How do I find the perfect makeup artist for me?

A: Take your time to browse portfolios, ask for referrals, and check out reviews. It’s super important to choose a makeup artist whose style aligns with yours—are the photos on their website real or overly edited? What do their clients say about their experience? Do they use fresh brushes for every face? Can you see yourself spending your wedding morning with them? This is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make, so go with someone who makes you feel heard and who will create a look that makes you feel like your best self.

Q: What should I expect on the morning of the wedding?

A: We’ve got you covered! We’re mobile and will come to your location—Ottawa bridal makeup services include a 50km round trip in your booking. We’ll bring everything needed to get you wedding-ready: lighting, makeup chairs, and fresh brush sets for every face. All you need to do is relax! Take a warm shower, wear a robe or button-up to keep your hair and makeup intact, have your accessories like your veil on hand, and enjoy the moment. We’ll take care of the rest so you can focus on feeling your best.

Wedding Day & Trial FAQs

Q: What’s the point of a bridal trial? Do I really need one?

A: 100%! A bridal trial helps you and your bridal makeup artist get on the same page before the wedding day. It’s like a dress rehearsal for your face! We’ll go over inspiration photos, test out different looks, take lots of pictures, and see how the makeup wears throughout the day. I even spend time after the trial reviewing what worked and what can be improved. By the time your big day arrives, you’ll feel totally confident because we’ve already nailed the look, and there’s no guesswork involved. You just get to relax and enjoy your morning with your favorite people.

Q: What should I bring to my bridal hair and makeup trial?

A: Bring your inspo pics, of course! If you haven’t emailed them ahead of time, that’s okay, just bring them along. If you’ve got your veil, jewelry, or even your dupatta (for my South Asian brides), bring those too. It helps us visualize how everything will come together and ensures your wedding makeup compliments all the details of your look.

Q: How do I prep my skin for makeup?

A: Your skin is the foundation for great makeup, so prepping is key! Stick to a skincare routine in the months leading up to your wedding day—exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize regularly. And if you can, get some facials 3-6 months before your big day. Healthy skin means flawless makeup that lasts all day.

Q: Will my bridal makeup last all night? What if I cry?

A: Absolutely! A proper bridal makeup application is designed to last through all the happy tears, sweat, and excitement of your big day. I use professional products that are specifically chosen for their longevity. From prepping your skin to locking it in with high-performance setting sprays, I make sure your wedding makeup stays put from “I do” to the last dance.

Q: Do you offer makeup for Indian and Asian weddings?

A: Yes! I’ve been a bridal makeup artist for over 15 years and have experience working with all skin tones and types. Whether it’s a traditional Indian or Asian wedding or something more modern, I’ve got the expertise to create the perfect look for your big day. My kit is fully equipped to handle any bridal makeup needs, making sure you look absolutely stunning.

Services & Customization

Q: Are you a mobile makeup team?

A: Yes, we are a mobile team of Ottawa makeup artists offering on-location services for bridal bookings. For non-bridal events, we require a minimum of three people for on-site services. But if it’s just you (or you and a friend), you’re welcome to visit us in-studio for a more personal experience.

Q: I have a large wedding party. Can you accommodate makeup for 8 or more people?

A: I’ve downsized my team post-pandemic, so right now, I can accommodate up to six people for wedding day makeup. Quality of work and sanitation are my top priorities, so this ensures each person receives my full attention, with fresh brushes and high-quality products for every face. I promise it’s worth it!

Q: Do you offer makeup for events other than weddings?

A: Definitely! We provide makeup services for all sorts of events—birthdays, photoshoots, galas, bridal showers, you name it. If you need an Ottawa makeup artist for a special occasion, just send us a message, and we’ll create a beautiful look for whatever you’re celebrating.

Q: How much should I spend on a makeup artist for my wedding day?

A: It really depends on your priorities. Some brides invest more in their wedding makeup because they want to feel their absolute best and have stunning photos to look back on. For me personally, makeup was high on my priority list—I wanted to feel confident and beautiful the whole day. But every bride is different. The most important thing is finding a wedding makeup artist whose work you love and who makes you feel like the best version of yourself on your special day.

Cost & Value

Q: Are makeup artists worth it, or should I do my own wedding makeup?

A: Hiring a professional makeup artist is totally worth it! It takes the pressure off you and ensures your makeup is flawless, long-lasting, and camera-ready. DIY might sound tempting, but the last thing you want to stress about on your wedding day is whether your makeup will last through tears, sweat, and hugs. A professional makeup artist will take care of all that so you can enjoy your day without worrying about touch-ups.

Q: How much does a simple makeup look cost?

A: The cost of a simple makeup look can vary depending on the artist and event. For special event makeup in-studio, it’s typically more affordable than bridal makeup since the time and detail involved are different. Feel free to reach out for a custom quote tailored to your needs.

Q: Do you offer personal makeup lessons?

A: I’m not offering 1-on-1 makeup lessons at the moment, but I can recommend two amazing Ottawa makeup artists—Shannon Doyle at SD Beauty and Shannon Ranger at One Fine Beauty. Both of them offer lessons that will help you discover the best products and techniques for your skin type and features.

Additional Services

Q: Do you offer bridal hair services too?

A: Right now, we’re focusing on makeup services only. However, I can recommend some incredible bridal hairstylists in the Ottawa area who can create the perfect hair look to complement your makeup on your wedding day.

Q: Do you have an Instagram where we can see your work?

A: Yes! Follow us on Instagram @thebridalbeautystudio to see our latest bridal makeup work and more. You’ll get to see real brides, behind-the-scenes moments, and inspiration for your own wedding day look.