Bridal Blush: Makeup Trial Check List with Fiona Stiles

We are super excited to announce the launch of our latest column here on The Collection blog: Bridal Blush. This column will be your go-to for all things makeup, hair and beauty. We're kicking things off with helpful tips from MacK's big sister and celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles.

Fiona is at the top of her game in the makeup industry. She works with a laundry list of noteworthy actresses {Elizabeth Banks, Halle Berry, Diane Kruger, Emma Stone, Camille Belle, Jessica Alba –I could continue but I'll spare you}. She works with a variety of skin types and has mastered the heavily sought after "dewey" look we all strive for on a daily basis. 

Fiona has done it all over the course of her 20+ year career: movies, print ads, runway, magazine, red carpet {again...I could go on}. Although she is a jack of all trades, Fiona's signature look is one that enhances a woman's natural features. Her work doesn't wash them out or recreate them. "It's elegant and unfussy– easy glamour," says the pro. 

With her years of experience, Fiona has a fabulous list of to-do's that are a must read before you have your first meeting with your make-up artist for your big day. 

1. Meet the makeup artist for the first time wearing your makeup as you would on a normal day. Bring your makeup remover or some wipes so they can start with a clean face after you've had your initial talk. Not all makeup artists carry makeup remover, and besides- you want to use what's right for your skin. If your time is limited, bring in your favorite picture of yourself, one where you think you look your best, to show the makeup artist. This will be tremendously helpful in terms of communication with each other. Lots can get lost in translation!

2. Bring a tear sheet from a magazine of makeup you like. That said, take notice of the features of the person in the tear sheet. If you are fair and have small features, Kim Kardashian isn't a good reference for you. If you're dark haired and have bigger features, maybe Cate Blanchett isn't a good match. You may not be able to achieve that look. Try to pick someone who at least has a similar eye shape so that you know the key elements of the look will translate. 

3. Have a camera on hand, not just your phone. Bring a point and shoot so you can take pictures of the makeup. You may want to see how it looks in a photo and decide from there if the look is working. Sometimes its hard to voice your opinion right away. The person doing your makeup is an expert so you may feel intimidated. But the truth is that you know your face better than anyone else and you have to feel comfortable on the big day, so speak up! Makeup artists are used to collaboration– you won't offend anyone. That's part of working as a team. It's part of the job. 

Don't forget to play with the flash. Is the "dewey" look you requested more greasy? Do your eyes look too small, too dark? Does that trendy dark lip look too severe? Show your man, friends, mom and co-workers. Do they think you look like the best version of you?

4. Try to look like yourself. Sometimes people want to go for big glamour but they normally wear pretty simple makeup. A full strip of fake lashes may seem like a good idea, but if you aren't used to wearing them, then they may feel too alien for you to feel comfortable. Fake lashes take maintenance and you're on your own once the makeup artist leaves. Opt for a few individual lashes instead. 

5. Forgo the fake tan for the wedding. Of if you must, use a gradual self tanner and start a week before hand. Be sure to do a test with the product a few months in advance so you can see if the color is too orange or streaky. Using a gradual tanner will help you avoid the white hands/white neck syndrome and the patchy shoulder/ lbow issues. Don't forget to moisturize before applying. And again the next day. Self tanners can be drying and dryness tends to exaggerate the patchiness. Avoid tanning in a booth because it only looks good for two days max and it just might not last until the wedding. 

 

6. Finally, bring a few favorite lipsticks or glosses to your trial. The makeup artist may not be able to give you the lip color. Or they may only be able to give you a little scoop of color. At least have your favorite lippy on hand just in case so you can re-apply throughout the night with consistency. 

Hope these are helpful tips!

Kisses,                                                                    Fiona

*Stay tuned for more beauty tips! Bridal Blush will be making an appearance on The Collection blog often, so keep an eye out!*