Should I Hire a Makeup Artist or Hair Stylist for my Wedding?

Deciding on Bridal Beauty Services

So you're getting married. Details and planning galore for the day you've been waiting for and somebody asks you... are you having your hair and makeup done?

Your wedding day is a canvas.

Just as a painter selects the finest brushes to craft a masterpiece, you too must choose your tools carefully for that perfect picture.

Hiring a makeup artist or hair stylist transforms your natural beauty into an awe-inspiring vision, capturing the essence and elegance of your special day for eternity. Their expertise ensures every photograph reflects not only your happiness but also a timeless elegance.

Choose your artist wisely.

Bridal Hair & Makeup. WarPaint International. 

This question comes up every day. Do you ask the advice of your friends? Do your friends do it for you? Do you hit the internet? Do you need these services? The answer largely depends on you and you alone, but I do have a story to tell.

Choosing whether to hire a makeup artist or hair stylist for your wedding, particularly for expert bridal makeup, is a personal and pivotal choice.

This decision, as with every significant element of a wedding, requires thoughtful consideration, aligning your preferences with the expertise you desire, ensuring every aspect of your vision comes to life. Having professionals by your side not only alleviates stress but also maximizes your confidence on a day when every detail counts.

Remember, this is more than a service—it's an investment in your happiness and peace of mind. By researching thoroughly, you equip yourself with the knowledge needed to choose artisans who value your dreams and transform them into tangible reality.

Ultimately, making an informed decision about your bridal beauty ensures that you walk down the aisle with poise, knowing that your dreams are materializing flawlessly. Trust in the seasoned hands of beauty professionals who weave magic with their expertise, turning moments into cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

“Let’s make a bold statement here. Its not all about the perfect look or artist’s instagram profile. The process from your initial inquiry to “I’ Do” will make the difference.”

— Jessica Mae

Understanding Your Wedding Day Expectations

Your wedding day is a culmination of dreams and plans, reflecting your essence and timeless connection.

Achieving your envisioned look requires thoughtful preparation and honest communication.

Deciding whether to hire a makeup artist depends on your specific expectations. Consider how your desired appearance aligns with professional expertise, artistry, and the nuances of what you want captured on camera.

The right artist or stylist offers more than just skill—they possess the ability to see beyond the surface, ensuring your inner beauty is celebrated and your outer elegance magnified. With professionals, you’re not merely enhancing features; you’re immortalizing your vision, providing comfort and confidence as you step into this enchanting chapter of your life.

For Brides-to-be and Beauty Service Providers

Achieving your envisioned look requires thoughtful preparation and honest communication. There are many pitfalls to arranging the day of your wedding. My story and advice on how to master the beauty aspect of it is in these following paragraphs.

I am a makeup artist. I also operate a beauty agency called WarPaint International, so my team is full of professional hair and makeup artisans. We help our clients "Prepare For Battle", in that life is a stage and everyday is a showcase to the world. We focus on special evenings (nights on the town), life events (such as weddings), print / editorial and corporate jobs. These are all special occasions that require 100% attention and talent from myself and my team. But in all my years of working in the beauty industry I have been taught the best (and hardest) lessons from my bridal clients.

I have been a bride and I know what my own expectations of that day were. But it wasn't my expectations alone that weighed heavy on the decision process; it's the mother of the bride, the best friend, the mother-in-law's best friend, the groom. Everyone will have their opinions and directives on how your day is supposed to go. So let's address some important points from the point of view of an artist, a bride, and a perfectionist.

Minimizing Photo Editing with Professional Makeup

Professional makeup artistry not only enhances your natural beauty but significantly reduces the need for extensive photo editing.

When expertly applied, your professional makeup creates a flawless canvas that meets the discerning eye of the camera, minimizing imperfections. This attention to detail ensures fewer revisions are needed in post-production, allowing your photographer to capture your beauty authentically and naturally.

Makeup professionals understand the impact that lighting and angles can have on your appearance. By skillfully applying products that highlight your best features while diminishing any perceived flaws, they ensure that your photos convey your genuine self without over-reliance on digital enhancements.

Ultimately, embracing the expertise of wedding makeup artists and hair stylists in your wedding preparation not only complements your aesthetic desires but also streamlines the photographic process. This synergy between artistry and photography maximizes the quality of your wedding images, preserving the magical essence of your special day with minimal intervention, offering memories that are timeless and true.

Enhancing Natural Beauty for Your Big Day

As you prepare for your wedding, enhancing your natural beauty can make a significant difference in your overall look and confidence.

Professional on-site makeup artists and hairstylists excel at crafting a refined and subtle makeup application that accentuates your natural features, ensuring you feel authentically beautiful throughout your celebration. With their expert eye, they help highlight key areas such as cheekbones and eyes, allowing you to bask in the glam and glow of effortless elegance.

Moreover, this minimalistic approach often means a shorter preparation time, offering a more relaxed start to your special day. By combining professional techniques with high-quality products, makeup artists enhance your true beauty without overwhelming your natural charm or distracting from your wedding ensemble.

In essence, hiring a professional is not just about makeup application; it’s about boosting your confidence, ensuring you feel radiant and picture-perfect. With their assistance, your natural elegance shines through, capturing your true essence in timeless photographs and memories you will cherish forever.

That "ah ha" moment when a bride first looks in the mirror... It's what drives me to keep going.

Finding Quality Makeup and Hair Artists

Let’s make a bold statement here. Its not all about the perfect look or artist’s instagram profile. The process from your initial inquiry to "I' Do" will make the difference.

Discovering exceptional makeup artists and beauty artisans is key. But one mistake we see over and over and over, and over again… is the Bride-to-be, her mother, her sister or Maid of Honor get hung up on the “perfect look”. Potential clients will scour portfolios an instagram profiles and if they don’t find the one “look” they are after, then they assume there’s now way any of the talented individuals in our beauty agency can achieve this look. The single most important thing that will help you achieve the look that you are after is communication with your Artisan.

When clients book with WPI Beauty, we pair them with the best Artisan that matches their criteria based on availability. Professional makeup artists and hairstylist have mastered many looks from natural, glam, simple, to contoured, to ethnic skin types and hair types. If you don’t see the exact look that you’re looking for in a portfolio, its likely becuase of one of two things:

1. Those client examples didn’t request that look and work through a trial with the Artisan for it

2. Or they simply don’t have images of every look they’ve ever done.

Your trial (if you’re a bride or a wedding party member wanting a trial) will be your time to ask questions, make changes, and master the foundation for your wedding day hair and makeup. Subtle changes and even more involved changes can be made verbally on the day of your wedding or beforehand and a skilled professional will be able to implement them. You don’t need extra trials with other Artists.

A Brutal Reality in Example

At WarPaint International we have served thousands of brides and wedding party members for the last 15 years. On many occasions, the scenario presented the above paragraph has come to our doorstep at the last minute with clients looking for a lifesaver booking. When a client (or the family members or friends they allow to dictate their flow) becomes focused on a single individual artist and has taken painstaking steps to find and book them - supreme disappointment will often follow for the following reasons:

• That Artist possessed skills to create a look but has no process

• They lack communication skills

• They don’t have a contract that protects them or their client’s expectations

• They don’t have an administrative team that handles details

• Or most commonly, the preverbial bus hits them the week, or worse yet the day of, the wedding. This can be sickness, car accidents, death in family, pregnancy, theft of their Artisan tool kit, etc.

We have helped to resolve every single one of these instances including the most disappointing instance - their Artist simply cancelled because a trip to Vegas with their friends was sounding better than showing up on your wedding day. When you hire an agency, you don’t have to worry about these challenges. The entire idea behind hiring an agency, is so that you can enjoy the time period leading up to and on your wedding day without being stressed out about who and where your Makeup/Hair Artist is. We handle that and we guarantee it in your contract.

Begin Your Search with Basics

Start with thorough research to identify potential candidates. Enlist the assistance of your photographer or wedding planner, as they likely have valuable recommendations. Additionally, seek honest feedback by reading online reviews and testimonials, and consider asking for references from past clients to assess reliability and quality.

Examine artists' portfolios for style congruence.

Seek professionals who use high-quality products and tools—understanding their approach is crucial. Transparent communication is essential; connect directly with potential artists by phone or in-person to gauge their professionalism and sincerity. Ensure they align with your vision and possess the skills needed.

Lastly, prioritize trial sessions to pave the way for a seamless wedding day. Such engagements allow you to evaluate artists' talents and foster trust, enabling their creativity to flourish. Ultimately, these careful considerations ensure your beauty team enhances your bridal radiance on this momentous occasion.

Importance of Professional Credentials

Professional credentials hold immeasurable significance.

They reflect an agency and it’s artisans’ commitment and mastery. A robust portfolio showing certifications or formal education in cosmetology, self-development, and milestones elevates an artist, guaranteeing that they adhere to industry standards and trends. Consequently, knowledge of the latest techniques and an understanding of various skin types become part of an agency’s repertoire.

Credentials increase confidence in your chosen beauty agency and Artisan.

When credentials are present, they allow peace of mind - on your special day, the last thing you want is uncertainty about whether your artist has adequate experience or skills for the task - enabling effortless interactions and stress-free experiences.

Similarly, these credentials affirm adherence to hygiene and safety protocols, safeguarding against potential adversities. Given the evolving beauty landscape of 2025 and beyond, ensuring your makeup artist holds relevant certifications means their expertise aligns profoundly with contemporary standards, fostering confidence and delivering enchanting transformations for your wedding day.

Researching Online Reviews and Recommendations

Online reviews highlight firsthand experiences, a treasure of invaluable reflections, shared with you. Reading reviews can unveil both exceptional artists and cautionary tales, granting reassurance or prompting further investigation until confidence in your chosen professional is achieved, ensuring you entrust your wedding day appearance to a skilled artist.

In exploring reviews and recommendations of a hair stylist, phrases such as "meticulous attention" stand as key indicators of a stellar artist whose dedication to precision mirrors their professionalism. As you proceed, weigh the consistency of the feedback and the resonance of their interpersonal skills to guide your final decision.

Agency Tip: WPI Beauty has hundres of postive reviews on Google, Yelp, The Knot, Wedding Wire, and more.

Leveraging Photographer and Planner Suggestions

Photographers and wedding planners possess a wealth of insight, having worked with countless brides. Leveraging their suggestions can help direct you to reliable hair and makeup professionals.

Consulting your photographer and planner may lead you to "hidden gems" in the beauty industry. They can quickly point you towards artisans whose talents are well-documented through previous weddings.

Image by Laura Alpizar Photography

Consider this approach: narrowing your selection through trusted sources not only saves time but also enriches your journey with stories and experiences that others have found to be invaluable. With their guidance, you'll be one step closer to a seamless celebration, surrounded by experts who excel in making dreams a reality.

The Necessity of Hair and Makeup Trials

Embarking on this transformative journey, a bridal makeup and hair trial is imperative. Trials ensure that each element of your envisioned look seamlessly integrates, providing reassurance and an opportunity to refine or enhance your choices with your beauty artist's expertise.

To eliminate uncertainties and arrive at a dream look, invest in a "dress rehearsal". The trial isn't just a preview of your wedding look, but a collaboration to align expectations. This way, the complexities of your desired aesthetic won't overshadow your day, ensuring every detail is impeccably curated for your grand entrance.

Agency Tip: At WPI Beauty, trials are required for brides unless you’re out of town and time does not permit or you’re having a courthouse or small wedding and we book your as a “Beauty on-Demand” appointment.

Testing Your Wedding Day Look

The key to a flawless wedding day appearance lies in a comprehensive trial with your chosen makeup artist and hair stylist, ensuring they bring your envisioned look to life.

Collaborate with your artist to explore potential styles and aesthetics in advance, including considering airbrush makeup to achieve a flawless finish.

During this trial, assess the durability of your makeup and hairstyle under diverse conditions, such as a full day of celebrations, tears of joy, and endless embraces from loved ones.

This crucial opportunity allows you to tweak any part of your look that may need adjustment to ensure you not only look but feel your best. Remember, this is your day to shine, and your comfort and confidence are paramount, making the experience as much about feeling your best as looking your best.

Again, changes that you may want to make for your wedding day, like eye color, eye liner technique or other cosmetic changes can be made on the day of. You often do not need another trial you most definatley don’t need a different artists. Wedding day changes are a core of the profession and we all do it - every single weekend.

Addressing Potential Skin Allergies

Ensuring a flawless look on your wedding day requires addressing potential skin allergies in advance.

1. Schedule a Consultation: Book a session with your makeup artist several months before the wedding to assess potential allergens.

2. Patch Test: During the consultation, request a patch test with all intended makeup products.

3. Monitor Reactions: After the patch test, observe any skin changes or reactions for at least 24 hours.

4. Communicate Concerns: Discuss any adverse reactions with your artist to adjust products accordingly.

Acknowledging potential allergies empowers you to avoid mishaps, ensuring a stunning and safe appearance.

Through proactive measures, you can embrace your special day with confidence, knowing your skin will be both radiant and comfortable.

Evaluating Agency’s Professionalism and Branding

In assessing an artist's or agency’s professionalism, a fusion of reliability, organization, and authenticity takes center stage. Observing how an artist communicates, honors commitments, and exhibits their creative portfolio offers insight into their dedication, which in turn, assures a seamless experience.

When considering the intricacies of a hair and makeup artist's branding, look for a "polished presence." This is not just a matter of having a vibrant logo, but rather an amalgamation of their artistic pedigree. The quality of their digital presence, social proof in client testimonials, and the immaculate presentation of their tools speak volumes about their commitment to excellence.

Importance of Clean and Organized Equipment

Attention to detail isn't just about aesthetics; it extends into maintaining a pristine and meticulously organized set of tools.

In the world of professional hair and makeup artistry, a carefully curated arsenal reflects not only craftsmanship but also respect for the client's experience. Clean, organized tools eliminate the distractions and inefficiencies that come with disarray, serving as a testament to the artist's commitment to unparalleled service.

Moreover, an immaculate setup is a hallmark of professionalism that builds confidence. Clients recognize the added value brought by an artist who attends to sanitation standards, ensuring a hygienic environment that enhances comfort and ultimately heightens the beauty experience.

Finally, maintaining impeccable equipment is about safeguarding and optimizing results, delivering a consistently excellent experience every time. It reflects the artist's regard for both the craft and the client, spotlighting a dedication that resonates through every detail, leaving an indelible impression of care and professionalism.

Agency Tip: At WPI Beauty, our Artisans undergo interviews, technical test, customer service basics and we mandate and collect policies for sanitation requirements, licenses (where required) and liability insurance for your safety and ours.

Selecting High-Quality Beauty Products

Choosing the right beauty products for your wedding day is crucial to achieving the perfect look. They not only need to withstand the emotional and physical demands of such a special occasion, but they must also enhance your natural beauty without compromising your skin’s health.

In 2025, sourcing high-quality, reliable cosmetics should be a top priority for both brides and professionals. These products can significantly affect the final outcome, ensuring your makeup remains flawless from the ceremony to the last dance.

Thus, it's essential to collaborate with a makeup artist and hairstylist who prioritizes the integration of superior products into their practice. This careful selection will ensure that the makeup withstands heat, tears, and time—a true testament to the artistry and dedication involved.

Besides the technical benefits, using top-tier products often translates to remarkable comfort and confidence throughout the day. Brides should feel pampered and privileged, uplifted by the knowledge that their beauty routine is comprised of the best the industry has to offer.

High-quality products paired with expert application form the foundation of an extraordinary wedding day beauty experience.

Agency Tip: At WarPaint International Beauty Agency, professional tools are a minimum expectation to work with esteemed clients.

Creating a Wedding Day Appointment Schedule

An essential tool for a seamless day.

Crafting a well-thought-out appointment schedule is a crucial part of the preparation. This schedule not only keeps everyone on track but ensures that each segment of the beauty routine can be enjoyed without the stress of running out of time. Therefore, consider the appointment schedule as the backbone of the day, enabling you and your beauty team to deliver the expected looks and memories.

Begin with a buffer of extra time.

Allocate sufficient time for each appointment, ensuring a cushion for unforeseen circumstances that may arise—whether that’s embracing spontaneous moments or remedying an unexpected hiccup. The idea is to maintain a calm atmosphere throughout, allowing for last-minute adjustments that are bound to bring you peace of mind.

Moreover, effective scheduling fosters enhanced communication and collaboration between all involved parties, whether it's the bridal team, photographers, makeup artists, or wedding planners, ensuring everyone is aligned. By devoting this attention to detail, you are more likely to have a harmonious and unforgettable ceremony, steeped in elegance and poise.

Agency Tip: At WarPaint International Beauty Agency, beauty schedules are included in your booking as well as coordinating with your wedding planner.

Importance of Contracts and Deposits

Contracts are crucial, ensuring every detail is fully understood, establishing trust between you and your beauty team.

Through contracts, both parties can anticipate expectations regarding services, timelines, and any additional requirements. They mitigate misunderstandings, allow for tailored agreements, and foster professional relationships that enhance satisfaction for all involved.

Deposits act as a "commitment" and "assurance" that secure investments of both parties. If you’re not paying a respectable intial payment to secure your Artisan or team, then the likelihood to end up without an Artist increases. It also likely means they do not have administrative support and a process in place to protect you. Your beauty service payments do not all go to hair and makeup services. 50% of them handle the rest of the coordination and communication about your booking.

Protecting Your Investment

Investing in your wedding day beauty involves much more than just selecting your look—it's about ensuring quality service.

1. Research Thoroughly: Investigate artists, read reviews, and verify their credentials.

2. Insist on Contracts: Secure services through written agreements.

3. Schedule Trials: Test your desired styles in advance to avoid surprises.

4. Request a Detailed Timeline: Ensure timely, seamless execution on your wedding day.

5. Maintain Open Communication: Regularly update your beauty team with any changes.

6. Criminal Background Checks: What’s the background of your Agency or Artist(s)? Do you know? Ensure the people you are working with are safe options as they’ll be in your home, hotel room, event venue, etc around your personal items.

Taking these steps not only guarantees exceptional results but also reinforces your confidence.

Protecting this investment ensures peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your special day with absolute radiance.

Agency Tip: WPI Beauty firms up your beauty schedule timeline with you and/or your wedding planner with in 30 days of your wedding day.

Agency Extra Tip: WPI Beauty partners with Trusted Employees to run national background checks on every single member of our team. We have in fact denied Artisan applications due to criminal backgrounds or other documented criminal behavior that reflects on their character.

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist?

Book in advance…

In the bustling world of wedding planning, ensuring timely bookings for beauty services is paramount to achieving the flawless look you envision.

You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute or compromising on quality.

By securing your hair and makeup team well ahead of time, the stress surrounding availability diminishes. This foresight enables you to coordinate trials, communicate your specific desires, and establish a calming rapport with your artist or agency.

It can also be the difference between feeling confident or frazzled as your wedding day approaches, knowing you have entrusted your look to proven experts who have reserved that time exclusively for you.

Ultimately, the peace of mind gained from early bookings is priceless. Thoughtful preparation means your focus can remain on cherishing lasting moments.

Agency Tip: WPI Beauty books wedding clients anywhere from 2 years out all the way to just weeks before the wedding day (depending on availability). Most brides book their services 6-9 months in advance as prime season dates fill up quickly.

Is Hiring a Beauty Agency Worth it?

Choosing to hire a makeup artist and/or hairstylist for your wedding is an investment in glam, confidence, and poise, where every detail is meticulously refined for this extraordinary day. A professional's expertise ensures the enhancement of your natural beauty but also that things will proceed smoothly and as expected. This is where an experienced and vetted beauty agency is your closest partner on your wedding day. The details become the catalyst to your end result. Your look is the culmination of experience and tried and true process.

The substantial value lies in more than the aesthetic result; it is a process of personalized care that engenders genuine serenity amidst the excitement of your wedding. Ultimately, the talent of a skilled artist embodies peace of mind and transforms a moment into everlasting elegance, seamlessly preserving timeless beauty.

Contact WarPaint International Beauty Agency

Family-owned and established in 2010, WarPaint International is an agency that provides on-location hair styling and makeup application services. Our Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists are vetted, experienced, and criminally background-checked professionals working in corporate events and headshots, memberships, weddings, editorial, and celebrity hair and makeup artistry. WPI operates in 3 cities across the U.S.; we are currently located in Minneapolis, Jacksonville, and Chicago, IL.

The Power of Accessories: How to Elevate Your Makeup Look

Introduction: Elevate Your Makeup Look

Makeup is an art. Whether you’re preparing for a personal or professional event, upping your makeup game can certainly help you stand out from the crowd. But what if there was a way to enhance your makeup look further?

Different types of accessories have the power to elevate your makeup look. Think of them as the cherry on top, when your flawless makeup application is the cake of the occasion. If you know your makeup game is on point and are looking for ways to enhance your style with the right accessories, here are some quick tips on how to use the power of accessories to make heads turn:

Define Your Personal Style

Makeup, accessories, clothes, and everything else that defines fashion for you is influenced by your personal preferences and style. So before deciding on what to wear and where to wear it, find things that work for you. For instance, you may have facial piercings such as septum jewelry or gauges that help you define your personal style and make you feel confident.

Then, you can use this as a guiding point for defining your makeup choices. Based on how you want your makeup and accessories to look and stand out, you can keep switching between different kinds of makeup styles and piercing jewelry to elevate your makeup look with perfectly paired piercing accessories.

Create A Timeless Look

If you want your accessories to elevate the look of your makeup, you must have at least a few statement jewelry pieces such as a bold necklace, bracelet, earrings or even a big chunky belt. When you carry a statement piece with you, you can easily elevate your makeup look and create a whole ensemble with the help of it.

The best example of a must-have accessory is when a chunky belt can turn your simple day outfit into a ready-to-party attire. Just touching up your makeup, and adjusting it according to the need of the hour, you can significantly enhance your overall look. While picking out accessories that you plan to wear often, choose something that matches your style but is also able to work with many different types of makeup looks. It’ll help you create more options without spending too much time or money on it.

Understand The Hues

Accessories have the power to turn even a simple outfit into something unique. By playing along with the colors of your accessories and matching them to the hues of your outfit, you can add a pop of color to the overall look as well as your makeup. Bright-colored outfits go well with nude makeup palettes and dainty accessories. But for dark-colored dresses or even bold makeup, you can go for a bright-colored neckpiece or even add a hair accessory or two to the mix.

It’s also important to know different skin types and use the right accessories accordingly. For instance, a warmer skin tone can be adorned with warm-toned makeup and accessories made of gold and rose gold. On the other hand, people with cool skin tones look best in platinum and white gold accessories.

Dress According To the Occasion

While your personal style will play the most important role in elevating your makeup look with accessories, another thing to keep in mind is the kind of occasion that you’re dressing up for. For example, if you want to rock a gorgeous set of chandelier earrings at a friend’s wedding, you must complement it with the correct makeup palette and attire that suits the richness of your choice of accessories.

Alternatively, for a corporate event, it might be a better idea to tone down the jewelry and wear accessories that are more elegant for the affair at hand. While it is more than okay to wear rings, earrings, and even a pendant of your choice, keep it simple and don’t wear too much jewelry. Try to complement your look with accessories such as sunglasses, handbags, footwear, belts, and scarves.

This will help you look fashionable and work-appropriate at the same time. If you’re going to be outside, try to keep your makeup more natural and low coverage. But if it is a late-night soiree, then you can elevate your look with brighter makeup such as a classic red lip and eyeliner.

Southeast Asian/Indian Brides always have the most beautiful makeup look accessories.

Wedding Beauty by WarPaint International Beauty Agency

Layer It Up

There’s something special about an ensemble that’s carefully curated, especially when it features a beautiful symphony of multiple accessories coming together to form a single entity. Whether you’re aiming for a boho chic look or want to create an elegant assortment of accessories on your wedding day, layering up your accessories can certainly elevate your natural features.

You can experiment with chunky bracelets, layered necklaces, or even wearing 2 to 3 rings on one finger to add a touch of style to your outfit. It adds a touch of personality to your ensemble along with your on-point makeup game for a seamless finish.

Over To You

While beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, you can use accessories along with your perfect makeup to elevate your overall appearance. These are just some of the quick tips that you can use to make yourself look and feel confident. Apart from this, you can also experiment with hair clips and claws to make some heads turn, follow a great skincare routine so that your makeup applications looks flawless, and learn more about your personal style, body type, and facial features to keep upgrading your look.

Top 10 Reasons to Hire Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists on your Wedding Day.

Top Reasons to Hire Beauty Professionals on your Wedding Day

A Beauty Professional's Point of view.

So, you're doing your own hair and makeup...

Have you considered the reasons to hire a makeup artist or hair stylist for your wedding day? While there are many reasons to hire a makeup artist AND hair stylists for your wedding, they are all rooted in looking your best on your special day. Your wedding will be forever remembered through wedding photographs and the hiring of professional artists will help ensure that you are flawless and beautiful the day of and in the lasting memories of the event. 

Furthermore, the benefits of a Beauty Agency vs. freelance artists are numerous. Considering the financial commitment and high expectations, the "beauty" of not worrying about the last minute proverbial bus - sickness, criminal backgrounds, poor character, or other hurdles - is a benefit that only reputable agencies can provide. Read our top 10 reasons why you need a professionally vetted makeup school graduate and hair stylist on your wedding day.

1. Be stress-free on your wedding day

Of all the reasons to hire a professional makeup artist and hair stylist for your wedding day, this may be the single most important benefit. Take it from experienced brides... your wedding day is guaranteed to be busy and will likely include a few unexpected challenges, so don’t let your appearance be one of them. You shouldn’t have to spend time worrying if your eyeliner is straight while ensuring that your vendors deliver on time. Any reputable artist that is a professional will meet with you prior to your wedding day to do a trial run of the makeup look or hairstyle you want. On the day-of, your beauty team rolls in, on location, and knows your skin type, your desired outcome, your theme, and any complications in the trial.

P.S. Your photographer will love you for it

See how your booking process looks with WarPaint International Beauty Agency.

The Bride Experience. Your booking process with WarPaint International Beauty Agency.

2. You want to look "natural"

Professional makeup artists study the art of their craft. They live it and breathe it like a musician, and the proper selection of colors is part of their DNA. From your foundation to your lips to the perfect eyeliner, makeup artists know how to choose the colors that match your unique character and features. Your wedding day will keep you photographed, possibly more than any day in your life. High definition optics can do some interesting things to your complexion and pores.

Even if you tend to live in the "natural" state and your photographer does to, find a makeup artist that specializes in "natural" looks so that your memories and face-to-face interactions are striking and memorable. The natural look is far more involved than most brides think. In fact, what most people categorize as difficult is the avant-garde, high-fashion looks you see all over the internet. If this were the case, more Instagram makeup artists would be showcasing breathtaking, natural looking brides than stamping out glorified brows and winged eyeliner. 

3. Professional grade products that last

Like it or not, there is a big difference behind mainstream, less expensive makeup and hair products vs. professional grade products that have been engineered for specific applications. Since makeup artists apply cosmetics for a living and hair stylists test the quality of hair products every single day, most have a kit stocked with high quality (and possibly very expensive) products that are designed for wearability and flexibility that you may not own or be able to afford. Not to mention, most artists endure years of professional training to keep up with the trends, techniques, and industry concerns. You simply can't put a price on their experience or the luxury and intimacy of having them apply it and perfect it. It is after all, what they live for - your beauty. 

4. Just enjoy the day

Don't fool yourself. You likely don't have the experience mentioned in point number 3, and even if you do why in the world would you want to exercise it on your own wedding day? Experienced makeup artists practice the art of makeup every single day. Experienced hair stylists nearly double that rate. Professional makeup artists and hair stylists have painted hundreds, if not thousands, of faces and designed hair in dozens of eras, themes, and personal taste categories. If you’re not a makeup artist or hair stylist and you haven’t studied the proper methods of executing flawless looks that withstand heat, wind, tears and very long days, then pass on the notion that you'll save a few dollars. The key to being a perfect bride is to be yourself; that usually still requires professionals to extract that state and keep it there for your wedding day. 

On a more important note, most brides envision their day beginning in an artist's chair with champagne in hand and the loving banter of their bridal party - not a stress-filled morning of racing the clock and no human interaction.

5. Application techniques

It's not that you don't already wake up looking breathtaking... We actually wouldn't change a thing about you. Industry professionals study tricks to emphasize a person’s best facial features while disguising other, less flattering ones just by applying makeup. Hair stylists have an in-depth knowledge of hair types and tendencies, scalp problems, and product benefits. If you want to really highlight your eyes for your big day, your makeup artist can use special makeup techniques to make that happen without caking on the product.

Want to pull off a bold lip color, but are afraid of transferring it onto your groom when its time to “kiss the bride”? A professional makeup artist can help prevent that, too. Scared of your hair flying away or falling due to heat? Yeah.. they've got that covered. 

6. Ensuring perfection

This is one of the most important pieces since the bulk of your day will be spent saying "CHEESE". Experienced makeup artists and hair stylists will sculpt your look using contouring techniques to add the illusion of depth in 2-dimensional photographs and in real life. You instantly turn into a 2-dimensional image instead of a 3-dimensional being when your photo is taken. If you choose to not use a makeup artist or hair stylist, you're likely to be a flat image in your captured memories. If you use a makeup artist that is not experienced, or your makeup and hair are applied and styled improperly, you'll also appear flat and in some bad cases that we've seen - orange! Lastly, you don't want to appear shiny, gray, over, or underdone. Perfection is the key. You are perfect, right?

7. Product, product, product

Like we mentioned above, beauty professionals use high-quality products that are blended with rigorous expertise. When you a hire a makeup artist or hair stylists for your wedding, you won’t have to worry about your makeup wearing off during your wedding festivities or your hair falling from its form. There are special primers, setting sprays and powders that your artists will know exactly how to apply to ensure complete bliss. Your groom may also be appreciative at the end of the day :-)

8. A cohesive look

It is amazing how many women will visually match their friends for Halloween, themed parties, even "pajama parties" but when it comes to their wedding day - the one day everyone should look the same - they turn the other cheek. Think about the last wedding you attended (or even stood for) that had no beauty or dress direction, no orchestration, and no attention to detail. Though that may be the personality of the wedded couple, it certainly spells frustration for their guests and mixed feelings about their captured memories. If cost is a factor, skip the bachelorette party and treat your ladies to luxurious beauty. Nothing is more memorable than sitting back together in a bridal suite, sipping champagne, laughing and letting the professionals unfold your beauty desires. Stress-free is the key and your entrance and impact to your guests will be memorable. 

9. Trial pains...

We said it above, but its a pain point for many. We've met brides that have paid in full for 3 or more trials and come to realize they were dealing with an amateur, or their sister's friend or aunt (who can do it for them) and walked away only spending more money on the right fit.

Demand a trial. No makeup artist or hair stylist can walk into your wedding day and smash it out of the park. This relationship is an intimate one and takes discovery questions and a few dry runs in some cases. Always, always have a makeup and hair trial. You'd hate to be orange from the chin up on your wedding day, or worse yet... your artist leaves for Vegas instead.

10. Wedding day beauty schedules

Hire a Beauty Agency. Yes there are talented, dedicated freelance individuals all of whom deliver endlessly, but they do get sick, have car accidents, run late, endure family deaths, etc, etc. When hiring a beauty agency, your selection of top professionals is much broader, but the security of not having a mishap with an artist on your wedding day is alleviated. Even if your artist gets hit by the proverbial bus, their trial notes and opinions are available to the agency and an artist that matches their skill-sets and schedule will simply step in to ensure a flawless wedding day for you as if nothing ever happened. At WarPaint International, we screen our artists, do technical interviews to test their skill level and work with a wide array of schedules. 

Criminal background checks. We are also a national partner to Trusted Employees, so we criminally background check our Artisans across state and federal databases for background information. We have passed on applicants that work for our competitors or on their own. You wouldn't want a convicted felon in your home, hotel room or personal space scoping out their options. Be smart when hiring on-site professionals.

Learn more about Safety in hiring freelance Artists at our article “Has Your Onsite Beauty Service Provider Had a Criminal Background Check?”

~ Added advice and experience

You may also find benefit in pre-wedding day skin care tips to ensure smooth delivery and a "day of" itinerary for your wedding party to follow and depend on. No one should have to ask "when is Jenny's hair getting done" or "when does this person arrive". We've got that covered. Project management comes at no extra cost and ensures that you look beautiful and we provide superior expertise and service on the most memorable day of your life.

SO... Will you be hiring a professional to do your makeup and/or hair on your wedding day? You won't regret it and though we recommend shopping around to find the perfect match for you and your bridal party, if you're looking for excellence in hair and makeup artistry with the added benefit of a wedding planner for your beauty needs, seek a beauty agency. WarPaint International. 

See how your wedding day will look with WarPaint International Beauty Agency.

The Bride Experience. Your wedding day with WarPaint International Beauty Agency.

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Want to chat with us about your wedding day beauty services? Check out our weddings page and contact us to set up a time speak with a WPI bridal consultant about the details of your big day!

3 Top Trending Wedding Makeup Looks

There is so much that goes into planning your wedding. The venue, Photographer, Flowers, THE Dress, etc. When it comes time to think about what you want your wedding makeup looks to be for the big day, there is SO much to think about. Not to mention the countless photos on Pinterest, Instagram and Google. Where to begin?

“When thinking about what style of makeup you are going for, the way in which you communicate to your artist is essential. ”

— Jessica Mae

My recommendation is to stay true to who you are. Really think about what your personal style is, and make your goal to accentuate that. Too often I hear about brides who go against what they truly want, and where their comfort zone truly lies. Now, if you are someone who wants to do something different and out of your comfort zone, by all means, go for it girl! 

When thinking about what style of makeup you are going for, the way that you communicate to your makeup artist is essential. Having photos of inspiration is a great starting point, but also knowing what you want and using the right terms to describe it will lend to the success of the look.

I am here to help! I have broken down 3 Top Trending Wedding Makeup Looks to aid in not only narrowing down the look you want, but also being able to then communicate that to your artist.

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On to the wedding makeup looks!

Natural

For ladies that want to slightly enhance their natural beauty, keeping your makeup look simple is the way to go. This is what most brides ask their artists for, but knowing what natural makeup means to an artist versus you is very important. Coming prepared with photos is key. When this makeup look is requested it is also helpful to have a photo of yourself with your daily makeup done. This way it gives your artist a gauge of what you're used to - if anything at all.

“Knowing what natural makeup means to an artist versus you is very important.”

When a natural makeup look is requested I recommend airbrush foundation as it tends to look more like your actual skin and is lightweight while still giving nice coverage. When requesting this look from your artist it is helpful to use descriptive words like; fresh, glowy (if you like a glowy look), not over done, myself but slightly enhanced.

Pro tip: When thinking about lashes for a natural look, ask your artist about individual lashes or a half strip lash.

Natural

You, but a little more than your every day.

Romantic

I love this look for brides who want to have a hint of glam, but not too much. This type of makeup look is great for clients who want more than their every day look, but still would like to look like themselves. For me, what makes a look romantic is adding lashes and a little hint of smokiness to the shadow. This makeup look works for any type of venue or time of year. When requesting this look from your artist it is helpful to use descriptive words like; medium spicy, natural glam, romantic.

Pro Tip: For an extra pop, have your artist use shadows with some shimmer to them!

Glam

Full on bold and spicy! Glam looks are great for clients who love to wear makeup and want to make a statement with their look. If you're considering this look you can count on a bold lip, a smokey eye, some contouring (or sculpting which I prefer to call it) and of course lashes! I typically see brides request this type of look if they have a Fall, Winter or evening wedding, but the Glam bride can rock this look any time she wants. When requesting this look from your artist it is helpful to use descriptive words like; sassy, sexy, bold.

Pro Tip: Take your look to the next level by adding wings to your eye liner!

Glam

For those not afraid to make a statement.

Whatever style of makeup you decide on, make sure it makes you feel like your most beautiful self. Too often I have brides in my chair who are easily influenced by others (ahem... Mother of the Bride and sisters...) of what they think the bride should have for makeup. Remember, you're the one getting married - not them. 

One last piece of advice...

Keep in mind when you are looking for inspiration images... any image you find online is likely edited. Some more so than others, but they are all edited. It is also a good idea to find photos where the person in it has similar features to you. Having realistic expectations not only sets you up for success but your artist as well. 

Photo Credits:

Banner Image: Brovado Weddings.

Natural Makeup: James Stokes Photography.

Romantic Makeup: De La Vue.

Glam Makeup: Justina Louse Photography.

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Want to learn these looks on your own? Book an in-home makeup lesson with a WarPaint International artisan, we also do personal makeup shopping!  

Behind Every Amazing Makeup Application Is Great Skin Care

Skin Care, AHHH!

As a child growing up, we're told "Wash your face!", "Put sunscreen on!" from our parents. A task that as kids, we most likely had a sassy comment back or at least rolled our eyes. Now, through years of experience and self-education, I've learned how important a good skincare regimen is. I'd put myself in the skincare enthusiast category. 

Enter Adulthood... I've been working as a professional makeup artist for 10 years, you could say that I've seen it all {or almost all}. With that in mind, what shocks me the most is when I ask a client about their skincare and they tell me "Oh I just use bar soap." or "Does splashing water on my face before bed count?" or the worst of them all "I don't wash my makeup off ever.". (<--- if this is you stop it right now! For every day you don't wash you makeup off your skin will age by 7 days!!) 

BEFORE

AFTER

Before and after shots above: Experts said Anna's skin aged by ten years as a result of not removing her make-up for an entire month. Original Article from DailyMail.co.UK. Read More. 

Why Don't You Wash Your Face?

I hear these comments more often than not these days. It's left me asking...WHY? I don't think it's due to lack of resources or education. There are more skincare products out in the market than we can count. I also don't think it's due to the lack of being able to find products that are affordable. I do, however, believe that two things are happening:

1. We are relying too much on the facade that makeup will make everything perfect. I know this because I've had women say to me "Why would I waste money on skincare when makeup can make me look perfect?".
2. Social media has given a false sense of reality. This is not a new epiphany. We know that social media often is "smoke and mirrors" especially when it comes to images of beauty. With tons of filter & editing options, we're able to hide any flaw on our face in an image, and in an instant.

LADIES..., I am here to tell you that if you do not take good care of your skin your makeup will not look good either. Sure, you might not see the effects right away, but over time this will absolutely be the case. Think of your skin like the foundation of your home. If the foundation is solid, then a beautiful home can be built on it. If your skin is well taken care of, a beautiful makeup application can be applied and you'll look amazing! It's that simple. Now, I know that skincare products can be costly but they don't have to be. I also know that mother nature has a funny way of intervening and sometimes it's a challenge to get our skin to cooperate. What I'm talking about here is simply the need for us to take better care of our skin and ourselves. Here are a few tips for an easy, effective and affordable skincare routine. 

STEP 1

Cleanse both morning and night. I really like the Gentle Daily Cleanser from Arbonne. For $28 it's a high-quality product that won't break the bank. For those that are acne-prone, I'd recommend Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash ($5). Start off by using it once a day (and your other cleanser for the second wash) then increase to twice a day, but if you get dry or flakey back it down to just once a day. Make sure you are getting all of your makeup off - especially mascara. Use an eye makeup remover to ensure it's gone for the day. 

STEP 2

Exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week. Exfoliating can help improve your skin's overall tone & texture as it removes dead skin cells. This also allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin. If you like to use a granular exfoliant, make sure that you are really gentle and don't rub your skin harshly. Using gentle circular motions - polish your skin. 

STEP 3

Moisturize Day and Night. This is a crucial step. Properly moisturizing your skin will help with anti-aging and also help your makeup application go on smoothly and last throughout the day. My two favorites moisturizing products right now are Ultra Sheer from Skin Medica ($58) and Water Balm from Sonia Roselli ($48). Both are a little spendier but so worth it. Water Balm is a multi-use product as well, so there's lots of bang for your buck! Don't forget a good night cream. I like No 7's Beautiful Skin Night Cream ($15).

STEP 4

SPF! The sun is one of the leading causes of aging and not to mention the risk of skin cancer. Apply after your serum / moisturizer / eye cream. I really like Skin Medica's Tinted SPF ($68), I use that one as a foundation replacement in the summer. Neutrogena's Age Shield Face Lotion ($13) is also a great affordable option.

STEP 5

Go to see an esthetician. Regular facials can make a huge difference. An esthetician will treat your skin based on its needs. This is especially helpful for those pesky blackheads. He or she will do extractions to clean out the pores and leave your skin soft & supple. A good facial will run you around $80, but look for deals on places like Groupon if you're sticking to a budget.

BONUS: To REALLY make a difference in your skin (do all of the above of course) invest in a Clarisonic. Seriously. They are a bit expensive, but so worth it. I've had mine for 2 years now and I can't speak highly enough about how it has changed my skin. I now have the confidence to go sans-makeup and still feel beautiful. I attribute a lot that to using my Clarisonic every day along with great skincare products. Save your pennies and get one. You won't regret it!

Me, no makeup - no filter!

Those are the basics. Start with those 5 steps and your skin will thank you, as well as your makeup artist. If you come to a makeup appointment with skin that hasn't been cleaned in a week, your makeup will not be all that it can be and you can't blame your artist if the makeup lacks the level of perfection you were expecting - there's only so much we can do. Take the extra few minutes a day and invest in your skin, invest in YOU!

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Lastly, none of the above really matters unless you are well-rested and in good health. Starting with good sleeping habits can not only change your life but accelerate great skin care (among many other things). To learn more, read this article about: 

Top Tips To Help You Get Your Beauty Sleep. 

Top 5 Wedding Day Skin Care Tips for Brides.

Your wedding day is here but your skin is FREAKING OUT!

One of the biggest concerns that a Bride-to-be has on her wedding day is what her skin is going to look like. Brides and wedding parties will often spend quite a bit of time and money investing into Wedding Day Beauty services such has hair and makeup, but will then be disappointed by the appearance of their skin. There is a way to help...

Wedding day advice from our preferred Skin Care Specialist. Call today to talk to Jill.

Jill Schierholz | Owner of Skin Savvy

Aesthetician & skin care specialist.

Stress, weather, and other external forces will often dictate what our skin looks like but there are many things can be done leading up to your big day in terms of a skincare ritual that can help alleviate this from happening. I'll address the most common questions about wedding day skin care tips below. 

1. How long before a bride's wedding should she start a skin care regimen to improve tone and texture of her skin?

A consistent treatment and product regimen should be between 2-4 months prior to the wedding. For more mature skin, where there can be more concerns with uneven color, laxity, lines and wrinkles; 4 months is crucial. Acne problems can be stubborn and controlling, so it can take more time to get it under control- start earlier for better results. For someone with little concern, but looking to get a fabulous glow and texture improvement to the skin; 2 months can be enough. All the while for all people, using an AM and PM skincare routine to maximize and maintain is important to ensure the BEST results for the big day!

2. What is the difference between a facial and a peel? What type of results can you expect to see from each?

A facial is deep cleansing, mildly exfoliating, and hydrating. A chemical peel is regenerating, smoothing, pore minimizing, tone evening and can be antibacterial depending on which used. The two compliment each other so much, the best results can really be seen when done together.

3. For brides that are looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, what treatment would you recommend?

It can really depend on the skin color and skin type for this one. More olive skin types can get brown discoloration on spots of acne, which would then be treated best with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and/or a medium-depth chemical peel. For lighter skin types with red/pink scars, Derma-pen treatments would be the best. For "ice pick" or any scar that causes an indentation in the skin, Derma-pen would also be ideal.

4. For us "oily-skinned" gals, what products and treatments do you recommend to help reduce oiliness?

Being an "oily gal" myself, I've always tried to find the best combination to conquer the shine! For treatments - definitely peels. These help to shed the built up layers of dead skin and thickness that can lead to excess oil. The best are medium depth peels. (The Vitalize Peel or The Perfect Peel)

The best products to help exfoliate to maintain the results of the peels and flush out and shrink pores are professional strength Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy acids and the amazing Clarisonic Cleansing Brush with deep pore or acne brush head.

5. For the night before wedding prep; what can a bride do to ensure a radiant flawless glow?

The night before, exercise if possible to stimulate circulation, a hot bath with a mask suited for their specific skin type, drinking TONS of water to flush toxins and hydrate the skin from the inside out and of course plenty of sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase will prevent "sleep lines". All this along with topically applying a professional Retinol cream or Alpha Hydroxy cream along with an individually suited luxurious eye and lip cream will have the skin canvas perfect for a WarPaint International Makeup Artist to work their magic for impeccable skin!

Below are some examples of skin care procedure before and afters. Click them to expand and have a closer look at the results.

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I offer the "Perfect Derma Peel", which is a bride and mother-of-the-bride favorite. 

What ingredients are in Perfect Derma Peel?

Glutathione - an anti-aging ingredient and skin lightener.

Kojic Acid - skin lightener. (The combination of both these ingredients are unique to this peel)

Trichloroacetic Acid

Salicylic Acid

Phenol

Retin-A

Vitamin C

- The percentages are not noted as this is a proprietary blend, however this is proven to help with Melasma, Rosacea, Hyper-pigmentation, acne and some other skin problems.

Is it safe for all Fitzpatrick's (Skin type scale - 1-6, 1 = super pale white to 6 = dark black)?

Yes, the "Perfect Derma Peel" is safe for all skin types.

How long do you leave it on?

Six hours. Overnight if there is no discomfort for you. 

How long does the Perfect Derma Peel last?

Results with maintenance can last a long time. It can be done 3 - 4 times per year (4 - 6 weeks apart) and with the Perfect A it will elongate the effects. How long this procedure lasts depends on how well you care for your skin (i.e. staying out of the sun, tanning, etc).

What does a kit cost and what does it include?

Its $300 for a kit. It includes six customer take home kits with six peels in a kit and A moisturizer and Retin-A pads.

You can see them in action on WCCO | CBS Local

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