Hiring a Professional Makeup Artist

If the idea of putting on eyeliner makes your hand shake, you may want to hire a pro to do your makeup. Here's how.

If you're not much of a makeup person -- and even if you are -- you should think about hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day. A pro can give you picture-appropriate makeup that stays put. Here are some tips for seeking out someone to help you look big-day beautiful.

Finding One

• Ask your friends. Nothing beats word of mouth when it comes to finding true talent, especially in the world of weddings. Get recommendations from your friends especially those who has just recently got married. If you like her look on her wedding day, you should try to contact her makeup artist.
  
• Check out department stores. Talk to beauty consultants at cosmetics counters and pay attention to how their own makeup looks; let the ones you feel comfortable with give you a makeover (it's free!). Explain that you're shopping for your wedding-day face, and if you're happy with the results, ask if they make house calls or if they'll schedule time for you to come to the store the day of your wedding.
• Search from the net to get names of makeup artists in your area. Or make a list of beauty salons and call around to see if they offer makeup services.
• Ask your photographer. Most photographers have worked with makeup artists and can recommend some good ones.
• Be sure to check out their portfolios and their past credentials. Those with wider experiences are definitely far better than those newcomers in the market (as they tend to take you as a guinea pig while gaining experience).
  

Working With One

• Insist on a trial makeup. Keep in mind that your wedding is not the time to start experimenting. Trial makeups allow you to first test out the makeup artist, second to discuss the idea of look you want for your wedding. The makeup artist may even suggest a few other ideas (from his/her professional perspective) that you may want to try out too.
• Arrange to go for the trial makeup with a girlfriend of yours, so that she can give you an honest opinion.
  
• Collect pictures from magazines to show the makeup artist so he or she can get an idea of the look you're going for.
  
• Schedule trial runs before your prewedding parties or other special events (friends' weddings, class reunions, etc.). Some makeup artists do charge you for these practice sessions -- so find a crowd to wow!
• Take a close look at yourself a few hours after a trial makeover to check how the makeup wears on your skin. Does it last or fade away? Note any color changes or allergic reactions. Report to him/her the next day itself so that the makeup artist will have some time to find solution to your problems.
  
• Find out if the makeup artists charge a higher fee to come to your home. See if they also expect you to pay their travel expenses. Check out other hidden expenses too (don't be shy to ask the makeup artist).
  
• Finally, plan with the makeup artist on the program for your wedding day.
  

Tips : After each makeover, have someone take your picture. What looks great in the mirror doesn't always look right on film, and vice-versa. The photographs will also help you remember what you liked -- and didn't like -- about each application.