If you are looking for an Essex wedding makeup artist and aren’t sure where to start or what to look out for, then this blog is for you. Below I chat with Essex wedding MUA Leanne Perilly about her typical working day, how to prepare for your wedding makeup session and why a wedding makeup trial is so important.
Keep reading to find out more about Leanne and to learn some top tips for choosing your Essex wedding makeup artist.
I have been a Wedding Makeup Artist in Essex for the last 19 years, I can’t believe it’s been that long! The time has gone very quickly. I’m also a Mum to 2 grown up boys so I have run my business whilst bringing them up full time.
My favourite part of what I do is making people feel great, when they can’t stop smiling, it’s so rewarding to have that effect on people.
My experience is that many people worry that they won’t look like themselves on their wedding day; that the make up will make them look too different from their normal look and they feel uncomfortable with that. I reassure people that my style of make up is to enhance and reveal their best features; they still look 100% like themselves and feel more confident.
On a Wedding day I’m normally up early, 5 or 6am (I have already prepped my kit the night before, so it’s ready to go).
I allow lots of time to get to the wedding venue or Bride’s home and arrive early to set up and be ready for the morning so that it’s relaxed.
I schedule and coordinate my time with the hairstylist so that everyone knows what time they’re having make up done.
I like to do the Bride’s make up midway through the morning (not first or last) to allow her plenty of time to get dressed afterwards.
I do finishing touches like lipstick application, setting spray and any minor adjustments at least one hour before the Bride and her party are due to leave for the ceremony.
I help with dressing and putting on jewellery if anyone requires assistance and to dry off the bouquets as the florist delivers them in water to stay fresh.
If the Photographer and Videographer need me to assist with any make up shots of the Bride, I ensure they have all the images they need.
I check that everyone feels perfect and ready for the day.
It’s the best moment to see everyone ready in their dresses/outfits, with hair and make up complete and so rewarding to see all the plans come together for amazing effect!
When everyone is ready, I leave approx. 15-30 minutes before departure time to allow the Bridal party to have a few moments to themselves, a glass of champagne and a few minutes to settle themselves before leaving for the ceremony.
I would say the make up has huge impact on how someone feels on their wedding day, it makes feel special and confident, that they feel the very best version of themselves. It’s vital the makeup looks perfect in their professional photos as well as real life so that they love and enjoy looking at them for years to come.
I would definitely meet or chat with potential MUA’s before booking; do you feel comfortable with them and you think they will be a relaxed and calming prescence on your wedding morning?
Do you like their work in photos and videos? Does the style resonate with you and your natural style and personality.
Do they listen to your needs about how you want to look and feel on your day, do they ask the right questions.
Do they cater for specialist needs like skincare, giving advice or product recommendations.
Do they use Cruelty free, Vegan, Clean product if that is your preference.
What do their previous clients say about them; look at reviews.
Do they make the booking process easy, are they easily contactable and approachable.
The most important reason Pre Wedding trials are so vital is to try out styles / looks that may be new to you
There isn’t time on a wedding morning to make major changes (or it could be negatively impactful if it’s not how you want to look and feel) on the actual day.
It’s the time for testing of compatibility of the products with your skin; does it have the desired effect and does it stay on the duration of your ceremony and celebrations; it’s probably the most important and long lasting make up you’ll ever wear!
I ask you to keep the make up on for as long as possible after your trial to test it to its fullest.
I like you to take lots of photos of yourself during the rest of your day and to feedback on the durability, wearability and if you have a preference to make any changes to the style or finish of the make up. This is where detail is vital and I encourage all my brides to be specific and very detailed about their feedback to ensure the best possible result for the wedding day, even if it’s making the tiniest tweak. It’s never silly or unimportant. I always take photos of my own and detailed notes so that I can reflect back on these to make the required adjustments.
Speak to your MUA about your skin and get specialist help if you have specific concerns. The earlier you initiate this process, the more time there is to ensure your skin is in the best possible condition for your wedding day and your make up will look even more amazing!
Treat your skin with extra TLC, have regular facials or apply masks relevant to your skin type at home on a regular basis.
Cleanse thoroughly and moisturise twice a day, exfoliate your skin with either a granular or liquid exfoliator twice a week (but not any more than that otherwise the PH levels can be affected) to help with skin cell turnover.
Don’t try any new products in the 4 weeks leading up to your day in case of any reactions / sensitivities.
If you are considering having any temporary treatments such as fake / gradual tanning, eyebrow or lash extensions, make sure you test these out well in advance of your day too.
Drinking plenty of water, eating healthy foods and drinking less alcohol and coffee will help to ensure your skin is healthier, glowing and you feel your best for your day. It’s the usual advice we hear all the time, but it really works!
I recommend to couples to research suppliers and listen to your gut instinct if something feels right or wrong.
Plan your wedding YOUR way, don’t be swayed by others’ opinions of what they think you should do or how everyone else is having their day.
Your wedding day should reflect your personalities and be a celebration of your union, and each couple is different; do what feels right for you.
It’s important you feel as comfortable on your day as possible because then you will relax and enjoy yourself to the fullest with the special people in your life!
Wishing you well with your Wedding planning!
If you love what you have read and would like to find out more about Leanne you can visit https://leanneperilly.co.uk
All images taken by Ross Willsher Photography
5 Moulsham Barn, Waterson Vale, Chelmsford, CM2 9QE