Q&A Beauty Look the best version of you with our expert advice THE DREAM TEAM When should I start thinking about booking my make-up artist, and do you have any tips for finding a perfect fit? Feeling amazing, confident and like yourself is super important, so start researching your make-up artist after booking your venue, photographer and have found the one. Instagram is excellent for stumbling across an MUA you like via photographers or venues who will have tagged the company in their posts. Alternatively, Google local companies and read reviews from other brides to discover their experiences with the team. I pride myself on having brilliant reviews, which I’m so grateful to my brides for leaving. Word of mouth is also a great way to find talented suppliers, so ask around! A make-up artist is a big part of the day; they’ll spend all morning with you. Find a supplier whose style you love after considering if you’re after a natural or more glam look. Create a mood board on Pinterest and Instagram to get a good idea of your favourite looks. The first encounter should be lovely and professional when enquiring with make-up artists. I always send a comprehensive welcome pack and personalised quote to my brides. After booking, I will arrange a trial with my clients and plan their morning schedule. Rebecca Chantrell | Rebecca Chantrell Makeup and Hair Stylist www.makeupbybecca.co.uk SMUDGE PROOF How can I ensure my hair looks its best for my big day? Listening to your hairstylist’s advice is the key to beautiful, long-lasting locks. All hair types and styles require different preparation to create the ultimate bridal look. Leading up to your big day, ensure you’re looking after your hair with regular trims, conditioning treatments and not too much exposure to harsh heat or bleach. You’ll need your hair to be in the best possible condition for styling – brittle and broken hair will cause styling issues. Wash your hair the night before or the morning of your wedding with two shampoos and one conditioner before rinsing thoroughly. Blow dry the hair smooth until completely bone dry, ready for your stylist. Clean hair is the best for styling! Whoever made up the myth that dirty hair holds better is a lazy liar. Your stylist can add texture and styling products to help your look last. Any moisture or oil in the hair makes styling much more complex, as moisture causes flat and limp hair that drops almost immediately. Ensure you’re realistic! If the inspiration picture chosen is of blonde style with oodles of hair like Elsa and you resemble Wednesday Adams more, it will most likely not turn out as you expected. Try to find inspirational images with similar hair colours to your own. Remember, your stylist can add clip-in extensions for length, thickness and longevity. Weather is a huge factor when deciding your chosen bridal style. Even if you have the best supplier in the world using the most expensive hair products and tools, they’ll still be unable to create loose, romantic curls that survive the rain. Go for an updo if in doubt, as you have more chance of the look staying in place. Don’t touch your hair once the look is complete! Tell the team if a piece is sticking out or the hair is not to your liking. Please do not touch, pull or move it yourself. The more you touch it, the likely it will move or fall out. Lucy O’Grady | Lucy Locks www.instagram.com/lucylocks_northampton www.gettyimages.co.uk 67 ASK THE EXPERTS
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