How to Prepare for Your Bridal Makeup Trial - Tips from a Kent Bridal Makeup Artist

Your bridal makeup trial is such an exciting part of your wedding planning journey. These bridal makeup trial tips will help you make the most of your session and feel confident in your look. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out your dream look, see how it wears throughout the day, and most importantly, make sure you feel completely comfortable and confident. I travel to your home for the trial across the South East and beyond via request, so you can relax in your own space while we create your perfect bridal look together.

Here are my top tips to get the most out of your trial!

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Bridal Makeup Trial

A makeup trial gives us the chance to find what works best for your skin, colours, and overall bridal look. We can try foundations, lashes, and finishes to ensure you feel confident, comfortable, and radiant, both in person and in photos.

You’ll also see how your makeup wears over a few hours, and we can make any tweaks needed so you feel at ease and stress-free on your wedding day. It’s also a lovely chance to relax, chat, and get excited about your big day.

When To Book Your Bridal Makeup Trial

I usually like to book trials 3–6 months before your wedding and schedule them on weekdays so I can keep weekends free for weddings. This gives us plenty of time to explore your ideas, try out different looks, and make any tweaks so your makeup feels just right.

Think of it as a relaxed, stress-free session where you can sit back, enjoy a little pampering, and get excited for your big day knowing your bridal look is exactly how you want it.

Bridal Makeup Trial Tips: Allow Enough Time (2–3 Hours)

Your bridal makeup trial usually lasts between 2–3 hours. This gives us plenty of time to discuss your ideas, perfect your look, and ensure everything feels just right. I recommend setting aside a relaxed morning or afternoon so there’s no rush, this is your special time to enjoy!

Combine Your Bridal Appointments

Sometimes it’s handy to book your makeup trial on the same day as your hair trial or dress fitting. This gives you a full picture of your wedding look and can make planning your big day much easier. I work with some amazing hairstylists, so if you need recommendations, I’m happy to help!

Wear a Top That Matches Your Dress Colour

For your trial, it’s really helpful to wear a top or robe in a colour close to your wedding dress. This helps me see how your makeup works with your dress and ensures everything looks harmonious in photos. Bonus: it keeps you comfy while we work!

Bridal Makeup Trial Tips: Skincare Prep Before Your Trial

Beautiful makeup always begins with healthy, well-prepped skin. If you haven’t already, I recommend starting a simple skincare routine as early as 6–12 months before your wedding day. This gives your skin plenty of time to respond, and the results will really show in how your makeup sits and lasts.

Closer to your trial, focus on keeping your skin hydrated and gently exfoliated, but avoid introducing new products at the last minute in case they cause irritation. On the morning of your trial, just cleanse as normal, I’ll use my own professional skincare products to prep your skin perfectly for makeup.

I’ve kept things simple here, but if you’d like a more detailed guide on how to get your skin glowing and ready for your big day, take a look at my full skincare prep blog.

Sensitive Skin or Allergies? No Worries!

If you have sensitive skin or any allergies, just let me know before your trial. That way I can be fully prepared and make sure everything feels comfortable on your skin. Your safety and comfort are my top priorities, and a little heads-up means your makeup will look flawless and feel amazing on your big day.

Bridal Makeup Inspiration: What to Bring

Have a few images ready of makeup looks you love, from Instagram, Pinterest, or bridal magazines. These help me understand your style.

It’s especially useful to include photos of yourself wearing a full face of makeup. This helps me see exactly how you like your makeup applied, whether that’s more natural, full coverage, or somewhere in between. Makeup is personal, and everyone sees it differently. What feels like a bold smokey eye to one person might feel natural to someone else.

The trial is also a chance to explore new ideas that might suit you even better! For more bridal makeup inspiration, check out my Instagram [insert link].

I also love a little glimpse of your dress! It’s the perfect excuse to sneak a peek and make sure your makeup matches your bridal style perfectly.

Setting Up for Your Bridal Trial at Home

Since I travel to you for your trial, it’s really helpful if we can set up in a bright space. Natural daylight is best for makeup, so if possible, choose a room with plenty of light or a spot near a big window.

If you can clear a little table or surface for my kit, that makes everything run smoothly and keeps things organised. It really does make a difference, and I’ll be so grateful!

Shall I Have a Lash Lift (LVL) for the Trial?

If your current lash style is an LVL (lash lift) but you’d love to try a fuller, fluttery individual lash look, it’s a good idea to hold off on the LVL for the trial. Individual lashes won’t sit properly over lifted lashes, so by waiting, I can apply natural individual lashes that suit your eye shape perfectly.

If after the trial you still prefer your LVL, that’s absolutely fine! You’ll have seen both options and know what feels best for you.

Keep Your Bridal Trial Look for You

While it’s tempting to show your fiancé your trial makeup, I recommend keeping it just for yourself (and me!). This allows you to focus on discovering the look that makes you feel amazing and confident, without outside opinions influencing your choices. Then, you can surprise your partner with the full look on your wedding day!

Bridal Party Trial - Optional

The makeup trial is all about you, so I usually focus on the bride alone. But if your bridesmaids, mother of the bride, or mother of the groom would like a trial, we can absolutely schedule it on a separate day. That way, everyone has their own time to try their makeup and feel confident, without taking attention away from your special trial.

Your Bridal Makeup Trial: Getting It Just Right

Your makeup trial is all about finding your perfect look for the big day. Sometimes it’s just right straight away, and sometimes it takes a few little tweaks, which is completely normal.

If there’s anything you’d like to change, please don’t be shy to tell me. Honest feedback is always welcome, and I’d much rather you ask for a tweak during the trial than have me leave wishing you had.

I also check in the day after to see how your makeup lasted and whether there’s anything you’d like to adjust, so you can feel confident and glowing on your wedding day. I take photos of your makeup in natural daylight and note down all the products and techniques I’ve used when I get home. This ensures that on your wedding day, we can recreate your perfect look exactly as you loved it during the trial.

And Finally…

Relax and enjoy your trial! Think of it as a little pampering session just for you. It’s a chance to see how your makeup will look on the big day and to get comfortable with your artist. Take your time, ask questions, and have fun, it’s one of the first moments where your wedding starts to feel really real.

Bridal Makeup Trial Checklist

• Book your trial 3–6 months before your wedding, on a weekday.

• Allow 2–3 hours for a relaxed session.

• Prep your skin: keep it hydrated, gently exfoliated, and follow your normal routine on the morning.

• Inform me of any allergies or sensitive skin.

• Provide inspiration photos (Instagram, Pinterest, magazines).

• Wear a top or robe similar in colour to your dress.

• Set up in a bright, naturally lit space with a clear surface for my kit.

• Give honest feedback during the trial.

• Enjoy the pampering!

• I’ll take photos in natural daylight and note all products/techniques for your wedding day.

Book your trial with me and let the pampering begin!

Becky x