In my opinion, the best places to source inspiration photos are Instagram and Pinterest. Search through hashtags like #bridalbeauty and #bridalmakeup, #naturalmakeup #dramaticmakeup, etc, while keeping your own facial structure in mind. Be mindful of the colors you’re incorporating into your big day—bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, jewelry, etc. Wedding photography instagram accounts are also a great way to see how certain looks translate on camera.

—Or if you’re looking to keep it simple and you still have no idea what you want you can leave it up to me to help guide you.

The only thing I’d recommend bringing is definitely optional—but sometimes it’s fun to try on lip colors at your nearest beauty store to see what you’re drawn to. Its cute to have that lipstick as a reminder of your big day— save it for date nights as a Mrs. ;)

As far as makeup touch ups— My brides receive a kit with translucent powder, a powder puff, a sample of a lip color with applicator wands, as well as hydrating under eye gels for the next morning.

Try and get your trial booked sometime around the 3 month out mark.

Use this opportunity to wear your makeup all day and test the wear to double check its exactly how you want!

Keep in mind what season you’ll be having your wedding and coordinate your color scheme with the aesthetic.

Let your makeup artist know what color jewelry you’ll be wearing.

This is a great time to discuss the looks you want for the bridesmaids and family.

Focus on hydrating your skin as much as possible and exfoliating at least once weekly with a chemical exfoliant. I LOVE the Dennis Gross Peel Pads.

I definitely recommend tanning if your wedding is in the winter/fall season. Often wedding photography is bright and full of light so you want to make sure you don’t look washed out— especially wearing white!

Tanning beds are awful for your skin and not worth the damage-opt for a natural looking spray tan or even a self tanner. If self tanning remember practice makes perfect- exfoliating and hydrating dry patches beforehand make all the difference. Hydrate post rinse and make sure you apply with a good quality mit.