How to get the best from your Preview/Trial

We always get asked this question from our brides, so we thought we’d put together an article to help you know what to do, what to bring, and how to get the most out of your wedding makeup preview.

When do I book in my Preview?

Ideally you would get booked in 2-3 months before the wedding, so you are in the same season, but this is not always easy to do. Most makeup and hairstylists are too busy to do your preview in the height of the season, so prefer you to book it out of season, between November to February.

As soon as you have booked chat to your artist and choose the best time that suits both of you.

 Should you wear makeup to your preview?

If you normally wear makeup, it really helps us to see what you’re used to day-to-day.  

It may take a little longer to remove before we start, and if you have very sensitive skin you’re welcome to bring your own cleanser or moisturiser, but seeing your usual level of coverage is incredibly helpful.  

For example, if a bride arrives wearing a full-coverage foundation, we know she won’t feel comfortable in a sheer base. Likewise, if you usually keep things light and natural, we won’t reach straight for the heaviest glam.

What photos should you bring?

Photos are one of the best ways for us to understand your style and the overall look of your wedding.

We recommend creating a dedicated wedding album on your phone so everything is easy to find (and safely hidden from your partner!). Bring:

- Your wedding dress  

- Bridesmaids’ dresses  

- Flowers and your colour palette  

- Hairstyle ideas  

- Makeup inspiration  

- Any accessories, jewellery or headpieces  

It’s often hard to describe things you haven’t seen for months — so pictures make

everything so much easier.

Should you show your fiancé the makeup?

This one is completely personal.

Some brides like to show their partner to check they’re happy with the amount of makeup. Others want to keep it a total surprise for the day. Both are absolutely fine.

Most brides do keep the makeup on after the preview to see how it lasts — or simply because they’re going out and don’t want to waste a good glam!

What if you change your mind afterwards?

This is totally fine.

Sometimes you don’t know if something works until you see it on your face. We often have brides who come in with a set idea, only to realise another style suits them better once we try it.

Your wedding look needs to work in daylight and evening light, look beautiful on camera, and still feel timeless in ten years’ time. Instagram makeup can look amazing online but quite harsh in real life, so we’ll guide you toward looks that suit both you and the setting.

Do you need to buy anything for touch-ups?

After your preview, we’ll write down the lipstick and gloss shade we used so you can purchase them if you’d like them for top-ups.  

If you have combination or oily skin, we recommend carrying a small powder to minimise shine.  

And if we use eyeliner on your waterline, it’s helpful to have one for a quick refresh later in the day.

With some of our packages though you will receive a little touch up kit, to keep you looking good throughout the day.

How long does a makeup preview take?

Our previews usually take 1.5–2 hours — plenty of time to chat, try ideas and make sure you feel totally confident.