Do I bother with a make-up artist?

Why dont u go to a make up counter at a department store and book in for a make over and write down all the products and see how long it lasts.

I had thought of that...but which counter do I choose? lol

I'd def recommend a really good MUA, honestly I cant tell you the difference they make to longevity - and your photos! This is just my opinion but i'd go off lots of personal recs, pick a really good professional, make-up counter girls CAN be good but i'd go for girl who runs her own business and has had lots of experience with weddings. If you tell us which area you're in then maybe we can all recommend someone?

If you have problems with make up lasting and acne I would go with a makeup artist. I am having this lady https://www.taniaclaire.com/bridal.html She says the foundation and eye make up stay all day but she gives you lipstick to top up with during the day.Everyone I've spoken to about make say that air bushed foundation is the best for lasting coverage.

Why dont you call a few make up artists to see what they say and go to a few different makeup counters for make overs and check out the different products.

I wasn't going to bother but then I thought I might actually want to look a bit different, and/or stress free on the day so booked someone. It's personal choice though, if you're confident then no worries. Try any of the larger department stores for a make over/trial session to see what's what.

I am having a MUA for the day but i went to Clinique counter in debenhams to buy my own foundation so the MUA can use that on the day. I know that it works well with my skin so I wont panic about looking too orange on the day. I don't know if i would want the stress on the day if it went wrong. I would definitely have a trial xx

I'm in Cornwall!

I don't know where I can get any personal recommendations from!

Also how do I know their make-up is going to last on me? Everyone is different! I've used the exact same make-up as my mum before and hers has stayed perfect where mine hasn't!

Trials seem to be around the £50/60 mark...which is a lot of money if I'm not happy with the outcome!

When I was a bridesmaid we had a MUA and that has convinced me that I will be getting one for our wedding. We had a trial which was a good job as after the trial I thought I looked like a drag queen!! (I don't usually wear a lot of makeup) Told her this and she toned it down a bit for the day and looking back at the photos you can really see the difference it made, and it lasted so well.

Hey xMissyLoux

I'm a bit like you - confident doing my make up (sometimes I need to apply my own make up for camera work), it looks spot on for a good few hours, then by the end of the day, it's a bit smudged under the eyes and my eye liner has left an imprint on my eye lids. So I decided to have a MUA for the big day and I have no regrets. I knew exactly what I wanted and my make up was fab AND it lasted all day...no smudges, no eye liner on the lids and I think I only needed to powder my face once in the evening (normally I can get a bit shiney).

Good luck with your decision x

I was going to do my own makeup and finally changed my mind and I was really glad I did. I still looked like me but a better me, no idea what they used unfortunately. As for make up that lasts I've tried several since my wedding day and been through clinque, MAC, benefit and all the other cheaper brands but I'm now sticking with Estee Lauder. The double wear make up really does last and last. You can go to them and see what they suggest and if you buy it and then hate it then refund no questions asked! if you don't think it matches your skin tone or it doesn't suit you then simply take it back!

Looks like I might have to sort myself out a MUA then, as general consensus seems that their make-up will last all day which is all I want at the end of the day!

Just knowing who to go with now! A trip to the make-up counters couldn't hurt first though I guess!

Please share any more of your suggestions/experiences!

I'm launching an agency for freelance make up artists (and hair dressers and beauticians) tomorrow. It makes such a difference to have your make up done by a pro. It really is worth investing. I know it seems like a lot to fork out but pro make up works especially well in photos and will definitely last the whole day. Check out my website www.thewonderwomen.co.uk Trial is £75, then £150 on the day. That's pretty cheap compared to many and my girls are the best!

Alternatively you could have a make up lesson and they'll tell you exactly what products to buy. Then you'll have a great kit for the future and you'll pick up some great tips.

I wouldn't go for a girl off a make up counter. The pro girls that work for me have some horrendous horror stories about make up counters!