Harley Chow Photography - Hair & Makeup Tips

Hair & Makeup Tips

Try to hire one person that does both hair and makeup, if you have a large wedding party then its best to have a dedicated hair person and a dedicated makeup artist.

Only the bride needs a trial, but mind you that the more women in your bridal party getting makeup done, the cheaper the cost per person.
Take before and after photos of the makeup artists work.
If you have sensitive skin, we suggest that you do not go for a facial the week before your wedding.
Avoid substances that could give you oily skin, swelling and irritation. These include red meat, alcohol, caffeine, spicy or deep fried foods.
Get your nails done and make sure the groom's hands are also manicured. More than likely you'll be getting a picture that shows your hands and the wedding bands. People will be constantly asking to see your rings,
Find a makeup and hair person that will do a trial a few months before the wedding. It gives you time to work out any areas you are not happy with and makes the wedding day process much quicker.
Avoid using Retin A and Alpha Hydroxy creams prior to the wedding day. They may cause skin peeling, flaking and irritation that will show in photos
"Makeup Tip: Iridescent or pearlized lipsticks and glosses tend to make lips look thinner. Matte or low gloss lipsticks in shades that match your flowers create that polished look for your wedding day photographs."

Pre-Wedding Tips

Begin deep conditioning your hair regularly, Search for a hairstylist if you aren't using your regular one. Bring along pictures of hairstyles you like and your veil and headpiece, if you're going to use them on your wedding day
Visit a dermatologist to begin a skin-care regimen if you have any acne or scars you want to get rid of.
Begin to get facials regularly.
Make an appointment for a teeth cleaning for one to two weeks before the wedding day.
Consider having your eyebrows shaped professionally.
Get your teeth professionally whitened a couple of weeks before the wedding day.
Avoid the sun, or wear sunblock to prevent tan lines or redness
If you get last-minute breakouts, visit your dermatologist. He or she can give you an injection to reduce the swelling
Get a manicure and pedicure
Put your skin in gear. Exfoliate your skin with a body wash. Apply lots of moisturizer all over your body. Use only products that you're familiar with
Drink two extra glasses of water in the morning on your wedding day

Tips For Photographs

"If you have a large extended family that you would like photographed during formals make a short list so that no one is left out. Keep in mind, the shorter the list the better because that will give your photographer more time to photograph the most important couple."
"Try to limit the number of formal pictures. Instead of trying to get every formal grouping you can think of, let you photographer have enough time to take quality photographs instead of being concerned with quantity."
"Prepare a beautiful "Thank You" sign to hold during a formal portrait of the two of you. Use the photo to make personalized thank you cards to send to friends and family."
"Have your personal attendant available to gather groupings for the photo session. Things go quicker if there is someone (besides the photographer) in charge of being sure people are where they need to be when they need to be there"
"If you prefer a photojournalistic look, don't stop and pose each time you see a camera pointed your way, also let your friends and family know that you've hired a candid photographer so that they're not constantly asking him or her to take posed photos."
Consider hiring a makeup artist for the bride and brides maids and keeping her right up to the park, she can touch you up at any time and you will won't have to worry about looking oily or sweaty in photos.