About the make-up studios with online booking
At a make-up studio you are made up for a particular occasion, such as a wedding (as the bride or as a guest), an evening party, a photo shoot or a work event. Studios also teach, and in a one-to-one lesson you learn to recreate at home the look that suits you best, with your own products or the studio's. Everything happens at the studio, in good light with the kit to hand.
The most booked services are occasion make-up for wedding guests and bridal make-up, which nearly always comes with a trial a few weeks earlier to settle the look, photograph it and note the products. Lessons are usually booked with a clear goal, such as everyday make-up, an evening look or learning to work the skin properly.
These are the typical times. Occasion make-up, 45 minutes to an hour. An evening look with false lashes, an hour and a quarter. Bridal make-up, an hour and a half, and the trial about the same. A one-to-one lesson, an hour and a half to two hours.
Arrive with clean, moisturised skin, no make-up on, and wearing what you will wear or something in a similar colour. If you are allergic to any cosmetics or your skin is very reactive, add it to the booking. For a wedding, book the trial a month ahead and, for the day itself, work out the time you need to be ready, not the time of the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
What does a bridal make-up trial include?
An hour to an hour and a half to try the full look, photograph it in daylight and with flash, note the products and shades, and agree the time for the wedding day. If you are torn between two options, both are tried and you choose with the photos in front of you.
How far ahead of the wedding should I have the trial?
Three to six weeks before, with enough time to change something if needed, but with your skin and tan close to how they will be on the day. Do it after you have decided on the hairstyle and dress, and avoid new facial treatments in the week before.
Do I need to bring my own products to a make-up lesson?
Ideally yes, as you learn with what you will use at home. The studio supplies whatever you are missing and tells you what is worth buying and what is not. Bring a mirror too if you want to repeat the practice in front of the artist.
How long does party make-up last?
Ten to twelve hours when it is done with a primer and setting spray and you keep your hands off your face. Ask for the lipstick or the shade to touch up and carry blotting papers for the T-zone.
How should I arrive for my make-up appointment?
With clean, moisturised skin, no make-up at all and your brows already tidied (two days before is best). Exfoliate the day before, not the same day, and wear a top with a similar neckline or in the colour you will be wearing.
Do studios do make-up for photo shoots or corporate events?
Many do, and list it as occasion or event make-up. If you are unsure which to pick, book occasion make-up and write in the notes what it is for, and the artist adjusts the intensity for the camera or the event lighting.