Look Your Best for Your Florida Wedding

Miami’s already the playground of the fit and fabulous, and makeup plays a big part in that role. For your South Florida wedding, hiring a personal makeup artist for just yourself or your bridesmaids too is a great idea -- should you not want to worry about your face on your big day. It’s an especially smart move if you’re the kind of girl who doesn’t know the difference between magenta and mauve. Also, Miami’s heat and humidity play havoc on faces, so a pro’s touch makes even more sense. You might want to give the Moms a complementary makeup session on your big day; they’ll be tickled pink.

Makeup artists are plentiful in Miami, and you’ll have plenty to choose from. Make sure the one you hire specializes in weddings, not just fashion shoots. Your makeup artist should be booked at least six weeks before your ceremony. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 for you, and up to $2,000 for your whole bridal party. When interviewing, get referrals from friends and relatives, and if you’re hiring one, the hairstylist. Makeup artists will want to do a trial run on your face, and it’s not a bad idea. This is the time to make sure the look you’re going for works with your hair and gown. For your “dress rehearsal,” wear your hair in the same fashion you will be wearing it for the wedding, and have photos of your dress.

When you’re ready to interview Miami makeup artists, visit the OurWeddingDay.com Miami Local Vendor section for a great list of top Southern Florida beauty experts and salons.

Hillary Bell, makeup artist at Hairdragon salon, in Miami, has been doing wedding makeup for five years, and thinks the heat and humidity are what sets Miami apart from other cities. She’s a huge believer in foundation primer, and will provide oil-absorbing sheets for the bride, so she can touch up her face throughout the day. “Outdoor, day weddings are the hardest,” says Hillary. “They often extend into night, so you have to work double-duty on the makeup.” Hillary spends approximately 45 minutes with each bridesmaid and about an hour with the bride. To maximum time, she’ll bring along another stylist if it’s a large party.

Hillary especially recommends hiring a makeup artist if you’re a girl without on-camera experience. “Your makeup might look beautiful in the mirror, but not in front of a camera,” she says. “It’s a whole different look.” If required, she’ll attend the wedding and reception, a popular option for brides who are changing outfits during the day.

Remember, the goal on your wedding day is to look like yourself, but better. Cameron Diaz’s makeup might look fantastic in the latest edition of “In Style,” but now’s not the time to try a drastic new look. He loves you just the way you are.