Bridal hair and makeup artists need more than just talent to get by. That’s according to up-and-coming London-based hair and makeup artist, Tori Harris, who says that building a relationship is crucial to making a bride feel comfortable.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tori on a make-up masterclass and found out all her make-up secrets, you will not want to miss this!
5 Star Weddings: What makes a top make-up artist?
Tori Harris: Making it as a top makeup artist in the wedding industry involves far more than an ability to apply makeup. Of course, applying make-up, having an eye for colour and style are very important, but so is being able to relate well to people.
On the day of the wedding I effectively join a close group of friends and family as they prepare for an emotional, special and memorable day. I take responsibility for getting everyone ready in plenty of time while keeping unflinchingly calm and supportive without becoming intrusive. Personality is as important as the skills needed for makup artistry.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: How should a bride go about finding a reputable make-up artist?
Tori Harris: For many people the first port of call is friends and family who have recently married – if you saw their makeup and loved it, ask who did it! Alternatively search on google, look at wedding blogs and twitter or online wedding magazines to find names of artists. Visit their websites and take a look at the work of the artist – see who creates the type of look you want. Most will have testimonials on their website too so you can read what past clients had to say too.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: What make-up brands do you use, endorse and why?
Tori Harris: I have quite a selection in my kit. I don’t think there is any one brand out there that has the best product in every area – and I aim to give my clients the best – so I mix it up a lot. My current favourites are Bobbi Brown for skin, MAC for lipstick, Soap and Glory or Benefit for Blushers and Inglot for eye shadows. I also love Illamasqua.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: How do fashion trends translate over to bridal beauty and do you tend to keep bridal make-up natural or do you follow catwalk trends?
Tori Harris: I always keep up to date with different trends and while the wedding look tends to be more personal to the bride and less dictated by external trends, you do see certain things come through. For example full, defined brows are still really popular both on the catwalk and in bridal makeup.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: Should a bride ever consider doing her own wedding-day make-up and if so, what is your advice?
Tori Harris: There are situations where it might be the best option to do your own makeup – when you are unable to have a trial beforehand for example, or when you are marrying a considerable distance from home and so can’t arrange an artist for your wedding location. In such cases I recommend having a make-up lesson with a good make-up artist before the day – a professional artist will recommend products and colours to suit your features and keep your makeup fresh looking throughout the day. A good artist will also teach you techniques to make your makeup extra special for the day and ensure it is camera ready too.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: How much can brides expect to pay for a reputable make-up artist such as yourself?
Tori Harris: I have a £300 minimum spend for weekend weddings but this can include bridesmaids and/or mother and mother-in-law of the bride as well. Trials are charged separately. Don’t choose your artist solely based on the price as your makeup is an essential part of how you look not just on the day – but also in the photographs as well. An experienced, professional artist is worth their money.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: What should brides being doing in terms of skincare, supplements, nutrition in the months leading to their wedding?
Tori Harris: Eating healthily and drinking plenty of water helps to ensure your skin is in good condition. On top of this recommend a simple skin care routine where you moisturize first and last thing in the day and use a good cleanser every night. Try and limit how many products you use and adopt a routine you will stick to – the best thing you can do is to be consistent.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: What is you golden rule for perfect wedding day make-up?
Tori Harris: Waterproof as much as possible!
5 Star Weddings: How do you help brides decide on what beauty look to go for on their wedding day?
Tori Harris: I listen to my bride about what make-up she wears each day and how she wants her wedding make-up to build on this to create a special wedding day look. I may suggest different shades, tones or colours and additions that will compliment the dress and any theme to their wedding.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up5 Star Weddings: Any new make-up looks, trends or new techniques you want to share for 2015 brides?
Tori Harris:I’m loving things that are a little bit adventurous at the moment – a blue eyeliner as the ‘something blue’ or the bold splash of colour on the lips.
Tori Harris On Bridal Make-Up- If you are a bride-to-be and currently planning your own wedding day hair and make-up visit www.toriharris.co.uk for lots of inspiration, ideas and advice.
- Images courtesy of Gary Nunn Photography, Caroline Hancox Photography, Toni Pick Photography, Jade Sayers Photography.
