Tips and Questions to Ask at Your Wedding Makeup Trial

Your makeup trial is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning—it’s the moment your bridal look really starts to come together.

But it’s also a super important step if you want to walk down the aisle feeling confident, comfortable, and like yourself.

I remember being so nervous for my trial because I didn’t know what to expect or what to ask. I thought I had to just sit in the chair, cross my fingers, and hope for the best. Spoiler: you don’t!

Tips and Questions to Ask at Your Wedding Makeup Trial

If you want to love your wedding makeup, this post is for you. I’m sharing everything I learned from my own trial—what to bring, what to ask, what to speak up about—and the exact questions to ask your makeup artist so you leave the appointment feeling excited, not anxious.

Here’s how to make the most of your makeup trial and get the bridal glam you’ve been dreaming of.

1. Book Your Trial 1–3 Months Before Your Wedding

This gives your skin time to adjust if you want to tweak your skincare routine and ensures your artist has a solid idea of what your skin will be like close to the big day.

I booked mine two months out and was glad I had time to experiment a little more with skincare after seeing how my makeup sat.

2. Bring Inspo Photos—But Be Realistic

Pinterest is a goldmine, but make sure the photos you bring reflect your features. It’s okay to show a glam celebrity look, but if you’re fair-skinned with hooded eyes and the photo is of someone bronzed with almond-shaped lids, your artist might need to adapt it.

I brought five pictures and explained what I liked in each one: “I love how glowy her skin looks here,” or “I like how soft the liner is in this one.” The more specific you are, the better your artist can match your vibe.

3. Wear White or a Similar Neckline

This helps you get a feel for how the makeup looks with your dress. I wore a white blouse with a square neckline (similar to my dress), and it made a big difference in how I viewed the overall look.

4. Go With Your Wedding Day Timeline in Mind

If your ceremony is at 3 PM and you’re doing photos beforehand, your makeup might need to hold up for 8+ hours. Mention your timeline during the trial so your artist can choose the right products and techniques to make your look last.

5. Take Photos in Natural Light

Ask your artist to move near a window and take a few photos in different lighting—indoor, outdoor, flash. Wedding days are full of photos, and your makeup should look great in all of them. I realized during my trial that my concealer looked fine indoors but way too bright in flash photos, and we adjusted it right then.

6. Plan Something After to Test Longevity

Go out to dinner, run errands, or just wear it for the rest of the day.

See how it wears, especially around your nose, chin, and eyes.

Did anything separate, get oily, or feel too heavy? These notes are so helpful for tweaks on the actual day.

7. Bring Your Own Lipstick (or Ask for a Recommendation)

You’ll probably need to reapply throughout the day, so either ask your artist what lip they’re using so you can buy your own, or bring one you already love and are comfortable in.

I used my favorite Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in “Pillow Talk” and asked them to base the rest of the look around it.

8. Be Honest—But Kind

This is your face, your day. If something feels off, say something. I once asked for less highlighter on the cheeks and slightly more liner in the outer corner, and my artist was totally fine with it.

Don’t leave the trial thinking, “I wish I had said something.” This is the whole point of a trial!

9. Tell Your Artist About Your Skin Type and Allergies

Let them know if you’re dry, oily, acne-prone, or have sensitivities.

You don’t want to find out the hard way that a foundation clogs your pores or a setting spray gives you a rash.

I also let my artist know my skin gets red easily, and she used calming products to keep it even all day.

10. Ask If They’ll Stay for Touch-Ups or Send a Kit

Some artists offer touch-up services for after your ceremony or before photos. If not, ask what you should keep with you (blotting sheets? pressed powder? lipstick?) for the day.

Mine gave me a little touch-up kit with a sample of my lip color, blotting papers, and a mini puff for my T-zone.

Questions to Ask at Your Makeup Trial:

1. Can we build the look gradually?
   This gives you room to tweak without going too glam too fast.
2. What kind of foundation do you recommend for my skin type?
   You want something that won’t slide off, cake up, or settle into fine lines.
3. What lashes would work best with my eye shape?
   Lashes make a big difference! Your artist can suggest a style that opens your eyes without overpowering them.
4. How will you make sure the makeup lasts all day?
   Look for primers, setting powders, setting sprays, and waterproof products.
5. How will the makeup look in photos vs. in person?
   What looks natural in person can sometimes look washed out in photos—and vice versa.
6. What do you recommend for touch-ups?
   Ask what you’ll need and if they can give you a mini kit or product list.
7. Can we customize the lip/eye look?
   Maybe you want a bold lip for the reception or a softer eye for the ceremony. Let them know your preferences.
8. Are there any skincare steps I should take before the big day?
   They might recommend hydrating masks, gentle exfoliation, or avoiding new products the week before.
9. How long will makeup take on the wedding day?
   This helps you build your timeline. Also, ask how long they’ll need for bridesmaids or family members if applicable.
10. Do you offer a contract or backup plan if you can’t make it?
    It’s rare, but worth asking. Life happens—make sure you’re covered.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding makeup trial is more than just a test run—it’s your chance to connect with your artist, experiment with your look, and make sure you feel amazing on one of the most photographed days of your life.

Go in prepared, don’t be afraid to speak up, and remember: the best bridal makeup doesn’t change who you are—it enhances what’s already beautiful.

This blog post is all about what to ask and how to prepare for your wedding makeup trial!