Congratulations on your recent engagement! If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’ve just crossed the exciting threshold of planning your wedding and are ready to start on your Wedding Beauty Prep. As a Vancouver-based makeup and hair artist specializing in weddings and the founder of Faye Smith Agency, Canada’s top makeup and hair artist agency, I’ve worked with countless brides across the country. With over 16 years in the business, I’ve helped brides prepare for their big day, and I’m here to share my expertise on how you can start prepping your skin and hair, and what to look for when choosing the perfect makeup and hair artist for your wedding.
Step 1: Start Preparing Your Skin and Hair Early
One of the most important steps in Wedding Beauty Prep is achieving flawless wedding skin. Healthy, radiant skin and hair are the foundation for any bridal look. Here’s how you can get started months before the wedding:
Skin Prep
- Hydration is Key: Start drinking more water in the months leading up to your wedding. Hydrated skin will not only look glowing but also help your makeup last longer. Limiting your alcohol intake will help with hydration to.
- Skin Care Routine: Visit a dermatologist or facialist to develop a skincare routine that suits your skin type. Regular facials can help reduce stress and provide a natural glow. If you are local to Vancouver my go to skin girl is Stephanie from North Van Beauty. She is awesome and works magic on my skin!
- Exfoliate: Whenever I teach makeup lessons at my salon, Primp & Proper in Gastown Vancouver, I notice that A LOT of people don’t exfoliate. The reason is usually because they have sensitive skin. Exfoliating 1-3 times per week will remove dead skin cells and allows new skin cells to shine through. Using a gentle exfoliant is key. I have sensitive skin and I have tried so many face exfoliants. Glymed Plus Peptide Micro Scrub and Eminence Organics Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant are the best!
- Avoid Last-Minute Treatments: Don’t try new skincare treatments right before your wedding. Stick to what works and avoid anything that could cause irritation.
- Sunscreen: Never skip sunscreen! Protect your skin from UV rays to prevent premature aging or sunburn that might affect your makeup. These 5 steps are key for your Wedding Beauty Prep.
Hair Prep
- Healthy Hair Habits: Use a deep conditioning treatment regularly to keep your hair nourished. If you’re planning to grow your hair out for your wedding, give it time—6-12 months is ideal. I love this Gloss Hydrating Treatment mask from Design.Me. This Wedding Beauty Prep should be done well ahead of your hair trial.
- Regular Trims: Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to avoid split ends and keep your hair looking its best.
- Avoid Overstyling: In the months leading up to your wedding, avoid heat-styling tools as much as possible. Let your hair breathe and recover to be in its best condition.
- Consider Extensions: If you’re dreaming of fuller hair for your big day, talk to your stylist early on about the possibility of extensions. At Faye Smith Agency we offer clip-in hair extension rental for Brides who don’t wish to invest in a set to keep. At our salon, Primp Proper in Gastown Vancouver, we do offer clip-in hair extensions in our retail collection for those who prefer to have a set to keep and use for more events in the future.
Step 2: Finding the Right Makeup and Hair Artist
Choosing the right makeup and hair artist is a huge decision, and it’s something you’ll want to get right. As a busy bride-to-be, the last thing you need is to stress about beauty details on your wedding day. Here’s what you should look for in a makeup and hair artist:
- Experience and Specialization in Weddings: Ensure your artist specializes in weddings and has ample experience in bridal makeup and hair. Wedding-day beauty is about more than just applying makeup—it’s about creating a look that lasts all day and night while withstanding all the emotions and events.
- A Personal Connection: You’ll want to feel comfortable with your artist, as you’ll spend a significant amount of time with them on the big day and leading up to your wedding. Book a consultation to get to know them, discuss your vision, and ask questions about their process.
- Vetting and Reputation: Choose a makeup and hair artist who has a proven track record of success. At Faye Smith Agency, we only work with the best, ensuring our artists are handpicked and vetted by me personally. As an award-winning celebrity makeup artist since 2009, I ensure that each artist on our team maintains the highest standards of excellence.
- Portfolio and Reviews: Look at the artist’s portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision. Read reviews from past brides to understand their experience with the artist.
- Location, Location, Location: As a Vancouver-based agency, Faye Smith Agency serves brides across Canada, with our largest teams in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, as well as Toronto and the GTA area. Whether you’re local or planning a destination wedding, we’ve got you covered. We travel locally, long distance and remote.
- On-Call Concierge Service: At Faye Smith Agency, we pride ourselves on providing a seamless experience for our brides. Our 24/7 on-call concierge service ensures that your booking process and wedding day run smoothly, giving you one less thing to worry about. For me this service is key to an stress-free wedding experience.
Step 3: Your Bridal Beauty Journey with Faye Smith Agency
At Faye Smith Agency, we understand that your wedding day beauty is one of the most important aspects of your celebration. From flawless makeup to elegant hair, our team of expert artists is dedicated to bringing your vision to life.
With years of experience working with brides across Canada, we’ve perfected the art of making you feel beautiful, confident, and relaxed on your big day. Whether you’re planning a Vancouver wedding or celebrating in Toronto, our team is here for you.
Check out the Faye Smith Beauty YouTube Channel for tips, tutorials, and more to guide you through your bridal beauty journey. Our channel is packed with expert advice and behind-the-scenes glimpses to help you make informed decisions for your wedding day. Please remember to support the creation of our channel by subscribing, commenting, liking and sharing our videos.
Get in Touch and Book Your Wedding Day Beauty Team
Ready to book your beauty team? Contact Faye Smith Agency today to secure your makeup and hair artists. We can’t wait to be part of your wedding journey and help you look and feel your absolute best.
Faye & Team
