Destination wedding

April 8, 2023

Destination weddings have become increasingly popular, with 1 in 4 couples considering them. As a makeup artist who has traveled for work, I have heard the question of whether to use a local makeup artist or a fly-in makeup artist from where the bride is from. Here are some tips and food for thought when it comes to choosing a makeup artist for your destination wedding.

Local Makeup Artist:

There are many options for local makeup artists, which can be cost-efficient and convenient. However, it is important to do a trial with them beforehand to ensure they understand your style, and features, and communicate well.

Pros of using a local makeup artist include their familiarity with the area and cost-efficiency. Cons include the possibility of a hit or miss if you have not done a trial before, language barriers if it is an international wedding and the potential for scams.

International Destination Makeup Artist or Travel from Home Country:

Many brides choose to use a makeup artist who can travel for various reasons, such as trusting in their makeup artist’s skill. While it may be a higher budget, there are many pros to flying a makeup artist overseas, such as the ability to do a trial locally and build trust and relationships with the artist. Additionally, destination wedding makeup artists or traveling makeup artists know how to pack efficiently, so you do not have to worry about them not being prepared.

Pros of using an international destination makeup artist or traveling from the home country include getting to know the makeup artist beforehand, the ability to do a trial locally, speaking the same language for easy communication, and not having to worry about the quality of work.

Cons include a higher budget and potentially not knowing how to get around in certain areas needed to communicate with the bride more than a local.

Pro Tips for Destination Wedding Makeup:

If you are having a destination wedding and cannot decide whether to bring a makeup artist with you, here are some pro tips to ensure you have the perfect look for your big day:

Book a makeup artist 12 to 18 months in advance to ensure their availability and spare their travel day and travel time as well.

Bring your own makeup kit and skincare, including the right color of foundation, touch-up lipstick, and sunscreen. Bring makeup spray for hydration or makeup setting spray depending on the weather.

Make sure your local makeup artist can do your makeup properly, understands your features, your skin type, and has a plan for your makeup day.

If you cannot do a trial with a local makeup artist, have a solid plan on how to do your makeup. Hire a makeup artist who you like and who is an expert in your skin tone and features. Ask them to plan out your makeup look from selecting products to executing it.

If you have the budget to fly in a makeup artist, do it. You will feel more at ease and not worry about how you look on your wedding day. Make sure you spare a budget for travel fees, and travel expenses, and do a trial with them in advance. In conclusion, choosing a makeup artist for your destination wedding can be daunting, but with the right tips and preparation, you can have a flawless look on your big day. Whether you choose a local makeup artist or an international destination makeup artist, ensure they understand your style, communicate well, and have a plan for your makeup day. Bring your own makeup kit and skincare, and if you have the budget, fly in a makeup artist who understands your features and style.