A Happy Makeup Trial

“Ohhh”¦ I look nice!”

I still can’t believe it, but that was the first thing I said after seeing the results of my makeup trial. Why so shocked? Well, much like my feelings going into my hair trial, I woke up on Saturday feeling apprehensive and (honestly) not expecting too much. Ever since a particularly bad experience before a sorority formal, I’d been dreading having someone else do my makeup again (“dramatic” does NOT mean the same thing as “scary raccoon eyes”). I just figured no one else really understood this face of mine, and I would be doomed to make myself up (poorly) for our big day.

Well.

Laura Gorman made me eat my words, and blew my (tiny) expectations out of the water. Like, WOW. I booked her immediately. As in, I was still sitting in the chair when I whipped out my planner. I was impressed.

So here are the results! We strayed a little from my original inspiration photos, simply because we were worried I would look a little too bare in pictures. But I couldn’t be happier with the final product. Here’s the before and after:

Fresh from the gym

Full-on makeup face!

”¦and the same makeup, seven 7 hours later, after a Cubs game and a long day of drinking outside. Sparks wandered in (totally confused about what I was doing) and demanded to be part of the photo shoot:

We were very “happy” Even after a Cubs loss

Still lookin’ pretty good! Thumbs up!

I really love it! And I’m so excited to have Laura booked. I felt beautiful and confident all day”¦ EXACTLY how I want to feel at our wedding.

I was so happy with my experience, that I wanted to share few tips that really helped me find a stellar vendor and get ready for my trial:

1. Ask your photographers if they know any great makeup artists

Photographers, makeup artists, stylists”¦ I feel like they all know each other. I found Laura this way, and knowing my photogs had worked with her multiple times was reassuring. I knew I had a pro!

2. Go out in public after your trial

At first, I felt silly and a little uneasy in a look that was so different from my everyday routine. But the reaction I got from other people really put me over the moon. Make sure you take your new look for a test run.

3. Have someone snap your photo with a full flash, or outside

You’ll be able to tell right away if you need more blush, eyeliner, etc.

4. Jack yourself up a bit before the trial

You’re going to feel funny in full makeup if your hair is piled on top of your head and you’re wearing sweats. Think of it like trying on a wedding gown”¦ it will be much easier to imagine the full look if the rest of you is put together.

What do you guys think? What other tips would you give someone going into a trial or searching for a makeup artist?