One of my most frequently asked questions as a photographer is “Do you really think I need to get my hair and makeup professionally done for *fill-in-the-blank photo session*” and my answer is always YES! As both a photographer and a person who has been photographed, I definitely see a difference between hair and makeup that has been done by a professional and hair and makeup that has been done on your own. Now, this isn’t to say that you aren’t beautiful and stunning all on your own, you totally are! But photos tend to bring out every teeny tiny little detail you never notice until it’s staring back at you on a computer screen. Hair and makeup artists are trained to make you look like your best version of you and that usually shows on camera. 

I send all of my brides a Kailee Matsumura Bridal Guide and today I’m going to give you a little peek into the hair and makeup section of that guide. And while this was definitely written for and targeted to brides, I think the tips apply to ALL photo shoots, if you’re able to make it work. Let’s dig in.

Reasons to invest in professional hair and makeup

• Keep your skin looking its best. You’re more than likely going to be wearing white on your wedding day, and a little bit of expertly applied blush and lipstick will do wonders for your skin while wearing white all day. A professional makeup artist knows how to add enough color to keep you from looking washed out, while also not applying so much color that you look “over the top.”
  
• Keep your makeup in place all day. Have you ever done your makeup in the morning and looked in the mirror a few hours later and wondered where your lipstick/blush/mascara went? I know I have! Makeup artists know how to apply your makeup and have it stay put, no matter how much you kiss, eat, drink, or laugh on your wedding day.
  
• Keep your bone structure looking 100%. When you have GREAT wedding makeup, you look and feel your best. And when you FEEL great, your face will reflect that in photos. A trained makeup artist will know how to draw out your best features and make you feel incredible.
  
• Keep one more thing off your to-do list. You have enough to worry about on your big day. Why add taking care of your hair and makeup to the list? If you have the funds, investing in a professional hair and makeup artist will be the best gift you give yourself on your wedding day.

I have been lucky enough to meet and work with so many talented hair and makeup artists in Utah. Here are a few of my favorites:

Marisa Rose

Maria Hannifin

Sarah Michelle Artistry

Janelle Ingram

I Phill Pretty

Laura Loves Hair

Lesley Lind

Finally, my biggest tip for getting your hair and makeup done for your wedding is to book trials. Get your makeup done before going to your hair trial so you can see the whole look together. You deserve to look and feel your best every time you get professional photos done, and the investment will be well worth it!