I’ve done it all—been a witness and signed the wrong dotted line (oops), pinned veils, hiked up Spanx, fixed sarees, passed tissues, and brushed out curls to make the hair look bouncier. If you’ve been in enough bridal parties, you know the drill: the makeup artist packs up, and suddenly there’s this charged little moment. Everyone pulls out their makeup bags. Lip liners get sharpened. Someone adds more blush. Another sneaks in a little wing. It turns into a group touch-up session no one talked about, but everyone somehow knows is happening. I kind of live for it.

But I’ve also seen the flip side—bridesmaids quietly hating their hair, wiping off makeup they didn’t ask for, and redoing it in a panic. And I always wonder… why not just speak up? Why not tell the bride you’ll do your own makeup? Why not ask the MUA for a tweak instead of pretending you’re fine, only to redo it in the bathroom with one cotton pad, a travel mirror, and a prayer to the beauty gods?

Trust me, I’ve been there too. I once did my cousin’s wedding makeup, and let’s just say—it tested me. I was surrounded by cousins and their friends whispering, giggling, and adding a running commentary while I worked. My aunt hovered the entire time, asking, “You’re going to add more eyeliner, right? What about lashes?” Meanwhile, her own eye makeup—done by another MUA—had a mix of colours that, while bold, didn’t do her any favours. It only made her dark circles more noticeable.

And this is where I want to speak directly to the MUAs, the aspiring artists, the beauty lovers doing makeup with an audience: be confident in your work. That moment wore me out. It drained me. And it made me question everything—not because they were mean, but because I wasn’t solid in my confidence yet.

Here’s the twist: my cousin looked beautiful. Fresh. Like her. And after I left, another MUA came in, dialed up the liner, added lashes, and completely changed the look. Her eyes looked smaller. Less awake. It wasn’t bad—it just wasn’t her.

That was a long time ago. And I’m only sharing it because it happens to everyone. Every MUA has that moment—the one that shakes them a bit. Makes them reflect. Refocus. Maybe even refine how they want to work going forward.

If you’re the type who wants to do it yourself—this one’s for you. Budget, control, or just the ritual of it… whatever your reason, I get it. I’m not here to pit one choice against the other. I’m here to help you feel good in your skin, whatever way gets you there.

And if that means doing your own makeup—alone, in a quiet corner, with your playlist on and a few trusted products—you’re not weird or “brave” or cutting corners. You’re just someone who knows what they want. And honestly, there’s power in that.

But let me say this: I love makeup artists. I am one. And there’s real magic in sitting down and letting someone take care of you—especially on a day like your wedding. Some of the most stunning looks I’ve seen were done by other pros I deeply respect.

*Photo Credit: Pinterest. Audrey Hepburn photographed with her makeup artist, Alberto de Rossi on the set of The Nun's Story, 1959*

And if you are hiring a makeup artist, please—respect the process. An audience isn’t necessary. Choose to have an intimate moment with your artist. Trust them. Let them do their thing. They’re there for you—not your cousin with unsolicited opinions, or your aunt with running commentary.

Bridesmaids, same goes for you. If you’re getting your makeup done too, that moment is yours.

Let it be calm. Let it be cool. Let it be zennnn.

If You’re Doing It Yourself, You Can Still Work With an MUA

Seriously. If it’s in the budget—or even just for fun—consider booking a beauty shopping day with a makeup artist. A lot of artists offer one-on-one sessions to help with shade matching, editing your routine, giving you honest feedback—and steering you away from buying a foundation under department store lighting (aka the ninth circle of hell). A beauty shopping day with an MUA? Omgggg, sign me up. Twice.

Beauty Hunting

If working with an MUA isn’t in the cards, no stress—you’ve still got this. Grab your bestie, your cousin, your most honest friend, and hit the beauty counters together. Holts, Detox Market (if you’re into clean beauty), Drug Store, Sephora—wherever you feel most comfortable. Ask for samples of the foundations or skin tints you’ve been eyeing. Then take them home and play.

Test them in natural light. Take a flash selfie. Walk around the block, live yo' life, and see how it wears. Blend, layer, experiment. You’re not just shade-matching—you’re building your starting lineup.

Sometimes one shade won’t cut it, so don’t be afraid to ask for a second sample to mix. This part should be fun. Low stakes, high reward. Like a little treasure hunt, but make it dewy.

Foundation, Tints + Concealers Tip: You want something that makes your skin look like you, but rested. Like you drank water, got eight hours of sleep, and answered all your emails. You’ll know it when you find it. Don’t settle, friend.

Doesn’t matter if you're doing it yourself or letting someone else take the reins—the best look is the one that makes you feel at home in your skin, whether it’s full-on glam, natural, or bare-faced but glowing.

Next Up: I’ll be sharing my pre-wedding maintenance faves—think facials, medi-spa treatments, Botox (if that’s your thing), plus my favourite day-of skin prep and makeup products. I’ll also drop a few MUA contacts for those of you looking to book a pro.

And obvi, hair will get its own dedicated post… because let’s be real, hair deserves just as much love.

Chat soon!

Chronicles of the Bridesmaid (Who Also Happens to Be a Makeup Artist)

Base Notes