Have you pondered having your hair and makeup done for your wedding? Consider that on your wedding day, you will be photographed for the majority of the day, from getting ready to the final exit. Of course you will look fabulous, because you are marrying the love of your life and are adorned in a gorgeous gown and jewelry. I recommend professionaly done hair and makeup as one of the final steps in the beauty process for your wedding day. It will help you look even more stunning and feel more confident.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Nicole Wagner of Nicole Wagner Makeup. Nicole is one of Portland's premiere makeup artists. Her talent, passion for her work, and reputation are indisputable in the industry.
Read on to learn more about Nicole's work with brides throughout Oregon.
How did you get into the bridal hair and makeup industry?
Since childhood I have enjoyed art and drawing, sketching people and faces as a young girl. Around age 15, I started moving from paper to people, re-creating looks I saw in fashion magazines. Soon I was doing my friends and sisters makeup for dates, but I always thought of it as a hobby only. An ephipany came following the birth of my daughter; I wanted to work but also desired to stay home as much as I could with her. The idea of doing bridal makeup and hair sounded perfect, since I could work on the weekends and do something I always had a passion for.
What type of professional training do you have?
Once the idea of bridal makeup too hold, I enrolled in a bridal hair and makeup course at a local beauty college. From there, I started with a small portfolio as a freelance makeup artist. In the past five years, the growth has been tremendous, as happy brides refer me to their friends and family. This February, I will be traveling to Connecticut to work with the renowned makeup artist Naomi Martinez, who is going to teach me how to cut down the time I spend applying makeup. This will be beneficial to brides, who will spend less time in the makeup chair and more time enjoying their big day, without sacrificing the quality of the work.
What should brides consider as they start searching for a makeup or hair artist?
Make sure you see portfolios of real brides, not just fashion shots. In fashion photography, much can be manipulated with computers. You want to see how real brides look on their wedding day. Also, be sure to ask any makeup artist how many brides or weddings he or she does each year. I would not risk my wedding day look on someone who does not have adequate experience.
What happens at a trial run? Must a bride bring photos and have a firm idea of what she wants?
Before any makeup is applied, we have a discussion about the type of wedding the bride is having. I want to know about her gown and jewelry selections, the style and formality of the wedding, what time of day the ceremony is occurring, the wedding colors, and where photos are going to be taken (indoor v. outdoor). The answers to these questions will help both of us determine what types of colors and styles to utilize.
It is best if a bride has some ideas, but they need not be set in stone. It is helpful if she can bring pictures. After the session, my husband Steve of Stephen Wagner Photography will take a picture of the bride. This is extremely helpful because a professional camera will take a much better picture, and will capture how the bride will look on the actual wedding day.
How quickly does your calendar book up?
For summer brides, I am booking weddings between 9 and 12 months in advance. For spring weddings, about six months, and for winter, about two months. If you are thinking about getting hair and makeup done, it is best to email me as soon as you can.
Quick. Give me a tried and true make-up tip, something we should always do before leaving the house.
I would recommend trying the "Tight Line Technique" by Laura Mercier, which makes you look as though you have a thicker base of eyelashes. Starting from under the eyelashes, and using a tiny flat line brush with MAC's fluid line (Nicole uses MAC Cosmetics almost exclusively for her brides), gently cover the area at the base of the eyelashes with color (the same color as your mascara). If you do this before putting on mascara, your lashes will instantly look longer and thicker. Even if you are rushed, do the tight line technique with the little brush and coat your lashes with mascara, and you will be good to go.
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