I REMEMBER WHEN MURTAZA AND I WERE GETTING MARRIED, I WAS SUPER NERVOUS ABOUT HOW MY HMUA (HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST) WOULD DO MY MAKEUP. I WAS FLYING TO CALIFORNIA A FEW DAYS BEFORE OUR WEDDING AND HAD NO TIME TO MEET UP WITH MY MAKEUP ARTIST FOR A TRIAL. WE GOT MARRIED DURING THANKSGIVING BREAK AND I HAD FINALS IN 2 WEEKS! LET’S JUST SAY, WE GOT MARRIED AND I LEFT. DON’T WORRY I DID COME BACK THOUGH, HAHA!
Shanji Dana Raihan
If you’ve hired a makeup artist and photographer for your wedding, than this blog is for you. Makeup and photography go hand-in-hand. From our personal experience, a good makeup artist knows what products work with camera lighting and what don’t. Certain products can actually cause your skin to look very unnatural when hit with a flash. A good makeup artist knows how to help prepare their client to shine their absolute best for not only themselves but also the camera.
Makeup is a very bespoke service. Depending on your culture, your skin color, your skin type, wedding clothes, personal preferences and much more— all of these things will heavily influence the type of look you want for your wedding. For my wedding, I hired Shanji Dana Raihan, a HMUA in the SoCal area. I was slightly nervous how she would do my makeup since a trial had not been possible. However, Shanji did a fabulous job. I still rave about her every chance I get. She went above and beyond, exceeded my expectations and made me feel comfortable and confident on my wedding day.
A positive experience turned to a collaboration. Hence, we decided to reach out to the mastermind behind SD Artistry Pro— Shanji Dana Raihan. A bespoke bridal service provider in the SoCal area. Shanji has been an artist in the wedding industry for over a decade.
Here are some of Shanji’s top tips that every bride or groom should know when it comes to hair and makeup:
1. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP MAKEUP TIPS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD KNOW?
1. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP MAKEUP TIPS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD KNOW?I get a range of brides, some use makeup regularly while some never used foundation. It is very important to have a consultation with your artist to make sure your artist understands your vision. Also look at the artist’s portfolio. Each artist has their unique flare. If you plan on doing a trial, make sure you wear the bridal outfit and try it with on. Bridal makeup is slightly heavier so it looks off if you are wearing jeans and T-shirt during your trial.
Find a quiet place to get ready. Some brides imagine being able to chit chat while getting ready. This is not ideal because if your face moves while application, the finish will not be picture perfect. I compare this with an artist trying to paint on a canvas that is constantly shifting on the easel. Also, there is nothing more fun than surprising your girlfriends and family with your final look and capture their emotional reactions on camera.
2. WHAT IS THE ONE MISTAKE YOU OFTEN SEE BRIDES MAKE THAT CAUSES A HURDLE FOR SMOOTH MAKEUP APPLICATION?
6 months prior to wedding all brides should spend some money and time in perfecting the skin. Get waxing and threading done 10 days before to avoid skin flare ups on wedding day. Drinking fluids and taking vitamins should be part of the regimen also. A good base is essential for makeup application. Consult a dermatologist if you have skin issues that cannot be fixed with over the counter product. Try micro needling for uneven texture, peels for discoloration and microdermabrasion for keeping off dead skins every 2 months. Use a gel base moisturizer like Tatcha if skin is oily and a good moisturizer like La Mer if skin is dry. Makeup artists cannot hide imperfection so it’s good to have realistic expectations. Let your artist know if you have sensitive or acne prone skin or skin allergies so he/she can pick the right product for you.
3. WHAT ARE SOME PRODUCTS YOU RECOMMEND EVERY BRIDE SHOULD INCORPORATE BEFORE THEIR WEDDING DAY?
Brides that just need skin maintenance, I would highly recommend Drunk Elephants’s baby facial. This is the only over the counter derm quality facial. I would also recommend trying to grow out hair as much as possible. Take vitamin E and do a oil mask every month. Oil mask is just coconut oil like our grandmas have used. A sewing kit on the day of the wedding because I cannot tell you how many family members look for last minute button sewing, pins etc. Neosporin, eye drop for heavy earrings and to refresh the eyes before makeup application.
Buy comfortable under garments to wear with your wedding outfit and keep the fancy ones to change into later.
4. AS A MAKEUP ARTIST, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED BEFOREHAND?
Prioritize what is important. Do you want to look yourself and go with soft glam or do you want to look like a magazine bride? Makeup done for pictures is always done heavy handed. If you don’t like full coverage makeup be sure to be vocal. Always, always check your artist’s prior work but don’t fall for the smooth base. Most pictures are blurred by light and hide imperfections. So, have realistic expectations. Discuss small details like how heavy you want your lashes to be, lipstick color, and brows. These few things make a world of difference in makeup. A good artist will listen to you, study your features and have a game plan after a consultation.
5. IN TERMS OF HAIR, WHAT KIND OF LOOK SHOULD BRIDES GO FOR?
For wedding usually brides opt for updos, for pre-wedding a braid or loose side curls and for Valima/reception, a side modern updo is most common. Open hair tends to go flat so keep that in mind if the outside climate is humid, no matter the strength of hairspray. Invest in good human hair extensions from Bombay hair or Bellami if you don’t have the length or the volume and especially if you want a down hair do. Hair down style requires a lot of volume. Regular hair volume isn’t enough to make it seem bridal.
6. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH EVERY BRIDE DID BEFORE THEIR WEDDING DAY?
Check your jewelry at the store when buying. Make sure the chain of your hair jewelry is long enough. They can add a new chain if needed. Check if earrings fit. Get a clasp on necklace to avoid having to wear if before makeup. Also for outfit try to get the tailor to put a zipper. Some of the heavy bridal outfits have to pass through the head. The bride than has to uncomfortably wear the outfit during makeup and hair.
Thank you Shanji for your time and valuable insight. I know our readers will highly appreciate this information. When you’re getting married, there’s 5 billion things you need to keep in mind and having a reliable wedding team that is involved and helps you before and after, really makes all the difference.
As photographers, we understand the vital role we play alongside your other wedding vendors in shaping your wedding day. Other vendors won’t be spending as much time with you as your photographer will. It is so important to hire a team that you trust and feel comfortable with. At MKEshoots Photography, we strive to embody this. We know how to make sure your makeup and whole wedding ensemble looks pristine for the camera. Looking for a wedding photographer? Contact us at www.mkeshoots.com/contactmke.
Interested in Shanji’s work? Check her out here and oh, she also has her own line of custom mink lashes— you don’t want to miss out!
What are some of your top concerns when it comes to makeup and photography for your wedding? Let us know in the comments down below!
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