Why a Trial Matters: What We’ll Do at Your Bridal Makeup Run-Through

Let’s be real, planning a wedding is… a lot. Between the venue hunt, the guest list negotiations, and figuring out how on earth one day can cost this much, your to-do list is probably a mile long. And somewhere on that list, wedged between ‘chase RSVPs’ and ‘finalise floral arrangements’, is your makeup trial.

For some brides, it feels like just another appointment. For others, it’s a source of major pre-wedding anxiety. What if I don’t like the look? What if she doesn’t get my vibe? How do I even explain what I want? Deep breaths. I get it. To me, a trial is one of the most important parts of your entire bridal beauty experience. It’s our dress rehearsal and vibe check session all rolled into one.

That’s why at JAG Studio, a trial isn't just an optional extra. It’s a non-negotiable part of your bridal booking. It’s bundled right into your quote because I believe it’s that essential to ensuring you walk down the aisle feeling like the most confident, stunning version of yourself.

More Than Makeup: Why I Insist on a Trial

You might be wondering why I make it mandatory. The simple answer? I care. A lot. Most of the time, I haven't met a bride before she books. And while my Instagram page gives you a great feel for my style (soft glam is my thing!), a trial is the only way to truly confirm that we’re the perfect match.

This session is our chance to connect. We’ll get to know each other, and the more I learn about you, your personality, and your wedding day vision, the more insight I have into the look that will make you feel incredible. It’s about building trust. On one of the most memorable days of your life, you don’t want a complete stranger touching your face. You want a familiar, calming presence. My goal is to walk in on your wedding morning feeling less like ‘the makeup artist’ and more like a friend who just happens to be a pro with a brush.

So, What Actually Happens at a Bridal Makeup Trial?

Good question. The words ‘makeup trial’ can feel a bit clinical, but I promise you, it’s a relaxed and collaborative process. Think of it as a pamper session with a purpose. Here’s a little peek behind the curtain at what our run-through will look like.

First, The Vibe Check (and Inspo Deep Dive)

We start with a chat. This isn’t an interrogation, it’s a conversation. You can show me your Pinterest board, photos of your dress, your hair inspiration, the colour of your flowers, anything and everything that captures the feel of your day. Don’t panic if you don’t have a perfectly curated mood board. Even a few words like ‘whimsy’, ‘modern’, or ‘classic’ give me a lot to work with.

We’ll talk about your personal style. Do you wear makeup every day or only for special occasions? What features do you love to play up? Do you gravitate towards warm or cool tones? Are you a matte or shimmer person? This is also the time to chat about the logistics of the day so we can map out a timeline that feels seamless and stress-free. It’s a complete bridal makeup consultation designed to get us on the same page.

Next, The Fun Part: Let’s Do Some Makeup

Once we have a clear vision, it’s playtime. I’ll start creating the look, talking to you throughout the process. I’ll choose your foundation depending on what coverage and finish you like, select eyeshadow tones that make your eyes pop, and find that perfect shade of blush that gives you a healthy, lit-from-within glow.

My specialty is soft glam, which is all about creating an elevated and polished version of you. You’ll still look and feel like yourself, just with that extra pop of magic. We’ll pay close attention to skin prep to ensure a flawless canvas, which is why treatments like dermaplaning a week or two before can be a game-changer for a smooth application.

Finally, Nailing the Details (You, But Better)

This is where we fine-tune everything. We’ll decide on the intensity of the lashes, the boldness of the lip, and the glow-level of your skin. Your feedback is everything here. At the end of the day, I’m your makeup artist, but you’re the one who has to love the final look.

If more blush makes you feel incredible, that’s always a yes from me. If you feel more like ‘you’ with slightly less drama on the lashes, we’ll absolutely do that. The tweaks are usually small personal touches that reflect who you are. That’s the beauty of it; it’s your look, perfected.

The All-Important Wear Test

The trial doesn’t end when you leave my studio. Your homework is to live in your makeup for the rest of the day. See how it sits, how it feels, and how it wears. Go out for dinner, have a little dance in your kitchen, and take a bunch of selfies in different lighting. Make notes of anything you’d like to adjust. Maybe you decide the lip colour is a touch too pink, or you’d prefer a little more contour. This feedback is golden and ensures your wedding day makeup application is absolutely flawless.

Your Wedding Day Touch-Up Kit

To make sure you stay looking fresh from the first look to the final dance, I send every bride home from her trial with a complimentary touch-up kit for the big day. It’s got everything you could possibly need:

• A powder puff for shine control
• A mini beauty sponge for blending
• Hydrating/setting spray for a quick refresh
• A spoolie for keeping your brows in place
• Oil blotting papers
• A sample of your lip colour for touch-ups

The main thing that will need a top-up is your lip colour, especially after all that eating, drinking, and kissing! If you have a favourite lipstick you want to wear, I always suggest packing it in the bag I supply so everything is together. If you're a very oily skin type, the only other product I suggest packing is your chosen face powder.

Ready for Your Glow-Up?

Choosing your bridal makeup artist is a big decision, and the trial is your assurance that you’ve made the right one. It’s an investment in your peace of mind, confidence, and the amazing energy you’ll carry with you all day long.

It’s more than just a run-through; it’s the beginning of a beautiful relationship and the first step toward your dream bridal look. Ready to make it happen? Book it in. You’ll thank yourself later.