Having a Professional Make-up Artist for Your Wedding | Vendor Interview

Something a little different for your Wednesday evening blog post today. I’ve been meaning to interview other local wedding vendors for ages, and figured today was a good a time to start as any. While there are many times, especially with elopements, that I’m the only wedding vendor a couple hires, there are other times when there are quite a few people that lend their talents to bring together an amazing wedding day for couples.

One of the most frequent questions I get from new clients is about hair and make-up, especially if people are coming from afar. As someone who is completely clueless about make-up, I figured I’d go to the expert.

Cari Duprey has done hair and make-up for a number of weddings and elopements I’ve photographed and always does an amazing job! While it’s never a requirement to get your make-up professionally done to get your photo taken, it can definitely be a fun treat for your wedding day!

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Cari Duprey

Tell me a little about yourself. How did you get started in the field?

I got started doing hair and makeup 16 years ago when I was living in Florida at a Glamour Shots. (Look that up so you can see the TERRIBLE hair and makeup and photography if you have never heard of them) It was my first professional makeup job. I’ve always been the girl in my family/group of friends that always did everyone else’s hair and makeup. I am completely self taught and learned a ton by replicating looks I would tear out from fashion magazines or from the makeup books I collected. I’ve been a full-time, freelance hair and makeup artist for 9 years now. I started freelancing while I was in beauty school in NYC and began doing bridal hair and makeup soon after.

What do you love most about working with wedding or elopement clients?

My favorite part of working with brides in general is the “wow” factor. The feeling of watching a bride look at herself after I’m done working on her makeup knowing that she loves it, feels beautiful and still feels like herself always makes me so happy! Elopement brides have become my faves because its so casual and stress free.

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What can clients expect when they work with you? How long does professional hair/make-up usually take?

 I try to make my clients feel like we’re just two girlfriends chatting away while she gets ready on her wedding day. There is a lot of planning that goes into planning weddings and it can be so stressful at times. The time that I have with my brides should always just be her feeling safe in knowing that she is going to look fabulous when she see’s herself in the mirror. I try to keep the mood light and relaxed. I always plan for 40 minutes for makeup and 1 hour for hair. Hair can take a bit longer depending on the style/hair.

What is the best part about having professional make-up done? Why do you think it’s important?

The best part of having makeup professionally done is knowing that it will stay put and fresh looking all day! My kit is stocked with many long wearing, sweat proof, water resistant products that I have used throughout the years because they work. The most important part of my makeup process is the skin prep. I do everything from cleansing the skin, to moisturizer, and more so I can assure that what I apply will look and feel great all day long.

What do you wish clients knew about working with a make-up artist?

Its not all thick and cakey! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard stories of women getting their makeup done, and spending a lot of money on it, only to wash it off because they didn’t like it. Its a scary thing to have bad makeup done and then be photographed all day in it and feel terrible about. When that happens it leaves a lasting impression and makes a lot of women weary of having it done again. I tailor each makeup application to each person I am working on. Even the “I never wear anything other then chapstick” ladies can feel beautiful wearing a full face that feels like nothing on their skin.

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Is there anything people should can do beforehand to look their best on their wedding day and make your job easier?

Skincare! Taking care of your skin is key in makeup looking great, on your wedding day and every day. Drinking lots of water and not eating a ton of salt in the days leading up their wedding day is also a great thing. And please, take off your makeup before you go to bed!

Coming from a girl who who doesn’t usually wear much more than chapstick… What if I’m worried I’m going to look silly with a face full of make-up?  Any advice?

Like I always say to any of my clients with the same thoughts… I will always start out with less and we can add a little more afterwards if you like it. I will use a very light hand and not overload someone who is afraid of what they’ll see. In most cases they ask for a little more! Its all about working out a happy balance for your client!

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What kinds of things are the most challenging?

Expectations. I can make hair magically grow long enough to create a giant updo. Hair styles will also look dramatically different on a blonde than they do on a brunette. As for makeup challenges, I think its the same thing. Expectations. I can make imperfections blend in more but I can’t make them completely disappear.  

What sorts of questions should you ask a potential make-up artist (or do you wish people would ask you? Or things that would be helpful for clients to let you know?)

I feel like explaining your day to day makeup routine and what you like to focus on when you get made up for an event are the most helpful things for me. Photos are key for me as well. A photo of my client without makeup on, where I can see her coloring, her hair(if I’m doing it too) and the dress are a great starting point for me. What one woman considers “natural” is what another woman considers “night out” so visual references are VERY helpful. There aren’t any particular questions I think clients need to ask because I feel like looking through an artists portfolio is the best way to gauge their style and technique.

Do you have any favorite products you like to use as a make-up artist?

I adore my Embryolisse skincare, their Artists Secret Radiant Eye cream is AWESOME for tired, puffy eyes. Particularly helpful for brides getting married at sunrise!

Hiring a Professional Make-Up Artist for your Wedding

Thanks so much Cari! More elopement vendor interviews in the days to come! Have a great week!

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De Nueva Photography specializes in NYC elopements and weddings. I'm also available for engagements, proposals, and family portraits.

 

Not having a local wedding or elopement? No worries. Travel is literally my favorite thing and my passport is always ready. I’m available for travel worldwide.

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Contact

Email: info@denuevaphoto.com

Phone: 347-560-1625

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