Do I need to have a trial?

I strongly recommend you have a trial before you book something as important as your Bridal Hair and Make up as it will give you peace of mind if you can see that you are happy with my quality of work and know in advance what style will suit you for the day. The morning of your wedding will also run much more efficiently if I am familiar with your requirements and have experience of the Bride’s hair and skin type in advance.

Unless you request otherwise, I do not usually have trials on other members of the bridal party as they tend to have a bit more flexibility and I am experienced at creating hair and make up styles to suit without meeting beforehand.

Trials are available on request for Makeovers for Events, though depending on your flexibility and the importance of the event you may not find it is necessary.

Where will the trial be held?

Trials are held in my studio in North West Kent. The studio has great lighting and all the facilities to make your trial comfortable without worrying about getting things ready at your home or wondering where you are going to leave your fiancé for a few hours!

Is there anything I need to prepare for my trial?

On the run up to the trial I advise that you collect images of hair and make up that you do and don’t like to help me get an idea of your own style. I will also have some images of my own to help with inspiration so don’t despair if you cannot find anything! It is useful to have an idea of hair accessories such as tiara or veil that you may be wearing though not essential that you have them for your trial.

Please have your hair clean and dry for the trial, ideally washed the night before. Please resist the urge to use straightners on the morning of the trial as they can make it difficult for your hair to hold styles.

How long will my trial take?

A trial can take anything from 2 hours upwards depending on a number of factors; how clear your ideas are; how complicated the hair style is; how much chatting we do (!) etc. It is best to overestimate the length of time you expect it to take so you do not feel rushed into decisions of how you would like your hair and make up.

Can I have more than one trial?

It is possible to have additional trials though the rate of £50 for hair and/or make up is an introductory rate and subsequent trials will be charged as listed below:

How long before my wedding should I have my trial?

It is best to have your trial no more than a year before your wedding as changing trends can cause you to change your mind about the hair and make up styles you like. By having your trial closer to the date of your wedding you reduce the chance of booking additional trials.

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Can I book a Make Up Lesson for more than one person?

Make Up Lessons can be booked for groups of up to 10 people. After discussing skin care you will learn day time and then evening make up looks by applying make up on each other step by step until you all look fabulous. Group Make Up Lessons are an economical way of ensuring your bridal party is able to apply their own make up on the day of your wedding or a fun afternoon activity for hen parties or any other special occasion.

Are there age restrictions on Make Up Lessons?

Make Up Lessons are suitable from the ages of 12 onwards and in fact can be their most beneficial for early teens or more mature ladies when skin changes require education or re-education on products and techniques. I have held really successful Make Up Lessons for 13 year old birthday parties, I like to think I are doing our bit to reduce those early teen Make Up disasters!

Where will the Make Up Lesson take place?

The Make Up Lesson will take place at my studio in North West Kent. It has great lighting, parking, and is only 10 minutes away from Bluewater so it is easy to update your make up bag with new purchases after your lesson!

Space is limited in my studio so for groups larger than two people I would travel to a location that suits you.

What do I need for my Make Up Lesson?

You need to bring your existing make up collection so I can have a look and advise you on what is already in there. Any gaps in products and tools needed for the lesson will be filled with my own kit so it will give you the opportunity to try products you may be unfamiliar with.

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What sort of make up products do you use?

As I am an independent Hair & Make Up Artist I am able to pick and choose the products that I consider to be the best and most durable for their task without having a commitment to any brand. I favour top end, high quality make up brands for their reliability and hypoallergenic qualities. My kit is full of Laura Mercier, Shu Uemura, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, MAC, Nars to name a few.

Will you be able to work on me even though I have very sensitive skin?

All skin care products in my kit are for hypersensitive skin so I can cleanse and moisturise your face without risk of reaction. The top end make up brands in my kit are all hypoallergenic so the risk of a reaction is minimal. However if you are still concerned or know that a particular product will irritate you, e.g. you only know of one mascara that doesn’t irritate your eyes, then I am happy to use your product.

I have really oily skin and always end up with a shiny face, is there anything you can do to stop this?

I have oil free primers, mattifiers and foundations that will significantly reduce the likelihood of shine developing, however if you would rather I use a specific product that you know to work on your skin I am happy to use yours for your peace of mind. I can also suggest products that work to dull down shine should any develop.

I want my make up to look really natural, will you be able to achieve that?

Natural, glowing, healthy skin is my speciality and I definitely believe in the less is more approach to a perfect base. The amount of definition you would like for the rest of your make up is entirely up to you and for a natural look I would apply the minimum definition required for you to look camera ready. A natural make up for the camera is going to be slightly heavier than you may be used to, but if you feel this is still too much for you I am happy to reduce it. I will guide you but want you to feel completely happy and confident with your final look.

Are you able to cover tattoos?

I do have training in Camouflage Make Up and can offer this service at an additional cost depending on the size of the tattoo to be covered. Please be realistic about the level of coverage that can be obtained – I can make the tattoo barely noticeable from a distance but the skin will not look completely perfect on close inspection. Please specify if you require tattoo camouflage when making your enquiry.

What can I do to improve my skin on the run up to my booking with you?

A basic but thorough skin care regime morning and night will make a dramatic difference to your skin if you are not doing this already. Face wipes don’t count, though they are better than nothing! Starting a pampering regime of exfoliating and using a face mask twice a week will be a great boost to your skin.

You will have heard it time and time again but drinking the recommended amount of water (at least 8 glasses each day) will give you a clearer, more radiant complexion.

If you haven’t already established your exercise regime then the knowledge it will help improve your skin condition by increasing blood flow and sweating out toxins should add another incentive.

I can instantly tell I am working on a smoker's skin by the fine dehydration lines and sallow complexion. Giving up smoking will dramatically improve the condition of your skin and slow the appearance of ageing.

If you have any other specific concerns with your skin please do discuss these with me at your trial. I will be happy to recommend products and give you additional advice.

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When do I pay for the trial?

Payment should be made by bank transfer no later than 1 week before the trial date, or by cheque no later than 10 days before.

Do I need to pay a deposit to secure the booking and if so when is it due?

Providing you are happy with your trial you will need to pay a 50% non-refundable deposit within 14 days of your trial date to secure the booking on the date you have requested. The outstanding balance is then due no later than 1 week before the actual day of the event.

I am not getting married until the year after next but would like to secure my wedding date without having a trial too soon.  Is it possible for me to do this without committing to pay a 50% non-refundable deposit?

For very advanced bookings I am able to secure the date with a 25% deposit, refundable if you decide not to go ahead with your booking after the trial. If you would like to go ahead with the booking after the trial, the additional 25% should then be paid within 14 days of your trial to make your 50% non-refundable deposit. The outstanding balance is due no more than 1 week before the date of the event.

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What is the Studio address?

It is The Oast House, Court Lodge Farm, Hook Green Road, Southfleet, Kent, DA13 9NQ. I am 5 minutes off the A2 into Kent just 10 minutes further on from Bluewater. Maybe a good opportunity for a shopping trip!

Is there parking?

I have plenty of off road parking.

Can I get to the Studio by train?

I am lucky to have a few train stations located nearby so it is easy travel to me from London...

St. Pancras to Ebbsfleet International (17 minute journey)
Victoria to Longfield (30 minute journey)
London Bridge to Gravesend (60 minute journey)

A taxi journey from these stations will usually take no more than 10 minutes, however if I can I will try to collect you.

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