Each and everyone of us has a unique canvas - our face. We obviously all have different eye, lip, and face shapes and choosing the right makeup artist can go a long way to have you looking and feeling picture perfect on one of the most memorable days of your life.

A makeup artist's job is to use our expertise to create the look you desire, whether it be natural, glamorous or seductive. An important factor when doing the ground work in finding your makeup and hair artist is to ask them questions and make sure you feel comfortable with their approach and their style. You'll feel even more comfortable after a trial.

Let your artist know what you have in mind, and better yet if you have any photos from magazines keep them so you can show exactly what you are after. Be realistic as well in terms of the look you choose, lean towards what suits you rather than "going with the flow" because it looks good on someone else yet their colouring is totally different to yours. Being able to describe or show the look you desire aids the artist in creating it. Natural to you may mean something else to the artist so being clear gets you what you desire. Remember each of us is a unique canvas!

In choosing your look take into consideration that the photos of your day will be with you for a lifetime and if you've never really been a "colourful eyeshadow" or a "dark lipstick" kind of girl, then be mindful of change. You wouldn't want to be regretting a choice. Again at a trial if you want to try something different go for it and ask the artist their opinion. That's what a trial is for!

You may notice that your artist has a palette of colours for eyes and lips, a range of foundations, concealers and the some very important "tools of the trade". Artists carry a range of products to cater for each individual, for your own benefit check to make sure your artist is hygienic and clean. All brushes should be perfectly clean and most artists use a mirror tile or a tile to put product on (this stops double dipping into products). The cleaner and organised the artist the more hygienic for the client. It goes without saying that having clean and hygienic tools also creates beautiful work.

Choosing your makeup and hair artist can be a relaxed stage in your wedding plans by following a few simple steps.

• Be clear (as much as possible) on the look you desire
• Ask as many questions as you need to
• Have some magazine clippings of makeup and hairstyles that you like.

Following these steps will reduce the stress involved with this step in your wedding plans and make sure you're ready to trust your artist to have you picture perfect for one of the most memorable days of your life.

By Nic Professional Hair + Makeup Artist
Email nicmakeupandhair@ozemail.com.au