So, folks, I’m back from Palm Springs!
After a wonderful weekend of soaking up the sun and enjoying some alone time with Mr. Peppermint, I couldn’t really ask for more. Of course, the reason for the trip was to have my hair & makeup trials, so I’m back here to report.
The first day we drove to Palm Desert (about 25 minutes away from Palm Springs) to meet with Richard (a referral from my florist) at Saks Fifth Avenue (Bobbi Brown Counter). He was extremely charismatic and instantly made me comfortable. Of course, it didn’t hurt that he loved the pictures of my dress! After looking at the packet I brought of makeup ideas he got to work.
Here is what he came up with:
Here are some shots taken hours after the trial. I should note that it was over 110 degrees (plus humidity) so I was actually surprised at how well the makeup held up. I really liked how he drew attention to my eyes (on the actual day he would add false lashes on the edges).
The next day I went to Spectrum Salon for my makeup trial with Naraaja. Oddly enough, she honed in on the same picture that Richard had as inspiration for the look she wanted to create! Here are the pics from her trial:
I like that natural look, but in person thought the blush was a bit strong. Looking at the pictures though, I don’t see that problem (and she stressed that it will look different in person and in the pictures…).
All in all, I was quite happy with both options. In each case, though, I was a little taken aback by the lipstick (I normally wear clear lip gloss…if that), but after looking at the pictures, I do like the look.
One thing I found mildly disconcerting with all the trials (hair & makeup) was that every single person stressed that it would look better on the day of. Now, I understand their reasoning–they’ll be familiar with me, the stakes will be higher, they’ll have a better idea of what I want…but still, is it just me or do any of you find it weird that they feel the need to throw in the disclaimer??
What are your thoughts, guys? What are you looking for in a makeup artist (if you’re having one)?
Very pretty! I really like both trial results. I’m leaning toward #1 though because it looks a tiny bit more polished and “done”. Sound silly, but i think it would look fab with your dress.
As for me, the most important things I looked for in hiring my make up artist are: 1) that i still looked like myself and not some strange overly made up drag queen, and 2) that they were friendly and pleasant. On the day of i want to be sourrounded only by happy people.
I realized how important requirement #2 was when I had a make-up trial with a local MAC artist. My eyes looked amazing and I really liked the makeup- but she was a total witch and i just didn’t want her to be so demanding on my wedding day. Well that nixed her from my list and I moved on to an artist who works for Bobbie Brown who carries a one-two punch of making me look good plus being super nice and kind of funny.
Good luck! Whoever you pick you will look amazing.
First I think #1 is a little more “drama” (the eyes mostly) and #2 is a little more “natural bride.” I think either would be pretty, you just have to decide which look you like best. And I don’t think the blush from #2 (at least in pictures) is too much — I think it looks very sweet.
As for the “it will look better on the day of”– that was little consolation to me at my hair/make-up trial in Vermont (we traveled 600 miles round trip for) and so I’m going with a different artist — having yet one more trial. I wish I’d taken a page from your book and scheduled two trials while we were in Vermont in July because I’m kicking myself we have to do it all over again in August!
Are you going to post picture of your hair trial and feedback on that too?
I’m with Miss Onion on the trials…1 being more drama and 2 being more natural. They both are stunning, so it is a good choice to have.
You are so pretty! Both trials look really lovely and I agree with other posters that #1 is a little more polished and #2 is a little more natural. I lean towards #1 because it’s a bit more of a special occasion look. Either way, you can’t go wrong– you look gorgeous!
I like the very last picture, you look really gorgeous. The makeup the hair works well together, which reminds me of an Anthropologie model.
I like both, but I think your eyes look amazing in the first trial! I would go with that one.
I’m with Amy on her #1 requirement when working with a makeup artist. My last makeup trial went well, but the hair turned out not to my liking, so I’ll be doing another hair trial this weekend. If it doesn’t go well, I’ll be starting from scratch in a different salon. I really hope it goes ok, though, because I love the way she did my makeup!
I had a hard time with my first hair trial because of the way she said she would use different products on the day-of, and how it would look different the day of, etc, etc…so when I rescheduled, I made sure that the hairdresser as well as the salon knows that I’m willing to pay full price so I can see how it will look with the products she plans to use, and everything. I want to see a closer example of what I should expect, and also get a better idea of just how long it’ll take. THAT’S a very important part of the process for me as well, since it will take up a sizeable chunk of my morning taking care of the hair and makeup, so we need to be more sure of just how much we need to set aside, and all.
You look beautiful after both trials, btw. It would be hard to choose if I looked like that after my makeup trials by different people!
You look amazing in that last picture - the blush is perfect, the look is soft and natural - very much like your (gorgeous) dress. Maybe makeup artist #2 could play up your eyes (since that’s what you liked best about makeup artist #1) just a tad bit more for the day of.
In that last picture you look a little bit like Kirstin Dunst. 
You said you weren’t sure on the lipstick–
I wouldn’t have known you had much lipstick on - I think it looks very natural.
I got the same disclaimer for my hair practice — basically after my hair trial I was getting in my car and driving 6 and a half hours home, so for that reason he wasn’t going to load my hair with pins and hairspray. and I was ok with that.
I’m with AmandaB, I wouldn’t have guessed you were wearing much lipstick at all.
I agree with everyone else, you look stunning in both trials. I will say that I like the first one better, but maybe that’s because you were smiling in more of those… but that last one in the second trial makes me think they’re both gorgeous.
I’m not sure whether or not I’ll be having someone do my makeup, or if I’ll have a go at it myself. I may get a friend to do it, too… I don’t trust myself with makeup on a day when there will be 5 million pics of me.
Just beautiful!
You look like a model in an Anthropologie magazine. Really pretty in both!
You look amazing in both, but I like #1 the best! I think your eyes look a little puffy in the 2nd trial and I’m not sure if it’s something like you didn’t get enough sleep the night before or she didn’t cover it properly… but it’s just something I noticed that was different between the two. You probably won’t get a lot of sleep the night before your wedding so it’s good to know if the first guy can cover puffy eyes! Also your lipstick is fab! Totally natural… “you, only better”, as they say.
Oh I love the 2nd one. Is that how you are doing your hair too? It looks beautiful
I agree with the drama vs. natural description, but I think the drama has the slight edge for me. Your eyes just POP and the rest of the makeup is still nice and natural, like the 2nd look. Both are gorgeous though - I agree that you’re lucky that these are the two you have to narrow it down from!
You look so good!!! I think the best part is how you really do look like a better version of yourself instead of totally made up - the makeup really brings out “you”.
You are a beautiful girl! I prefer number two–I agree with the pp that you look like an antropologie model! It really works with the hair and looks very “eathreal”
Oh! After looking back at your dress, I DEFINATELY say #2!
You look terrific!
You’re stunning — period. You are going to look so beautiful on your wedding! Ditto the comment about the Anthropologie catalog. But then again, I just noticed you are an actress - duh! =)
You are the cutest thing ever! I LOVE your make up in both!
your eyes really pop in the 1st one, so i’m leaning towards that, but could you possibly be any more beautiful? I think not!
You are sooo cute. I love your red hair. I agree with the majority, though. I like what #1 does for your eyes, but then again, #2 is also very sweet.
i like the first one! the makeup makes your beautiful features stand out more!
you look beautiful in both and can’t go wrong with either.
Pretty. But I agree — wassup w/ the blush-happy makeup artists?
Thanks everyone for such positive feedback! I’m leaning towards #1 (but I really do like the softness in that last photo from the second trial…)
I love them both, but prefer #1 over the second one if I had to pick. The eyes look a bit prettier.
Also, that disclaimer annoys me - like hello, if this is your trial run and it’s what you’re basing your decision on for who to hire, shouldn’t they be doing their best work on you at the trial? It irks me. Having said that though, your makeup looks wedding-ready in these photos so even if it doesn’t look better on the big day, I don’t think that’s a problem. If it does, bonus!
Haha this has already been said, but I’m going to say it again! You’re beautiful and you look great in both trials! I like #1 just a bit more though. It makes you look more sophisticated and “bridal”, whereas #2 brought out your youth, which makes you look a teeny bit like a porcelain doll (not in a bad way though!).
I like the first one best - you look a little more glamorous and dressed up. I’m having my makeup done, but I won’t have a trial and I’ve never met the person before (eek) - our wedding is in Minnesota and we live in Seattle, so it just isn’t possible. However, the place is an Aveda salon, so I’m optimistic.
i guess i’m the lone person who likes the second trial. i want to look as natural as possible, since i wear so little makeup in the first place.
You look amazing… the first photo is stunning!
You are beautiful in both! But I like #2 better. The last picture looks like something out of Anthropologie catalogue, love the hair with that makeup. I think your eyes really pop without looking overly done and blush looks very pretty in the picture.
I had makeup done for the first time ever at my wedding. When the makeup artist was done I almost lost it. I couldn’t find myself under all the makeup. The thing is that I didn’t get to see myself in a mirror until it was all done, but my photographer (wonderful Sara) noticed my mini panic and said that it always looks more dramatic in person. So she took a snap and showed me in the preview and I looked like me but prettier! So no worries.
You look lovely! I think the disclaimer might be true because when you put all the elements, make-up, hair, dress etc…together it really does make a difference to each effect individually. Good luck!
Hey Miss P, (can you guess who this is??)
I’m leaning with #1… a teeny bit more polished. I bet you’re loving your Anthropologie model comparisons… I have to agree. We need to go shopping more often to cement the likeness. (And maybe I’ll get a couple of Ice Blended-s for good measure)
I think you look happier (and I favor) trial #2. I am like you and never wear lipstick and rest assured I didn’t reapply after getting make-up done the morning of.
It is TOTALLY unsettling that they tell you “it’ll look better/different the day-of!” I am so glad to hear someone else say that. 
I don’t get it, but my hairdresser was right (no make-up trial required–I did mall make-up the day-of).
Anyway, you look gorgeous!
both very pretty!!!
Miss Peppermint, LA/Palm Springs
Age and Occupation: 23, Actress
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Web Producer
Engagement Date: October 21, 2006
Wedding Date: December 2007
Blogging Since: July 2, 2007
Venue: historic estate overlooking the heart of Palm Springs
About Me: I am a Southern California native who enjoys cooking, writing, travel and all things in the arts. Mr. Peppermint and I met in college and he proposed on our four year anniversary in one of our most special places, Joshua Tree National Park. We're having a destination wedding in Palms Springs that will incorporate tradition as well as reflect our personalities!
I think you look beautiful in both, and likely can’t go wrong. My preference is for look #1! It looks better in pictures, I think. But again, I like both.