When it comes to your wedding day preparation, one expense to really consider putting in your budget would be a great hair and makeup artist. Talented MUAs can have you looking “picture perfect” so easily, which can take away a great deal of stress on your big day. Create your Pinterest inspiration board and let the professionals take care of the rest!
We recently chatted with Lulu Robledo of Hair and Makeup by Lulu (@Hairnmakeupbylulu) about bridal hairstyling and makeup in the era of COVID-19. Lulu has been a Texas licensed cosmetologist since 2011. She went to Bella Beauty College, where she received education on hair, skin and nails, as well as hygiene practices in the beauty industry. In 2017, she started her business Hair and Makeup by Lulu, specializing in bridal hairstyling and makeup, as well as hair extension application.
“Through the years I have stayed up to date with the latest beauty trends having to do with bridal beauty,” said Lulu, “and like the saying goes, practice makes perfect. I can truly say I learn something new every single day. Each client that sits in my chair is different and they like different things; they have different skin types and skin tones, so day by day I continue to learn new ways to serve my clients and it never ends.”
We asked Lulu several questions about her bridal beauty business to give you a better understanding of this type of service, so you’ll know what to expect when planning their special day:
Q: How do you best show off your previous clients?
A: My website has the best pictures as they come from professional photographers. On my social media, I like to show off my work up close through pictures and videos that I’ve taken personally. I recommend looking at both places as I like to post different content in each one.
Q: What does your price include?
A: Bridal makeup includes a full face of traditional makeup, lashes, a bridal touch-up kit to take with you, a facial sheet mask prior to your makeup application, and freebies that will help you prep your hair and makeup leading up to your wedding day. Bridal Hairstyling includes any style or updo as well as hair accessory & veil placement. You will also receive infographics to help you prep for your bridal trial session as well as the night before your wedding day. On my website I have pricing on services alone as well as hair and makeup packages for brides and bridesmaids. You can also receive a personalized quote for your bridal party if you fill out my wedding inquiries form.
Q: How long does it take for each person?
A: A makeup application takes about an hour and hairstyling takes between 30 minutes to an hour per person depending on desired style, client’s hair length, density, and texture.
Q: Do you stay throughout the event?
A: No, unless it is requested at time of booking, and hourly fees will apply.
Q: What products should I avoid using the day before/day of, so as not to interfere with the makeup?
A: Do not wax your face on either days to avoid any breakouts. Anything new you want to try for your wedding day such as waxing, tanning etc. should be done months in advance to see how your skin responds. Do not use new products on either day. Make sure to keep a skincare routine, especially the weeks leading up to your wedding day. The night before your wedding, wash your face and don’t sleep with your makeup on, as this can also cause breakouts on your wedding day.
Q: What brands of makeup and types of products do you use?
A: I take pride in using quality professional products for traditional makeup. I do not provide airbrushed makeup. I like to use different brands and products to be able to provide my clients with the best possible makeup services according to their needs. Some brands in my kit are vegan 🌱 and cruelty free 🐰 while others are not. The brands in my kit are: Estee Lauder, MAC Cosmetics, Dr. Brandt, Benefit, NARS, Laura Mercier, Hourglass, Dermablend, IT Cosmetics, Tarte, Cover FX, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Urban Decay, Smashbox, Too Faced, Colourpop.
Q: Do I need to provide any supplies?
A: All you need to bring is your bridal hair accessories and veil; I will provide everything else. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend you talk to me about it prior to your appointment to see what products would be best, and to determine if you have any allergies to certain ingredients. If you have sensitive skin and there are products you absolutely need to use, we can incorporate them into your makeup application, so bring them along.
Q: Is a trial run included, or priced separately?
A: Trial sessions are separate from wedding day services. We have packages listed on our website.
At Hair and Makeup by Lulu we require a trial session for all bridal services (unless you are not local.) We feel makeup and hairstyling is so personal, it must be tailored to each client's specific style and facial features. We use the trial session to give our brides a taste of our artistry style, while getting to know their preferences and any ideas they may have. We like to test different products, colors, and styles on them and make adjustments together, so that their hair and makeup is exactly what they are looking for on their wedding day.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for getting glowing skin on your big day?
A: Sleep well and drink tons of water the weeks leading up to your wedding day. Keep a skin care routine, even if it’s just cleansing, toning and moisturizing to keep your face hydrated and clear. If you love the glowy look as much as I do, I have products I love to incorporate during the bridal makeup session to obtain that extra glow, starting with the facial sheet mask that I provide for my brides. Also, hair removal on face prior to wedding day is another excellent way to make sure the makeup goes on smoother, makes your complexion look brighter, and with the right products, more glowy.
Q: Concerning COVID-19, how does a hair/makeup appointment look different now than it did in the past?
A: It looks a bit different now, because we want to keep our stylists and our clients safe. We have our waiting room closed to minimize people in the salon. We have one client per stylist, per appointment time, so any guests are not allowed in the salon. All stylists must be six feet apart, and we have clear dividers between our shampoo bowls to keep distance from other people. Now more than ever it is important to make appointments ahead of time.
Q: What safety precautions are you implementing?
A: As professional hairstylists, we are taught to implement hygiene practices at all times but with COVID-19, we are having to take extra measures to ensure the safety of all our clients and our stylists. To start, our salon is well-stocked with disinfectants, sanitizers, and cleaning supplies. Our stylists are washing their hands before and after every client. We are sanitizing our stations before and after every client. We are following a rigorous cleaning schedule to ensure all stations, high-touch surfaces, towels, capes, products, and tools are disinfected on a regular basis. We are using disposable capes and/or a different cape per client. Employees who show flu-like symptoms are required to stay home until they are symptom-free. Temperatures of our stylists are taken daily. Temperatures of our clients are also taken upon arrival and if temperature is above 100.4 they will be asked to reschedule their appointment. We are only taking one client, per stylist, per appointment time– others will need to stay outside of the salon, and our waiting room is closed. We have hand sanitizer available at the front desk, and we request that clients use it before and after their service. We require our clients to wear a mask during their salon service and we are not accepting sick clients.
Q: Is there anything you can’t do due to COVID-19?
A: No, we are able to provide all services. We just make sure that our clients, as well as our stylists, wear masks. When doing makeup, I also wear a face shield.
Q: What if someone wants an appointment, but they’re considered especially “vulnerable”?
A: We can make them an appointment when other stylists are not at the salon, so that it’s only the client and the stylist alone in the salon; usually this would be some time between Saturday and Monday, upon request.
Q: What can I expect at my appointment?
A: Your first appointment with me will, more than likely, be your trial session. During this time, you can expect both of us to create a personalized look for your wedding day, and also talk logistics to reach your desired look. We will test different products, maybe colors, and styles on you, and make adjustments together so that your makeup is exactly what you are looking for on your big day! You will find yourself in a relaxed environment where we can discuss all the details about your wedding, and how we can incorporate those details into your hair and makeup look. Hair & makeup trials take about 3 hours, unless you’re doing one or the other.
Q: What should a bride know before booking a hair/makeup artist for their wedding?
A: This is a great question! I actually have a free bridal guide on my website that brides can download that covers this, because there are some very important things brides need to know before booking this service for such a special day. My free guide is called 10 Things You Should Know Before Booking a Hair and Makeup Artist.
-One of the things I talk about in my guide is Finding the Right PRO.
It’s very important to choose a vendor that specializes in bridal beauty, and in the style of hair or makeup you are looking for. Make sure they have a good reputation, and good reviews from real brides. It is always better if they have a website, so you can get a sense of their style and artistry skills. Make sure they can provide you a contract and always put a deposit down to reserve your date and time. No deposit means no show on your wedding day. Not getting a contract with your beauty professional for wedding day services means the booking never happened. A contract secures the hair and makeup artist for your wedding day, that way you aren’t ditched on your wedding day for a better offer.
-Another important thing to know is Beauty Products.
If you have allergies to certain ingredients, using some of your own products may be best. Ask your Pro what type of makeup products they use and share with them any skin concerns you may have. When hiring a makeup artist, the most important thing to be aware of is their hygiene standards. Beauty professionals use clean brushes and disposable applicators on every client. No “double dipping” is allowed, as it causes cross-contamination of both products and clients. Don't use blind faith when it comes to choosing a makeup artist or you could be left with a virus. Don't be afraid to ask questions. A professional will take pride in telling you their hygiene practices, and remember, not everyone who does makeup is a professional.
BIG THANK YOU to Lulu for taking the time to share these amazing details and tips with us!