There’s Always One: Tales from a Bridal Makeup Artist

Welcome back to the Aisle Diaries Podcast – the go-to wedding podcast for engaged couples who want the real, unfiltered truth behind the big day. From bridal prep to wedding morning chaos, we’re diving deep into what actuallyhappens behind the scenes of your wedding day.

In this episode, Sophie shares her incredible journey as a professional bridal makeup artist, from starting with a tiny kit to building a thriving wedding business. If you’re planning your wedding, booking suppliers, or searching for your dream bridal glam, this episode is packed with expert insights, honest advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.

We’re talking all things bridal makeup, wedding planning tips, and beauty prep for brides, including:

• How to choose the right wedding makeup artist
• The truth about bridal makeup trials – are they worth it?
• The difference between natural vs neutral bridal makeup
• Common wedding day beauty mistakes brides make
• How to prep your skin before your wedding (hello glowing bridal skin ✨)
• Wedding morning vibes, supplier relationships & why your makeup artist is basically your hired bestie
• Trends in the bridal beauty industry (and what to avoid!)

Whether you’re newly engaged, deep into wedding planning, or finalising your bridal look, this episode is full of wedding tips, bridal advice, and expert insight to help you feel confident, calm, and completely yourself on your big day.

Because let’s be honest… weddings aren’t always perfect – and someone’s got to tell you the truth.

💍 Perfect for: Brides-to-be, engaged couples, wedding planning inspiration, and anyone searching for real talk on weddings, bridal beauty, and supplier advice.

Produced by TAEPodcast - www.taepodcast.co.uk

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:02

Welcome to the IOL Diaries Podcast, the place where you find out what really happens behind the chaos and confetti. Because someone's got to tell you the truth. And it's never alright. With tips for your big day, I'm Sophie. And I'm Joella. Hi! Hello guys! Welcome back. Oh my god, I feel like we've not been doing this for ages. We haven't.

SPEAKER_01 0:21

It's literally been a week, two weeks because of the whole illnesses. Just everything. No, it's nobody's fault.

SPEAKER_00 0:31

It's just my theme for 2026 is sickness. Sickness. And I'm gonna apologise if you can hear snort, if you can hear coughing, if you can hear the mingingness in my voice trumping. I'm doing that, or definitely not. Jesus!

SPEAKER_01 0:45

No, you've just been both of you full of it.

SPEAKER_00 0:47

Oh yeah. Go on, right? You've said you've got a story. I have got a funny story. It's not even podcast related, but I feel like you'll find it out to be hilarious because this falls into the clumsiness of Joella.

SPEAKER_02 0:58

What happened now?

SPEAKER_00 1:00

My word. Um I rang my friend afterwards and she was like, Sophie needs to give you a theme tune. Yeah. Joella's weekly clumsiness. I'm trying to think of what I'd definitely do. She's like, Sophie'll do that like that. No pressure. Right, go on. So I got to Causeworth Crossroads. Yeah. And I go to, I brought with me my three-litre bottle of water because I was like, oh, I've got a cough. Let's stay hydrated in the pod and let's make sure I don't do any coughing fits. What's this today? This is today. Go and take a sip out of my water. The bottom of it falls off all my lap. Three litre. Three litres of water and wind down my window. I don't know why I didn't open my double bottom of my window and literally the whole thing. The lights then turned to green and I'm like, crap, I've got my arm out of the window. There were cars behind me. I opened the door, poured the rest out on the floor, and I was like, go round, go round. The car behind me is one of my neighbours. Oh, right, okay, okay.

SPEAKER_01 2:11

They don't think you completely and utterly.

SPEAKER_00 2:13

She just started laughing and I was like, oh my god. But literally, all over the water. What do you mean the bottom came off? The bottom of it is just like, I don't know, it's just literally just cracked at the side. And just literally just literally ripped. It's plastic.

SPEAKER_01 2:25

I don't know how it's ripped, but it's like a waterfall in your car. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 2:28

Like, so it's all in the middle of my car. I've just literally just shoved in my table runners that are in my car, and I was like, don't get it on my emergency veil. At least it will dry in this heat, because my god. No. But it was orange juice, so I was like, don't get it on my emergency veil because I've got a dry cleaner. Yeah. Oh, do you stink of orange juice? No, I feel like I'm okay. I feel like I've actually saved it. At least it's not milkily. I know. Three litres of milk. That would only have to be the light's changed red. I was like, oh no.

SPEAKER_01 3:01

Well, it doesn't surprise me. It doesn't either. Like, what else are we gonna have? Sorry to hear that you got drenched on the way here. Oh, it's fine. I just thought you'd find it funny.

SPEAKER_00 3:12

I was gonna voicemail and I was like, no, I'm gonna save it. Thanks. You've brightened up my day. You've gone, I'm glad I can do. So we've got an exciting episode today, haven't we? One time. I'm a bit nervous. Oh yeah. Because it's like flipped again back to me. I know, but like it's helpful. Yeah, and a lot of people have been asking for it, and we did a QA, so we'll answer those at the end. So this week is gonna be Sophie's episode. So, Sophie, do you want to do a little introduction for those who are just like halfway through and decided to just click on this episode and think asked?

SPEAKER_01 3:52

What's this all about? Um, so I am Sophie Brown Makeup, also host of the Ile Times podcast. Um I have been doing makeup now for around nine years in total. Um that's a lot.

SPEAKER_00 4:09

If I could whistle, I would whistle. That's insert a theme tune.

SPEAKER_01 4:12

Yeah, it's all I've known, really. Um I went to college and trained in it. Um, I guess my niche at the time was like um prosthetic special effects. And that's how I sold the dream to my mum, because nine years ago makeup was not a big thing. And uh my parents were like, Where are you gonna go with that? Literally, where are you gonna go with that? And I was like, Oh, I'll move to London and get into theatres, and that's how I sold it to them. And then I finished the course and I was like, Oh dear, I don't want to move to London, I don't want to do like the bridal and fashion side of things and just making people feel good. So finished the course, didn't really do anything with it because I was super young, and then I just started doing my friends' makeup, had like the tiniest case, and then my friends were like, Oh my god, you should totally do this, like on the side. Um, there's nobody around that's doing it in our area, and honestly, I had the There was literally nobody at the time of you starting like nobody, not where we live, um, and then I had like the tiniest, crappiest case. I mean, thank you for trusting me back then because I look back at my work and I know everybody progresses, yeah, but you know when you're just like, oh I can't believe people were paying for that, yeah. Trends change and you develop, and my kit developed, and I developed, and that's just part of running a business. So it wasn't like I was rubbish because at the time I was really good. That's why people were paying.

SPEAKER_00 5:42

Also, a lot has changed in terms of like you say trends, how people wear their makeup, everything.

SPEAKER_01 5:46

Yeah, so I started with my little case going around to people's houses, and then eventually it just grew. And um, I worked at a nursery at the time, and I saw this little salon. Um, what little space you could say that I turned into a salon, and um I basically was juggling jobs, so I worked full-time at the nursery, and then gradually I dropped today, up-to-date makeup, and and finally balanced it out and made it a thing. Um, and then I took somebody else on, she rented a space and then it grew again. And then I went into a bigger salon for five years, and then finally, after that salon, it was like around COVID time, a lot was happening in my life. I'd bought a home and like things had happened in my family, and I just decided that I didn't want a salon anymore. And I built a pod in my garden, which is where all my brides come, lessons, glam appointments, and then I freelanced with weddings, and weddings for the past what did we say, three, four years have gone mental. And that's that's the avenue I definitely wanted to take. Good. So there we go. That's a little bit of a rundown of like how it started.

SPEAKER_00 6:52

That's a really good story though, because it just shows the progression that you've done. Yeah, and the dedication.

SPEAKER_01 6:58

Yeah, because I was super young when I opened my salon, I was 20. That's incredible. And I ran two salons up until I was 25. And I think for me, like I remember giving up the second salon, and I was like, I felt like it it was more about me. I don't know, everyone's like, you're not gonna do well in this this bigger salon, it's too big, basically, because I rented spaces and I really wanted to prove them wrong. So when I gave it up, I felt like a bit of a failure. But when I look at it now, you progress in a completely different way. Yeah, and my life was so different. And what what 24-year-old goes and gets a shop in the middle of a town centre and thinks, I'm giving this a whirl? Yeah, I don't think many, so I just see it as like a stepping stone, and I'm really proud of myself that I'm gonna be able to do that. I'm proud of you too. I think calling it a day as well when I wasn't happy, I think that's what I'm most proud proudest about because people just keep plodding and going and they do it, yeah, basically.

SPEAKER_00 7:59

They think before they actually realise.

SPEAKER_01 8:01

Yeah. So um that's another proud point, I suppose, even though it wasn't it wasn't the end like what I thought was going to be the end goal. Like it was successful. But it wasn't where you wanted to be.

SPEAKER_00 8:13

No, with that time.

SPEAKER_01 8:14

So yeah, yeah, I am, I am. When I sit here and think about the journey, I'm like, oh my god, I did that. I mean, at the time, yeah. Yeah, you just plod, don't you? I mean, it's like this. Yeah. I'm like, oh my god, we're actually doing it. We're four months in. Yeah. But if you'd asked me, you know, when we approached this, I was like, I can't talk on a podcast.

SPEAKER_00 8:34

Oh my word. And I asked Sophie, how was it like November time? I was like, How'd you feel? And she was like, It's not happening, Joel. It's no no no, never brought it up again since. And I texted her and was like, Can we do it? And she was like, Oh man! So yeah, that is a bit of a breakdown about me and the journey. You're so proud, you should be so proud, and you are so proud, and everybody around you is so proud. Oh, thanks. So we've got a couple of questions to kind of go through. Well, when I say a couple, I mean a hell of a lot from me, just in terms of like wanting to know a bit of more information, even though I know it, but just for audience-wise, yeah, and then also we've got quite a few QA's, haven't we?

SPEAKER_01 9:18

We put stuff up on the stories, try and answer as many as we can, but yeah, definitely.

SPEAKER_00 9:22

Obviously, we'll do our best, and if we don't, we'll do part two. Yeah, absolutely. 100%. So, first of all, like how does it work with you? Like, just talk through kind of obviously, like, we I know we've spoken a bit before about like a booking process and things like that, but like, how does somebody essentially choose what they want to have, or is it kind of just do they give you free rate? Do you have free range? How does it work?

SPEAKER_01 9:46

It's 50-50. Um, I think because I I'm like I try and be super versatile. Like, I do have a niche, yeah. You know, um, that's why you you kind of book me, you go on Instagram and you have a look, it's like a catalogue, and you think she's she's the perfect makeup artist for me. She's the same vibe. So we do have a niche, but I'm quite versatile and I communicate a lot. So, you know, both of us will have a real big breakdown of like your preferences and if I think it's doable, and I'll ask you to show me a photo of you when you might go for a meal with friends, or I don't know, you might go out and you you do your own makeup. Um, so yeah, it's definitely 50-50. If you're a makeup girly, you come in and you like, I want this. This is this is kind of the vibe I'm looking for. If you're like me and you hardly wear any at all. I don't know where to start. And that's literally what it is, it's a conversation. I don't know where to start. So then that's when I'll dig deeper and say, Well, show me a photo. Do you wear a tinted moisturiser? Are you a foundation girly? And then it'll just we'll just navigate from that point, really.

SPEAKER_00 10:47

Okay, amazing. And then for weddings, how does it work? Do they always have to have a trial? Do they not have to have a trial? So this is each to their own. Okay.

SPEAKER_01 10:57

What do you prefer? I do like the excitement of turning up when they don't have one, but it was also nice getting to know you before that because it isn't just about the makeup, it's about like I keep banging on about the vibe and just getting to know one another. I want to hear your story, like it's a super exciting time. Like, we literally have a great chin wag and we talk about the proposal to write the way up to what colour colour scheme you're having. Like, it is just like a hired bestie, like I literally say it, um, as much as it is about the makeup and your preferences. Um yeah, did I answer that question or am I staring off?

SPEAKER_00 11:33

You did, Janefa, and you said 50-50. So you're alright, you have answered that. Okay. Um, so do you think like, or has the bridal beauty industry changed? Obviously, yes, you said that trend trends trends have changed and things like that, but do you think that the way people are wanting makeup for weddings has changed? You think it's becoming more of a priority?

SPEAKER_01 11:54

Yeah, I do. I think makeup, skincare, and the way people feel is so important. You see it everywhere, self-care, self-care, whether that's going for a coffee or getting your makeup done. You know, it's important to feel good. So a lot of my brides, the first few things they book are photographer venue and makeup. Because it's important to you. Um and I love that. Like it you you should feel your absolute best self all the time if that's part of your personality.

SPEAKER_00 12:26

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 12:26

Um, never mind on your wedding day.

SPEAKER_00 12:29

No, I totally agree with that. And as you've said previously, it's an enhanced version of.

SPEAKER_01 12:33

Yeah, that that is my that is what I'll always encourage. Like, I'm not here to change you into somebody you're not. So, like I said earlier, if you're a tinted moisturiser girly, we'll do that tinted moisturiser. If you love a red lit, we'll totally do the red lit on the wedding day. I'm not there to tell you what's wrong or right. And just going back to the trend thing, um, I do I do think it has changed massively as well. Like everyone that assumes that back in the day it had to be natural makeup. Bridal had to be natural. Doesn't have to be anything other than you.

SPEAKER_00 13:07

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 13:07

And I I always encourage that. I mean, neutral tones are safe, and most brides do stick with that. But previously I had this amazing bride and she had um it sounds absolutely wacky. It's on my Instagram actually quite far down there. She had like a bottle green eye because she always wears green eyeshadow. I think I saw it. It looks stunning, it doesn't sound as striking. Um but like that is not the norm bridal makeup. But she was like, I always have green on my eyes. So I was like, well, let's mute it. Yeah. Let's do it, but mute it a little bit. So yeah, I do think it's changed from years ago.

SPEAKER_00 13:42

So do you think on that topic then, do you think most brides actually know what suits them or do you think they do follow trends nowadays, or do you find that you're guiding them more?

SPEAKER_01 13:51

I'm guiding them more because Instagram is a wonderful place, but it's also a daunting place with anything, whether it's like I said, makeup, um like I said, early colour schemes, or like the way you should have your wedding mirror. It's so easy to get sucked in.

SPEAKER_00 14:08

Big time.

SPEAKER_01 14:09

It is. So yeah, I said it on another podcast, i.e., uh laminated brows, absolutely gorgeous. I rock them myself, they're not everybody's cup of tea, but I'm trying to stir them away so you're gonna maintain a bit of a timeless feel. We'll still have the fluffy brow, but we might, you know, reduce it a little bit. Yeah. Just because I don't want you to look back in years to come and be like, why did I have that? Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I'm sure there will be something where we're like, oh my god, my wedding dress. When they're not 60. Do you know what I mean? But right now I'm just trying to keep it timeless and I don't want you to look back and think, oh no.

SPEAKER_00 14:45

You don't want to look back and have a regret on your makeup or anything before your wedding day. Yeah, fact. So is natural bridal makeup overrated or is it badly done most of the time? The difference between neutral and natural.

SPEAKER_01 15:00

Yeah, I think let's try and make that clear, because I think a lot of people maybe a couple of years ago actually, where we would show you a natural photo, they'd be like, I want this natural makeup, but half the time it's neutral.

SPEAKER_00 15:15

See, I never understood this. So I never understood this until I think it was not last year, but the year before, and I can't remember who I was having a conversation with.

SPEAKER_01 15:23

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 15:23

And somebody was saying, and I was like, wait, what?

SPEAKER_01 15:25

Aren't they the same thing?

SPEAKER_00 15:26

And then I asked later on. Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 15:29

When when it's broken down.

SPEAKER_00 15:30

So start back at for anybody who doesn't know, start what is neutral and what is natural.

SPEAKER_01 15:34

Yeah, so natural makeup is like real skin, really subtle products. Yeah. It's a really sheer, really lightweight. But neutral makeup is more of a bit of a full coverage on the on the skin, a neutral shade, so like neutrals, browns, earthy tones. So that if you were to put two photos together, you'd see a very different different image. Yeah. Neutral. Neutrals would be your colours, essentially, wouldn't it? Yeah. And and just like more more noticeable than natural.

SPEAKER_00 16:10

Yeah. It makes sense, it would be yeah. Yeah. And then you're looking at me like, can you can it?

SPEAKER_01 16:16

I don't want to be talking like gobbledygooch, but yeah, there is it is there's natural makeup and there's neutral makeup.

SPEAKER_00 16:23

So do you think natural makeup is overrated then?

SPEAKER_01 16:28

Um it depends on the individual. Like if you're a natural girly, like, no, it's not overrated, is it?

SPEAKER_00 16:36

Does somebody come in and say, Oh, I'm a natural girly, but you find that the more a neutral girl more often than so, and I will correct them on it. I'm like Because I know full well that I am I hardly wear me.

SPEAKER_01 16:46

You're natural. Do you think? Yeah, I'm neutral. See, whereas I'd say the opposite. No, you're natural a hundred percent. You wear like a shit skin tint, like elf. Do you wear like Oh my god, you just guessed if I found a little bit.

SPEAKER_00 17:01

Yeah, yeah, or like silver flawless filter. And uh you like you do. I've literally only just bought I've just bought a new elf this morning. Yeah. Whereas before it was number seven.

SPEAKER_01 17:10

Yeah, so that's more of a full of colour.

SPEAKER_00 17:12

Yeah, but I've I've stopped since having pee, I've just not had and just not worn any.

SPEAKER_01 17:17

Yeah. So Yeah, so you're natural, I would say. But then would you want that on your wedding day? You might not. You might prefer more neutral. Yeah. Which is mo most people.

SPEAKER_00 17:25

Oh, okay. Okay, that's in that's an interesting fact. I feel like that's very um Yeah, helpful. It is very helpful. Um, have you ever had to tell a bride then that her inspiration photos that she's bought to you, if she's bought like an example of A, B, and C, don't work for her? Not a bride, but a mother of the bride. Okay. Do you find that that's more common then?

SPEAKER_01 17:47

Yeah, and I obviously said it in a really polite manner. Or would you say that? Bless her. She was she is was really nice. I haven't seen it since the wedding to be fair, but um she just loved her green eyeliner, but it was the positioning of the green eyeliner that I wasn't happy with her going out the door and then directing it back to me.

SPEAKER_00 18:13

Yeah, of course.

SPEAKER_01 18:15

Because that's not how I I would have applied it. Yes, as well. I do. Yeah. Because it's funny, quite often the brides go, Oh god, you need to sort my mum out. Yeah. I'm like, don't, you know, get rid of that eyeliner. But then it's not, I can't do it. You can't do it, yeah. Um and in the end, actually, the mother of the bride, because I I didn't refuse, but I just was like, I really don't want to do this for my own brand. Yeah. She actually went to somebody else. Oh, okay. And it was fine. Yeah. It was like a positive thing, but I just wanted to protect myself.

SPEAKER_00 18:49

Of course you do, but also like you you want to protect what you're doing, but also at the end of the day, you want her to feel good. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. So I just And also you want the bride to be okay because, in some sense, she doesn't want to have brides.

SPEAKER_01 19:00

Oh, yeah, me and the bride were talking about I mean, like I said, behind closed doors. The bride is like but it was just one of those things, but I'm glad I did what I did.

SPEAKER_00 19:10

Oh, good. Okay, good. Okay, then have you had a great time the wedding morning? Have you ever had a bride or not? That's bought inspiration photos and you've kind of had to be like, that won't suit you, or have your hand have just swayed them differently. How have you done it?

SPEAKER_01 19:23

I maybe would sway them differently and approach it, you know. No, but I haven't actually had 'cause why'd you get one tomorrow?

SPEAKER_00 19:31

Oh my god, don't say that. So on that topic, what are the most common mistakes then brides make with their makeup?

SPEAKER_01 19:44

They always try and switch it up because it's their wedding day. And if they don't try and make it them. Yeah, I always say like just stick with what you know and it'll be ten times better, hopefully, because one a professional's done it.

SPEAKER_00 19:56

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 19:58

And two, you know, um it'll just photograph amazing because there's been so many fine layers, that's how I do it. Yeah. Um, yeah, so they they try and switch it up. I did that when I had my own wedding trial. Really? Even though I tell my brides not to do it, yeah.

unknown 20:14

What?

SPEAKER_01 20:15

So I wear warm tones on my eye, so that's like bronzer shades, like really warm. And for some reason I I trialled a cool tone eye, but it's because I'd seen a photo off Instagram and I was like, oh, that's really nice. And then when she did it, she she did an amazing job. But I was just like, was this for your my actual wedding? Right, okay. Yeah, in Santorini. So I did what I would say don't do because I was just like, oh well, I need to try it.

SPEAKER_00 20:40

But it helps eliminate things, yeah, because like you've ticked it off in your head, like I know that didn't work. I've just had a con this a similar conversation with an a new bride who's looking to book us, and she was saying, Oh, the makeup artist that she um wanted wasn't available, but they've recommended this person instead. Yeah. So she's gone with them. Um, and I said, Your trial will be. I said, Have you had your trial yet? She said, No, I've got it in July. Yeah. Um, and I said, Well, that trial will be the place where you can ask questions. It can be the place where if you don't like something, also have that open communication with the person that's doing it. Yeah, because it's super important. If you don't like something, then they're not gonna do it on your wedding day, and they're not gonna feel a certain way. Yeah, because like you say, when you show that reaction, that reaction says a thousand words and they're gonna know instantly something's not okay.

SPEAKER_01 21:27

100%. And your makeup artist should book plenty of time for that trial to have those conversations, hence why the price is different, because the time frame's different, and it's a lot of pressure for a makeup artist, and you want to get it bang on. I always say when brides come in and we do the breakdown before we even get into putting products on the face nine times out of ten, you think like, This is it, this is gonna be my wedding makeup.

SPEAKER_00 21:53

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 21:55

But quite often you change a lot of it, and that's good. Like, I encourage it. I'm like, I want you to be like, Safe that little brown hair, it's not it's not it's not right. I want like I want you to really, really, really almost pull it to pieces so we can smash the whole look and on the wedding day you'd be like, No, my my my makeup artist on my wedding day was absolutely amazing. There was nothing I would change. That's what we need. Yeah, no, I agree. Not a negative thing on like a makeup artist point. I think there's actually a question about this that we'll move on to. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 22:25

Another makeup artist asking. Oh, okay, okay, fab. Brilliant. Um, so do expensive products really matter, or is it mostly the skill when booking a makeup artist then?

SPEAKER_01 22:36

To an extent, yeah, but but mostly skill. Okay. I I use a range of drugstore to high-end. Wow, okay. YSL to L'Oreal. It some drugstore brands are crap, some are fantastic. Some are fantastic, some high-end products are crap, some are fantastic. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. I'm not a snob and you shouldn't be a snob. To be honest, they're all made in the same flipping factory anyway. They are. Yeah. Estee Lauder owns like majority. Oh no way. Um, like Nyx, love a load of Nyx products. Okay.

SPEAKER_00 23:12

Um, yeah, it's just finding the ones you want you enjoy. I was gonna say, just it depends on who is having them then, in the sense of like, so say, for example, if a bride came to you and was like, oh, this is what I use, that's what you would try and use, or would you try and like use a product that is similar because you know the skin's not gonna react or anything like that?

SPEAKER_01 23:30

Especially with base makeup. Okay, yeah, I always ask, so what what foundation do you use and they'll name the brand or whatever? Um, yeah, just so I can really make them feel like themselves. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 23:41

Um, is there such a thing as too much makeup for your wedding day? Have somebody say for example, not somebody whether you've done it or whether you've seen it before, but would you say that you've seen somebody have too much makeup on on their wedding day and thought that's not an enhanced version of you, it's actually too overpowering in a way.

SPEAKER_01 24:06

I think it's very personal. Yeah. I've seen overly edited photos.

SPEAKER_00 24:12

I think that's a different topic altogether, isn't it?

SPEAKER_01 24:14

I feel like where it looks like your makeup's too much, whether it looked like that in person.

SPEAKER_00 24:18

Right, this is a note for photographers. Like if you are editing your photos, do not airbrush them to the point that you're airbrushing skin, you're airbrushing. It's the whole everything, the whole look, the whole makeup.

SPEAKER_01 24:31

I don't know what the filter's called, but do you remember seep seep year on your phone? Do you remember it? Yeah, that pisses me off as a makeup artist. It creates all blotches on the poor bride skin. Calm the down with that filter.

SPEAKER_00 24:47

I don't I'm like my hard work and it's just all suffered. So there's one there's one makeup artist in particular that you have worked with, and I know, and I know that her work has been edited previously for I don't know whether I'm allowed to say this, but I'm pretty sure she wouldn't mind, um, for something that she did. It wasn't a wedding or anything like that, but the photographer edited it to the point that you it wasn't even the same colour lipstick she put on. Yeah, really bad.

SPEAKER_01 25:21

Was the person not offended?

SPEAKER_00 25:23

Oh god, yeah. No not sorry, not the makeup, but even like But it was a model. The m ah Yeah, so it was for it wasn't for something that was wedding related, it was just genuinely she'd done and the photos, she's like, I can't even use them because that it's not my work.

SPEAKER_01 25:39

No, it's an insult as well. Oh, that's a shame.

SPEAKER_00 25:42

It's a real shame that photographers do do that. But has it ever obviously it's happened to you, but has it ever happened to the point that it's like really bad?

SPEAKER_01 25:51

No, not that I can other than the the filler scenario. Yeah, yeah. I mean, going back to that question, I just think it is personal. Like if you were a big dramatic black eye with a wing, yeah, you know, up to your temples again. I'd just be like, let's try and reduce it slightly. Still want to feel like you, so we'll still do the wing. Yeah, but maybe we won't do it as quite as heavy. Okay. Um, and I don't want to sit here and be like, I'm mocking other people's work because I'm not. It's just like the filters and like the overly airbrushed yeah, everybody's got paws, everybody's got skin texture. Let's show it, let's show it. Yeah, let's just be proud about it. Like nobody's perfect, and that's fine.

SPEAKER_00 26:40

The world would be boring if it if everyone was perfect. So, do you think on that on that topic then, do you think that when it like you've just said about and we said about having either a lot of makeup or not a lot of makeup? Do you think that when you've come to do say like bridesmaids and brides, do bridesmaids try and overshadow brides?

SPEAKER_01 27:02

I wouldn't say overshadow, but there's always one dickhead bride. Like as many parties.

SPEAKER_00 27:11

Oh god, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 27:12

Like, there is always one in a bridal party where I mean some brides have told me, yeah, confidential, like obviously, but just to let you know, there's such and such, and they're quite particular. Yeah. I'm just like, why are you doing that? Yeah. It's not your day. Just just let it be. Yeah. Yeah. I'm dead chill though, as a person, so I'm like, okay, no worries. It's nothing that I've not never experienced before.

SPEAKER_00 27:40

Do you get bridesmaids then coming for trials with the bride?

SPEAKER_01 27:43

Sometimes, yeah, sometimes they they will have it done. I think it's more for those that are a little bit nervous and don't really wear makeup because I completely get it.

SPEAKER_00 27:51

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 27:51

Um, and then most of the time, you know, a mum a mum might come along or an auntie um or a bridesmaid and sit with a bride while she has it done and make and make an experience and a bit of an a day out of it or something.

SPEAKER_00 28:03

Because I always say, like, go on like you before you go on your handu. So say for example, if you're having like a handu within the UK or you're going on a day hour, utilise that because you're then gonna know how long it lasts for. Yeah. Then I know all of those little details as well.

SPEAKER_01 28:18

It depends on the day you have in your hando, because I'm certainly thinking it won't be this year, but um the day. So you know, if if if that stylist or makeup artist only does trials, I don't know, on a Thursday, yeah, it won't sometimes align with a hando. Yeah. And I've had a lot of people going, like, do you do a tr do you do a trial on a Saturday? Do you do a trial on a Friday? And then quite often they've gone, yeah, because such and such doesn't do one. It's just part of it, it's part of their working hours. We work long and hard, and we want to give our complete best self to that appointment, which is why there are boundaries in place. At the moment, I do have my trials a Friday, Saturday, and even a Sunday morning, but I'm not saying that's going to be a forever thing.

SPEAKER_00 29:04

We've had this conversation, I think it was a couple of weeks ago, actually, wasn't it?

SPEAKER_01 29:07

Where just for my lifestyle and family and because if you don't know, so full sometimes do a wedding. I graft really hard.

SPEAKER_00 29:15

She absolutely grafts her ass off. Yeah. And you do, and you'll do a wedding, you'll be at that wedding from like half five in the morning, and you'll get home at say two o'clock of doing it. Three o'clock, go again and do another three trials. Go again and do trials in the afternoon.

SPEAKER_01 29:29

Yeah, so I know like I get why your bride would want to have it at the weekend, one for purely because of time off work, yeah, and two to try and match it with a plan, but now you know, sometimes it's not always doable. I don't think people realise sometimes why you don't allow it. So I just think it's important to put that out there as a makeup artist. Why other people might not.

SPEAKER_00 29:51

Yeah. Yeah. So have you ever had to refuse a client then? Wow. On that topic. That was very blumbering, wasn't it? Um either for like unrealistic demands or just for like that lady we were speaking about, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 30:07

But it was a positive thing. It wasn't like I'm never doing like you know, I'm really approachable. Um to come back to you and be like, can you do my um makeup, please? Oh no. My um sons. It wasn't even because she was an arsehole, it was just because like it didn't align with my yeah.

SPEAKER_00 30:25

Your ethos and who you are and also your brand at the end of the day, because that's why people book you.

SPEAKER_01 30:29

Yeah, yeah. Um, so now I've had I've had experiences that have made me really upset.

SPEAKER_00 30:39

Yeah, and I can I've seen them first hand from you.

SPEAKER_01 30:42

Um I've I've never used anybody, but my friends say I should with some people.

SPEAKER_00 30:50

I think too right you should. Because I think anybody has the right to refuse a client.

SPEAKER_01 30:55

Yeah, and you know what? Like, there's a queue of really lovely people who want to use you.

SPEAKER_00 31:01

So why are we allowing it knob eds?

SPEAKER_01 31:04

Yeah, yeah. Yeah, and it's the same with any work, any job. We're we're human beings. Yeah. So let's just be kind.

SPEAKER_00 31:12

Yeah, and that's all it is. Yeah, I agree. Don't be a knob ed. Yeah, just for a start. Yeah. And it's the way you deliver things, I think.

SPEAKER_01 31:20

Yeah. You know, like you can be stern, but you can be polite, you can you can still do it in a polite way. That's me going, don't be a knobed.

SPEAKER_00 31:28

I need more of that attitude that you have. No, but like this is this is why I think like also trials are important for you because like, and this is why we do like I've said this previously, consultation calls, because we're not the right fit for you, I will say. Yeah. And if you're not the right fit for us, we will say vice versa. Yeah, 100%. And I think that's also important on your behalf to say, for example, if you have booked in and you've paid a deposit and you've got your trial in, yeah, or you've met that person at a wedding fair or whatever, and you don't think they're the right fit, it's important that you have that option to say. Yeah, to clock at. And the say uh exactly, and the same also for the couple. Yeah. To be like I agree with because at the end of the day, you're that first supplier, they need to get on with you.

SPEAKER_01 32:12

I know. We it would be a very awkward conversation if not. Yeah. I know. I mean, I've never feel like I do get on with loads of people. I mean, you get you get the vibe sometimes when someone's a little bit off or a bit shy or doesn't want to talk, and that's fine. But I could talk to a wall if you let me. So I'm just gonna put it out there that I am a chatty girly. I love hearing about another reason why I love the job, like, I'm just interested in people, like, not even from a nosy element, like, there's so much to somebody. Yeah, and I like I know it sounds really deep, but like trauma bonding is like Big Mama, like I want to know more. Do you know what I'll need to do? I like tell me everything. Yeah, I mean, I've got emotional so many times drawing appointments, when because you know, you you are like a therapist in when you're in the beauty industry, and like you really connect with people, and like I said, another element to the job that I feel like I thrive with because I just yeah, understand and that I'm relatable and I'm normal, and yeah, I will moan with you. You know, like if I've had an argument with Ethan, I'm like, it's really pissed me off, and it's not an unprofessional thing, but instantly I see somebody's shoulders go, Oh, she's normal. Yeah, like she's just normal, it's massive, it's so massive.

SPEAKER_00 33:34

Like you get to your wedding day, and everybody does it, every single bride and groom, groom and groom, bride and bride, whoever it may be, has this persona of every single supplier that they are is a robot. Is a robot, and this is something that I've been so important, and we both have said this. This is why I think we get on, and and we've said about this part and everything like that, is because we just want to show who we are.

SPEAKER_01 34:00

Like, I am the most chilled out person, and like I think we're great at reading the room and having like that switch of being like right when's best time to actually take something on or take. Like dropping down in the splits, like that's not gonna happen.

SPEAKER_00 34:17

So we are just normal people, all of us, exactly, and it it's taking that time to obviously like warm up to people as well, but also like you've got to remember that there is somebody who has a life behind that person and also what they do and who they are, and which would go back to the trial situation and seeing like the there's reasons why certain makeup artists, hairstylists, whoever don't do trials on a Saturday.

SPEAKER_01 34:44

Right because kids, yeah, you know, and that's that's half the reason.

SPEAKER_00 34:47

Like this is something I'm gonna stop. So after we had this conversation, um, it's something that I'm gonna make sure that my consultations are only set times in the week. Yeah, yeah. Just purely because I need that time. When do we have a life? Exactly, exactly. And it's really important you've got to remember that that person behind that makeup brush or that hairbrush or what that camera, whatever it may be, is just a normal person. Yeah. And if you talk to them like a normal person, they're actually gonna be like, oh my god, they're so chilled. Yeah. And they'll talk normal back. Yeah. So off onto a different topic. Okay. I know we've touched base on trends and things like that as well, but is there a trend at the minute you just want to see disappear?

SPEAKER_01 35:31

Is there a trend that I want to see disappear? I just love makeup, so I'm like, wow, that's so good. Like everything. Um maybe a super, super, super uh highlighted under eye with concealer. Okay. It does look gorgeous, but in person it's quite striking. Okay. So it photographs amazing on a catwalk on your wedding day. Yeah. Especially with a super pink blush. I love blush. I do get blush blindness on myself. Um, but yeah, me maybe that does need to be tweaked a little bit. Turned out. It's not as harsh. Yeah, I wouldn't say like get out the door. Um I feel like the 2016 brow, like I I guess it's rare that people do that, but that that for me just 2016 brow? Yeah, like coloured in, like a blur.

SPEAKER_00 36:32

Oh no.

SPEAKER_01 36:33

It's rare that people come in and ask for that nowadays, but I guess I guess that's one where I'm like, let's reduce it a little bit.

SPEAKER_00 36:41

Let's actually just do your natural what's there.

SPEAKER_01 36:43

Yeah. Yeah.

unknown 36:45

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 36:46

Sorry, that's not a very good answer, is it? Okay, so there's not. When you put on the spot, you're I'm like thinking, what trend? What trend? There isn't a lot of trends at the main with makeup, I don't think.

SPEAKER_00 36:56

I don't think there's a lot of trends as there has been. For example, like you said, laminated brows. Yeah. That was like a massive, massive thing when it happened. Everybody did it. Um but you see, it's it there's not really it's more skin, I mean, I love it, like more skincare focused at the map. So what would you say then? This is probably, has it been a might have been a question, but may have been asked before. But if it has, then I'll just ask it anyway. What would be the ideal skincare routine to prep for your wedding day then? Um, water.

SPEAKER_01 37:28

Stay hydrated. Hydrated. It starts there, like it does.

SPEAKER_00 37:32

She says drinking.

SPEAKER_01 37:34

Because we're all married then we're all terrible for it. Well, most people are. It's very rare you meet someone who says, I drink loads of water. Most of us are like, Oh god, I always forget to drink instead, I eat. I think I'm I assume I'm hungry.

SPEAKER_00 37:46

But really, you need a you need a flipping glass of water, like so. How much would you say on the lead up then? Because people are gonna probably would you say is like the just like an actual reasonable amount a day. Two litres. Yeah, okay. Yeah, that's a fact, isn't it?

SPEAKER_01 38:01

Yeah. And it's not that hard to do, like fill up your water bottle, smash one in the morning, smash one in the the afternoon to your to your dinner.

SPEAKER_00 38:09

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 38:10

That's how I man try and manage it.

SPEAKER_00 38:12

Or even get a bottle that is a two-litre one with a straw and you drink way more when it's a straw.

SPEAKER_01 38:17

Top tip straw, yeah, just helps you get it down you quicker, doesn't it? Oh, big time. Um I guess it depends on your budget, but facials, um going to a skin specialist in terms of facials as well, because they will just be so clued up in terms of what each person is. Do you know one that would uh recommend? Um I know many to be fair. Um there's one in hail. Oh, I can't think of the name. I can always tag the people. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 38:51

There's one that I would recommend that is Sambach Way, which is Oh my glow. Yes. I've never lovely nice.

SPEAKER_01 38:58

Yeah, I've heard. Yeah. Repose, Rachel, repose. Yes. She's not repose as good. She's a specialist, but she's a beautician and is very, very, very good. However, getting an appointment with her is challenging because she's so fab. So yeah, Rach is amazing and lovely. Um, she does a moment for you package, by the way, it's 70 quid. Oh shoulder, neck, and back. The best massage you will ever have. Oh my god, so if you need to wind up. No, I I've I always ask for my birthday. My friends check it. Yeah, that's what I get. Because it's unreal. Birthday's in leave in a week, let's say you need to drop it now. And it's like, what do you want? I know. Drop that in because it's unreal. Amazing, it's so relaxing. I'm like dribbling. So, yeah, water, and if you have the budget for facials, I invested in a LED mask. So rather than facial, I think they're amazing. Rather than having multiple facials, I I invested and now I'll have that forever. Um, and I was struggling with I'm assuming it was stress, loads of spots and and um like hormonal spots on my jaw, and it helped mute it. So if you it this just depends on your budget, yeah. Um and just moisturize, try not to over-moisturize if you've got hydrated skin anyway, but um, yeah, just don't overcomplicate with loads of products.

SPEAKER_00 40:18

Um like a daily moisturiser rather than.

SPEAKER_01 40:21

Yeah, if you've got super dry skin, please, please purchase. Oh, I I don't want I always hate recommending in case like you know, it doesn't work. It doesn't work, but I feel like it's worked with loads of people. Um the La Roche Pose, the Cecia Plast and Moisturiser, it's top tier. I was really struggling with dry under eyes. Purchased it and within like a week, completely gone. So it's quite thin. You can purchase it from boots. Small bottle is like $15.99, I think. I think it is. Or you can purchase it for LookFantastic with my code Sophie B L F T F. And you get 20% off. No, it's L F T F Sophie B. So you can use that on LookFantastic. I'm just gonna plug that one in there as well. Um Sophie just plugging us out. I know that one can again. Yeah, so like I said, water.

SPEAKER_00 41:16

I love LookFantastic, I think it's absolutely brilliant.

SPEAKER_01 41:19

And use my code.

SPEAKER_00 41:20

I know.

SPEAKER_01 41:23

Um yeah. Water, moisturiser, and facials.

SPEAKER_00 41:28

Facials. Okay, amazing. And do you think DIY bridal makeup is a bad idea? So, say for example, you've been hired to do bridesmaids, mum, whoever, do you think that then the bride doing her own is a bad idea or do you think each to their own?

SPEAKER_01 41:49

Each to their own, but it's not just about you being good at makeup, it's the experience of your wedding morning. I think so too. And I'm saying that from being a makeup artist who chose to get it done on a wedding day. It's a c it should be a calming time because you should feel like the boss-ish that you are on your wedding day. And relaxed. And relaxed and waited on, and feel amazing. So I get it, like if you are good at makeup or if you're a makeup artist, I get why you would choose to do your own. When you do choose to do your own, half the time you've got anxiety about doing your own and hoping that it goes right, and you've got the pressure of that as well. Yeah, no, I agree, and also you're then flustered anyway, because everyone's trying to pull you from pillar to post even more because you're not gonna get yourself off and and go and do that on your own or whoever you choose, maybe, but I would opt to get it done, and that's not me, yeah, like going like come to me and get it done. It's just I would opt to get it done just for the experience as well.

SPEAKER_00 42:54

Yeah, no, I I agree with that one. I love it when a bride does their own hair or a makeup fab hat's off to you. If you feel like you've got the right bridal party to support that, perfect. Yeah, but if you want to feel relaxed in the morning, if you want to feel like you're having an experience of your day and you're not working on your wedding day essentially by trying to do something and something then go wrong or anything like that, and you get flustered. Because, like, if you go out or anything and you get, say, for example, one eye isn't matching to the other one, you always get flustered. And there's always one, there's always one. They're they're twins, they're not identical, but it's fine.

SPEAKER_01 43:29

100%, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 43:30

But like it just means that you can have, like you say, that calming experience of it.

SPEAKER_01 43:35

And if it's you know, to do with budget, and like you're thinking, oh god, like just it's just not fitting into the budget, having my makeup done. Plus your wedding back a month, it's so important to feel amazing on your wedding day. And just put a little bit more money aside. Or, you know, if you've got a great group of friends or bridal party, say you don't want a gift, you want them to to to you know, yeah, you deserve it. Yeah, 100%. Not in your budget, maybe you could think of things of making it in your budget, whether it's pushing it further up or asking as a gift.

SPEAKER_00 44:08

So on the sense of obviously stress for a wedding day, what is your ideal time for somebody to get married? What do you love and what do you not love self? Um I'm just gonna sink into my chair because I think I know the answer to this.

SPEAKER_01 44:28

Yeah, and I feel like brides, if you've butt me and you are having an early ceremony, don't hate me.

SPEAKER_00 44:33

It's fine.

SPEAKER_01 44:34

But 12 pm is just oh it's great for an early finish as a supplier. Yeah. But if you are getting married at 12 and you've got a huge bridal party, you have to understand that you are getting up early no matter what. Like you need to be ready for 11am if you're getting married at 12. Sometimes at quarter to eleven.

SPEAKER_00 44:56

You need to be in your dress at 11, hon.

SPEAKER_01 44:58

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 44:59

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 44:59

So then on this, oh gosh, we're not we're not early birds, tough shit. You but you've got a bed in, yeah. Yeah, and you know, I know you're saying you're getting a longer day. Half the time everybody's knackered by by four because you you guys have been up so early. Yeah, maybe just think about the ceremony time and how many people you've got getting glam done. And logistics, yeah, please. Yeah. Think about suppliers. So a lovely time is 2 pm. I mean, it's the standard time, isn't it? I love it. It's not too late, it's not too early. It's nice for guests because, as well, if you're also getting married at 12, guests are stressed getting there. They've got to get ready, they might have children to sort out, you know, it's a lot.

SPEAKER_00 45:44

Yeah. I agree. I'm you you're an advocate for this, yeah.

SPEAKER_01 45:49

And I know what people I because again, it's like, well, we're getting a longer day by getting married at twelve. Sometimes is it worth it?

SPEAKER_00 45:57

Mm-hmm. You've got to have the right guests because some do peak too soon. Yeah. Yeah. I I I agree with that. I've got upsets anybody. I've got no no thingies on that one. I actually prefer a two o'clock. Yeah, it's just perfect. My one on Saturday is four. That's nice. I know. And it's a registry.

SPEAKER_01 46:18

Oh, really nice. Really nice.

SPEAKER_00 46:19

No, see what I did. Brilliant.

SPEAKER_01 46:21

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 46:22

So should we do a few questions? Yeah, why not? Um throw them in. Um, oh, the first one's actually from my for my ride on Saturday. Oh yeah. You'll have to tell her because I will. I said this to her, I said it won't come out until afterwards. So I I will just tell you, tell you the answer. I said as soon as we get it, I'll just send it you. So the first question is how do I get a super glowy, glossy cheek look? I always see best highlighter for it.

SPEAKER_01 46:51

Um the Vive skin dew is unreal. So you need to be using cream products for a very natural, refreshing, dewy look rather than like speckled shine, if that makes sense. So a sh a super highlighted, shiny cheek overdone would be from a powder. It has to be like a fine green. Okay. But if you use like a skin dew, I'm actually wearing it today, the ri the light will rebounce off it a little bit more. It'll look it'll give a bit more of like a fresher, wet look.

SPEAKER_00 47:26

Like a liquid highlighter, basically.

SPEAKER_01 47:27

The Vive skin jew is amazing. And then the Dior um powdered um highlighter is amazing as well. So you've got two there. I'm giving you two.

SPEAKER_00 47:40

Um I would say you asked me one, but I don't know the answer. So I'm just gonna keep asking them two. Yeah. I have no idea like really blabbing on it. I have no idea when it comes to makeup, so they're all yours on. Um I think I feel like we've touched base on this a little bit, but skin prep tips, particularly for combo, oily and dry skin and acne prone for makeup long longevity.

SPEAKER_01 48:06

Longevity.

SPEAKER_00 48:06

Longevity. Did I say long bevity? Longevity, oops.

SPEAKER_01 48:10

Um yeah, so obviously we did talk about skim prep earlier, but it's it's it would be different for oily and dry skin. Okay. So you need to be making sure you're moisturized in your dry areas, but with the oily areas in your T-zone, I always use like a silicon primer, so it like it masks the pores and keeps oils at bay.

SPEAKER_00 48:34

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 48:35

Um, and a good translucent powder for your for your oily T-zone would be cracking. Um I always recommend just because it's affordable. And it's a dupe of the Charlotte Tilbury, Maybelline Pressed Powder.

SPEAKER_00 48:48

I used to use those as so because I used to have oily skin before I have map.

SPEAKER_01 48:52

Yeah, it's like $8.99, I think, and it literally looks white and is quite scary when you buy it, but as you apply it onto the skin, there's no colour in, so it just simply mattifies.

SPEAKER_00 49:01

That's amazing.

SPEAKER_01 49:02

Yeah, so you're not adding more and more. That's what I was saying earlier about fine layers.

SPEAKER_00 49:06

Oh so the next one has been asked, or well, we've answered it already about um skincare on the lead up to the big day. Yeah. Um, the one after is actually from a supplier. I don't know if you've seen. Yes, I have. He's gonna know who he is when we ask this. Why ask the bride for photos in front of the photographer, Sophie? Because I because you want it to look a certain way on your grid. He has put at the end of this, by the way, jokes, please don't kill me.

SPEAKER_01 49:32

But that is another reason. And but not all the time, I'm just gonna say it. Not not him, but like, we don't always like the filter you use. Nope. I'm very particular about the my grade. We we both are.

SPEAKER_00 49:46

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 49:47

I don't want a random, you know, it's really helpful and and I'm really grateful that you're allowing us to use your photos that are amazing. But I want to be promoting makeup, not the bride's dress. So I need it to be up close, I need the lighting to be spot on. I want the content as well.

SPEAKER_00 50:07

Yeah, no, of course, because you want to post that day, don't you? Yeah. Um makeup tips then for an overseas hot weather so it doesn't melt off.

SPEAKER_01 50:17

Less is more. Um a great setting spray. Um, lots of creamy products than rather than powder. Okay. Powder you will need because you will go shiny with the heat, but only in certain areas.

SPEAKER_00 50:31

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 50:32

It's the same with with any makeup application. The more powder you apply, the heavier it's gonna look.

SPEAKER_00 50:37

How did you find then your makeup artist then? Because obviously you found one in Santorini. Did you? Okay.

SPEAKER_01 50:43

I did do my research, I'm not gonna lie.

SPEAKER_00 50:45

Okay.

SPEAKER_01 50:46

Long and hard.

SPEAKER_00 50:46

Obviously, you do anyway. Um, destination weddings and everything. Yeah. So here's the one. Do you need one? Um a non-makeup girly, do I get a makeup artist or do my own?

SPEAKER_01 51:00

Well, again, it's really, really up to you. But like we we said earlier, you know, you're just gonna have to remember if you do your own, you might have the stress of doing your own. Um, but also if you do your research and you know, like I said earlier, I'm pretty versatile and explain all that, booking one, yeah, you should get what you want anyway.

SPEAKER_00 51:24

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 51:24

From the the conversation.

SPEAKER_00 51:26

No, of course. No, I I agree with that. And then you can decide then if you want one or not as well from that. Yeah. So we've had a bit of a a spiral, I guess.

SPEAKER_01 51:35

A bridal spiral.

SPEAKER_00 51:36

Have you seen this one?

SPEAKER_01 51:37

I I tried to not dig deep because I wanted to answer it on the spot.

SPEAKER_00 51:43

Perfect. So I'll read it out for you. So yeah. This is from a fellow makeup artist who listens in. Um, so how do you find bridal trials? Are a bridal makeup artist as a bridal art bridal as a bridal makeup artist? 90% of the time I love it, but this year I've been trying to get all my trials done on off-peak seasons so I can focus on my weddings for the rest of the year, and it's really damaging my confidence in my artistry. I'm constantly feeling like I'm under pressure to perform and I feel like I'm being judged. And then the constant feedback and tweaks has made me feel like they hate it. Obviously, I understand that they want them and to tell me their preferences so we can then get it right on the big day. But when it's all you're constantly hearing, it doesn't make you feel great. I also have had an awful experience of the mother of the bride trial that made me feel like I couldn't do my job properly and actually made me cry. So I'd love to hear your take on bridal trials.

SPEAKER_01 52:40

Oh, well, sorry that you've been upset. I have been there and I'm sure I will continue to be there because we're human beings and when you care so much, it does affect you. But it's taken me years to really, really master the feedback because I was like taking it pretty personal when I first started. They're not doing it nine times out of ten, they're not doing it to be cruel. Yeah. Um, you know, maybe it's the way maybe it's what you're telling yourself. Like I always encourage them to go home and you know, show the friends or show the partner if they want to. And you know, please check back in. Give me the feedback, whether it's really great feedback or or things you want to tweak, that's fine. You know, I appreciate things, Mike, start creasing. We need to change the base then. So maybe it's her mindset, maybe she is overbooking the trials, maybe she should only do two. I don't know what she is doing. One a day, two a day, one in the morning, whatever it is, maybe she is overbooking them, yeah, and she's feeling overwhelmed and she's not enjoying it.

SPEAKER_00 53:48

Also, as well, you're not getting the same feeling as you would on a wedding day, I guess. So, say for example, the way you come, yes, you're absolutely knackered and you're like one eye open when you leave, but in the sense of like you're not getting that I've done my job really good kind of feeling. So, yes, you're trying to do them off peak, but would it be good to try and do them maybe the middle of the week rather than a hundred percent? So it rather than doing them all in say January to stagger them that way.

SPEAKER_01 54:16

I get why she's chosen to do that, you know. I've also thought about that myself because uh, you know, people will announce on their Instagram, for example, right, September brides, it's now time for you to book, and then they'll do that whatever month it is. So I do get it, but I feel like it's really affecting you and your personality and you're taking everything to heart. So maybe you could re-rethink about how you're booking them in. Yeah. Sorry to hear that a mother of the bride really upset you. Not really sure what went on there, but no one deserves to be upset.

SPEAKER_00 54:49

No.

SPEAKER_01 54:50

Um, so maybe that's a her problem, not you. Yeah. And you know, I had a really bad time. Do you remember was it at the beginning of the year? No. Yeah. Yeah, at the beginning of the year, and there was a lot going on in my life, and and I felt like there was a few obstacles in work, and I just took this one wedding morning really quite personal, but also what I what the situation wasn't great either. And I had a meltdown too. Yeah. So you're you're a human being and it's normal. Sorry that you feel like that, but it doesn't make you any less of a good makeup artist if you're getting a little bit upset. It means that you care, and it's really nice that you care so much. Not nice that she made you upset, I know, but yeah, don't worry about it. Like you can't be everybody's person, you have your own niche, and it's the same.

SPEAKER_00 55:39

And also, they've not booked you essentially. If they have, then okay. Yeah, but at least the bride's not a good one.

SPEAKER_01 55:44

Yeah, and I think just switch your mentality, like you can't be everybody's person. Yeah, maybe try not to be a people pleaser as much. You are good, you know, you you've got amazing skills, and just try and have a bit of fun with it. Yeah, just don't take it to heart. Just like, okay, that's fine, we can tweak it all. No worries. I'm glad you've told me. That that's what I've had to do over the years. Like, yep, completely get it. You know, if if you're creasing a little bit, unfortunately, when you've got wrinkles or when you've got smile lines like myself, the makeup's gonna sit in there. Yeah, so it's how you approach it and you make it maybe make a joke out of it with the with the customer. Do you know what I mean?

SPEAKER_00 56:21

Yeah, it's mindset, it's mind over matter, isn't it? Really? Yeah, yeah. So I hope that helps. Yeah. And you are a good makeup artist, so and on that note then, so if how can everybody find you on social?

SPEAKER_01 56:38

Okay, you can find me on my main page, which is Sophie.brown.makeup, and then I have my bridal page, which is kind of just a portfolio. So it's sb.bridal makeup. I always get mixed up. Um, yeah, and that's just a lovely catalogue of some of my brides. I don't really post a lot on my story, like my main pages, say for our makeup. Yeah. That's where you'll see me here, there, everywhere at the crack of dawn. With your dog, with a dog, everything. Or might be having a meltdown on my story, keeping it real, or might be at parties, who knows? Might be at parties, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 57:15

There we go. I love that. So everybody else can find us at the aisle diaries podcast, um, on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, email is the Isle Diaries Podcast at gmail.com. I think we've covered all the platforms.

SPEAKER_01 57:37

And you can find me. I feel like all we've spoken about is me, me, me. So yeah, let's let Joella just talk now.

SPEAKER_00 57:44

No, gonna know. I'm glad you haven't, so I could could not cough. Um, so you can find me at on Instagram at seraphina weddings underscore and then TikTok is just Serafina Weddings, and the same for Facebook as well. Um, but yes, we will see you next week.

unknown 57:59

Thanks guys.