Wedding Q&A with Kendyl Tuilagi Make-up Artist

​Last month while I was taking a break from shooting, I got busy brainstorming some ways I could add further to my Bridal Guide Series on the blog, a resource for brides-to-be. Up until now most blog posts in this series have been photography related; from info on wedding timelines to tips for engagement sessions. But over the last four years of being a wedding photographer I have made some incredible friends in this industry so I decided why not reach out to these creative people to get some tips and advice about each of their specialised fields in a Q&A style blog series!

Kendyl Tuilagi has become a dear friend of mine, a wonderfully talented make-up artist who I've had the pleasure of working alongside numerous times and who has also done my make-up for a special occasion earlier this year! This lady made me feel like a total babe with her insane skills and I've only heard rave reviews and great things from anyone who's sat in her make-up chair. Big love to you Kendyl for being a part of the blog!

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KENDYL, TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW YOU BECAME A MAKE-UP ARTIST?
It all sort of started when I did a friend's makeup for the races one year. A Revlon rep happened to comment on my friend's make-up and asked who had done it for her. The rep later asked me to do some school ball make-up as she wasn't available to do it. It was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life but I loved it and my make-up artistry business began to blossom from there. When I saw how making someone over with a little make-up & highlighting their beautiful features transformed their confidence and made them feel amazing - I was addicted. I have a real passion for what I do and I am extremely lucky to be able to say that ‘I love my job’.

DESCRIBE THE PROCESS WHEN A BRIDE BOOKS YOU AS HER MAKE-UP ARTIST?
So 9 times out of 10 I will get an enquiry asking if I am free on their big day. If I am then I get a deposit to secure the booking and we schedule in a trial which is always a lot of fun as we get to create the perfect look for them. I ask them to bring or send me through photos of makeup looks they like/their dress/hair style/bridesmaids dresses/flowers/themes etc as that helps me work out what look would compliment the style. Then I take a few photos, note it all down and give them advice on anything they might want to do prep wise for their skin so they can get it looking fantastic for their special day.

IS IT IMPORTANT FOR BRIDES TO HAVE AN IDEA OF THE STYLE THEY WANT OR TO LET YOU KNOW THE ACCESSORIES THEY WILL BE WEARING ON THE WEDDING DAY?
Yes absolutely - this is why I ask for photos etc at the trial as if they come in with no idea of what they are after it can be a bit overwhelming for them so I definitely suggest scrolling through Pinterest/google/wedding blogs/photographers websites to get an idea of what style they want to go for.

WHAT BRAND OF MAKE-UP DO YOU USE?
99% of my kit is MAC but I also have a few pieces of Anastasia Beverly Hills, Too Faced and Urban Decay.

I SUGGEST FOR BRIDES TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR MAKE-UP TRIAL WITH THEIR ENGAGEMENT SESSION. WOULD YOU AGREE WITH THIS IDEA?
Yes 100% - love this idea and actually quite a few of my brides have done this in the past, it just makes sense. It gives them the chance to see the make-up photographed plus they will feel fabulous for their photos.

HOW LONG DO YOU TAKE PER PERSON ON THE WEDDING DAY?
I like to allow 45 munites per person in the bridal party and 1 hour for the bride.

WHAT SORT OF SKIN PREPARATION SHOULD A BRIDE DO BEFORE THEIR WEDDING DAY?
Water, water, water!! Drink a lot of water and start a skincare routine six to eight months before your wedding day so you can achieve flawless, glowing skin. I suggest seeing an experienced beauty therapist who can assess your skin's needs/concerns and can help you with a skincare regime to get your skin in the best condition possible. They will be able to recommend a series of facials and/or products for home care that will all help towards your skin looking and feeling fantastic for your big day.