Why Your Bridal Makeup Trial (Preview) Isn’t About Perfection

What a “Trial” Actually Does
A preview isn’t a pass/fail moment; it’s where we map your skin, test products, and pressure-test wear time. We assess undertones, oil production, texture, and how your skin behaves in humidity or AC. We’re designing a repeatable process so your wedding day is predictable—in the best way.

What We Test (So You Don’t Have To)

Skin Prep & Longevity
We calibrate exfoliation, primers, and airbrush vs. traditional application to match your skin type.

Color Harmony
We swatch against daylight and indoor lighting, then adjust tones so your face, neck, and chest read as one.

Cameras & Flash
Always test with and without flash, confirming no cast, no bounce, and no pigment shifts in photos or video.

Why “Close Enough” Is Perfect at the Trial
It’s normal to leave a trial with notes. Maybe you want softer eyes. Maybe we add a touch more bronzer. Those notes are gold—we use them to refine your final look and create your step-by-step wedding day blueprint.

What To Bring (So We Nail It Faster)
• Two to three inspiration photos that feel like you
• A photo of your dress and neckline
• Any hair accessories or veil
• Allergies or sensitivities
• Your everyday “comfort” makeup (so we can match the feeling, not copy the routine)

How We Work at City Lights Beauty
We treat your trial (and quite frankly every client appointment) like pre-production. This means timelines, product lists, contingency plans.

You’ll leave with clarity: what we’re doing, how long it takes, and how it will photograph from ceremony to last dance.

Planning your preview?

See our Bridal Portfolio or head over to Instagram for more behind the scenes & recent work.

FAQs

Do I need a trial if I want “natural”?
Yes. Natural still requires precision—especially in heat, tears, and long wear. Natural or "soft glam" requires a certain level of restraint that in my early years as an artist I can confirm didn't really exist.

When should I schedule?
8–12 weeks before the wedding, or before major photo events (engagement, bridal portraits).

Airbrush or traditional?
We’ll test both if needed and choose based on your skin + climate. I personally prefer to use a combination of creams & airbrush from Kett Cosmetics.

On your wedding day, you shouldn’t be guessing—you should be glowing. The trial is the plan that gets you there.

Ready for a trial that feels like peace of mind? Contact me @ CityLightsMakeup.com

Check out 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Bridal Makeup Artist >>