We had the lovely pleasure of having Jennifer Viveiros, owner & lead artist of JMV Makeup Studio, as a collaborator in our Wedding Professionals Q&A Series! Learn more about Jennifer's journey into this industry and her answers to questions we receive all of the time from brides:
How did you become a makeup artist and what led you into the wedding industry?
I became make up artist out of necessity at first. I had quite severe acne as a teenager and makeup was my confidence boost. When I graduated high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. After graduating aesthetics school, and working at a salon for a short period of time, I craved to do more makeup. That’s when I started working for MAC Cosmetics. If I’m being honest, that was my school. I learned so much just working there, and I did that for almost a decade. The problem was, I didn’t like retail. The selling part was just not for me. The makeup itself was. That’s when I decided to go out on my own. I initially freelanced for other bridal companies, and then as I started building a reputation, I went out on my own.
Do you have a favorite look to create?
My favorite look to create, is a soft, sultry glam. If I were to compare to anything, I would say the old-school Victoria’s Secret models. There was always just something so glowy and sexy about them, and I want to make every person I touch feel the same way.
Do you have a favorite brand for products?
I’m definitely a product junkie, but I wouldn’t say that one brand excels at everything. I have 1 million different brands in my kit and they all do a very specific job. If I had to pick one brand that I would be happy to have and not feel like I was missing something, it would be Charlotte Tilbury.
Should a bride bring anything specific to their trial?
A bride should always come to her trial with a clean face, and a top in a similar color, and cut to her dress. More importantly, she should have all the treatments and services done as she will for the wedding. That means spray tanning, hair removal, skin care treatments, etc. It’s really the only way you can get the most accurate look. I think it’s also important to understand that the trial is the rough draft. In most cases this is the first time the artist is meeting you and getting to know your face. This is where we experiment and play, which means you might not leave the trial fully done like you will on the wedding day. It’s important to use the trial for what it’s intended for.
Which goes first: hair or makeup?
This will vary by artist, but if I can, I like to do makeup first. This way I don’t disrupt your hair in any way. I always add touchups to the end of every wedding morning, so that I can touch people up. So never feel weird about going in the middle of the timeline. The one thing I will never do though, is have the Bride go last. I don’t think the Bride should ever go last for anything. Hair or makeup. The last thing we want is to be rushing with you and you certainly don’t want to be tied to a makeup chair when your photographer and florals are arriving. It can lead to distraction which can lead to the timeline going over very easily.
Should a bride and her bridesmaids come prepared with photos to show what they would prefer?
Bridesmaids should definitely come with inspiration photos and have realistic expectations. The goes for the bride as well. With the rise of social media and Facetune, a makeup artist job has become three times harder. Clients are unaware of what makeup can actually do. It’s important to understand that texture will never be erased with makeup. That includes wrinkles, scarring, acne, etc. If you want the most flawless application, then your skin regimen will always come first. If your skin is not in good condition, then the makeup will not magically make it so. That doesn’t mean you can’t have imperfections. We all do. Just know that those things can’t just disappear. Hydrate and exfoliate leading to the wedding day and don’t overdo it. You’re still gonna look absolutely stunning!
What type of prepping should a bride do leading up to the wedding day?
If it is in your budget, a bride should always see a professional six months to a year before the wedding day. That means seeing an esthetician or dermatologist to address any skin concerns. As I stated before, your makeup will only look as good as your skin does.
Is there a standard night before prep a bride should do?
My biggest advice for the night before is to:
A. Not try anything new. You don’t want to have a reaction to something
B. Hydrate and drink lots of water.
C. Keep the drinking to a minimum. The last thing you want to do on your wedding day is be hung over and have your skin be dehydrated. The makeup will only enhance it.
To tan or not to tan?
If you are someone that feels their most confident tan, then definitely do so. However, if you are someone who is naturally very fair, and you feel your best that way, I never suggest it. If anything, it may make you feel unlike yourself, which will translate in your body language. If you do plan on getting a spray tan, make sure you do a trial first and avoid the face if you can. Your makeup artist will match your face to your body. A spray tan can dry out the face and change how the foundation goes on.
What are tips to maintain makeup throughout a wedding day?
After your makeup artist leaves, maintaining your makeup is up to you. Even though a makeup artist’s job is to make it last as long as possible, it’s not glue. It’s still just makeup. Try to avoid touching your face and if you cry, just make sure your dab your face with a tissue and not rub it. Friction is your enemy, not water.
Comments