When you’re dreaming up your perfect bridal look in your head pre wedding day, thoughts always go to the makeup. Yes, the dress takes centre stage, but that contour and lip combo can be the difference between feeling you, and really, really feeling you.

Here, we sit down with newcomer to the North East bridal MUA scene Kirsten B Makeup, a sensationally stylish modern artist with a real 90s’ inspired edge (think dewy skin and big statement-making liner) to talk all things bridal makeup trials.

Do we need one? What happens during one? How do we get the most out of it?

Now before you beauty buffs get your bushy brows in a twist, Kirsten has all the answers. Listen and learn (…and probably book. She’s really, really good).

DO I NEED A MAKEUP TRIAL?

Always book a makeup trial. This is your chance to make sure you are happy with everything so that on the day you can completely relax and let your makeup artist do their thing.

It’s a great opportunity to get to know your artist too. After all they will be spending hours and hours with you on the most special day of your life, so you want to be sure you can trust them (and that you can have a laugh together too!) I recommend booking your trial around 6-8 weeks before your date.

HOW DO I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY TRIAL?

Trials can get overwhelming and unleash the inner bridezilla if you feel like you don’t really know what’s going on. Get clued up, get prepared and follow Kristen's top tips for maximising your pre-wedding makeup trial.

1 - Wear a similar tone top to that of your wedding dress, so you can see how your makeup will work in harmony together with your big day look.

2 - Get ideas-y - Gather together a Pinterest board or save some Instagram images of makeup ideas that appeal to you. Also some pictures of yourself where you loved your makeup, or pictures where you didn’t – anything that can help build a picture of what you want.

3 - Bring your own makeup bag! It’s great to see what products you love and what works for you, and allows us to have an insight into your makeup preferences.

4 - Keep to your routine - Wash your face as normal before your trial and apply whichever skincare products you would typically use on any other day, such as serum/moisturiser etc.

5 - Bring along any jewellery or accessories that you intend to wear on the day, and have some pictures of your dress, flowers, bridesmaids dresses etc.

6 - Hydrate - it may sound simple but try and up your water intake as much as possible in the lead up. H20 is your secret for glowing, healthy skin.

7 - Be Honest - communication is so important at your trial. We are not mind readers. Remember, we won’t ever be offended, it’s our job to make sure you are 100% happy on your big day. It’s easy to make adjustments, its only makeup!

8 - Stick to your roots - You want to feel like a polished, perfected version of yourself with some extra sparkle so let your artist know your signature every day makeup looks. Maybe you always have a black flick on your eyes, or you always do your brows a certain way? We can incorporate it into your look so that when you look in the mirror you feel like yourself.

9 - Ask about skincare - A great skincare routine that will keep your skin super hydrated and plump is the key to makeup sitting beautifully on your skin and lasting all day. Your artist should be able to go through all of this with you and recommend any products to help achieve your skincare goals.

10 - Enjoy yourself! How often do you get a few hours to pamper yourself and completely relax? Crack open some prosecco or pop the kettle on and enjoy the experience. Book a nice meal for afterwards for you and your bridesmaids or mum and make a day of it.