FAQ
Please read through the questions below for the most common bridal hair and make up queries I receive, and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch!
Q: Which products do you use?
A: I am not brand loyal or tied to a particular brand. My kit contains a huge variety of products which are chosen based on their performance and quality. Another important factor in my product selections is how they work together and blend to create a durable and beautiful finish incorporating where possible, cruelty free and ethical production plus environmental impact. Make up brand favourites include: Too Faced, Bare Minerals, Kjaer Weiss, Charlotte Tilbury, ELF Cosmetics, Ere Perez, Deciem and Weleda. Hair product brands include: Living Proof and Maria Nila.
Q: How long does hair/makeup take?
A: The time required for hairstyling can vary hugely depending on the style required and the hair type. When putting together a sample schedule for a booking, I'll allow 45-60 mins per hairstyle and 40 mins for each makeup.
Q: Should I wear make up to my trial?
A: You're welcome to wear your normal makeup to your trial. Sometimes it's helpful to see if you have a particular style but most often, clients arrive wearing no makeup.
Q: When do you carry out trial appointments for wedding hair and makeup?
A: I advise booking your trial appointment to take place approximately 3 months prior to the wedding date.
By this time you should have chosen your dress, accessories and possibly a veil. The style of these will inform your look and it's good to see how these items will be secured.
Q: Do you use assistants for large groups?
A: If there are more than three people in your party for hair and makeup, it often becomes too much work for one artist within typical time constraints. If necessary, I will be able to recommend trusted freelance artists to take care of hair preparation/ hair styling/makeup for some members of the group. Additional artists are appointed by the client and not employed by Carolanne Armstrong Hair & Makeup.
Q: Do you charge mileage?
A: I charge 50p per mile for trial bookings when carried out at your chosen home address. No travel charges are made in addition to my day rate if within 20 miles.
Any travel time over one hour or travel time necessary between venues incurs a charge equivalent to my minimum styling fee: £45
Q: What happens if you are ill on my wedding date?
A: I understand the importance of a big occasion like a wedding date and the investment you are making in an individual artist. I have never missed a booking due to illness, and have worked through a rapidly swelling face due to a dodgy tooth! Should something unavoidable happen, I have a network of Surrey and London artists who I can get in touch with and do my best to find a replacement.
