Photo taken by: Oksana Miroshnichenko of @OksanaMiroCreative
I’ve got a very special blog post for you today. We are talking with Jennifer Viveiros of JMV Makeup Studio. She is going to tell us about her business and clear up some questions you may have for a wedding makeup artist. So without further ado, here is our interview.
ABOUT YOU
-Tell us a little about you and your business!
JMV Makeup Studio is a makeup focused bridal suite! I’ve been doing makeup for 18 years now. I service the entire New England area concentrating mostly in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
-What is your favorite part about being a makeup artist?
I would have to say the transformation. There are so many things I love about my job, but I never get tired of making people feel on the outside as they do on the inside. The reactions that I get bring me to life! I just love making people feel confident and beautiful.
-What are some misconceptions about wedding makeup artists?
I don’t think makeup artists or wedding vendors in general get treated the same as other business owners do. Most of the time people think this is a side hustle and just something that we do for fun. And while it is fun and we are very lucky that we get to do what we love for a living, it is still a business and a full-time one at that. Therefore we have business practices and boundaries just like any other business. I don’t think they get respected the same way as other small businesses.
Wanna save this for later?! Pin this image!! 📌
ABOUT THE BIZ
-How far out should brides book a makeup artist?
Bride should be booking a quality makeup artist a year to a year and a half out. I can’t tell you how many times people have reached out 6 months in advance and the entire year is already booked and my books are closed. I would say as soon as you find a makeup artist that you fall in love with, book them ASAP.
Related: Read about your ultimate wedding timeline here!
-What do you think will be some trends in 2023?
Definitely skin is in still. Glowing, sculpted skin is the main focus. Eyeshadow isn’t as much of a focus anymore. Lashes and liner are definitely the standouts paired with a fluffy natural brow, glossy lips, and hydrated beautiful skin.
-Do you care about trends? Should brides go classic or trendy?
I definitely incorporate trends into certain looks depending on the person. And some trends really never go out of style. But I do think that in general a bride should go more classic and stick with neutral tones. Basically looking like the most formal, elevated version of yourself.
-Do you suggest brides do a makeup trial before the wedding day?
Absolutely! That said, most quality artists won’t do trials before booking. Most of the time they are focused on their current season and giving those clients their undivided attention and availability. I would do the research and find the artist that fits you by looking at the reviews and their gallery and/or Instagram. Getting referrals is a great tool as well. But booking your trial a year to a year and a half out is definitely not ideal. I would solidify the artist that you love first and then have your trial to sort out your look closer to the wedding day. I always suggest 1 to 3 months out.
Jennifer and her team proudly specialize in wedding and event makeup. Serving the entire New England area and beyond!
Photo taken by: Kim Lyn of @kimlynphotography
-How do you recommend brides approach a makeup artist when they want a look they saw online?
Take into consideration what you like about the photo. Do you just like the person’s face or do you actually like the makeup? Dissect it. Maybe you like the eyes from one picture but the lips from another, and the skin from yet another. It is very rare that one photo can encompass the entire vision. Don’t be afraid to bring multiple photos and really break down what you like and don’t like about them.
-What are brides not asking but they should be?
Timing. A lot of times brides don’t really understand how much time glam will take. It’s really important that you discuss with them how long the getting ready process is going to take with the number of people that need to get done. Many venues won’t even let you in before a certain time, so you may need to get a Airbnb or hotel for the getting ready portion. It all takes more time than you think. So just be prepared for an early start time especially if you’re doing first looks.
-What are some do’s and don’t’s for skin prep? (e.g. tanning, procedures, skincare)
I always highly recommend seeing a skin specialist as soon as possible. Really nailing down a skin routine with them and booking your appropriate facials ahead of time. It’s not really something that is an overnight thing that you can book last minute. As far as tanning is concerned I always suggest doing a trial with whoever your going to be going with for the wedding day. Just avoid the face as your makeup artist will match the body to the face. Spray tanning your face will not only dry it out, but it is much harder to match.
-What is the best way to not ruin your makeup? Other than not crying! Haha
Don’t touch your face. Water is not the enemy, friction is. It doesn’t matter how much you cry, it matters how you deal with it. Make sure you’re tapping with a tissue and not rubbing your face. Truly if you do that your makeup will last all day and night. Just avoid touching your face at all costs.
-Do you suggest grooms get a makeup artist as well?
This is going to be different for every person. I don’t think it’s completely necessary unless the groom as some general concerns like eye bags or the random acne spot. But I think a light touch is quite nice!
-What is something couples can start doing NOW so they will have great skin on their wedding day?
Definitely see a skincare specialist (esthetician). I can’t say that enough. And make sure that you are doing the recommended skincare at home as well. Just doing the facials once a month is not going to cut it. You have to be doing it at home too.
Jennifer started off her career working for companies like MAC and Bobbi Brown. She has since been able to have some amazing experiences working with clients like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, working on campaigns for Loren Hope and Randolph, and having her work displayed in Target stores nation wide.
Jennifer has also worked with athletes and artists, such as gold medalist Kayla Harrison, former Patriot Richard Seymour and band members for the 2020 Garth Brooks Dive Bar Tour.
She has been featured on TLC’s “A Makeover Story”, The Newport Bride, The Hub Today on NBC 10 Boston and Southern Bride Magazine. She has also created looks for RI Fashion Week and the 2019 Patriots ring ceremony.
Photo taken by: Halie of @byhalie
-How do you feel about brides bringing their own makeup?
Some makeup artists don’t mind but I actually don’t allow it. Other than something like lip products or the very rare skin allergy. The products that I use in my kit have been tested and tried for years so I can guarantee that they will last and look beautiful on the skin. I also can control the cleanliness and sanitation of each product as well. Using someone else’s makeup kit will never guarantee the same results.
SOME FUN QUESTIONS
-I’m SO sorry to make you pick buuuut: What is your favorite makeup product of all time?
Probably highlighter. It changes everything about the skin. I’m not particular about it being cream or powder, just beautiful hydrated glowing skin is everything to me.
-If you had to pick something to be the focus, would you choose eyes or lips?
Eyes 100% of the time. It is very rare that I do a bold lip. Don’t get me wrong I love a bold lip, it is just definitely more maintenance on a wedding day. Also eyes are the thing that pops in pictures.
-To wear or not to wear: sunscreen under makeup
Always except for a wedding day. If you’re going to be photographed especially with flash photography, sunscreen will actually cause your face to look lighter than your body in photos. But other than that, always.
-What was the most challenging place that you’ve had to work in?
Anywhere where there’s no table space and natural light. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten ready in a basement on an end table. Lol. It’s definitely not ideal but I make it work. I always suggest brides really researching their getting ready location and making sure it’s ideal and comfortable for everyone.
