Your wedding has a lot of moving parts and moving all those parts are the key players: the planner, the caterer, the photographer, and of course, the best friends standing by your side as you say I do. 

But there is one key player who often gets overlooked. The one who comes armed with curling irons and mascara. The hair and makeup artist! This all-important person is the one who will help you feel and look your best throughout your big day.  

The thing about wedding hair and makeup is that it’s a journey, so having a knowledgeable, supportive, and professional artist to guide you on that journey is imperative. 

So much goes into finding the best look - the look that enhances your natural beauty - before the wedding day. Oftentimes, artists suggest scheduling hair and makeup trials about six months prior so that there’s time to discuss, find, and make adjustments to hairstyles and makeup looks. 

Tip: knowing your venue, season, wedding gown, and veil style will help you find a hair and makeup look that will compliment your choices and keep you looking fresh and beautiful throughout the event. 

Austin, Texas has so many talented individuals who help couples create a memorable event, and today I’m honored to introduce you to an Austin wedding makeup artist who really shows up for her clients. Kerri of LUSTREbella and her amazing team offer onsite services in and around the Austin area. 

Keep reading to find out more about LUSTREbella and Kerri’s wedding hair and makeup tips for the bride-to-be.

Related: How Much to Tip Wedding Vendors

Tell us a little about yourself and LUSTREbella!

I have worked in the beauty industry for 16 years, the first 11 behind the chair. I always enjoyed doing wedding and special event hair, and in 2015 I decided to start my own business and leave the salon behind. 

I also attended a makeup school to take my makeup skills further and become a professional makeup artist. I am asked all the time if I like hair or makeup better, and I love them equally! I am constantly learning and strive to keep up with current trends, but at the same time I still practice timeless trends as well.

What do you love most about your work? 

I would say that my favorite part of working with brides is the smile on their face when I hand them the mirror once I have completed their look. It is such a gift to share the moment when someone feels so beautiful.

Is there anything you'd like brides to know before they come to you? 

I definitely recommend putting together a Pinterest board of the hair and makeup looks that a bride is interested in. Sharing the link with me helps us to get on the same page going into the trial. 

I have worked with some out-of-town brides without a trial, so the Pinterest board can also help us to communicate better and make the wedding day flow smoothly without having to take extra time away from the wedding day timeline.

What can brides expect when working with you? 

My goal is to create a relaxed setting for every bride. I strive to bring a laid back, fun vibe to the day, and ensure their timeline is adequate to provide a no-stress environment.

As an artist, what would you say goes into creating a couple's wedding vision? 

I always tell my brides that I want them to look like an enhanced version of themselves. I definitely don't want them feeling that their look does not match who they are. I consider myself to be very intuitive, so I do pay attention to their personality and lifestyle to create the perfect look for them as an individual. Additionally, if I think a certain style may not fully vibe with them I may recommend something more flattering for their hair type, face shape, etc.

How far in advance should a couple book with you? 

I usually recommend 6 months.

What beauty trends are you loving right now? 

My favorites right now are loose romantic styles. I definitely LOVE incorporating braids, whether it be an updo or a down style. I typically always lean toward a natural, enhanced makeup look. But I also love when a bride wants to be adventurous and include a bold lip.

Where do you find the most inspiration? 

I tend to draw inspiration from a lot of places. In addition to working off of the bride's ideas and personality, I like to use the dress, floral colors, and the season, etc.

What's your favorite part of working within the wedding industry? 

I feel like it is a true honor to be a part of one of the biggest milestones in someone's life. Experiencing and sharing in the pure joy and love is what life is all about!

What tips or advice can you give couples planning their big day? 

Just to keep it fun and relaxed, and know that it is all about them. It is a big day, but don't take it so seriously that you lose the magic of the day. Sometimes there will be hiccups on the wedding day, and you just have to flow with it. Because at the end of the day you are still leaving that night as life-long partners! Start your journey together with laughter and fun.

Interested in learning more about hair and makeup artists in Austin, Texas? I'm sure I can help!