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Dawn Taylor Hair & Make Up Artist

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I had the most amazing wedding day and for that I am truly blessed, however, I spent the day feeling a little like a fat Katie Price.  Why?  I didn't source the right hair and make up professionals.  You really get what you pay for.  Whilst at the time I thought I'd bagged a bargain, I'd actually bagged inexperienced suppliers.  My hair was OK for about an hour then it started to drop drastically and my fake lashes fell off in the car from the to church to the reception.  I wish I'd known Dawn when I was getting married because I can 100% guarantee that neither of these things would have happened and I would have felt far more likea bride than a fat Katie Price. 

Read more about why Dawn is my go to Hair and Make Up Artist every time. 

 

How long have you been a Hair and Make Up Artist?

Forever, and ever and ever!!  Seriously, I set up my business in 2009, however I have probably spent the last 25 years doing make-up for friends and family and that is actually how I started.  It was a hobby, something I loved to do and it has grown from there and I love doing what I do.

Have you always wanted to be a Hair and Make-Up Artist, if not, what else did you want to do?

It wasn’t something I thought I would ever do as a job, it was something I loved.  Previously, I worked in the City and then more locally as an Office Manager

Do you do hair and make up for weddings only, if not what events do you cover?

Weddings are my core business and what I most like to do, being part of someone’s special day and making them feel amazing is the biggest buzz.  I also do proms and special occasions.  In fact, a lot of my brides use me for special occasions after their big day.

Dawn Taylor Hair and Make Up

What is your overall favourite style for a wedding? 

I do love to create a beautiful sleek updo, but that doesn’t suit every bride.

Styles tend to trend year from year, and for the last 18 months or so the influence has been from Russia/Eastern Europe with the soft boho styles.   The best thing is being able to create a style for a bride that suits her and her style.

 What is the average start time for you when you are working on a bridal party?

An arrival/start time differs from bride to bride and also you have to take into account what time your venue (if you are getting ready there) will allow you access.  I always discuss a timeline with my bride at their consultation/trial as most brides will not think about the lead up time to their service, which includes them getting dressed, any photographs they may be having of their wedding prep and with family before the ceremony and obviously making sure they are dressed and ready for their interview with the Registrar.

 The size of their wedding party is also important as if it is a large party and there are time constraints then, I can arrange for another hair/make-up artist to attend also.  There is nothing more stressful for a bride and their stylist to be rushing and hurrying. This is something I always discuss with my bride in order to make their wedding prep run as smooth as possible.

Dawn Taylor Hair and Make Up

 What advice would you give to a couple trying to choose their Hair and Make Up Artist?

 Always hire a professional, they will know what to use, how to make you look your best and to make sure it lasts you until your last guest leaves!  They will know how to enhance your best features and camouflage those that aren’t, what colours to use and guide you, taking into account your comfort zone and to make sure it suits you personally as well as complimenting your dress style.

Ask for recommendations; view their work in depth and look for a style of work that you love and then make sure that you “click” with your artist.  It’s so important to have that rapport with the person trusted with making you look amazing for your big day.  You will be spending a big chunk of time with that person on your big day so it is so important you get along.

 Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for references; you want to make sure that their portfolio of work matches up to the quality of the products that they use.

 Have a trial; all professionals will charge for a trial and it is money so well spent and importantly, this is your time to discuss any issues you may have.  They will also be able to help and advise you with skincare leading up to your big day. 

 My biggest tip; don’t skimp on the budget for your hair and make-up.  Yes, it can be expensive, but so worth it to have someone that has the knowledge to make you look your best and make it last all day as well as helping you to keep to schedule on your big day.  Never hire a “friend that’s good at make-up”, it puts pressure on you not to offend if you don’t like it and you will have to live with it all day.  The same goes for going to a make-up counter.

Dawn Taylor Hair and Make Up

 Would you ever work on two wedding in the same day, and if not why?

This is something I would not do as a rule, however if I have had a very early wedding which leaves me free and time in between for another bride who is having, for instance, a twilight wedding then yes, if she particularly wants to book you.

 Booking in two weddings that run from one to another is a “no-no” in my book.  Anything could happen, you could end up doing more people in the wedding party (I would not want to disappoint a bride by saying “no, sorry I have another booking to get to”.)  Traffic could be bad making you late for your next booking, all very stressful for you and your bride.  I want to make sure I am unhurried, and calm for my bridal party.

 Dawn Taylor Hair and Make Up

Do you have make up that to suit the most common skin allergies and do you advise the client on what’s best to use if they do have sensitive skin?

I carry a huge range of product, including those for sensitive skin however, anything can sensitise the skin at any time.  This is a good reason for your trial, where you can discuss any skin problems your client has and give her advice on what to use and how.  The most common issues are breakouts in younger clients, dehydrated skin, rosacea and red veins in more mature skin and its more about corrective make up techniques to disguise.  If a client is super sensitive and she has already found products that suit her and she knows will not cause a problem then it’s  good idea to go with these. 

 

Do you have a favourite brand of makeup that is your go to?

I don’t have a favourite brand, I have favourite items from different brands that I know are going to do the very best job for my client and her bridal party.  I carry a huge kit which has products to suit every age and skin

 Dawn Taylor Hair and Make Up

Do you hold consultations so that the couples can get to know you and your work?

I always like to talk to my brides over the telephone, and then if they want to have a consultation before trial they can; however most consultations are carried out at their trial appointment which is where you get to know your brides and their bridal party.  I always suggest that perhaps they tie up their trial appointment with a first dress fitting to give them an idea of how everything will look together 

Dawn Taylor

Dawn Taylor portrait image courtesy of 

Chanon Devalois Photography

 

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