One of the most exciting aspects of your wedding day is the opportunity to look and feel your best marrying your partner! Choosing the right look, and the right glam team, can be a daunting process. We get it, so we sat down with one of our preferred Hair and Makeup Artists, Sarina Durden, to dive into your most common questions!

Sarina is a seasoned Hair and Makeup Artist with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry. She’s a licensed esthetician, facial specialist, and cosmetologist certified in airbrush makeup application and spray tanning. Through her years of leadership with MAC Cosmetics, print features, and editorial events like Miami Fashion Week, she’s accrued sought-after experience.

Sarina curated a team of artists in the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area who are passionate about giving you the long-lasting look that you’ve dreamt of since you said “yes”! The artists on her team are certified in cosmetology, with some offering specialties like eyelashes and hair extensions. In Sarina’s words, “I think it’s a special gift to be able to make someone feel confident and beautiful, but also themselves.”

Now that you’ve got to know who we’re chatting with, let’s dive into the good stuff:

The Difference Between Everyday Beauty vs. Wedding Day Beauty

One of your first questions could be “What makes this type of makeup and hair different from the makeup and hair I do on a day-to-day basis?” The main difference between wedding hair and makeup artistry and the day-to-day application we’re familiar with lies in the need for long-lasting results that photograph well. The products used by HUMAs (hair and makeup artists) are high-quality, durable products made to handle the activities and emotions the day may bring. Sarina shares, “We want to use products that are long-wearing and tear-resistant.” Similarly, having a qualified hairstylist ensures results that stand the test of time. Hairstylists use hair products that keep your hair safe through the activity, weather conditions, and hugs your wedding day brings! To ensure a curl that lasts all night, Sarina shared “We may have to start it off a little bit curlier than what we normally would because we’re thinking of duration”. Our beloved HMUAs are treasure troves of knowledge and experience— it’s important to put faith in their expertise!

Choosing the Right Style

Your wedding day requires some important decisions— one of the most important being your look! One of Sarina’s favorite parts of being a beauty guru is helping her clientele determine the perfect glam for their big day. There are several factors to consider when choosing your wedding day glam. According to Sarina, there are four factors to consider when deciding on your look: your style and comfort, your natural skin and hair features (more on this later), the natural elements of your surroundings (humidity, wind, etc.), and your dress. According to Sarina, air contents, humidity, and wind influence how well your hair holds. “The closer you are to the ocean or water, the more likely your hair is to fall and or frizz. The windier it is, the more likely your hair, if it’s worn down, is to fall. And then your hair texture is a huge part of this”. What you’re wearing on the big day is key to the choice in style as well. Sarina told us, “Once you have your dress, it’s so much easier to make decisions off of hair and makeup from there. We really have to consider your dress and where your neckline falls or the back of the dress falls”. When looking for inspiration, Sarina told us, “I would encourage [you] to look for hair and makeup inspiration pictures that look similar to [you].” Searching for inspiration with natural features similar to yours and determining these three factors provide a great foundation for curating the perfect look!

Skin Preparation

What if we told you that wedding day glam begins way before the day itself? Sarina told us that “good skin equals good makeup”, and gave us some insight on the skin and hair preparation process before her clients’ wedding day! Your glam team must understand the natural features of your skin and hair. With this, coordinating a trial to meet with your glam team and devise a preparation regimen is key! With this, Sarina suggests the following tips:

• Make sure that your skin is well-hydrated leading up to your trial.
• Groom your eyebrows and address any facial hair concerns before your trial.
• Go to your trial with a clean, product-free face.
• Wear a white or neutral top to your makeup trial so the colors will not clash.

Understanding your skin’s nature is imperative in choosing products for long-lasting, beautiful results. With this, makeup artists can see your skin without emollients (like serums, lotions, or SPFs). This will allow them to curate a custom approach for you. Sarina suggests that anyone with skin concerns visit a professional to get skin care done as early as possible. She shares, “With skin, you’re going to have a purge period. Then, the healing process begins from there”.

Hair Preparation

Like skin, understanding your hair’s natural state will allow your hairstylist to create a look that will last all day. Your hairstylists will determine the best products for it based on their observations. Here are some tips Sarina shared with us when preparing for your hair trial:

• Use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair at least twice before your trial to remove any additional products.
• Wash your hair then fully blow dry it without any products (like leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, etc.).
• Get regular haircuts for fresh and clean ends.

Once your hairstylist sees your hair in a completely natural state, they will discuss the next steps with you in preparing your hair for your wedding day. Regarding any preparation, Sarina believes that “the better the student the client is about doing these things, the better. But, you don’t have to be anybody that you’re not. We’re willing to adjust it as you want to”.

Your wedding day glam is all about feeling confident, beautiful, and authentically you. With advice from qualified artists like Sarina, you’re set up to shine from the inside out. By prepping ahead, trusting your glam team, and considering details that compliment you, you’ll not only look incredible but feel ready to take on every unforgettable moment. Your big day deserves nothing less!