This might rub some people the wrong way, but I think it's important to share my perspective on something that really matters to me. Not just for you as a client to understand who I am and how I work, but also for fellow makeup artists who may feel pressured to follow trends. Remember, success looks different for everyone, and your path is uniquely yours. I truly believe that sticking to your values is the key to success and finding your own way to achieve your goals.
Lately, I've noticed that many makeup artists have embraced behind-the-scenes content—style vlogs like "Come to a wedding with me" or "Get a client ready with me" videos. As a makeup artist, I love watching these and probably spend too much time consuming this type of content. Have I considered creating similar videos myself? Absolutely! After all, more exposure often means more bookings, opportunities, and the potential for PR.
But here’s where I want to give a shout-out to those artists who do this kind of content: I have the utmost respect for you. I know how much extra effort goes into it on top of an already demanding job, especially at weddings. That said, I want to share why this approach doesn’t resonate with me and why it’s not the right fit for how I work.
1. Client-Focused, Not Content-Focused
When I’m working with a bride, I give 100% of my attention to you, and my goal is always to make it about your experience, not mine. If I'm stopping to record, taking up space, and shifting my focus towards creating personal content, it becomes more about me than about celebrating you. You’ve hired me to ensure that your wedding day is all about you, not to benefit from the content I might capture for my own gain.
2. Vulnerability and Emotion
Wedding mornings are emotional, and getting ready for the big day is far from just a surface-level task. How we look deeply affects how we feel about ourselves. It's incredibly personal. I value creating a safe, intimate space for my clients, where they can relax and be vulnerable without added pressure. When a camera is recording, it changes the energy—what might be a fun, laid-back moment with loved ones can quickly become an experience that feels exposed. Some people may not want their colleagues, bosses, or acquaintances to see them in a vulnerable state, and I respect that. It’s my job to protect your privacy and comfort.
3. Authenticity and Comfort
The videos where clients are filmed reacting to their hair or makeup can put pressure on them to “perform.” It can feel inauthentic, and it may stop you from being completely honest about how you feel. There have been many times where I've had clients give a genuine, heartfelt reaction that I’ve wished I could capture—those moments are precious and real. But I believe it’s more important that you feel comfortable and empowered to ask for changes if needed. I want our collaboration to be genuine, and I feel a camera disrupts that flow.
4. Protecting Your Look
When I work with clients, I want to ensure that you feel your best—that we’ve created a look together that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and like yourself. Once you’ve approved your look, I protect it. The last thing I want is for your bridal look to be critiqued by random strangers on social media or to have your privacy compromised by unsolicited opinions. The only opinions that matter are yours and mine. I’m here to make sure you feel amazing, and I don’t want to give control over that to the public.
Some clients love being shared on social media, and that’s great. But there are also many who prefer to keep their moments private—and that’s perfectly okay. My approach will always be client-first, not content-first. So here’s what you can expect from me:
What You Can Expect from Me:
Space to Be Yourself – I want to create an environment where you feel comfortable being vulnerable and honest, so we can create something truly magical together.
Protection and Care – If anyone in your bridal party pressures you into something that doesn’t feel like you, I’ll make sure your wishes are respected.
Cheerleader and Hype Girl – I’ll lift you up, remind you how stunning you are, and help you feel your absolute best, even if you’re feeling a little insecure.
No Makeup Before Photos – I don’t believe in showing before-and-after comparisons. I want to stop the culture of comparison; one look is not “better” than the other—it’s just different.
No Finished Makeup Photos Without Permission – I’ll always ask if you’re comfortable with it. If you’re not, that’s absolutely fine—it’s your day, your choice.
Respect for Your Time – When I do take photos or videos, it’s brief—30 seconds to a minute max. I won’t take up your time for my own gain.
Celebration of Your Beauty – When I share images, it’s a celebration of you and your gorgeous self!
In short, when you work with me, you are my priority. If you ever see me share behind-the-scenes content, it will be for portfolio sessions or styled shoots—where I’m not being paid to work with a bride and can manage the dynamic.
I also want to acknowledge that in the past, i've tipped my toe in seeing how this content works for me, while i approached this in the most sensitive way i could at the time and only merged 10 second clips to create a reel rather then setting up a tripod and imposing camera recording, there is content i've created in the past such as before and after that no longer aligns with my values or my messaging. Business is all about trial and error and evolving until you work out what aligns with you and whats best for your client.
Ultimately, sharing your final images or videos of just your finished makeup and hair look is my way of celebrating you—if you feel comfortable, of course. It’s about honoring your beauty and the work we’ve done together, not creating content for my own gain. I’ll always make sure that it’s your choice and that you’re fully comfortable with what gets shared.
And I want to acknowledge that these simple, authentic images or videos may not always align with the algorithm. They might not rack up thousands of views or give me the viral success that some others might chase. It may take me longer to grow a bigger following, and that’s okay. The truth is, I love being part of weddings and making people feel special. At the end of the day, it’s always about you, not me.
You are safe with me, and your experience will always be about you. My focus will remain client-first, not content-first, and I’m here to help you feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated on your special day.
Olivia xxx
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