Ask the Wedding Professional: Mallory Fitzgerald, Makeup Artist

Mallory Fitzgerald is a Freelance Makeup Artist for commercial, TV, men’s grooming, print, ad, and bridal. Currently residing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mallory is available for travel to Biloxi, Pensacola, New Orleans, Mobile and beyond. Originally from Bettendorf, Iowa, she joined the Army at 18 and traveled all over the United States. While serving in the Army, she spent down time in the field teaching other female soldiers how to apply makeup by only using their fingers and a military issued camouflage face paint compact. After the Army, she decided to put her love of makeup to work and became a Freelance Makeup Artist and that is where her passion was ignited.

Making her start in Denver and eventually bringing her knowledge to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, she has become the in demand personal makeup artist for southern women, key makeup artist for local magazines, beauty editor for local publications and go to makeup artist for numerous photographers and businesses along the Coast. She has recently had the opportunity to work for clients such as HGTV and Food Network. She is always learning, striving, researching and studying all aspects of makeup products, techniques, and the makeup industry to further better herself and her knowledge. She believes in leaving a little glitter and happiness everywhere she goes. 

Premier Bride of Mississippi writer, Jenny Cox Holman, interviewed Mallory Fitzgerald to gather some valuable makeup tips for weddings!  Enjoy Mallory’s tips for your special day!

• Mallory, what are the trends for makeup for 2016?

Floral, feminine beauty! Soft berry pinks and flushed rose on the lips, and feline inspired winged eyeliner. Everything seen at bridal fashion week for 2016 is very feminine, and has a nod to grace kelly-style classic, soft beauty.

• Can you tell our readers about your expertise and experience as a makeup artist?

I have been a self-taught freelance makeup artist for 5 years, traveling on-location for weddings, photoshoots and television. In that 5 years I have organically created a specialty with bridal makeup and airbrushing. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of a bride’s most special day, and making her feel absolutely beautiful!

• What advice would you offer brides for selecting a makeup artist for their wedding?

Do your research, look around for makeup artists online and look at their body of work/portfolio before you reach out. It’s better to have a good idea of their style beforehand so you don’t get any surprises down the line that you may not be comfortable with. If an artist doesn’t have a website or a body of work for you to view, then chances are they aren’t a professional or are just starting out. You’d be taking a potentially scary wedding day gamble with someone inexperienced.

• Would you recommend a bride scheduling an appointment where you can decide the colors and style of makeup suited best for her? How far in advance from her wedding day should this appointment be scheduled?

Absolutely! A trial run is the best way to try out an artist, and see how you might look on the day of your wedding. This is the only time you have to change and tweak things to your liking, so you both have an understanding of your needs and wants. This should be done at least a few months before the wedding.

• What type of makeup works well for outdoor weddings? Traditional weddings in a church?

Airbrush makeup is an incredibly popular and outdoor friendly option. It dries down to a smudge proof, humidity-proof, sweat-resistant finish that lasts well into the night. Traditional makeup is perfect if there are little weather worries. No matter what type you go with, make sure your makeup artist can make it as waterproof and long lasting as possible!

• What are makeup faux pas that every bride should avoid?

I have two. The first is – saving money by hiring a cheaper or non-professional makeup artist. This is your face, the one that will be in every wedding photo, this is not where you want to cut corners. See the value in a professional makeup artist’s skills, it’s absolutely worth it. The second is – not scheduling enough time on the day of the wedding. No matter how late your wedding is, you will be strapped for time. Create a clear schedule for hair and makeup for yourself and your bridal party, and approve it with your beauty team in advance. This will ensure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy the day!

• What other tips would you like to offer the bride to help with her preparation for the wedding day?

Up your water intake, start exfoliating twice a week if you don’t already, and don’t get any type of facial wax within 3 days of the wedding. Also make sure you’re using a good moisturizer (oily skin or dry skin, it doesn’t matter) morning and night. This will ensure your makeup will look flawless, and you will be glowing! Keep your makeup simple, clean, and beautiful. Whatever that means to you. You should look like the best, and most glamorous version of yourself!

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For more information about Professional Makeup Artist Mallory Fitzgerald, she can be reached at 228-861-3908 or malloryfitzgerald.com. Are you still interested in seeing more wedding tips? Visit our blog for more great ideas for your wedding plans!