Should you pay for your bridesmaids' hair and makeup?

Every bride wants her bride tribe to look fierce on her wedding day, from the perfect hair to flawless makeup. To ensure there’s a uniform look she may book hair and makeup for her bridesmaids. The cohesive beauty makes for amazing photos and memorable girl-time before the soon-to-be Mrs.’ trip down the aisle.

Although, whether the bride picks up the tab for her bridal party’s hair and makeup is an individual decision, it is not a guaranteed one. If the bridesmaids are responsible for beauty services, what happens when one doesn't have the resources to pay for hair and makeup? Should she do her hair and makeup, or should you cover the costs? Our bridal beauty expert, LaTonya Turnage, weighs in.

If you want your bridesmaids to have professional hair and makeup looks, it should be discussed in the early stages of the wedding planning process. Even though it may not be understood, there are some financial costs associated with bridesmaid’s responsibilities, so if she can't do the hair and makeup, it's important to be honest upfront.

However, if one of your girls can't afford to get her hair and makeup done, it'd be a generous gesture to help her out. In this case, it may be best to chip in privately. It's not a rule, but it's the right thing to do. It's an honor to be a bridesmaid, but the bride should know there are different levels of financial responsibility.

Common courtesy also suggests that if you require hair and makeup for all of your bridesmaids, the payment for said services should come out of your pocket. If the choice is left to each bridesmaid, you are by no means obligated to pay. By the same reasoning, if your bridesmaid doesn't want to have her makeup done, there is no need to push the issue. However, leaving one member of the group out of the bonding beauty session is not an incredibly gracious way to treat a friend. And, you risk the bridesmaid doing her hair and makeup herself, which could potentially clash with the others. To remedy this situation, offer to pay a portion of her hair and makeup expense. If your economics are such that you can manage to foot the bill for all of your bridesmaids, you may want to do so. At Elite Secrets, we provide discounts for large groups, so you may be able to secure a deal while pleasing every member of your wedding party.

Want to book your bridal hair and makeup trial with Elite Secrets? Enjoy our New Year special and save 50% on your bridal hair and makeup trial. Book here today!

New And Noteworthy At Elite Secrets Bridal

July was an epic month for Elite Secrets Bridal with two major events, Baltimore’s RAW Showcase and Brides Across America’s Operation Wedding Gown Giveaway.

Elite Secrets goes to RAW

On July 19, the Elite Secrets hair and makeup team showcased their talents in the RAW Showcase: Fixate. RAW, an international community of independent artists, host more than 30 eclectic showcases each month in communities across the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia.

Every other month, RAW Directors in cities across the world hand-pick and spotlight local artistic talent in visual art, fashion design, film, music, performance art, hair & makeup artistry, and photography through local eclectic RAW events. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form an amazing one-night circus of creativity. We were honored to be chosen among this Elite group of spectacular talent.

Related Post: {EVENT RECAP} STELLAR WEEKEND FOR ELITE SECRETS BRIDAL

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Elite Secrets Bridal and Brides Across America

July 21 and 22nd Elite Secrets Bridal proudly collaborated with Brides Across America for their Operation Wedding Gown Giveaway Event. The nonprofit’s annual event honors our heroes by giving wedding gowns to military couples and making their wedding dreams come true. The program is designed to reduce financial stress in wedding planning, financial relief, and transform lives. Since its inception in 2008, Brides Across America, in collaboration with bridal salons, designers, and individual donations has donated more than 20,000 wedding gowns nationwide.

“I’ve visited Elite Secrets as part of a Brides Across America event that they were hosting. I will be honest and say that I did not expect to have a stellar experience. I will be honest and say that I did not expect to have a stellar experience. I expected that since I was coming in to try on a dress to take home for free that I'd be marginalized, or shown only worn-out sample dresses, I went in with a very specific idea of what I wanted and was completely convinced that I wouldn't possibly find it," said one bride. "By the end of my appointment, I walked out with a gorgeous gown that I would never have chosen. I'm absolutely in love with it, and can't stop looking at it in my closet! I'm so grateful to Sabrina and Tonya (the owner) for treating me with such kindness, and making the dress ‘shopping’ experience wonderful for my mom and me.”

Over the two-day event, nearly a dozen brides said, “yes to the dress” and more than a dozen walked away with accessories for their Big Day looks.

Looking for the perfect dress? We’ve got you covered. Join us at Elite Secrets Bridal on August 18th -20th for the Marina Semone Trunk Show. Book your appointment today!

Expert advice for teens: 6 timely beauty tips every girl should know

Your teenage years can feel like both the best and most stressful time of your life. Balancing school, clubs, and friends can seem overwhelming, yet exhilarating at the same time. It’s also the time when dabbling in makeup comes in full swing. There’s a lot to learn when it comes to makeup and beauty, so don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed. If you’re on the quest for fool-proof skin and makeup tips, we’ve rounded up six beauty tricks every girl should know!

Your routine should always start out with a good skin care regime

Your skin goes through a lot each day. Just think about how often we touch our face, all the sweat that clogs your pores, and all the makeup you wear (plus the nights you fall asleep without taking it off — a definite "no no"!). Although there is no accord on how often a person with healthy skin should cleanse their face, studies show that folks with acne benefit from twice daily face cleansing. Combine daily cleansing with a toner and moisturizer, and you’re good to go.

Adopt a simple routine for you everyday school makeup

If you’re a beginner and want a look that is light and not overdone, start off with a combination of foundation, concealer, and blush. Stick to a simple eye makeup routine, finished off with a little mascara. This method will keep you looking fresh and awake, and it’s quick and easy to do right before school.

Don’t Forget to Prime

Priming your skin is one of the most important things you can do before applying any cosmetics. It establishes a smooth foundation for your makeup and evens out your skin tone for a flawless canvas. It also hydrates your skin, while at the same time reducing oil and shine. Fresh Face Primer is ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin and will work wonders for any skin type.

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Sign up now for our teen hair and makeup workshop. Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/eliteteenworkshop

Moisturizing is a must

Moisturizing your skin before applying any makeup is essential for healthy, glowing skin. This important step should be your number one priority as it keeps your skin from becoming dull and dehydrated. It can also protect your skin as an excellent moisturizer creates a protective barrier.

A proper moisturizer is crucial. If you have acne-prone skin (as most teenagers do) try an oil-free product such Calm Balm for soft, smooth skin.

Eye tricks every girl should know

The proper makeup can make a huge difference when it comes to your eyes. Having beautiful, bright eyes is the goal for most girls. A professional makeup artist can share insider techniques for highlighting with concealer and extending your eyeliner line to make your eyes pop.

Find and use a great eye cream

Never underestimate the potential of a good eye cream. Your under-eye area is the only place on your face that doesn’t create moisture, so it’s essential to keep it hydrated. Without eye cream, any concealer is more likely to peel under your eyes.

Eye cream will make your eyes look more awake and less dull. Pep-Start Eye Creamis one of our favorites!

These makeup tips for teens are essential for a fresh, radiant and gorgeous look. Follow the tips to step up your makeup game and feel more confident in your own skin!

Sign up now for our teen hair and makeup workshop. Get tickets here: https://bit.ly/eliteteenworkshop

Light Up the Night Beauty Soiree' with Elite Secrets & Level 23

It’s that perpetual time of year again where we are all filled to the brim with holiday cheer, social gatherings, and enough eggnog to last us a lifetime and a half. Between the holiday parties, work events, engagement season, bridal showers, you name it, it’s on all of our agendas to attend. But what if I told you that there was a way to make the pre-game for your events less hectic? What if I told you that you could relax, snap your fingers, and suddenly be transformed into a glam goddess ready to take on the world? Well, now you can with Elite Secrets!

On Thursday, as city-goers bustle outside in the crisp December air, Elite Secrets and Level 23  hosted a Beauty Soiree for those with a passion for beauty to mingle in the warmth, nibble on lovely foods, and meet other inspiring and enthusiastic individuals. Open to everyone, this event was a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season: with luxurious products, stocking stuffers, raffles, and glam transformations galore.

If you’ve never attended one of Latonya’s events, you’re in for a magical experience as you walk into the beauty haven to find an array of plush seating, sophisticated decor, and elegant hand-made dresses on display.

From the moment you walk in you are greeted with warm smiles and hellos as you make your way over to have a quick bite to eat. As you indulge, sit back and have lovely conversation with others before making your way over to the gold shimmering table with makeup treats. From blush palettes, to lipsticks and lip glosses, you are able to purchase a wide arrange of products for your loved ones - or, if you’re in for a pamper night, go ahead and pick up some goodies for your own collection. After all, there’s no such thing as too many lipsticks, am I right? And let’s not forget: there is the most decadent hand-made paper mache backdrop to take photos in front of after you get transformed by Latonya and her team.

This beautiful backdrop was made by Creative Forte Events!

It’s a surreal feeling to see people radiate with happiness as she works her magic, enhancing one’s natural beauty, and makes them that much more confident for their events. The excitement one feels after getting their makeup done by the lovely Tonya is remarkable; she truly pampers her clients and guests.

And speaking of pampering, Level 23 spent the evening styling guests hair, which was the best final touch a girl could ask for. Tenease Flowers is a fantastic hair stylist in Baltimore, and offers a variety of services including: bridal and event styling, hair coloring and cutting. You won’t want to miss out on Tenease, so make sure to call and book the duo for your next event! Details will be listed at the bottom of this post.

This event was a definite hit, with lots of lovely individuals coming together to enjoy a wonderful night in celebration of the holiday season. So be sure to follow Elite Secret’s instagram and facebook page to receive updates on any upcoming events, because you won’t want to miss out on all the upcoming fun!

Elite Secrets

Latonya Turnage 

elitesecrets4you.com

410-782-5293

Hair: Level 23 

Tenease Flowers

443-257-5200

Paper Mache Backdrop: Creative Forte Events

Shernita Munson 

creativeforteevents.com

Event Planner: PLANS Management Events, LLC

Anita Riley

410-245-7458

Vintage classic look! Call the studio today to schedule your beauty session, 410.782.5293.