How far in advance should I book?

It’s not unusual for us to receive enquiries up to 2 or even 3 years ahead, but we tend to open our diary around Springtime for bookings the following year.

Most Destination Weddings will involve reserving a minimum of 3 to 4 diary days depending on your location, to ensure that we arrive safely and on time and are also well rested after travelling. We would advise that you book around a year in advance. Booking early can often be beneficial in terms of securing the best prices on flights and accommodation.

We love weddings and are always happy to hear from you, so please do message us at any time with your enquiry.

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What costs am I responsible for?

For International Bookings and Destination Weddings, the Booker is responsible for paying all of the costs associated with us travelling to and staying at your location, in addition to the charge for the provision of your Makeup Services.

We are mindful of the costs associated with getting married abroad and strive to keep charges fair and to a minimum.

This will include:

• Return flights, Airport Taxes and any subsequent surcharges made by the airline after booking. Flight details and times, must be confirmed and agreed prior to reservation.
• One item of checked in baggage with a minimum allowance of 20kg each way.
• Tourist Cards or Visas, if applicable.
• Taxi transfers to and from the airport, in the UK and at your destination.
• Taxi transfers to and from the hotel to your wedding venue (if the two are different) or to other hotels for pre-wedding trials, if requested.
• Sole occupancy room accommodation at your location. Where an assistant is also in attendance, accommodation on a shared basis is acceptable, so only one room will be required.
• If the accommodation meal basis is not all-inclusive or full board (including soft drinks) a daily meal allowance for meals and soft drinks. This will be dependent on the costs at your location.
• Vaccination costs, if necessary for your destination.
• A flat rate charge of £100 per day will be made for the travelling days either side of your wedding, during which time we will be unable to take any bookings in the UK.
• An additional £50 fee is applicable for any dates over the duration which fall on a UK Bank Holiday, including travel days.
• Written confirmation of all arrangements and evidence of prepayment of these fees will need to be provided to us a minimum of 2 calendar months before leaving the UK.
• Full details of charges, or services that you will need to arrange or settle will be clearly provided in your Booking Confirmation. The Booking Deposit required will be dependent on the number of diary days required for your reservation and is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.

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When should I book my wedding trial?

Trials are arranged at the bride’s convenience, but we recommend that the ideal time is 2-3 months before your wedding.

Bridal Makeup trials are held in the UK at our Studio in Sandhurst, Monday to Thursday. It’s advisable to book your trial date as soon as you can so that we can offer you as much flexibility as possible. It’s not unusual that at peak times of year our diary can be booked out several weeks in advance.

If there are others in your bridal party who would also like trials, but are unable to attend in the UK, we can fly out to your destination a couple of days earlier by prior arrangement, subject to our diary availability. Trials for other members of your bridal party are chargeable and should be included in your initial booking request.

Further information and trial advice will be contained in your Booking Confirmation.

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What makeup products do you use?

Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry uses an extensive range of high-end makeup products, to ensure a flawless finish and makeup that lasts.

As a Beauty Blogger, Christiane is constantly researching the market to keep abreast of new releases and trending products and selects only the very best from both the UK and abroad. We are not affiliated to any one makeup company.

Typical brands include MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Stila, NARS, Huda Beauty, Natasha Denona, Pat McGrath, Giorgio Armani, Bobbi Brown, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Laura Mercier and Chanel, but the list is not exhaustive. You might not have heard of some of the names but rest assured that they are among the best that the market has to offer.

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Are Sensitivity Tests required for Strip Lashes?

Yes, a sensitivity patch test for the lash glue will be required in advance of your appointment if you would like Strip Lashes.

Our clients’ health and safety is incredibly important to us. Sensitivity tests are imperative to minimise the risk of possible irritation or reaction.

If attending in advance is not possible for any reason, for you or anyone in your bridal party, just let us know and we will advise accordingly.

Please note, if you have or are considering having a “Lash Lift” before your appointment, then strip lashes are not advised. Due to the strong upward curl achieved with the lift, a secure attachment of the lashes is very difficult to achieve.

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Should my hair or makeup be done first?

Ideally your hair should be styled first as water/sprays/heated appliances can affect the finished makeup.

Remember to wear a top with a front opening so that you don’t need to pull it over your freshly styled hair and makeup before changing in to your special occasion clothes.

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I will be having a Spray Tan or changing my Hair Colour before my Wedding. Is this ok?

No problem at all.

Your foundation colour will be matched to your skin colour and tone on the day.

We would highly recommend having a spray tan trial in advance of your wedding or special occasion because everyone’s skin is different and not every brand agrees with every skin tone. Ensure that you are happy with the shade of your tan in a natural light and when wearing a similar colour to your outfit on the day.

If you are thinking of having a spray tan we would recommend having your spray tan trial approximately 48 hours before your bridal trial. It will give you a far more accurate idea of how the tan works with the overall look that you’d like to achieve on the day.

For the  same reason, if you are planning any drastic changes to your hair colour or style, please ensure that you do this before your trial. The colour of your hair will completely change the way that makeup shades look against your complexion. This might mean that the contrast is not as flattering or that your skin appears dull or washed out.

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What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment can be made by BACS – Payment Schemes Limited (BACS), previously known as Bankers’ Automated Clearing Services, CHAPS – Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS). Full details will given in your Booking Confirmation.

International Clients – For international payments, please be aware that the overseas bank sending the payment may use an agent bank to pass the payment on to us. The agent bank may make a charge for their service, which will be deducted from the payment sent. Please ensure that you nominate to pay both your own bank charge and all agent bank charges, so that the correct amount is remitted to us.

To ensure a seamless transfer we will advise the following information in your Booking Confirmation which should be quoted in your international payment.

• Our IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or account number.
• Our BIC (Business Identifier Code) / SWIFT code / Clearing code.

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Are Booking Deposits refundable?

Unfortunately Booking Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The Booking Deposit is our commitment that a date has been reserved for you and that any subsequent requests for an appointment at the same time will be declined. For Destination Weddings in particular, this will have necessitated in our reserving a block of several days to cover travelling in addition to fulfilling your booking.

Usually, wedding dates will coincide with our busiest times in the UK, so the deposit is also your confirmation to us that you are committed to the booking.

Where a deposit is requested, cleared funds are required within 24 hours of the booking to guarantee the date or the appointment will be released. Please note that due to the number of enquiries received we can not hold appointments until the deposit is received.

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Where can I find more information regarding industry awards, reviews & testimonials for Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry?

In addition to the testimonials and awards that you will find here on our website, more information, reviews and ratings can be found on our Facebook page, Google and several independent and Bridal review sites across the internet.

Just Google “Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry” or Makeup Artists in “Berkshire, Hampshire or Surrey” and you’ll find us listed.

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Where can I find more examples of Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry’s work?

In addition to our website gallery you can find more examples of our work on our Facebook page and on Instagram.
https://www.facebook.com/christianedowlingmakeupartistry
https://www.instagram.com/christianedowlingmua

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LBGTQ Equality & Equality Weddings. 

Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry is Gender Inclusive and embraces diversity and individual uniqueness.

Christiane is proud to be a Founding Member of LBGTQ Equality Weddings. All services including Weddings, Special Occasion Makeup and Makeup Lessons are open to everyone.

Love is love. Equality for all. Non-traditional and gender-neutral wedding roles are welcome and celebrated here.

Everyone is welcome #youdontneedtoaskhere

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Who else does Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry work with?

Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry is honoured to have worked or collaborated with some exceptional industry professionals, editorially, as affiliated partners or as recommended suppliers. There are always lots of exciting collaborations in the pipeline.

If you would like our personal recommendations please ask.

More information is available on our website.

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Safeguarding – Children & Vulnerable Adults

Being accountable and having complete transparency in delivering safeguarding practice.
Safeguarding is everyone’s business and accountability makes sure that everyone plays their part when it comes to safeguarding vulnerable people. Everyone is accountable for their actions as individuals, services and organisations.
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 was set up to help avoid harm, or future risk of harm, by preventing people who are deemed unsuitable working with children and vulnerable adults.
For you peace of mind, Christiane holds an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check for working with children and vulnerable adults.

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What are your qualifications?

Christiane trained classically at the prestigious and world-renowned leading Makeup School – The Glauca Rossi School of Fashion & Photographic Make Up in London. Previous Alumni include a stream of Celebrity Makeup Artists whose work regularly grace the pages of the most influential Fashion and Beauty editorials in the world including Vogue, Harpers & Queen and Style Magazine. Charlotte Tilbury, Florrie White, Mary Wiles & Elizabeth Hsieh are just a few of the Celebrity Makeup Artists who trained under Glauca Rossi.

Christiane is also a graduate of the highly acclaimed and internationally accredited London Makeup School.

Skilled over many genres of makeup artistry including Asian Bridal, Special Effects (SFX), Male Makeup & Drag, she also regularly attends masterclasses and events as an invitee of some of the top makeup brands to keep abreast of new products and initiatives.

Keen to channel creativity in to her work, especially for Festivals & Halloween, Christiane trained under the incredible Samantha Helen, a globally acclaimed body painter and head artist at The Gypsy Shrine. Christiane is extremely honoured to have also personally had her own work featured by The Gypsy Shrine.

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Do you have insurance?

Of course. Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry is fully insured. A copy of our Public Liability Insurance can be provided on request, should you or your venue require it. All reputable suppliers hold valid Public Liability Insurance and for your own protection we would strongly advise against using anyone who doesn’t.

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Words of advice – Wedding Insurance & Trusted Suppliers.

Weddings and civil partnerships can be extremely expensive, often take years of planning and always involve a huge emotional investment.

Choosing only trusted suppliers and reliable companies who won’t let you down will lessen the risk of anything ruining your special day.

Unfortunately, it’s a sad but true fact that Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry receives several requests each year from clients and brides-to-be who have been let down for their special occasion or wedding at short notice by their Makeup Artist.

Whilst we will always step in to help whenever we can, it’s not always possible. Time spent researching now will be well worth it in the long run. Get personal recommendations from family and friends and read reviews and testimonials on the internet. Are they a fully qualified professional who is reliable & fully committed to their business? Do they have a proper website and/or established and active social media accounts?  Do you have a proper contract? Are they insured?

For wedding bookings, Christiane Dowling Makeup Artistry strongly recommends that a Wedding Insurance Cover is taken out with a reputable insurance company to protect you against any unforeseen circumstances that could arise with any of your wedding suppliers, your venue, your close wedding party or indeed yourself.

A broker who is a member of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association will be able to advise you on the most suitable product to suit your specific requirements.