There is nothing like being pampered by a personal make-up and hair artist on your wedding day (or any event day)…However, you may have went a tad over budget after you fell in love with the perfect (over budget) floral arrangements that you had to have for your Wow factor! Not to worry, DIY-ing your wedding day make-up and hair can help you get back on track (even if it’s just a little bit, it all contributes!).

I know what you’re thinking…really? Really. I suggest the DIY make-up and hair route only because I know several brides and/or friends who are very make-up and hair savvy (if, however, like me, you are a little less confident regarding cosmetics and hair — I can’t do my own hair to save my life — then by all means, hire a professional), and I believe that this is a great area to scale back on so that there can be more for other areas in a wedding budget to really create that “Pow! I can’t believe how fabulous this wedding is!”.

For those of you who are more inclined to take the beauty matters into their own hands, two suggestions I have for you are to check out Michelle Phan and Purse Buzz.

Michelle Phan is a Youtube make-up artist sensation who is now a spokesperson and video make-up artist for Lancome. If you have never heard of Michelle Phan or looked her up on Youtube, I strongly urge you to do so…even if you are not a bride! Admittedly, I still snicker at some of her videos because they are slightly cheesy, but her make-up video tutorials are perfect for both non make-up savvy DIY gals (or guys?) and make-up fanatics alike because they have in-depth, step-by-step instructions and range from simple, everyday looks to “Lady Gaga Bad Romance eyes“. Michelle’s blog is still new so she has not updated everything in her repertoire yet, but you can check it out here, and also look up her make-up tutorials on Youtube.

Here’s a video of her “Romantic Valentine Look” for a pink-inspired bride:



Purse Buzz, also known as Elessa, was introduced to me by my cousin (thanks Biew! <--- what I call her in Chinese). She, too, is a Youtube sensation that posts a lot of DIY make-up tutorials on her own Youtube channel. Her style is similar to Michelle’s, with a little more casual approach as she speaks in her videos and doesn’t use the voice-over like Michelle. And, if you’re into this sort of thing, Elessa has the most ridiculous make-up collection I have ever seen. Ever! I think she personally supports MAC‘s sales!

Here’s her hair tutorial for loose waves:


Remember, please use your discretion: if you are not comfortable doing your own make-up and hair for a big event like a wedding, don’t! I feel that this is a way to be more budget-friendly, but it certainly does not replace a professional make-up and hair artist. Hope this post helped (even if it’s just fun to play with make-up!).