Protecting Your Energy As A Bridal Makeup Artist

Look, I don’t think us makeup artists are stranger to ‘floor time’; that sacred moment when we get home after a full morning of beautifying brides and their babes, and wilt pathetically until we’re horizontal, face up on the floor just so we can feel the solid stillness supporting us as we stare blankly at the ceiling for the next 5 - 15 minutes in silence . We are no strangers to that.

And it’s not because you didn’t have a great time, you really did. Probably too much of a good time! (And forgot to take photos. Case in point: me)

But when you spend between 4-7 hours giving every single one of those incredible women everything you have, emotionally, professionally and, believe it or not, spiritually, because damn it they ARE incredible and you want them to know it and see it and feel it, you are giving tiny, micro pieces of yourself away also. And that’s ok, but how can you protect yourself so that you don’t need more than just floor time to see you right and have you keep going back?

Protecting your peace actually starts well before the job and doesn’t end when you wave goodbye.

Let me tell you...

Boundaries are Beautiful

Setting boundaries, engaging in clear communication and expectations before ‘the’ day, is paramount. Be sure that you’ve discussed contracts, start/end times, maximum number of services and your stance on last minute requests. Having this already understood by both you and your client means no guess work on the day, and it protects not only your peace, but the peace of your client also. Saying ‘no’ to last minute additions that will put your timeline at risk is much easier when you’ve already had the discussion beforehand.

Morning Rituals for Grounding

This could look like many things. It could look like listening to music in the car on the way. It could look like packing your morning coffee and stopping to drink it at your favourite location. It could be breathwork or a short meditation. It might even look like placing crystals in your workspace before you begin your day’s work. Whatever it is, take a moment to ground yourself, because doing so helps prevent you from absorbing everyone else’s nervous energy. Find what works for you and make sure you take time to practice this because being in a flighty state as you enter the job, is a sure-fire way to burnout and potentially add nervous energy to an already emotionally charged morning. Your job is to bring calm confidence, and you can’t do this without taking time to centre and ground beforehand.

Protecting Your Physical Energy

Looking after your physical self has to be a priority, especially if you want your business to be more than a side-hustle. Think; ergonomics – maintaining good posture, wearing supportive shoes ( I know the cute ones look cute but for goodness sake protect your feet), using a chair that is either adjustable or allows your clients to be up higher, unless you want to spend all your hard-earned money on osteopathic care. Stay hydrated – take a drink bottle with you. Take easy to eat snacks that you can nibble on between clients. Bless those clients that INSIST you eat what they provide, but know that this won’t always be the case. Pack your kit efficiently and, if possible, the night before so that you can get out the door calmly, especially if it’s so early it’s still dark, which let’s be honest, is most of the time.

Emotional Energy Management

Emotional energy will always be felt and taken on, whether you’re aware of it or not, and if you’re not prepared it can impact your work and your client’s experience. Learn to step back and recognise when the people around you (clients and other vendors) are projecting their stress onto you. Remind yourself that it has nothing to do with you, take a deep breath and carry on. Find techniques for staying calm and empathetic without taking on that stress. It could be pausing to take a sip of water, it could be taking a moment to use the bathroom or it could simply be asking if that person is ok. It could also be having an arsenal of little phrases you can use to redirect energy positively ,“Let’s take a breath together before we start lipstick!”

Recovery After Weddings

How you finish your working day makes all the difference to how you show up for yourself and work in the future. It’s important to ‘reset’ after a job by unplugging, engaging in rest rituals and self-care. Schedule recovery time into your bookings to avoid burnout and make sure you’re creating separation between work energy and personal life. Make the conscious effort to do this and find ways that work for you. I will reiterate this though: floor time. Works like a charm. You think I’m joking? Try it and tell me it’s not some kind of somatic witchcraft. But my all-time, undisputed, deeply fortifying method of recovery? An ocean swim. Every. Single. Time.  Wild horses couldn’t drag me away from the glittering peaks and gentle hush of the ocean after a long morning on th tools. I’m just lucky I live somewhere that affords me my luxury.

Enjoy your work and protect yourself.

Peace be with you x