Felicia Chang is the founder and owner of Bun Bun Bridal Lab, a bridal makeup and hair company that has been featured in Style Me Pretty, Trendy Bride, etc. We sat down with Felicia to discuss what Asian brides should look for when finding the perfect MUA and hairstylist for them.
How did you get started doing makeup and/or hair?
I've been very interested in beauty and skincare ever since I suffered from acne and as a result, had many acne scars. This inspired me to want to learn how to take care of my skin and other beauty tips.
Thus I decided to enroll in a professional bridal hair and makeup class for 6 months. I started by helping my friends and then I began getting more clients. I officially quit my corporate job and started my own company and makeup artist agency, Bun Bun Bridal Lab, in 2014.
What are some tips for doing makeup for Asian brides?
Many Asian brides have a combination skin type that doesn't hold makeup as long as someone with a dry skin type.
Therefore, the foundation including prepping the skin is very important to enhance the look throughout the entire day. Additionally, Asian eye shapes tend to look smaller in photos, so through different techniques such as using eyelid tapes or lashes, we can enlarge the eye shape.
What do you think is the most impactful part of the makeup routine?
The foundation and eyelashes. How we apply the foundation determines how long the makeup lasts.
Lashes also are the key. If you apply too much or too little, it will look either too dramatic or not natural.
What is the most popular style for bridal makeup for Asian brides?
The most popular style is the natural look similar to the Korean style which has been trending all over the media. It’s the most popular request that we get from Asian brides.
What are some trends you love?
The hairstyle that I love is the effortless hair texture look which is similar to what many red carpet stars go for. I am not a big fan of using wigs or complicated styles–I find them a bit old fashioned.
For makeup trends, I love the dewy, glowy complexion, which looks skin-like and healthy. I prefer using more natural eyelashes that I can customize to blend in with real lashes. I am not a fan of heavy contour or crazy big lashes.
Any makeup tips when wearing a red cheongsam dress?
The red cheongsam dress is already very colorful and bright. Therefore, the makeup should not be too heavy or include too much color. The part where we can emphasize the color is the lips. This ensures that the overall look is still youthful and trendy instead of too dramatic.
How should a bride go about finding the right MUA for them?
1. Do a self-assessment first. Try to understand what your preferred style and look is (i.e. natural, edgy, boho, funky, dramatic, princess) and if you have any special concerns (i.e. thick hair, skin tone, language preferences, skin type) and what type of wedding you're having (i.e. same-sex wedding, cultural wedding, Boho wedding, etc.)?
By assessing your needs and preferences first, you can then more easily filter for the type of stylist you want.
2. Ask your married friends or trusted vendors for referrals. These people will have experience working with MUA and hairstylists.
3. Search online. Use the keywords that you're looking for in your makeup look. For example, try searching "Bay Area natural elegant makeup artist" and a list will pop up.
4. Browse the stylist's website and social media to see their portfolio. Look for before and after pics, professional wedding photos, and reach out to get to know their style and background.
5. Read reviews from previous clients through Yelp or other wedding blogs. You can gather a lot from the testimonies that previous brides have left.
6. Get to know the artist directly. Email or call them to get a quote and learn more about their communication style, attitude, etc. Often you'll get a good gut feeling when they're the right fit.
7. Schedule a trial to get a preview. This helps a lot for both the bride and artist to avoid any risks and to also save more time on the wedding day.
What do you recommend an Asian bride tell their makeup artist to get the right look for their big day?
If time allows, I suggest doing a trial before the wedding. I always ask my clients to provide information about their timeline, photographer, dress, styles and special needs to get all the necessary details (for example, I am a crier and I sweat a lot).
To prepare for a trial, I suggest brides send the artist a picture either with or without makeup, a photo of her dress, and photos of hair and makeup that’s similar to her skin tone, bone structure, and hair color to get a good sense of what it will look like. Come in with a clean face and fresh dry hair. The bride can bring her veil or accessory to see how it works with the hairstyle as well.
What are some hairstyles you recommend when wearing a cheongsam/cultural dress?
The updo style is better for a cheongsam dress because the dress usually has a higher neckline so it looks more formal and clean. It also works better when paired with gold or red hairpieces.
What are the most popular bridal hairstyles for Asian brides?
It really depends on each person’s face shape, hair quality, and dress. I will design the style that fits her the most.
Some popular styles include a loose hair down along with an elegant hairpiece or flower decor, a romantic halfup with some braids, a loose boho updo, and a low ponytail.
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About Bun Bun Bridal Lab
Bun Bun Bridal Lab is a team of 15+ experienced and dedicated makeup artists and hairstylists who will help you look elegant and feel beautiful on your wedding day!
Our team can accommodate bridal parties of all sizes, styles, and needs from wedding makeup and hair to bridal headpieces. Our wedding plan provides a comprehensive service and more upon request.
Bun Bun means a sweet significant other–one that you want to squeeze and kiss.
Follow Bun Bun Bridal:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bun_bun_bridal_lab/
- Website: https://www.bunbunbridallab.com/
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bun-bun-bridal-lab-by-felicia-chang-napa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BunBunBridalLab/
- Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bunbunbridallab/