Meet Makeup Artist Dani Wagener

As a wedding photographer, I work with some very talented and creative professionals. Sometimes I get so excited about a stationery designer or a wedding coordinator that I just need to share these “finds” with my clients. One of my favorite creative professionals who I’ve worked with this past year is makeup artist Dani Wagener.

Brides often ask me about getting their makeup professionally done. They want to look their best for the wedding day and for the photographs, but they’re afraid that they won’t look like themselves. I always recommend Dani. Her approach to makeup is realistic and simple. She just knows how to make women look like hotter, more beautiful, gorgeous versions of themselves!

Besides making over some of my “star” brides, Dani has done makeup for women such as Niki Taylor, Kerry Washington, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Deschanel and Daisy Fuentes. In 2009, Allure Magazine chose her as a Makeover Master, and in 2007 and 2008 Boston Magazine named her as Best Makeup Artist. Dani is also an Atelier Artist for shu uemura on Newbury Street in Boston.

I asked Dani a few questions that I frequently get from brides, and a few questions that I just want answers to for “personal” reasons, i.e., so I can go shopping .

What does a makeup trial involve, and how far ahead do brides usually have the trial?
My approach for a trial is a little different. It’s just an opportunity for a client to feel comfortable with me and trust what I do, and in turn know that that they’ll love their wedding day makeup. As people get closer to their wedding, many times the mood changes and their idea of makeup changes as well. Most times I’m meeting people one year before their wedding day, so it’s rare that I do a carbon copy of the trial. The only time I do an exact replica is if someone has a very detailed, specific look they are trying to create. I try to encourage first time clients to use the trial as just an excuse to have their makeup done for another special event: a work party or a night out with the girls. A makeup trial is a chance for women to wear beautiful makeup, enjoy it, have their photo taken, and feel fabulous!

Are there other things that brides need to do to prepare for their wedding day makeup?
I highly recommend regular facials. However, you want to just maintain your skin. Don’t try harsh treatments or change all your skincare unless you have at least one year in advance. It can take three months or more to fix skin issues if you have a reaction to something you’re trying.

Brows frame the face, so it’s important to have brows tweezed about three days prior to the wedding. Waxing can be tough on the skin, especially if you’re sensitive.

Many brides wear false lashes on their wedding day. From a photography standpoint, I think it works well in pictures. What’s your take on wedding day lashes?
Anyone who knows me knows about my love of lashes! Lashes make a world of difference by increasing the volume in the lash without clumps of mascara. Even with a few individual lashes, the difference is amazing. Lashes allow you to skimp a bit on mascara, which cuts down on smudging. I also do lash extensions, which last about two weeks. They’re extremely natural and safe for the eyes if done properly.

How do you decide what “look” or approach you’re going to take with a bride’s makeup? Do they bring photos or ideas to you?
I decide on a look based on the bride’s input, my opinion, and her comfort with makeup on an everyday basis. I feel it’s important for a bride to feel like a better version of her every day self walking down the aisle.

If a woman doesn’t ever wear a stitch of makeup (which happens a lot) I wouldn’t glam her up and load the makeup on her. It probably wouldn’t suit her personality. I rely heavily on the comfort of the bride, because when any woman feels like her best self, she exudes confidence and feels truly beautiful, and that plays a huge part in the wedding experience.

I’ve been hearing a lot about airbrushing lately. Do you do airbrushing and do you think it makes a difference?
I do a lot of airbrushing. All of my photo shoots are airbrushed. I probably airbrush about 50 percent of my brides.

The few major benefits of airbrushing is long lasting coverage that doesn’t look heavy or cakey. You can make someone look extremely bare, or I can heavily contour and highlight them with a few different shades.

Do you have any favorite products?
For color , skincare, and lashes I love shu uemura products. I also love Dior gloss, bronzers from Tarte,  NARS Lip Lacquers and Multiple Sticks are great, and I absolutely love Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer.  I use Temptu exclusively for airbrushing. I also use a lot of Make Up For Ever, and Face Atelier PRO

Okay now I have my shopping list!

You can view more of Dani’s work and contact her through her website.