A Guide to Hair and Makeup for your Paris Wedding or Portrait Session

I often get asked by my clients if they should book a professional hair and makeup artist for their elopement, wedding or portrait session. If their budget allows, my reply is always yes! I work with some of the most talented artists in Paris who can ensure that you start your day feeling at your very best - confident, relaxed and ready to make some amazing memories together.

Want to know more? I’ve interviewed a few of the best stylists on your behalf! Read on as they reveal their top hair and makeup tips for your next special event.

Tell us a bit about yourself!

Trine: “I’m Trine Juel, a Danish hair and makeup artist based in Paris. I moved here in the summer of 2015 with my boyfriend - and why not? My philosophy for hair and makeup is ‘less is more’”.

Trine Juel by Katie Mitchell Photography

Charles: “I'm Charles Gillman and I've been working as a makeup artist for thirteen years, the past seven of those in Paris. My beauty philosophy is 'a realistic approach to makeup', and using it as a tool to enhance your natural features”.

Charles at work by Katie Mitchell Photography

Ciara: "Ciara Costenoble is my full name however Ciara or Cee Cee is just fine. I’m a hair stylist who moved to Paris from DC seven years ago. My love for hair followed me here! My focus in on styling all hair types”.

Ciara Constenoble by Katie Mitchell Photography

Why should clients consider having their hair and make up done by a professional for any type of portrait session?

Trine: “A professional hair and makeup artist knows what looks good! When you invest in a good photographer, you want the photos to look at their best, too. And you don’t have to stress over a last minute liner!”.

Hair and Makeup: Trine Juel // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Charles: “It's lovely to feel pampered and to treat yourself for such a special occasion and to get some tips that you can take away with you, but more than that, it's important to feel comfortable during a photo shoot. Now, I'm personally a bit awkward in front of the camera (typically British...)! I had a shoot with Katie and she immediately put me at ease with her hilarious sense of humour; combine this with a pampering session before your session and you'll be ready and confident in front of the camera!”.

Makeup: Charles Gillman // Hair: Ciara Constenoble // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Ciara: “Having professional photos done in one of the most photographable cities is your moment to live your best life. I truly believe that looking your best really does have an effect on your attitude and self confidence”.

Hair: Ciara Constenoble // Makeup: Charles Gillman // Photography: Katie Mitchell

What would be your number one top tip for your clients when it comes to having their hair and makeup done for their wedding or portrait session?

Trine: “My vision is to enhance a woman's best attributes, and make you shine. You’re sure to feel comfortable if you go for a natural, flawless look”.

Hair and Makeup: Trine Juel // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Charles: “Water, food and skincare! Leading up to your portrait session try and focus on drinking lots of water, eating natural fats and foods that are packed with omega 3; such as salmon, walnuts and chia seeds to help plump up the skin and boost amino acids. It takes thirty days for cell turnover, so it's a good idea to start the preparation a month before your shoot”.

Makeup: Charles Gillman // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Ciara: “My top tip would be open communication. Fully communicating what you desire, finding inspiration photos of people who look similar and have a similar hair texture and length”.         

Hair: Ciara Constenoble // Makeup: Charles Gillman // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Can you please share with us a favourite product that you can’t live without?

Trine: “Highlighter! It makes the skin glow, and can help tired skin look flawless. When the camera captures the highlight, it is just magic!”.

Hair and Makeup: Trine Juel // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Charles: “If you look brighter under the eyes and more awake; then you look fresher and ready for anything! I love the Bobbi Brown creamy concealer kit - it comes in many different shades and with a mini pressed powder to set the product, helping to keep it long wearing and stop it from creasing”.

Makeup: Charles Gillman // Hair: Ciara Constenoble // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Ciara: “I love a good hair paste! It can smooth edges, control flyaways, add volume, helps with frizz and works for every hairstyle! My favorite is the Aveda control paste which smells amazing”.

Hair: Ciara Constenoble // Photography: Katie Mitchell

Thank you to Trine, Charles and Ciara for taking the time to answer the questions above. They can be reached via their respective websites:

Trine Juel // Charles Gillman // Ciara Constenoble

I hope this post is helpful! Feel free to email me at mail@katiemitchellphotography.com for any further questions you might have regarding this topic, or anything wedding/portrait related in Paris! xo