Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still look like myself?
Our signature soft glam approach enhances your natural beauty without feeling overdone. We understand how important it is to recognize yourself in the mirror while still feeling like the most elevated version of you. During your trial, we’ll break down what you love about your inspiration photos and tailor the look to your unique features—face shape, skin tone, and personal style. Nothing starts until you’re 100% confident in the plan.

Do you offer airbrush makeup?

No, I do not offer airbrush makeup—and here’s why! Over the years, I’ve perfected my application techniques and carefully selected high-performance products that achieve the same flawless, long-wearing results without the need for airbrush. I use 16-hour wear makeup that is designed to be lightweight, full-coverage, and long-lasting, ensuring your look stays fresh from the first kiss to the last dance. My techniques allow me to customize the level of coverage and finish to perfectly suit your skin type and preferences—something airbrush can’t always achieve. With my expertise, you’ll get that smooth, flawless, and photo-ready finish that looks just as stunning in person as it does on camera, while actually lasting longer than traditional airbrush application.

If I cry during the ceremony, will it ruin my makeup?
We've got you covered! We use high-performance, waterproof products designed to withstand every emotional moment—from the first look to the last dance. Our setting techniques lock everything in place, ensuring your makeup looks as flawless in the final photos as it did when you first stepped into your dress.

 Will hair and makeup run behind and throw off the timeline on my wedding day?
Never! We pride ourselves on efficiency without ever feeling rushed. We create a detailed, personalized timeline for your wedding morning, factoring in the size of your bridal party and any special considerations. We arrive early, fully prepared, and work seamlessly with your other vendors to ensure everything runs like clockwork. We strategically place a buffer in each session giving ample time so no one feels rushed and everyone gets the attention they deserve.

 I had a bad experience with professional makeup before—how is this different?
We understand how disappointing it can be when your vision isn’t brought to life. That’s why we approach every bride with transparency, patience, and expertise. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what didn’t work for you in the past, break down your inspiration photos, and explain how we'll tailor the look to suit your features and comfort level. Nothing is left to chance—you’ll always know the plan before we start.

 Can you work with my skin type and tone?
Yes! Melia is expertly trained to work with all skin tones and types. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, we customize every product to your specific needs. Our extensive kit allows us to shade-match anyone flawlessly, ensuring a radiant, natural finish.

 How do I prep my skin and hair for the wedding day?
Preparation is key to achieving the perfect look! That’s why every bride receives our exclusive Wedding Day Prep Guide, a step-by-step checklist that covers everything—from how to exfoliate and moisturize your skin to how to wash and prep your hair for styling. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of getting ready and ensures you’re photo-ready the moment we arrive.

 Do you travel to my venue?
Yes! We provide mobile beauty services, bringing the glam to you wherever you’re getting ready. Our travel fees are simple and transparent:

We have a studio space in Burlington that we hold trials/preview appts.

Can you glam my bridal party too?
Of course! We love pampering the entire bridal party—bridesmaids, moms, flower girls, and anyone else who wants to feel fabulous. We’ll create a cohesive, polished look that complements your overall vision while making sure everyone feels comfortable and beautiful.

Do You offer Trial Runs?

Yes! We offer trial runs and bridal preview appointments at Melia's in-home Studio in Burlington, NC.

What’s the difference between a Bridal Preview and a Trial? 

A Trial is for brides who want to experience my work before deciding to book me for their wedding day. This appointment allows you to test out my style and see if we’re the perfect fit. However, a trial does not secure your wedding date—so if you’re considering booking, it’s best to do so as early as possible to guarantee availability.

A Bridal Preview is for brides who have already booked me for their wedding day. Since we’re officially working together, this appointment is a chance to fine-tune your wedding day look and make any adjustments to ensure it’s absolutely perfect. Bridal previews are also offered at a discounted rate as a perk for my booked brides!

Why should I hire a bridal specialist instead of any makeup artist or hairstylist? Unlike everyday or event makeup, bridal hair and makeup require expertise in longevity, photography, and seamless timelines. As a bridal specialist, I understand:
Makeup that lasts: I use professional techniques and high-quality products designed to stay flawless from the first look to the last dance.
A bridal-focused experience: This isn’t just another glam session—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I ensure you feel pampered, prioritized, and stress-free.
Photographic perfection: Bridal beauty needs to look stunning in person and in photos, under every lighting condition. I craft your look with both in mind.
Timely, organized execution: Weddings run on a schedule, and I make sure we stay on track—so you can sip champagne and enjoy the morning without worrying about the clock.

When you book a bridal specialist, you're investing in an artist who understands the weight of this moment and is fully prepared to make you feel your absolute best—inside and out.

What if I can’t travel for a Trial/Preview?
We’ve got you covered! For long-distance brides, we offer Virtual Preview appts via Zoom/ phone call. During the virtual session, we’ll discuss your vision, review inspiration photos, and create a detailed beauty plan. We’ll also share  recommendations and tips to ensure everything goes smoothly on your wedding day.

What if I'm nervous about the investment?
I completely understand. Your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life—investing in professional hair and makeup means investing in confidence, peace of mind, and a look that lasts all night. Our expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to your satisfaction make it worth every penny. Plus, we offer trials before booking so you can experience our work firsthand.


Understanding Our Bridal Process & Team 

Is Beauty by Melia a company with multiple artists?
Beauty by Melia is an independent, artist-owned business—meaning when you book, you're booking me, Melia. I am the lead artist and personally provide both hair and makeup services for my brides. Unlike larger teams where you don’t know who will show up on your wedding day, with me, you’re getting a consistent, luxury experience tailored just for you.
Miranda, my bridal hair specialist, joins only when additional artists are needed. If you have a large bridal party needing both hair and makeup services, Miranda steps in to focus on hair while I handle makeup. This ensures your timeline stays smooth, no one is rushed, and everyone gets the full glam experience without stress. Read more about melia and miranda  here

Can I request to have 2 artists for my wedding?
You can! If you’re only needing hair and makeup for yourself, or only makeup for your party, you’ll be working exclusively with me! However, if you have a bridal party that requires multiple hair and makeup services, or you need one artist on hair and one on makeup for timeline reasons, I will coordinate with Miranda to assist as needed.

 Will the quality be the same if another artist is involved?
Absolutely! Miranda and I have worked together for years (we even went to cosmetology school together!), and we share the same high standards for quality and professionalism. She specializes in bridal hairstyling, ensuring every look is polished, long-lasting, and perfectly complements the makeup I create. This setup allows you to enjoy a personalized, VIP beauty experience while ensuring efficiency and ease on your big day! 

Get to know more about Melia and Miranda on the About Us page


Have any other questions? Please contact Melia via email or text