frequently ASKED

QUESTIONS

BRIDAL

Is a trial included in your bridal packages?

Yes! However, it is referred to as a Bridal Makeup Preview. It is not a "trial" to determine whether Julia is the best fit as your Bridal Makeup Artist, but rather a dedicated session to design and preview your look so that your wedding day morning is calm and stress free, without any surprises. This will be scheduled within the 3-4 weeks leading up to your wedding day.

What makeup brands do you use?

Julia's professional kit it built from high-performance brands including Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Dior, and Estee Lauder. Products are chosen for their long wear, photography-friendly finish, and suitability for all skin tones and types.

Do you stay for touch-ups?

Bridal services are priced per person, not per hour. Once all agreed services are complete, Julia will leave the venue. However, Julia offers touch-up services per hour as an add-on to your chosen bridal package.

Are you available to travel to my wedding venue?

Yes! Whether your wedding is in Cape Town or beyond, Julia is available to travel for your wedding. Travel expenses related to driving or flying to your wedding venue will be outlined in your proposal.

How should I prepare my skin for my wedding day makeup?

Skincare plays a huge role in how your makeup looks and lasts. As part of The Bridal Experience, Julia provides a comprehensive Bridal Skincare Prep Guide. It includes tips and product suggestions to help you get glowing, makeup-ready skin by the big day.

What if I have sensitive skin or allergies?

If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, please let Julia know in as soon as possible. Product selection can be altered accordingly, and patch testing can be done where needed.

How far in advance should I book my wedding makeup?

As soon as you’ve secured your date and venue. It's recommended to reach out early to ensure availability, especially if you’re getting married in peak season as dates often book out 12–18 months in advance.

Can you also do makeup for my bridal party?

Absolutely! I can accommodate group bookings and work with trusted assistants for larger parties if needed.

Do you offer hairstyling?

Yes! However, hairstyling is only available to the bride. Another hairstylist will need to be booked for the rest of your bridal party. Julia is happy to recommend additional hairstylist.

How do I secure my wedding date?

Within three days of receiving your customised formal proposal from Julia, you will be required to a sign a bridal contract and pay a 50% non-refundable deposit, otherwise your date will become available to other potential brides. Once payment is received, you will receive a formal booking confirmation email.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel?

Cancellations must be made in writing to Julia, and the 50% deposit will be retained by Julia regardless of the amount of notice given. Rescheduling the date of your booking will be treated as a cancellation.

Will my makeup look heavy or cakey?

Not at all. Julia's signature style is radiant and skin-focused. Your natural beauty elevated, never masked. Your makeup will be built up in intentional thin layers, giving the whole look the longevity it needs to last all day without being overdone.

TAN & GLAM

How does spray tanning work?

The active ingredient used in all tanning products is Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This ingredient, which is naturally derived from sugar cane, reacts with the amino acids in the skin to create a browning effect on the outermost layer of the skin. Full development of the colour takes about 24-48 hours after application regardless of the formulation type (Standard/Express). The intensity of the colour depends on the concentration of the DHA as well as the individuals skin type. The colour will gradually fade over the course of 7-10 days through natural skin exfoliation just like a natural tan from the sun.

What do I wear to my spray tan appointment?

Clients are welcome to wear as little or as much as you are comfortable with during the appointment but be mindful of tan lines. You will always be offered complimentary disposable items (hair net, g-string, nipple pasties) if you would like minimal lines and to keep your own items free of tanning solution. However, please understand that males of any age and girls under the age of 18 are required to wear undergarments during their appointment. No exceptions.

How many days in advance should I schedule my spray tan before an event?

At least two days before any major events (wedding, photo shoot, etc.) and just one day before leaving for a holiday.

What's the difference between standard and express spray tans?

Standard spray tans | Need 8 hours to develop before rinsing off the guide colour.
Express spray tans | Allow you to rinse off sooner, making this option increasingly popular. Depending on what tan tone you're going for, your spray tan artist will recommend the perfect time to rinse off. Here's a guide to give you an idea...
45 minutes = Very Fair tones

1.5 - 2 hours = Light tones
2.5 - 3 hours = Medium tones
3.5 - 4+ hours = Dark tones

How long will my spray tan last?

On average, your tan should last about 7-10 days. Unlike other beauty services, the life of a spray tan is 50% dependent on the client's preparation while the remaining 50% relies on the artist's application and solution selection. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to properly prepare your skin by following the guidelines. This will ensure a long-lasting tan with an even fade.

Is spray tanning safe for expectant or nursing mothers?

While the solutions used are organic-based, vegan, and formulated with clean and minimal ingredients, it's advised all expectant or nursing mothers to consult with their physician before scheduling an appointment. All nursing mothers will be required to wear nipple pasties during the spray tan application. To request an ingredients list of our product to provide your physician with for review, please email.

Will my spray tan stain my clothes?

The guide colour in your spray tan is water soluble and should rinse out of most fabrics if contact occurs. It's always recommended to wear a long sleeve. loose fitting tracksuit after your spray tan to be the most comfortable. Be sure to cover leather car seats/furnishings and avoid direct contact.

Do you offer mobile Tan & Glam services?

All Tan & Glam appointments are held at Julia's home-based beauty studio in Bergvliet, Cape Town.

What payment methods do you accept?

All bookings require a deposit to be paid by card at the time of booking. This amount will deducted from the remaining amount which is due at the end of your appointment, and can be paid by cash or card. If paying in cash, please kindly have the exact amount available.

Do you provide skin prep guidance for makeup services?

Yes! As soon as your appointment is confirmed, you will receive detailed preparation instructions.

Julia Rees is a destination bridal makeup artist, serving Cape Town & beyond.

@JULIAREESARTISTRY