Hair and MakeUp Trials

So, yesterday, I had my first hair and makeup trial with my FAB-U-LO-SO stylist, Michelle. Michelle and I always get together and chat about EVERYTHING and act like two sisters that haven't seen each other in four years (LOL). She is a GREAT hair stylist (and is into hair CARE, not just styling) and is a FABULOUS makeup artist (she is a licensed makeup artist and used to work for M.A.C. and a few others).

As for my hair, I knew I wanted my hair up and off of my neck (hey, late May in Mississippi + humidity = a BIG, CHAKA KHAN hair do for your wedding day.......not happening!). I wanted an elegant "bun". Not anything too high where I looked like I was carrying a sack of curls at the top of my head and not anything too "stiff" looking. I wanted the front part of my hair to be combed-down and have a silky look to it. For the back, I wanted something elegant, overall. See below for some of the styles I like. The one in the top left corner is my fav, for the rear view of my hair and I love the sleek, laid-down look of Tia Mowry's hair in the upper right corner of the pic.

QUESTION: Can someone tell me WHY elegant hairpins cost so much??? WOW! I was thinking about doing 3 or 4, but as I started looking at the prices, I'll forgo the hair pins and just have my hair! LOL... My veil is VERY simple. It is a single layer veil with very small crystals and rhinestones lining it. It does not have a blusher. It falls about mid-back length (I didn't want nor need a long, intricate veil).

As for my makeup, I am a minimalist, anyway, but I do want to look finished (not made up) on my wedding day. I'd like a smokey (not too dark) eye and a neutral/light lips. I'd like highlighted cheeks, also.

Michelle and I played around in my makeup, but it was obvious....another cheek color is needed as well as a concealer. I never knew what a DIFFERENCE concealer made until last night! WOW! I guess age, stress, etc., are starting to get to me and I sometimes have dark circles under my eyes.

I'll post the pics of my trials when I upload them later. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: I get the IDIOT award!! I accidentally deleted my photos because I thought I'd already uploaded them on the computer!! DOH!!!