High Stakes and Humidity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
for a Luxury Cabo Wedding
“Will you do my makeup for my wedding…in Cabo?”
When Danielle asked me that, my heart did a double-take. This wasn’t just another booking; rather, it was a high-stakes event for a dream client. Danielle lives in New York City, consequently she is surrounded by some of the world’s most elite beauty talent.
Because she struggled to find an artist who could execute her vision, she reached out to me. We initially met after I did her makeup for her engagement party here in Vancouver. Specifically, she told me then that it was the first time an artist had gotten her vision exactly right.
Knowing she chose me for her destination wedding makeup after so many failed trials was the ultimate compliment. However, as I prepared for Mexico, it also meant the pressure was officially on. I wasn’t just a makeup artist; instead, I was the one person she trusted to get it right.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at 30,000 Feet
The stakes felt sky-high before I even left the ground. I spent weeks auditing my professional kit to ensure every essential product arrived in Mexico unscathed. By the time my flight leveled out at 30,000 feet, the initial excitement had vanished. Imposter syndrome hit me so loud it practically shouted over the jet engines. Am I actually good enough? Will my techniques stand up to the tropical humidity?
The nerves followed me all the way to my stay at La Marina Inn. I was tucked away across the street from the Hotel El Ganzo, where Danielle was getting ready. As I stepped into the courtyard of my small inn, a live band began to play a cover of “Close to You.” My mom used to sing that exact song to me for comfort.
In that moment, the noise in my head went quiet. This small, serendipitous reminder grounded me. I finally felt at ease because I knew I belonged there.
Achieving the “Modern Editorial” Look at Acre Resort Cabo
The wedding took place at the legendary Acre Resort, a lush, desert oasis that demands a specific kind of aesthetic. For Danielle, we weren’t going for “beach casual.” Instead, I was aiming for an elevated, high-fashion look that felt at home among the palms and the concrete architecture and the gorgeous design and wedding that her planners at THE BOND put together.
I’m a Vancouver Based Makeup artist, and during bridal season, used to a more temperate climate. My biggest challenge was the environment, expecting humidity and heat, I had to make sure her makeup could stand up to it. To achieve her vision, we focused on three key elements:
The Complexion: A true skin-like finish. I wanted her to look radiant and hydrated, using thin, layered techniques to ensure her natural glow could breathe through the heat while balancing it with setting powder and finishing spray to keep the dewy glow.
The Eyes: Subtly contoured to add depth without heavy weight, creating a timeless, editorial feel.
The Lashes: A seamless application, lashes so delicate they looked like she’d grown them herself. We achieved this look using strategically placed individual lashes.
The Reveal: A Design Masterpiece
The energy in the suite shifted during the final styling. Danielle chose a masterpiece: a drop-waist lace corset with a voluminous tulle skirt. It perfectly blended romantic tradition with a modern silhouette.
In an intimate moment, I helped her mom zip her into the gown. When Danielle turned around with flawless makeup and a cinched dress, my doubt evaporated. I wasn’t an “imposter”; I was exactly where I was meant to be.
The Ultimate Test: On-Site Wedding Makeup Touch-Ups
I arrived on-site at Acre Resort just after Danielle’s First Look to begin her wedding makeup touch-ups. This is the moment every artist holds their breath. I needed to see how the products performed after the initial nerves, the emotions, and the coastal heat.
I was thrilled to find that my technique beat the Cabo elements. Despite the warmth, her foundation stayed locked in. It looked exactly as it did when she left the chair. She only needed a quick under-eye refresh after some happy tears. I also added an extra application of body glow for that head-to-toe editorial radiance.
Cabo was a dream. Danielle, thank you for trusting me with your destination wedding makeup vision.