At a Glance
- Alexandra Geahlen posted a TikTok on Dec. 12, 2025, showing the dramatic difference between her requested bridal makeup and the result, earning nearly 750,000 views
- The botched trial happened in 2021, a year before her July 9, 2022 wedding
- She quietly paid and left the salon, then called family and friends in disbelief
- Why it matters: The post sparked thousands of brides to share similar trial-gone-wrong stories, turning one awkward appointment into a global conversation
A single TikTok has turned one bride’s makeup trial mishap into an internet rallying cry, proving that even the most cringe-worthy beauty fail can find solidarity online.
The Viral Before-and-After
Geahlen’s 11-second clip opens with a selfie captioned, “when someone talks about bad bridal trial makeup like idk ball…” She then flashes the inspo photo-a classic smoky-eye, glowy-skin glam-followed by the actual result: uneven shadow, sparse lashes, and a finish far from the full-coverage drama she wanted. Nearly 750,000 views and 30,000 comments later, the post has become a cautionary tale and comedy goldmine.
What Went Wrong in the Chair
- Geahlen booked the trial at the same small-town salon that had always given her great haircuts
- The makeup artist rotated the chair away from the mirror during application
- She asked the right questions-about lashes, coverage, vibe-so confidence seemed high
- When the mirror finally flipped, “I obviously was horrified,” Geahlen told News Of Los Angeles
Too polite to complain in real time, the people-pleaser paid, thanked the artist, and walked out half-laughing, half-crying. “I was afraid someone would see me walking to my car,” she admits.
The Aftermath and Rescue
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Disastrous trial at original salon |
| Months later | Found new artist Lauren Updike of Soto Salon, Perrysburg, Ohio |
| July 9, 2022 | Wedding day “flawless” glam achieved |
Geahlen immediately Snapchatted every friend and called her mom, sister, fiancé, and best friend. “Everyone was in shock at how horrible the trial was,” she says.
Internet Commiseration
Commenters flooded the post with empathy and punch lines:
- “[the makeup artist] was like ‘no eyeliner for you’ 😂”
- “As a bridal makeup artist the lack of blending is sending me 🥴”
- Dozens shared their own botched trial photos
“I loved how it gave other brides the opportunity to commiserate,” Geahlen says. “Some of their bad trial photos made me giggle, just like I hope mine did to others!”
Key Takeaways
- Always vet makeup and hair separately-even trusted salons can miss the mark
- Request to watch the application or check progress in a hand mirror
- Book trials at least six months out to leave room for a redo
- If disaster strikes, document, laugh, and pivot-Geahlen’s wedding photos ultimately looked exactly as she had dreamed
