It’s makeup - not magic. Here’s what brides get wrong

Don’t skip the prep

While makeup can do a lot to improve the appearance of your skin on you wedding day, there is a limit to its power – skin quality dictates most of how makeup will look.

Having a consistent skincare routine is helpful but it’s just one part of how to care for your skin on the lead up to your wedding. I’ve always tried to encourage a holistic approach to skin health - that means being aware of the many elements that can cause damage. Factors like excessive sun exposure, air pollutants, stress, poor diet and hydration, lack of exercise and sleep can negatively impact the way skin looks.

It's important to consider ways to reduce these negative effects with small lifestyle changes; having a balanced diet and drinking enough water helps to nourish your skin from within. Gentle, regular exercise increases blood flow to the skins surface which helps to balance moisture levels. Using a high factor sunscreen on a regular basis can avoid dark spots or discoloration, whilst practising yoga can reduce stress and improve the skins appearance.

Thinking of these factors as part of your skin care routine can help you achieve the look you want, and your makeup artist will thank you for it! Start as far in advance of your wedding as possible for the best results.

Thinking natural means minimal makeup

Natural doesn’t always mean wearing as little makeup as possible. Typically, there are multiple lighting conditions to consider; natural daylight, artificial lighting and low-level lighting are seen over the course of wedding celebrations. Makeup can look different across all these settings and needs to be visible enough to show up in photographs.

Brides often need to wear more than they expect to get a look that appears natural throughout the day and is flattering under a camera flash. That means using enough product to perfect the skin, enhance the eyes, cheeks and lips whilst not looking overloaded or cakey. I like to achieve this by working with matte, neutral shades that mimic the brides’ natural colourings then adding a seamless, creamy highlighter without reflects or glitter. Careful product placement built up in layers can help keep makeup looking subtle and natural, but perfected.

Using very minimal makeup might look amazing face-to-face but can result in looks that won’t last well throughout the day and don’t deliver polished, radiant skin that brides are looking for. Don’t be afraid to take your makeup artists advice! My experience has taught me how much you’ll need to wear to meet your bridal makeup goals.

Missing mid-day touch-up

There are plenty of products built to stay on for hours and they will definitely be put to the test on your wedding day! Your look must last through hugs and kisses from guests, a few tears if your prone to crying, eating and drinking and a reception that often stretches into the early hours of the morning.

Brides often forget to plan for mid-day maintenance, but even the most waterproof products will need some attention during your wedding events. I offer a concierge service for quick touch-up moments after the ceremony and before the photoshoot, and even a change of style for your evening event. If you haven’t planned for this you can request a a touch-up kit to have on hand just in case.

Key items I include in your touch-up kit are a face powder and puff, your chosen lipstick shade, cotton buds and a small makeup remover wipe just in case. I love including a refreshing facial spritz or setting spray to instantly refresh the makeup in one easy step.