In this quick guide I’ll explain what certain descriptions mean and share advice on all thinga hair and makeup for your wedding day

makeup

Choosing makeup for your wedding day can be daunting, especially if you don’t wear it regularly. As your Bridal makeup Artist, I’m here to guide you through the decision making process. With many years experience and hundereds of brides behind me, I know what works and what doesn’t. Ultimately, I want you to feel comfortable with the makeup on your skin and be confident that you look like you

Key to helping me understand what you do and don’t like are reference images. Choose photos where the models colouring is similar to your own as this will provide you with the most realistic expectation of what can be achieved. Expect to see real skin that includes texture and pores. This is completely normal. Bumps from blemishes can’t be erased but colour and redness can. Fine lines don’t disappear but we can soften then and emsure attention is elsewhere so they are less noticeable. Coming to your trial with an open mind is crucial to getting the most from the experience. Also its good to know if you have any non negotiatbles such as false lashes or matt skin. Lastly, enjoy the appointment. After all its only makeup!

dewy skin v matt skin

Dewy skin for me is all about the glow. Creating skin that looks so plump, hydrated and juicy that the light just bounces off your cheekbones and you look fresh, healthy and gorgeous. This is the go to choice for most ladies. Brides of any age or skin type can wear this look. Coverage tends to be light to medium but remains long lasting

Your skin can still look illuminated when wearing a matt foundation. This is often the preferred choice for ladies who have combination or oily skin types believeing they need to have completely matt skin for their wedding. Matt foundation will definitely need to be touched up throughout the day to remain matt. Coverage tends to be medium to full and its not ideal for someone with more mature skin as it will show up every line or wrinkle

nude lip v coloured lip

If you want an all over natural look, then nude lips are the way to go. Conscious of a fuller mouth? Nude lipstick can help disguise this. Nude lip colours tend to mimic the natural colour of your own lips and come in a range of pink / brown based colours

If you want to make more of a statement coloured lip sticks can infer confidence, glamour and fun. If you’ve got great lips why not show them off? Lots of brands now have long lasting formulas and some like Maybelline produce a range that doesn’t budge or transfer. A coloured lip can look amazing especially with neutral eyeshadow

natural v coloured eyeshadow

When creating natural eye makeup we focus on creating definition using a neutral colour pallette - think creams and browns. The aim is to emphasise your lovely eyes, making them the main feature but keeping the focus soft

Coloured eyeshadow can add drama, intensity and glamour. Think pinks, bronze, gold, plum even a touch of black that look best as a smokey eye. These options bring the focus directly to your eyes and no where else. Teamed with a nude lip it can really elevate your look

False lashes, LVL & lash extentions

Temporary false lashes can look really natural. They can add volume or drama. They help draw attention to your eyes and really finish off a bridal look. Individual lashes can be used to create a bespoke look and strip lashes are a fixed shape. Trials are the best time for trying lashes. They are professionally applied and you can see how they look and feel in advance of your wedding

LVL stands for lift, volume and length. A beautician dyes and curls (perm) your natural lashes to achieve the desired look. This is a really effective and natural way of getting a more lifted look if you don’t fancy false lashes. However combining LVL with false lashes can be problematic depending on how deep the curl is. If you are considering LVL I would make sure you attend your trial after having the treatment so you can see how it works with your makeup

Lash extensions require a fair bit of upkeep but are great for adding volume. They are attched to your natural lashes and therefore drop out at the same rate. I’d recommend trying lash extensions at leats 6 months prior to your wedding to work out your lash cycle (so you know when to have your last appointment) and to get the look of the lashes just right for you

hair

Most brides have a good idea of how they would like to wear their hair on their wedding day. However, it is essential that the reference images you choose reflect your own hair colour, length and thickness. I will guide you as to what styles may or may not work for your hair and discuss anything we need to consider. If you aren’t sure what will work for you, it may be a good idea to have an earlier trial so you have chance to purchase hair accessories aferwards

We will discuss hair accessories at your trial if you are yet to purchase them. However, if you choose to purchase them in advance, you need to consider how thick your hair is, the weight of the piece and the position. Clips, combs, tiaras etc can be more heavy than you anticipate so we need to ensure you have sufficient hair to support the piece. If opting for a hair vine make sure to measure your head as often these are much longer than needed

down, up or half up?

Soft, effortless waves or curls cascading around your shoulders can look relaxed and pretty. But remember that these styles are likely to drop throughout your day. Down styles are often better suited to thicker hair or benefit from the addition of extensions

Before opting for an updo that shows off a stunning neckline or intricate back, consider if this is a usual style for you. Sometimes wearing your hair up when you aren’t used to it can make you feel exposed. Messy or sleek buns, ponytails or plaits can add interest and texture to an updo

Half up hair styles are the best of both worlds. The feeling of wearing your hair down with the security of it being pinned. A great choice if you want to show off your neckline but aren’t confident enough to wear your hair completely up

Extensions

If you feel your hair needs a helping hand in terms of length or volume then clip in extensions can be the perfect solution. Personally, I prefer clip in extensions to those that are bonded as it allows me the flexibility to place the extension where I need it as opposed to having to work with the extension to create the style. I recommend Milk and Blush extensions as they are fantastic quality and offer a great service. If you are looking for volume only then I’d opt for extensions that are 16-18 inches long and for length I’d opt for anything over 20 inches.

hair accessories

combs, pins, vines, headbands or tiaras

The most popular hair accessory has to be the comb. Like pins they can be popped into most hairstyles and add a little bit of sparkle to your hair. Widely available they are made from all materials including crystals, pearls, faux flowers even porcelain

Hair vines can be quite versatile. They can be weaved into a style or laid on top. They are often quite delicate and feature crystals. Double check the length of any you order as some can be quite long

Headbands can be big and bold and made from lots of different materials. They are quite a modern way to wear an accessory and can be worn with lots of different styles. Tiaras remain a traditional and beautiful option

veils

Cathedral, chapel and finger tip are the most popular veil lengths. Worn with or without a blusher (the extra piece that is meant to cover your face), veils can be positioned high on your head, in line with the top of your ears or underneath if having an updo. Hair style may dictate which veil you opt for. Make sure we chat through whether your veil should be set on a comb or other fastening depending on the hair accessory you have chosen