Bridal Makeup Tips

For most girls it’s the biggest day of our lives, the one we’ve dreamt of since watching Disney’s Cinderella and after years of singing ‘one day my prince will come’ he’s arrived.  Now you’ve decided to show your commitment to each other by declaring your undying love in front of family and friends. Months of tears, sweat and anxiety have nearly had you institutionalised, but you’ve got through it and nothing can ruin the moment of tears, this time from happiness as you say your vows, that is until he whispers ‘you’re mascara is running down your face on to your £2,000 dress’! However, deep breaths this scenario will not happen to you, not if your Fairy Godmother aka Molly has anything to do with it!  I won’t let you look like Corpse of the Bride not with my simple bridal makeup tips!

·         If you can afford a Make-up Artist (MUA) then I’d recommend doing so – nerves and mascara don’t mix. I personally recommend Vivienne Shepherd 07796 172021 www.viviennemakeup.co.uk and Karleigh Marsh 07878 399904.

·         On a tight budget then head straight to a department store. Most cosmetic brands have trained staff and their expert advice is invaluable, also if you pre-book many will offer a free trial. Try Estee Lauder, Clinique, Clarins, Benefit and Urban Decay – they’re all under one roof and you don’t have to stick to one brand.

·         Makeup should be an enhancement of your natural beauty however, it needs to be stronger for the photographs but not so scary so that your partner doesn’t recognise you. This is not the time to try out a bright red lipstick if you’ve only ever worn nude shades.  

·         Avoid high shine products as they reflect in photographs and mimic grease. Shimmer, sheen and satin based products are fine if placed on top of cheekbones, under brow bone and décolletage. I adore Clinique Fresh Bloom All Over Colour in Almond Blossom £26, lightly dusted over the face this gives a luminous glow. Urban Decays Naked Flushed Palette £20 contains a bronzer, highlighter and blusher to create cheekbones, slim the face and provides an inner flush that looks naturally pretty.

·         Invest in a pore primer such as Benefits The Porefessional £24.50, this great product minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines, is oil free and gives your foundation something to adhere to so your makeup won’t slide off. Sleep deprivation can be concealed with Benefit Fake Up £18.50, apply under the eyes to banish dark circles and it’s hydrating too so won’t go cakey.  Estee Lauders Ideal Light Brush-on Illuminator £23 brightens shadows and highlights features. Try applying a small amount above the cupids bow to mimic full lips or above the eyebrows for an instant face lift.

·         Choose your foundation colour wisely, always check at least 3 shades on the side of your face and look in natural light, you may find you need to mix 2 colours to get your perfect match. Oily skins should choose oil-free formulas whilst dry skin will benefit from a hydrating one.  Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Concealer £28 can be worn under foundation or alone. This amazing product gives dull skin radiance, sallow skin an instant glow and diminishes red, blotchy skin and with added SPF30 your face will be protected from the sun too.

·         Add warmth with a bronzer - Clarins Limited Edition Summer Bronzing Compact £30 dusted lightly over the face and neck lifts, smoothes and gives a natural sun kissed glow.

·         Fake tan should be tested before the big day to make sure the colour is right and always apply a couple of days beforehand to let the colour ‘settle’.

·         If you’re not using semi-permanent lashes then waterproof mascara is a must. For one that lengthens, thickens and stays put during those tears Urban Decays Cannonball £15 ticks all the boxes.

·         Eyeshadow should be strong but neutral and silky in texture, this is not a time for glitter - a good eye base will also ensure the colour is long-lasting. Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Pure Colour Duos £23 give an amazing multi-dimensional look with the colour being strong enough to enhance the eyes but not over-powering.  The stunningly pretty range has some beautiful natural shades to suit all eye colours and the packaging is gorgeous too.

·         Eyebrows frame the face and make a huge difference to how you look. The best eyebrow shape can be achieved by an HD Brow Treatment with Michele Hennan Tel: 07595 220502, and the HD Palette £20 is brilliant.     

·         Gone are the days where MUAs blotted, applied powder and blotted again for long-lasting lip colour. Estee Lauder Stay Double Wear Lipsticks £19.50 last 12 hours and unlike many long-wear formulas keep lips hydrated.  Clarins Limited Edition Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel £16, gives amazing coverage without being gloopy and leave lips looking simply luscious!

·         Lastly smile and take a minute to relax, your day will fly by and believe me no-one looks as stunning as a bride.

If you have a beauty/hair/health business you would like featured then contact me via email molly@askmollybeauty.com or follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty.