Bridal make-up tips from 11 real brides…

With so many products and options available, how do you know what bridal make-up will look best on you? We turn to 11 real brides for their top tips…

Amy from issue 168

“Have your make-up trial fairly close to your wedding so the light is similar to how it will be on your wedding day – you’ll get a good idea of how it will look on your skin. Also discuss with your make-up artist which colours will complement your skin tone and – most of all – make sure you still look like you on the day. You don’t want to be wearing heavy make-up on your special day if normally you wear minimal make-up as it may look too much on you.”

Stacey from issue 167

“Do what you feel is right for you. I wanted to be natural for the day but I love a vibrant lipstick so I took some make-up to jazz myself up for the evening party.”

If you want a natural style too, don’t miss these three top tips for naturally glowing bridal beauty.

Leanne from issue 167

“My hair and make-up was organised through our wedding planners” – a fantastic option if you’re getting married abroad. Your planners will have contacts with quality local suppliers, taking away the stress of trying to choose yourself when distance means a trial may not be an option.

Sophie from issue 166

“I would really recommend wearing false eyelashes on the day, as they really make your eyes stand out in photographs and make you feel special on the day. These don’t need to be the semi-permanent eyelash extensions you hear about (I initially had my heart set on these but found out I was allergic to the glue!). Companies such as Eyelure do a fantastic and affordable range, including a set of individual ones, which I ended up using, and I would recommend to other brides to research different types of false eyelashes to find what works for them.

I would also say don’t be afraid to ask the make-up artist to use your own products (rather than theirs) on you – I felt so much more comfortable for doing so.”

Sarah from issue 165

“My make-up tip is actually not about make up but about the skin itself. Brides-to-be should take care of their skin long before the wedding because a great skin radiates natural beauty. Always hydrate yourself with two to three litres of water a day and do not ever go to bed with make-up on.”

Jess from issue 165

“I couldn’t have done without my MAC prime focus prep and prime transparent finishing powder. It was great for holding my make-up in place and also I used it throughout the day to keep the shine off and keep my make-up looking fresh.”

Emily from issue 164

“If you are going to do your own make-up, make sure you treat yourself to some brand new make-up, something different to what you usually wear so it feels special. I bought a new shade of lipstick for the occasion and now whenever I wear it I think of my wedding day.”

Hatti from issue 164

“Donna, my make-up artist, asked me to share my Pinterest board with her so she could get an idea of what I wanted which I think really helped me communicate my ideas. I would also say wear a bit more make-up than you usually do as you would be surprised how different it looks in photos. I also worked within my natural make-up style – I often wear winged black eyeliner, and peach/nude lips which is important so you look like yourself on the day.”

Ella from issue 163

“It always pays to hire a make-up artist! They use the best, highest quality products and know how to make you your most beautiful and how to make sure it lasts! Plus you can relax on the day and feel pampered. For anyone who doesn’t want a make-up artist, I would 100% recommend buying a good setting spray! I used Urban Decay ‘All Nighter’ setting spray and my make-up was flawless the whole day and night.”

Brittany from issue 163

“Have a trial run with your make-up artist. I did when I first picked my make-up artist and then had another one a couple months prior to the wedding, and used it for my bridal portrait session. It was nice to recap and make sure everyone was on the same page to be prepared for the big day.”

Angeline from issue 162

“Make sure to get your bridesmaids to carry a spare bottle of foundation and lipgloss so that you can touch up after any tears!”
Now you’ve got your beauty tips sorted, make sure your hair has heads turning too, and for all the right reasons. Here are 17 of our favourite bridal hair styles (covering every length and accessory!) to get you inspired.

What are your top make-up tips? Hit ‘like’ on our Wedding Ideas Facebook page, and ‘follow’ on our @wimagazine Twitter account to join in the conversation.