Make up advice

Hi Linda, I am in the same boat, and my fiancé has said his biggest fear is that I won’t look like myself on the day if a makeup artist is set free!


So, I will be doing my own make up. I’m not averse to makeup, I just don’t usually wear any, or if we go out it’s mascara and a bit of eyebrow powder (I’m quite fair and my eyebrows are almost invisible otherwise 😂). Having said that, I do quite enjoy doing my make up, and I used to dance competitions and stuff so I have worn some pretty wild looks in the past!
If you decide to do it yourself, I recommend watching some YouTube videos by Wayne Goss, who’s apparently a make up artist super star. I just find he explains things really well. Personally, a lot of the videos by girls in the bedroom just don’t have much substance or explain the hows/whys.
Also, there are some things it’s worth spending more on and some things you can get cheaper versions of. I have urban decay foundation and eyeshadows and a really good set of brushes (£££), but a cheap knock off beauty blender 🤷🏼‍♀️ My mascara is fairly budget, as is my cream blusher and setting powder. I’ve also ebayed a few new (but second hand) things like MAC highlighter which would be pricey otherwise!
The main thing is to practice a good few times! This week we’re having a mini break, so I’m taking all my makeup stuff with me so I can practice and see how everything lasts during the day. I’m always awake nwide FH anyway, so he can sleep while I play with my makeup 😂
Good luck whatever you decide to do!

I found a MUA who did a mix of looks I liked all of, and one of those v v natural indeed. I thought about doing it myself, but it’s a lovely treat to have someone else do it, and a pro can achieve a different look, esp if you’re having a pro photographer too. I had my trial yesterday and I was very pleased, my MUA listened to what I wanted (and I chose her on the basis of a *genuinely* natural look). I had no blusher or bronzer and no eyeshadow, I just looked like I had *the* most amazing dewy, glowy skin. If it’s something you decide to go for look for a MUA who also works in fashion or film and TV, and they will be very used to doing a properly natural look (as opposed to someone who only does weddings/events). This is where Instagram is your best friend, as you’ll get to see their work and that will help you understand if they regularly do what you’re looking for, and if you like their work

I am the same but when I had the trial I made it clear I just wanted a natural look and not too heavy and my MUA did just that, I the asked for a bit less on the eyes and she re did it. If you fins one you like then give them a call and explain what you want, they are pretty adaptable and have a trial to make sure they do what you want

I never wear makeup and wore none on my wedding day - most people were horrified and told me I'd look terrible in my photos, washed out, drab, would fade into the background...but I love our wedding photos.

If you don't normally wear makeup and don't want to for your wedding, then don't. And if you normally wear minimal makeup, then that's fine too. You don't have to have a makeup artist giving you a 'special look' if you don't want.

And I agree about the 'natural' makeup - I've had several friends go for it, and while they looked lovely, they were obviously made up and didn't look like their usual selves.

I’m very similar too. My fiancé says he’s prefers me without make you but I know I want it for the photos etc. i had my trial nice and early and was very clear about wanting low key and natural make up and the MUA smashed it - even my fiancé said it looked good. Also, by bedtime on the day of the trial, it still looked great compared to my usual shiny self! So I’d recommend looking around to try and find a MUA that can do barely there/natural and then have a trial!

I am exactly like you but if you feel comfotable with none dont have any if h2b likes you this way then then its about what you want totally umderstand with the makeup artist they can go over the top thats why im going without any makeup its about what you feel xx💗 sorry i havent helped much xx💗

View quoted message Thanks Tamsin, this one has been harder than any of the choices I’ve had to make so far. X

Hi Linda,

I'm a bridal makeup artist and my advice is to look for keywords on the website. You'd be looking for 'natural, radiant, glowing, still you.' Most makeup artists are really happy to only apply as much as you're comfortable with - they just might not advertise that on their website. I even do brides using their own everyday makeup if they prefer. Just add what you're looking for in your initial email.

I personally don't believe you need to wear more makeup for the photos, or even have a professional makeup artist at all if it's not a priority for you. A tinted moisturiser, some under eye concealer and powder through the centre of your face is enough. A little bit of waterproof mascara on top lashes, pop of pink blusher and a tinted lip balm would also be lovely. You could even have a makeup lesson before the day so you're more confident.

I really hope this helps! X

View quoted message Thanks Becky that's incredibly helpful x

View quoted message Thanks Nathalie some very good points there x

View quoted message Thanks Charlotte is been really good to find out I'm not alone x

View quoted message Thank you. I really do just want to be me x

View quoted message Thanks you've helped just by commenting x

View quoted message Anytime im 43 and defo not wearing makeup xx💗