Mothers of the bride and groom are some of my favourite people to make up. Many do not wear much makeup day to day, and want to look like themselves, only fresher and a little more polished. That is exactly the right brief.
Skin first, always
Skin changes as we get older. It can be drier, finer and more textured, and heavy foundation sits on top of it rather than melting in. So I spend more time on the prep: a mini facial and Charlotte Tilbury skincare to hydrate and plump the skin before anything else goes on.
- A light, flexible base that moves with your face.
- Concealer only where it is needed, pressed in rather than layered.
- Very little powder, and only where shine would show in photographs.
Softer techniques
- Brows frame the face and lift it. Filling them in softly makes more difference than almost anything else.
- Eyes look best with matte or satin shades in the crease and a little shimmer only on the lid. Liner pressed into the lash line defines the eye without a hard line.
- Lashes can be a few individual lashes at the outer corners if a full strip feels like too much.
- Lips last longer with a liner underneath, which also stops colour from bleeding into fine lines.
Colours that go with the outfit
Bring a photo of your outfit and your hat or fascinator if you have one, or wear the colours to your appointment. A pink outfit wants a different blush and lip from navy or emerald. We choose shades that suit your skin first and sit happily next to the outfit second.
Tears, hugs and a long day
You will cry at some point. Everyone does. Waterproof mascara, a setting spray and a well-prepped base all help, and I will show you how to blot rather than wipe.
A lesson before the wedding
A makeup lesson a few weeks before the wedding is a lovely way to feel ready. In an hour and a half at my studio we go through what you already own, find what suits you and build the look together, so you feel confident with your own makeup for the rehearsal dinner, the day after and everything in between. More about it in my note on makeup lessons.
On the wedding morning I fit you into the bridal party's schedule. You can see what is included for the bridal party on the bridal page, or send me the date and tell me who needs makeup.