As much as I love the buzz of film and television, I also love working with brides, as it allows me to work with real fairytales, not just those from a script. I have worked with brides throughout my career and it has taken me across the country and Europe. A recent bride myself, I understand how daunting the morning of a wedding can be and how important it is to create a relaxed, calm and friendly environment, while making the bride feel the most beautiful she has ever felt.
My five top beauty tips for brides
1. Beauty starts within
Your face will only look as good as the skin underneath it. Prepare for several months before your wedding. Start hydrating your skin by drinking more water and green tea every day; this will also help flush out any impurities. Exercise will also give skin a healthy natural glow. Spend time cleansing your skin every day. Invest in a good cleanser and moisturiser that work for your skin. If your skin is extremely dry, you need a much more hydrating cream or an overnight serum. Exfoliate once a week to get rid of your old skin cells and treat yourself every now and then to a gorgeous face mask or even a facial, allowing your skin to look bright and radiant.
2. Don’t try anything new
If you have never had a chemical peel, IVL lashes or your upper lip waxed, do not try this a week before your wedding. If there is anything new you want to try, do so a few months before, to see how your skin reacts. The last thing you want is a reaction in your skin on the week of your wedding.
3. Be prepared for your trial
Know what makeup looks you love, but also know what you don’t like. Look through bridal images — and also photos from the red carpet, as these looks are always so beautifully done.
Keep in mind the style of your wedding dress. If it is romantic and soft, a heavy smoky eye makeup will not complement this. Make sure your dress, hair and makeup all tie in together, giving you the complete look.
4. Become the best version of yourself
If you are someone who never wears much makeup, do not go for a really heavy eye and a bright lipstick. You want to look like the most beautiful version of yourself. If you are having a makeup artist, get them to enhance your look rather than recreate it. Your wedding is not a time to experiment — you want to look timeless.
5. What to have with you on the day
- Pressed powder: You want to ensure skin is glowing in your photographs, but you do not want to look like an oil slick. Powder lightly in the correct places, to preserve your bridal glow throughout the day and night.
- Lipstick and lipgloss: Have your lipstick handy for your photographs. Then keep it by your table to top up once you have eaten.
- Tissues and cotton buds: In case of tears, cotton buds can be used to carefully clean up any smudged eye makeup with a precision touch.
- Blusher: You may want to add a bit more blusher in the evening. In a white dress, a bit of colour is key to looking healthy and radiant.
Natasha Stone is a hair and makeup artist, trained at the London College of Fashion. She has worked on TV shows including This Morning, Strictly Come Dancing and The Voice; West End theatre productions such as Billy Elliot and The Book of Mormon; Netflix’s The Crown and films such as Darkest Hour and Star Wars. @natashastonemua natashaklipp@hotmail.co.uk
