A pro’s guide to mastering your own bridal look
Whether you’re tying the knot abroad or you’re looking to save some pennies, there are plenty of reasons why you might be doing your own wedding make-up.
Of course, it’s the one day where you want to look flawless, so we caught up with Suzie Gee, a bridal make-up artist for over eight years, to round up the beauty bag must-haves that you can’t help but say ‘I do’ to.
Specialising in stunning skin and soft glam wedding make-up, Suzie has worked with hundreds of brides across the UK and beyond, trying and testing plenty of products along the way.
Now with a kit full of trusty tools, she’s letting you in on all her secrets from make-up tips to product picks. Check out her recommendations below, grab a clean brush and start practising your dream wedding make-up look today.
For perfect prep
Try: Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Pro Hydrating Sheet Mask
• Dermatologist tested
“When it comes to picking products to prep with, I think it’s important to know your own skin,” Suzie says. “Having your own skincare regime specifically formulated to you is very important. Cleansing, toning, exfoliating and hydrating are all key to creating a beautiful canvas to apply make-up on.”
“With that being said, you might want to consider using this beautiful hydrating sheet mask on your big day for an added glow.”
“Once you’ve cleansed and exfoliated, pop this sheet mask on and let your skin drink up all the goodness.”
“Just make sure you test it well before your wedding day so you know your skin loves it as much as I do. The last thing you want is to have a product reaction as you’re walking down the aisle!”
For beautiful brows
Try: Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW® Pomade
• 11 shades
“Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW® Pomade is a product that never lets me down. It has great staying power and the pot lasts a very long time.”
“I like to apply it with a winged liner brush to create natural, hair-like strokes.”
For all eyes on you
Try: YSL Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palette
• 6 palette choices
“The YSL Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palette is perfect for use on yourself, with everything you need to create a beautiful eye.”
“There are a few different ones to choose from, but my favourite is shade 300 which has warm and smokey brown shades, plus a stunning gold shimmer.”
For catching every eye
Try: Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel
• Size: 5.5g
“The eyeliner I use on nearly every single client who sits in my chair is the Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel. This will not budge, all day, all night – even through your happy tears.”
“I love using the brown shade – number 90 – which looks a little less ‘harsh’ than black.”
For lashes you’ll love
Try: Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara
• Size: 6ml
• Microfiber bristles
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Suitable for contact lens wearers
“A mascara that really will last all day and night. This baby does not move!”
“The wand is perfectly small and precise, so it’ll lengthen and separate your lashes like nothing you’ve ever tried before.”
For a flawless base
Try: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• 40 shades
• Suitable for all skin types
“I only carry three different foundations in my professional bridal kit, and this is one of them. It’s beautifully silky and radiant with good coverage.”
“This isn’t a heavy foundation, but if you want more coverage you can build it up in layers.”
For complete coverage
Try: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
• Size: 6ml
• Suitable for all skin types
• Dermatologist tested
“This is another kit favourite and something I will never be on a job without – it’s my favourite concealer of all time, especially for underneath the eye.”
“We’re all prone to a bit of creasing in the fine lines under our eyes as we get older – it’s inevitable – but this concealer doesn’t crease as much as others, and it still provides very good coverage because it has a wonderful velvety consistency.”
For stunning skin
Try: GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Matte-finish & Enhanced Radiance Loose Powder 4 in 1 Harmony
• 4 shades
“If you buy one thing to add to your make-up kit, make it this!”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve fallen in love with a product as much as I have with this powder – so much so, I’m terrified of it ever being discontinued!”
“It’s such a finely milled, light-reflecting, gorgeous under-eye setting powder. I haven’t reached for another one since I’ve found it!”
For the blushing bride
Try: DIOR Backstage Rosy Glow Blush
• 3 shades
• Suitable for all skin types
“My absolute ride or die blushes are these ones from DIOR.”
“Don’t let the colour on the packaging deceive you – they may look bright and intimidating, but once applied to the skin they’re so light and delicate.”
“You can build them up as much as you desire, or just leave it as a soft wash of colour.”
“My favourite shades are 001 for a cool-toned ‘dolly’ pink, 012 for a deep red pink that looks like you’ve been in the sun, or 015 for those with darker skin tones who want a pop of coral.”
For the finishing touch
Try: DIOR Backstage Glow Face Palette
• 3 palette choices
“Sometimes I can find highlighters a bit… much. They’re often either too gold, too glittery or way too pigmented.”
“That’s why I love this DIOR palette – it gives you a glow and luminosity without making you look like you’re covered in tin foil!”
“I use shade 001 and the highlighters in it are so soft and gentle. They’re my absolute favourite!”
For lasting all day
Try: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
• Size: 118ml
“I have been using this for eight years and not once has it let me down! It helps to set the make-up and it melts all the products together.”
“Top tip: you can even apply this throughout the make-up process for some added staying power.”
For kissing the bride
Try: DIOR Rouge Dior Couture Lipstick – Satin
“DIOR lipsticks and lipliners are absolutely beautiful!”
“It’s hard for me to recommend shades without seeing your beautiful face, but if I were getting married, I would wear this lipstick lined with the DIOR Contour Lip Liner Pencil.”
Have you found the one you’re looking for? Pick up Suzie’s top picks today and browse the rest of our make-up collection to complete your gorgeous bridal look.
