Where do you start when it comes to wedding make-up? Sure we're still bound by certain COVID-19 related restrictions - click here for the status quo - but that doesn't mean that planning your wedding is off the cards. If your wedding is on the horizon it's likely you've created Pinterest moodboards for everything, including your bridal make-up look, but how should we go about making all those beautiful beauty looks you've pinned a reality? We put our biggest wedding make-up questions to an expert that's sure to know. Meet Amy Rose Macdonald.
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Amy is a Cotswold based make-up artist who, outside of the current pandemic, is used travelling all over the UK and abroad to wedding after wedding, applying countless make-up looks to countless delighted brides. Here she talks Grazia through how best to research make-up artists, what happens at a make-up trial (for when we're finally allowed to book in for them again!) and crucially what make-up primers are her personal favourites when it comes to making that big day make-up look last.
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What is the best way to search for a make-up artist for your big day?
'Instagram is a great way to search for make-up artists. You can do this through hashtags such as #cotswoldmakeupartist, looking at tags in posts from other suppliers and following inspirational wedding accounts such @weddingchicks. Pick a makeup artist that emulates your own personal style, you want to be able to feel like a movie star but also recognise yourself when looking back at the photos from your special day. You could also search for suppliers on sites such as Hitched.co.uk and Rockmywedding.co.uk, where you can filter by region to find local suppliers.'
How far in advance of your wedding should you book a make-up trial?
'Generally, once a bride has secured her wedding date with her chosen make-up artist I would suggest booking a trial 6-9 months prior to the big day. At this point you can discuss the finer details of you wedding such as dress, necklines, hairstyles and any themes or colour choices that will assist your makeup artist in achieving a cohesive, balanced look.'
What happens at a wedding make-up trial?
'I ask my brides to arrive to the trial wearing their normal day-to-day make-up. It gives me an insight into their personality and the level of makeup they usually wear, as I want to make every bride look like the most refined version of themselves on the day. Generally, brides will bring inspirational images on Pinterest boards and from this we will identify the key requirements for their bridal make-up look. Now comes the fun part, we start to apply your desired look. This is a joint process and allows me to be able to tweak any changes the bride-to-be requires along the way until we arrive at the final, flawless look.'
What are your top priorities when it comes to creating a wedding make-up look?
'One of the key things for a bride to remember I believe, when it comes to formulating their perfect wedding day make-up look, is to stay true to yourself. You don’t want to look back in a few years’ time and have your wedding photos scream the makeup trends of 2020. When deciding on your make-up look you may wish to consider its longevity.
Then there's the long-lasting factor. It's worth remembering that your wedding day is likely to be full of kisses and happy tears so if you’re not the sort of bride that is going to stop and think about re-touching your makeup then a darker eye or lip may not be right for you. There are products out there that can help your makeup to go the extra mile. I always recommend using a primer before your foundation application, I apply NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer, £29, and set the makeup with a finishing spray, my go-to is Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Setting Spray, £26.'
Shop: Amy Rose Macdonald's Wedding Make-Up Recommendations
Best Wedding Make-Up Products Grazia 2021
1 of 2NARS Pore and Shine Control Primer, £29
'It's worth remembering that your wedding day is likely to be full of kisses and happy tears so if you're not the sort of bride that is going to stop and think about re-touching your makeup then a darker eye or lip may not be right for you. There are products out there that can help your makeup to go the extra mile. I always recommend using a primer before your foundation application, I apply NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer, £29, and set the makeup with a finishing spray, my go-to is Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Setting Spray, £26.' - Wedding make-up artist Amy Rose Macdonald, @amyrosemakeupartist.
2 of 2Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Setting Spray, £26
'It's worth remembering that your wedding day is likely to be full of kisses and happy tears so if you're not the sort of bride that is going to stop and think about re-touching your makeup then a darker eye or lip may not be right for you. There are products out there that can help your makeup to go the extra mile. I always recommend using a primer before your foundation application, I apply NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer, £29, and set the makeup with a finishing spray, my go-to is Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Setting Spray, £26.' - Wedding make-up artist Amy Rose Macdonald, [@amyrosemakeupartist](http://'It's worth remembering that your wedding day is likely to be full of kisses and happy tears so if you're not the sort of bride that is going to stop and think about re-touching your makeup then a darker eye or lip may not be right for you. There are products out there that can help your makeup to go the extra mile. I always recommend using a primer before your foundation application, I apply NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer, £29, and set the makeup with a finishing spray, my go-to is Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Setting Spray, £26.' - Wedding make-up artist Amy Rose McDonald, @amyrosemakeupartist.).
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