Meet the suppliers: Wedding hair and makeup

In our series of suppliers’ blogs, we’ll be sharing the very best ideas, advice and inspiration from different wedding industry experts. This week we’ve been speaking to some of the UK’s top wedding hair and makeup professionals. Read on for their thoughts on the results of our latest wedding survey, as well as how to choose your big day look and the latest beauty trends…

Olga at Olga Markuse Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist

   

“I’m passionate about creating modern, effortless and flawless wedding hair and makeup,” says Olga. “I aim to highlight my client’s best features and help her to look beautiful and confident. My motto is 'less is more’ and my clients describe me as a calm and peaceful personality.”

“Half up/half down styles are the most popular among my brides. About 70% ask for this look, either for themselves or their bridesmaids. I think it’s because most of my brides tend to wear their hair down in curls for a night out, whereas hair up is often associated with work or home chores. Half up/half down is somewhere in the middle. It’s more special than plain curls, but it also makes women feel comfortable and confident, like a better version of their normal selves."

My top tips…

“My main advice is to look after your skin and hair, as your final look strongly depends on the condition of your skin and hair.” 

Here’s my checklist:

1. Follow your regular skin routine; clean, tone and moisturise.
2. Don’t use new products less than four to five weeks before the big day, to avoid reactions
3. Drink enough water but don’t drink too much the night before the wedding to avoid puffiness.
4. Have regular hair trims, every four to five months, and leave any experiments until after the wedding.
5. Use lip balm! Include lip products in your daily routine and use one before going to sleep. Shea butter is my favourite.
6. Wash your hair the morning of the wedding or the night before. Use two shampoos and a small amount of conditioner on the ends. Don’t use masks or oils on the day – they can make your hair heavier.

 

Gemma Buckley at Blushed Hair and Make-Up

   

“At Blushed Hair and Makeup I specialise in wedding hair and makeup, including airbrushing,” says Gemma. “With 20 years in the industry, you are guaranteed a professional service.”

“Following the last few royal weddings, I’ve definitely seen a rise in classic Grace Kelly style looks, along with a slight rise in heavier, more glamorous looks. Plaits and braids were also very popular last summer. For future brides, I would always suggest an amazing skincare routine comes first. Good skin is always a good look and it means makeup application is easier and lasts longer.”

 

Sally Malcolm at Blushing Brides Wedding Hairstyling & Make-Up

   

“I’ve been running Blushing Brides for 10 years now,” says Sally. “I’m a fully qualified wedding hair and makeup artist with over 30 years' experience, the last 10 being within the wedding industry. I feel privileged to share such a special time in a bride’s life. I absolutely love bridal prep!”

“Recent bridal hair trends include plaits, braids, twists, fishtail plaits and also flowers in the hair. As your latest wedding survey found, combs and pins are definitely more popular than tiaras but I see a lot of hair vines too. When it comes to makeup, it’s all about highlighter, rose gold colours, less contouring and shiny lips rather than matte.”

My top tips…

“My biggest tip is to book early to avoid disappointment! Keep an open mind as to styling, as you’ll often find you’ll prefer the loose curled look to the sophisticated updo, or vice versa. That’s what your trial is for. Remember to chat with your bridesmaids about their style requirements too, don’t leave it to the wedding morning to decide.”

 

Vicky King at Glamorama Makeup

   

“We’re a team of wedding hair and makeup artists who bring the studio to your home or venue,” says Vicky. “Our style is classic and glamorous. We work closely with our brides to make them look and feel like the most glamorous version of themselves, accentuating their most beautiful features. ‘Be your best beautiful’ is our motto.”

"I’ve been a wedding hair and makeup artist since 2003 and I began Glamorama in 2011 while I was on maternity leave with my son. Since then, I've done many, many weddings! We are now a team of four, so we can accommodate larger bookings. I am so proud of my team and we have consistent five-star reviews from our clients.”

My top tips…

• Get into a good skincare routine ASAP. Having your skin in its best possible condition will make your makeup even better.
• Get regular trims in the lead up to the wedding, even if you’re growing your hair long. It will keep it healthier and looking it's absolute best.
• Wear your makeup as you normally would to your trial, so we can see what your everyday style is.

 

Hannah Smart at Hannah Joy MUA

   

“I’ve been a wedding hair and makeup artist for nearly five years,” says Hannah. “I’m based in Milton Keynes but travel all over the country and I had my first destination wedding in Ibiza this year. I would describe my style as soft and beauty enhancing. I like my brides to look like themselves but radiant and fresh.”

“For hairstyles, there’s a big trend for combs and dried flowers. I’m seeing fewer hair vines – I have a love-hate relationship with hair vines, as they can be a challenge to work with!”

My top tips…

• Use Pinterest and look for models with similar features. For example, if you have short blonde hair look for styles with this hair type. If you have thin hair consider extensions. Clip-ins are a great idea.
• Have a trial three months in advance. If it’s earlier your hair/colouring might be very different, if it’s too close to the wedding date you might start to feel a bit panicky.
• Drink lots of water, take vitamins and moisturise. The more hydrated your skin is the easier it is to achieve radiant results.

 

Kerstie Farr at Kerstie Ann Make-Up Artist and Hairstylist

   

"I’m a freelance bridal specialist makeup artist and hairstylist,” says Kerstie. “I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of hundreds of weddings, bringing bespoke looks to each and every bride. I’ve also worked with major high street retailers for editorial shoots and had my work featured by Rock My Wedding, Brides magazine and Love My Dress.”

My top tips…

• Don’t go for a look that makes you feel like a different person. You want to feel like yourself on your big day.
• At your hair and makeup trial has all your accessories ready. Wear something white too, as this will also give a good indication of how your wedding hair and makeup will sit once you have your dress on.
• Make sure your makeup artist knows all your favourite products before you start, so they understand the type of products you like.
• Choose products that are long-wearing and waterproof. Getting married brings wonderful emotions throughout the day and this will ensure you stay looking perfect.
• Have a compact powder and your lip products with you on the big day, so you can touch up your makeup after the wedding breakfast.

 

Laura Courtie at Laura Courtie Hair Stylist

   

“I’ve been doing bridal hair and makeup for approx 12 years,” says Laura. “I did my first wedding when I was 18 and knew straight away it was what I wanted to do. 12 years later I have a very successful wedding company and now own a salon with six members of staff.”

My top tips…

“Grow your hair until your trial then decide with your bridal stylist on a haircut to match the style you choose. I've seen so many people get their hair cut just before the trial and end up not getting what they like because it's been cut too short. For makeup, I'd suggest starting a new skincare routine three months before the wedding. Changing it a few days or weeks before can lead to breakouts, as can last-minute dieting. I always give all my brides a personal skincare routine at their makeup trial, to help them get the most out of their makeup for their big day. The better their skin is then the longer their makeup will last.”

 

Lynsey Le Keux at Le Keux Vintage Salon & Parties

   

“We are a vintage salon and event company offering wedding hair and makeup, pin-up photoshoots and hen party packages from our fabulous 1950s-themed venue in Birmingham and mobile nationwide,” says Lynsey.

“We find because we’re a vintage salon, trends tend to follow films or TV. For example, the early 60s when Mad Men was out, 20s when the film of the Great Gatsby was released, etc. We also have a lot of birdcage veils! We’re finding Hollywood waves are most popular now, for both ‘vintage’ brides and also classic brides, who want that old Hollywood look to complement a modern dress.”

My top tips…

“Find a hairstylist who listens and who has a broad spectrum of styles they can achieve, so you know they can deliver your dream look. Working with a salon team is also great. If heaven forbid, your stylist isn’t well on the day, then there’s a team to ensure you have a stylist without any stress.”

 

Nikki Mullard at Nikki Mullard Hair and Makeup

   

“I live in Southbourne, near Bournemouth with my husband, two children and our cockapoo, Betsy,” says Nikki. “With experience in fashion, PR and events, my career spans over two decades. As a freelance wedding hair and makeup artist, my work has featured in publications including Riddle, Estila and Brides Magazine, as well as music videos and skincare and fashion advertorials.”

‘No makeup’ makeup

“Makeup has moved to a much more ‘no-makeup’ makeup look, with brides wanting to look amazing without feeling too made up or unnatural. For hair, ‘boho’ is still the biggest trend, with numerous creations of half updos, braids, buns, plaits and twists.”

“Without a doubt, the most popular bridesmaid hairstyle is the ‘half up/half down’ style. It’s great because it works with most hair types and lengths. It means there’s consistency but the bridesmaids can have their own elements incorporated too, such as waterfall braids or chunky plaits. Bridesmaids' hair accessories tend to still be mainly classic gypsophila fresh flowers for a timeless look.”

My top tips…

“I always ask my brides how they wear their hair and makeup on a day-to-day basis and on a glam night out. This helps me to ensure the bride still looks and feels like herself but with a flawless, classic style that photographs well and lasts throughout the day. I also encourage brides to create a mood board of inspiration and, after the trial, I get them to spend the day looking at themselves in different lights. If they feel amazing at the end of the day and want to sleep in their makeup and keep the hairstyle intact then I know I have done my job!”

Click here to find a wedding hair and makeup professional near you or visit our Wedding Suppliers page to find the very best suppliers in your area. Finally, for more big day inspiration and to find your dream dress, head over to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter