Whether it’s the heights of summer or the depths of winter, your MUA and hair stylist will know how to make you look your best. Here, we asked some of Scotland’s leading bridal makeup artists and hairdressers their tips for ensuring that you look as glam as you can, 365 days a year…
Autumn
“There’s lots to consider for an autumnal wedding,” shares Danielle Dickson Makeup Artist. “The weather can be extremely unpredictable: we may have sun and heat or we may have cold or rainy spells, so a great setting spray is essential. I also like to ensure there are some deeper tones in the makeup: the changeable weather can bring changeable lighting, so I must create a look that will photograph just as well on a bright sunny afternoon as it will on a dull, wet day.”
For Georgina Kane from I Do Makeup By Geo Kane, using products with the right texture is crucial. “I tend to advise against lips that are over-painted or too glossy when it’s windy – hair sticking to lips is not ideal! A matte lip is preferable but it can be drying, so I tend to add less to the lips so they aren’t sticky. Blush is another essential at this time of year. I like to add more of a flush to the cheeks as it brings the skin to life on duller days. For this, I’ll often choose the Anastasia Beverly Hills blush trio in Berry Adore.”
When it comes to your tresses, Morena Crolla of The Bride to Be is feeling the romance: “Opt for a loosely pinned whimsical updo, braid or soft waves, and accessorise with golden pins or autumnal foliage in burnished hues.”
Winter
“Lots of winter brides love a vintage feel at this time of year,” reveals Sheilanne from HV Wedding Specialists. “One of our favourite winter weddings had a ‘Hollywood Glam’ theme, which was so much fun to style! Think red lips, winged eyeliner and vintage waves galore. Our bridal hair specialist, meanwhile, never goes anywhere without her Cloud 9 styling tools and Wella Systems Performance hairspray. These have been tried and tested on countless bridal parties and have never failed us yet.”
This timeless look is also a winter favourite for Nicola Farquhar of The Bride to Be: “I love more of a glam look for a winter bride: a dramatic smoky eye with lashes, or a classic liner and red lip look are both winners in my opinion. The season’s shorter days allow for slightly more dramatic makeup, since this look works best after dark.”
“Every bride I’ve had has asked for glowing skin, no matter the season,” notes Jennifer McLachlan Makeup Artist. Skincare is crucial for this: “Your skin might be drier due to the cold weather. Prep the face well using an exfoliating toner to even out the texture and then apply a moisturiser designed for a drier skin type to hydrate and soothe. My top products for the cold months are Pixi Glow Tonic and CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion.”
Spring
“Winter can wreak havoc on our skin, and the sudden rise in temperature once spring arrives can bring about all sorts of unexpected changes, such as breakouts, dryness and dullness,” warns Lee Hanna from The Blushed Bride. “A good skincare regime is essential, with particular focus on exfoliation. That being said, it’s an exciting time of year, with the sun shining and warmer, longer days. I would recommend a fresh, clean, glowy look which still keeps it natural. A fun way to incorporate more colour is through the lip, by choosing a brighter pink that suits your skin tone.”
Leigh Blaney Makeup Artist walks us through the inspiration for her look (above centre). “Before choosing the look for Kelsey and her bridesmaids, we discussed the mood of the day – a boho garden party – as well as her colouring, the bridesmaids’ dresses and the flowers. We went with dewy, glowing finishes, which fitted in with this theme perfectly. Plus, rose-gold accents just suit redheads so well.”
Sheilanne from HV Wedding Specialists is in total agreement. “Fresh and dewy makeup, with a brighter-toned lipstick, looks great at this time of year. For the hair, I’d go for casual, beachy, loose waves with twists or plait details, or a half-up/half-down style and floral accents.”
Summer
“I tailor my makeup looks to each individual bride, so the season isn’t all that important,” says Faith Hayes Makeup Artist. “However, different times of year present different challenges for makeup artists. The summer heat can impact on the wear time of makeup, for example, so I like to seal the look with Skindinavia’s The Makeup Finishing Spray Bridal. That way, it’s more resistant to sweat, tears and oil.”
When the fair weather comes, Georgina Kane, the brains behind I Do Makeup by Geo Kane, turns to warm metallics that mimic a beachy glow. “At this time of year, I love to create definition around the eyes by using bronze-toned eyeshadows and minimal eyeliner, or I’ll blend out a bride’s eyeliner to create a smoky hue. I also like to go with a shimmer of highlighter around the high points of the face.”
“The real challenge with a summer bride is controlling shine: primer, lightweight powders and blotting papers are a must,” advises Leigh Blaney. “Some brides like a pink or coral lipstick, which is a nice choice with the right flowers and bridesmaid dresses – just be careful you don’t clash with the overall look.”
And she has a word of warning if you’re sunbathing to get a light tan: “Please don’t burn or get white tan lines. The sun here is strong too, so you must use SPF.”