Ask the Expert: Makeup Artist Holly Louise

Who better to give makeup and styling advice for brides than a talented professional? We spoke with makeup artist Holly Louise to get her take on the latest trends in bridal makeup, including advice for skincare in the run up to the big day, plus styling tips for matching your makeup, hairstyle and jewellery.

What drew you to bridal makeup, and how would you describe your style?

I've always been drawn to bridal hair and makeup because of the joy it brings to see a bride feel like the best version of herself on her special day.

There's something truly special about enhancing a woman's natural beauty and helping her feel confident and radiant.

My style is focused around creating soft, polished, and timelessly glamorous looks that capture each bride's unique features. I believe in enhancing natural beauty, not changing it, and I take the time to understand each bride's vision and preferences to create a customised look that's truly unforgettable.

What’s the biggest bridal makeup trend you’re seeing this year?

Red carpet glam and sleek styles are always stunning! This year, some of the biggest bridal makeup trends include:

Glowing Skin: Radiant, dewy complexions with a focus on hydration and natural glow are super popular. Think "no-makeup" makeup with a subtle shimmer!
Soft, Natural Eyes: Understated elegance with subtle contours, soft brown eyeshadows, and perfectly groomed brows is a top choice for many brides.
Pops of Colour: Adding a fun touch with pastel eyeliners, peachy accents, or shimmery eyeshadows in pink and gold tones.
Low-Key Lashes: Natural, effortless lashes or subtle false lashes are preferred over dramatic strip lashes.
Blush Bliss: Soft pink or peachy blush tones creating a youthful, romantic flush on the cheeks.

Do you have a signature look that brides often ask for?

Yes, I have a signature look that many of my brides adore!

It's all about creating a radiant, glowing complexion with soft, natural makeup that enhances their features. Paired with polished hair, whether it's styled in a half-up or all-down look, this classic combination never goes out of style. It's a timeless, elegant look that makes every bride feel like a princess on her special day. Many of my brides have fallen in love with this signature style, and it's been a joy to recreate it for them!

What skincare routine do you recommend in the months leading up to the wedding?

Hydration is key! Use a gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturiser suitable for your skin type and most importantly drink lots of water.. and little/no alcohol on the lead up!

Eating and drinking clean is the biggest thing that helps with your skin's appearance, everything starts from within! Not only was I strict on this before my wedding I was also taking gut health shots, collagen shots and daily detoxing shots each morning!

Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and improve texture, removing that unwanted dry skin and hair will be game changing for your makeup!

If you’re not already you need to be using sun protection, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

Targeted treatments to address specific concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines with products containing active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or niacinamide.

Not forgetting professional treatments, I know weddings are already a lot of money but trust me… Consider facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments to enhance skin texture and appearance, you won’t regret it!

Are there treatments or products brides should avoid right before the big day?

Absolutely!! As much as we want to prepare our skin it is important we stay away from laser treatments and chemical peels in the last 2-4 weeks before the day! Especially if you haven’t been having these regularly.

I cannot stress enough not to try a new treatment or professional in the last 2-4 weeks before your wedding, the risk for reactions or complications is too high!

I would avoid waxing in the last week before the wedding, likewise only go to a beautician you’ve been to previously.

Have a trial spray tan before your wedding, you do not want to be orange on your day, same goes for your hair — make sure you’ve tested your hair colour and cut and make sure you do this at least a week before the wedding.

What are your must-have products for long-lasting wedding makeup?

If you’re wanting your makeup to last, preparation is key, your makeup is only as good as your skin care! Following my pre-wedding routines will ensure your skin is already glowing.

Picking the right makeup artist for you is so important, they need to know exactly how to prepare your skin and what products to use to work with your skin's natural texture.

Making sure the products used work in harmony and everything is set to perfection with powders and sprays!

I always advise my brides to purchase a little powder to touch up throughout the day (I love the Charlotte tilbury airbrush mini’s), blotting paper (great ones in Sephora) and a lip stick!

Do you recommend having a makeup trial, and what should brides bring to it?

Although a trial isn’t a must, I HIGHLY recommend it! Not only to discover your look but so we can educate you on what’s possible and what we can do in the lead up to your wedding to achieve your dream look!

Discovering your look is so important, you may think you know exactly what you’re wanting but it’s like a wedding dress.. until that dress is on you don’t know for sure! Treat your trial as such, have you had the look before? Did it suit you? Are you trying something new? Will it match your dress?

I always advise my brides to bring a family member or bestie – it’s a fun day so it’s nice to experience it with a loved one, they often help with the deciding look too!

Coming to your trial wearing a white outfit (bonus if it’s the same neckline as your dress), jewellery, veil and any accessories. This really helps get an overall look, another great idea is to bring a mood board with your wedding flowers, venue, bridesmaids dress. That way we can get to know you and see your vision!

How do you help brides choose a look that feels authentic to them?

I help brides choose a look that feels authentic to them by getting to know them and understanding their vision. We discuss their style, preferences, and wedding theme, and I ask about their makeup and hair inspirations.

I consider their features and work with them to enhance their natural beauty and create a look that complements their skin tone, hair colour, and personal style. By taking the time to understand each bride's unique style and preferences, I create a personalised look that makes them feel like the best version of themselves on their special day!

What advice do you have for brides who don’t usually wear much makeup?

It's all about feeling like the best version of YOU. So, let's chat about what you're comfortable with and create a look that's totally YOU!

Trust your makeup artist and fully disclose your ultimate goals and your concerns. Together you can come up with the best look that you’ll feel yourself in.

How do you ensure the makeup complements the dress, hairstyle, and jewellery?

When it comes to bringing the whole bridal look together, I love playing with the different elements to create a cohesive, show-stopping look. I'll consider the colors, textures, and style of the dress, hairstyle, and jewelry, and then balance bold details with complementary makeup looks that make the bride shine. It's all about enhancing her natural beauty and creating a look that makes her feel like a queen on her big day!

Do you have any tips for pairing makeup with jewellery tones (e.g., gold, silver, pearls)?

For gold jewellery, warm tones like champagne, bronze, and peachy shades complement its richness. Soft, sun-kissed glows and subtle shimmery eyeshadows work beautifully.

For silver or icy tones, cool shades like pale pinks, silvers, and frosty blues create a stunning contrast. Pair with subtle shimmer or sparkle on the eyes or lips.

For pearls, soft, natural makeup looks with subtle shine work wonders. Neutral shades like creamy whites, soft pinks, and peaches enhance the elegance of pearls.

The key is to balance and harmonise the makeup with the jewellery, rather than matching it exactly. This creates a cohesive, sophisticated look!

How much time should brides allow for makeup on the wedding morning?

I also like to allocate brides 1 and a half hours for makeup or 3 hours for both hair and makeup. A lot is happening on the wedding morning and you’re often distracted by other suppliers, answering questions and receiving gifts. It’s important not to rush the process and have a fun, relaxed morning before you say “I do”.

What should brides include in their touch-up kit?

No touch up kit is complete without a lippy, powder (compressed is less messy), blotting powder, and a cotton bud… or two!!!

What’s one question brides often forget to ask you, but should?

Can you help me into my dress… the answer is always YES, I love this part and it will be my honour to help!

I’m there not only as your hair and makeup artist but as your bridal best friend, I will help with your dress, shoes, boob tape, jewellery, you name it and I’ll do it!

If you could give brides just one golden tip for their wedding day makeup, what would it be?

Only let your partner kiss you!! I know this sounds silly but the amount of guests that kiss your cheeks is huge, go in for the air kiss and protect your skin!!

Can you share your most memorable wedding morning experience?

As cliche as it sounds…it’s my own! The most incredible morning spent with my favourite people. Every wedding morning is different but it’s unique to you, your family and your friends.

What is the biggest makeup myth in your opinion?

The biggest makeup myth is that setting sprays hold your makeup, this is a lie! Without the correct prep and powder setting sprays are irrelevant! Treat setting sprays as a way to melt the powders, the very powders that ensure your makeup is flawless.

If you had to describe LILY & ROO in three words, what would they be?

Elegant, timeless and luxurious!!

Which LILY & ROO jewellery piece would you choose to best describe yourself — and why?

The three graduated pearl drop earrings – absolutely gorgeous earrings that are dainty but show stopping!

If you were styling a bride wearing LILY & ROO jewellery, what kind of makeup look would you recommend to complement it?

Always soft glam!!!

Find out more about Holly Louise

You can find out more about Holly and her work as a makeup artist at Holly Louise Bridal or on her Instagram: @hl_london.

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