Choosing Your Bridal Beauty Look? Here’s What You Need To Know…

Flushed cheeks + perfect skin = #flawless / Makeup by Sophie Knox

Nailing your beauty look for your wedding is important for feeling confident and happy on the big day. This is why brides call on the services of experienced and talented makeup artists to help them get there. For many women, a wedding may be the first time they’ve ever had their makeup professionally done, and being prepared for your consultations with makeup artists is the first step to getting your bridal makeup on point!

The amount of bridal beauty inspiration available can be helpful but can also be daunting! So we chat to professional makeup artist Sophie Knox about her top tips for choosing and getting the right bridal beauty look for you!

1. Match your makeup to your dress

You’ve probably spent days/weeks/months searching for the perfect gown. The last thing you want to do is take away from the dress by clashing your beauty look with it. “When thinking about your makeup, make sure it compliments your dress” says Sophie. “A soft romantic gown, should be matched with beautiful soft makeup. A couture dress can be more dramatic – think smokey eyes or a bold lip. A relaxed boho dress is going to suit a more dewy and glowing makeup.” Considering your dress when choosing your makeup is important for creating a cohesive look that works together.

A high, detailed neckline calls for a more subtle makeup look / Makeup by Sophie Knox

2. Think about where you’re getting married 

Your venue is an important consideration for your makeup. Not only for the look – but also for the practicality. Your venue and how it will be decorated should inspire you look, much in the way that your dress would. The most important thing to consider is whether you’ll be spending most of your time indoors or outdoors. “You can wear your makeup slightly heavier indoors, as the lighting may dull the colour but heavy makeup outdoors will look cakey” advises Sophie.

She also suggests that if using an SPF, make sure it does not contain titanium as this makes your face appear white if a flash is used. Foundation should also have a smooth finish, which is why Sophie prefers to use flawless airbrush foundation.

This season Sophie suggests a beautiful berry look, with soft eyes, lashes, softly blushed cheeks and a wine colour lip for indoors or a beautiful coral palette for beach weddings!

Loving these delicious berry looks! / Makeup by Sophie Knox

3. How will you wear your hair?

Your hair should also complement your makeup and visa versa. Hair slicked back puts all the emphasis is on your face, so having beautiful radiant skin, groomed brows and lashes is a must. Old Hollywood glam waves looks beautiful with a bold lip. It’s also a good idea to consider pairing sleek hairstyles with soft makeup looks to keep from looking too harsh.

Hair and makeup not only needs to be cohesive in look, but also needs to flow smoothly in terms of work on the day. This is especially true if your bridal party or family members are having their hair and makeup done as well. Sophie suggests that “if your makeup artist isn’t doing your hair, see if they can recommend a hair stylist. They will usually suggest someone they have worked with in the past so their looks and coordination will work well together on the day.”

Flawless skin is essential for sleek hair! / Makeup by Sophie Knox

4. Don’t stray too far from your usual look

As much as we encourage fun and experimentation with makeup – its important not to stray too far from your usual look. After all, you want to be sure that your future husband recognises you on your big day! Sophie agrees, “Try to keep trendy makeup for nights out as your wedding is once in a lifetime and timeless!” You want to look like the best version of yourself. “Bridal makeup is usually natural, fresh and glowing. But in saying that if you like a bold lip – go for it, just tone your eyes down. A professional makeup artist can help you make sure it all works together on the day” says Sophie.

Let your natural look shine! / Makeup by Sophie Knox

5. Bring lots of photos!

If two people aren’t on the same wavelength lots can be lost in translation! This is particularly true when trying to explain something visual. To make sure you get your point across as clearly as possible you should bring LOTS of pictures!

“I like my brides to come in with images of makeup looks they like, you can never have too many” says Sophie. “I use the images to discuss what they like and what they don’t like and from there I can figure out what is going to best enhance their features, with the look they want.” Sophie also asks about wedding details and asks to see their dress as she uses this as a point of inspiration as well. As for what to wear… “I ask my brides to wear a white top, as they can see the colour needed to compensate for the whiteness of their dress.” Genius!

Pictures are key for communication / Makeup by Sophie Knox

Sophie’s quick bridal beauty tips!

• Start having exfoliating and hydrating facials at least 4 months before the wedding to prep your skin.
• Don’t go and have your first facial the week before! You never know how your skin will react.
• Always use a tanner or brow specialist that you have been to before – Don’t try someone new just before your wedding!

There she glows! / Makeup by Sophie Knox

Thanks to Sophie for sharing her expert tips! She brings over ten years of experience as a hair and make-up artist to brides in Melbourne, The Mornington Peninsula & beyond. Contact her here about your bridal makeup and be inspired by her work on instagram at @makeupbysophieknox.

MW x