COVER STORY
The Ultimate Bridal Makeup Must-Haves, According to Leading Makeup Artists
With
The Bridal Journey
Regarding bridal beauty, makeup artists know that the right products can make all the difference, ensuring a radiant, long-lasting look that will stay flawless from the first kiss to the final dance. We asked some of the industry’s most sought-after artists to reveal their top bridal makeup must-haves, from complexion-perfecting foundations to the ultimate setting sprays. Here’s what they swear by for the big day.
Words Compiled by The Bridal Journey / Images Credited Throughout
TAHLIA JAYDE (3)
Tahlia Jayde Clientele
Tahlia Jayde – Makeup & Hair Artist, Founder of Tahlia Jayde Shop
Follow Tahlia Jayde: @tahliajayde_mua | Shop Now
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
“A must-have for achieving the perfect bridal glow, this cult-favourite product is loved for a reason. It glides on seamlessly for a luminous base or blends effortlessly with a foundation for a seamless, lit-from-within finish.”
Givenchy Prisme Libre 4-Color Loose Finishing Powder
“For flawless complexion oil control, blotting papers and setting powder are essential. Givenchy’s finishing powder leaves the skin with a smooth, satin finish that looks impeccable in person and under flash photography. This invisible yet essential product ensures your makeup stays in place without sacrificing your bridal glow.”
Tahlia Jayde x Snezana Lashes
“They are applied underneath your natural lash line and are prebonded. When used correctly, they are entirely undetectable. These lashes are comfortable to wear and create the most beautiful eye shape. False lashes minimise the need for mascara, keeping your lashes light, fluffy, and intact for longer. They are perfect for all-day wear, even through happy tears!”
Makeup by Mario Lip Liners
“A lip liner is vital to completing your bridal makeup look; however, it’s also the first thing to fade. I love to use the liner all over the lips and opt for a hydrating balm on top to enhance longevity. The Makeup by Mario lip liners are long-lasting, nourishing, and have a stunning shade range.”
Kryolan Setting Spray
“I have repurchased this spray for years, and it’s my go-t,o especially for brides in Europe during the peak of summer. It’s water resistant and has the strongest hold, extending the makeup life without adding shine.”
MIA CONNOR (5)
Masterclass Educator & Founder of Mia Connor Cosmetics
Mia Connor – Masterclass Educator & Founder of Mia Connor Cosmetics
Follow Mia Connor: @miaconnor | Shop Now
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
“I’m known for my skin work – fresh, coverage but not cakey and makeup that lasts through different climates, skin concerns and tears! My top foundation is Estee Lauder Double Wear for an oily skin type (especially in a hot environment). I love this foundation and often mix a few drops of liquid luminiser to create a more radiant finish while maintaining longevity (skip this if you’re oily or it’s a humid day).”
Hourglass Illusion Skin Tint
“For a dryer skin type, I love Hourglass Illusion. It’s a tint that is nothing too heavy but super hydrating as it is full of hyaluronic acid, perfect for mature skin.”
Poni Cosmetics White Knight Mascara
“Tubing Mascara is my preference over waterproof as oily skin can almost act as a remover on many waterproof mascaras and cause major transfer issues that are not easily fixed. Tubing mascara will never smudge or run, so it’s perfect if you think you’ll shed a few tears on your big day. If a speck of mascara appears on your skin, it simply picks off, not disrupting any of your eye makeup. I have used the Poni Cosmetics White Knight Mascara in my kit for years.
Waterproof mascaras still have their place, particularly for stubborn lashes that do not hold a curl very well. My Asian clients particularly love Judydoll’s Volume & Curling Mascara Duo.”
Mia Connor Cosmetics Liquid Liner
“I love eyeliner in my looks, and where possible, I implement a wing moment to frame, elongate and lift the eyes. My obsession was so great I created my liquid liner in two waterproof shades (black and brown).
Brown liners are so on trend, and most browns on the market can look almost black, so I created a beautiful, warm brown in the most effortless brush applicator. If you are a novice at liner, the fine brush tip makes liner ridiculously easy. Simply follow the angle & incline of your lower lash line to create your perfect wing. On a hooded eye, drop your angle so it is more horizontal rather than angled up.”
Get it at Mia Connor Cosmetics
MAC Pro Half Lash curler
“A good lash curler goes a long way in opening up the eyes. When clients tell me they want their eyes to pop, visible, upright lashes are the key, particularly if they feel closed, hooded or puffy.
For ease of use, I love the MAC Pro Half Lash curler, which is an easier fit for eye shapes as it’s a mini rather than one of those bigger, clunkier ones. Run it under hot water or momentarily hit it with your hair dryer to create an even longer-lasting curl.”
JO MACKAY (4)
Celebrity Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Jo Mackay – Celebrity Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist, Founder of JAM FACE
Follow Jo Mackay: @jo.jamface | Shop Now
Zo Skin Daily Power Defense
“An excellent moisturiser is your basket’s first and most important product when shopping for those wedding day makeup essentials! You want your makeup to look the best it’s ever looked, and that starts with the perfect base. I always think of it like building a house 🙂 If the foundations of a home are not great, nothing you build on top will be great either. For example, when creating your makeup look, get a good base, and the rest will follow.”
“Hydrated skin creates the perfect canvas, helping your foundation sit smoothly and blend seamlessly without clinging to any dryness. Proper hydration (including drinking lots of water) will enhance your natural glow, and your skin will look radiant and fresh all day.
One of my favourite moisturisers is Zo Skin Daily Power Defense. It’s a medical-grade moisturiser that provides exceptional moisture but in a lightweight serum formula, so it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, and makeup sits perfectly over the top.”
Merit Flush Balm
“I am a huge blusher fan; no makeup is complete without a little rosy flush on that blushing bridal makeup look. Even if you are more of a bronzer and contour girlie, a little pop of colour on the cheek instantly lifts, brightens and elevates your look. Blusher will also add dimension to your face so you don’t look flat in photos. I love Merit flush balm. They are super lightweight, creamy tints that melt into the skin without leaving a sticky finish. It is ideal for all skin types and is made with natural skin-nourishing ingredients.”
Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara
“A good, trustworthy, waterproof mascara goes without saying. There will be tears on the day, but it won’t be over the price of your mascara! You do not need to splurge to get a good one. In addition to being waterproof, I look for a conditioning formula that coats the lashes so they look healthy and nourished. Nobody enjoys removing waterproof mascara at the end of the day, but it’s worth knowing it won’t move. A small amount of an oil-based makeup remover will do the job.
The waterproof mascara that I love is the Max Factor False Lash effect. The brush is a lovely silicone material that is very separating, and it doesn’t grab too much product, so you can layer it without clumps or lashes sticking together.”
Jo’s Expert Tip:
Layering is key! Apply your makeup with small amounts of product. Especially when doing your base, take the excess off your brush or sponge on the back of your hand before applying it to the skin. By using light and building up, you avoid caking and cracking.”
Maddi Nicholls (5)
Red Carpet & Bridal Makeup Artist
Maddi Nicholls – Red Carpet & Bridal Makeup Artist
Follow Maddi Nicholls: @maddinicholls_makeup | Shop Now
YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Concealer
“My chosen concealer varies from person to person, but at the moment, I love the YSL touche eclat radiant concealer. ts thin consistency is perfect for under-eye application, yet it also has a high pigment, making it excellent for covering dark circles.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
“I love the Charlotte Tilbury airbrush powder at the moment. Given the warmer weather weddings tend to bring, a powder is a must-have. Not only does Charlotte tilbury come in cute little minis perfect for your case, but the tinted powder is ideal for giving you that airbrushed/flawless look.”
Makeup Forever Lip Pencils (Shade: Anywhere Caffeine)
“The Makeup Forever lip pencils have been a go-to of mine for brides at the moment, particularly the “anywhere caffeine” shade. Paired with a lip balm or lip gloss, it defines the lip while staying natural. A lip pencil is also excellent for longevity and will require minimal touch-ups.”
Hourglass Vanish Concealer Brush
“Although not an actual makeup product, a blending brush (hourglass vanish concealer brush) or any type of fluffy brush is integral for the longevity of your makeup, whether it’s buffing out smile lines or under eye creases. This brush can also be used to reapply concealer or spot powder if you don’t have a powder puff handy.”
Tanielle Jai Bronzour
“This isn’t something you would need for touch-ups, but I’m OBSESSING over the new Tanielle Jai Bronzours. This contour/bronzer cream combo gives that perfect skin glow, easy to buff out, and that perfect bridal “lit within” look – a must-have.”
Maddi’s Expert Tip:
“Keep it simple! You don’t need a million products for that radiant bridal look. Use what you need and understand/educate yourself on your skin to ensure you have the right products handy to prolong your makeup.”
JOANNA LUHRS (4)
Bridal & Editorial Makeup Artist
Joanna Luhrs – Bridal & Editorial Makeup Artist
Follow Joanna Luhrs: @jo_my_god
La Mer The Moisturising Soft Cream
“Moisturising Soft Cream for the ultimate skin prep. Prep is one of the most critical steps in applying makeup to healthy skin.”
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
“Estée Lauder Double Wear for flawless coverage and long wear. My trick is adding a liquid illuminator to add glow and sheer the product to suit the bride’s skin.”
Réforme Beauty Power Lip Contour Wand
“Reforme Beauty Power Lip Contour Wand for a full face of contouring and enhancing. I love using it for lips, nose and eyes.”
Joanna’s Expert Tip:
“Any application techniques or recommendations for ensuring long-lasting, photo-ready makeup.”
