Here is a selection of Q&As from Your North East Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yournortheast.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Looking your best
Q. I don't wear a lot of make-up normally. How do I create a perfect big-day look while still feeling like me?
A. Michelle Brooks says: Make-up is very personal to each client, and I always work with brides to create a look they're comfortable wearing. You don't have to wear a lot of make-up on your wedding day, remember that the products are there to enhance your features and not overtake them.
When I meet my customers, I always do a thorough consultation to understand what they're looking for. There are so many different brands of make-up available, and the key is to try a few until you find one you like – this also applies to finding the right look at your make-up trial. Your make-up artist should help you find a look that will be true to who you are, in keeping with your overall look – don't be afraid to stick with products you would typically use. It's also important to remember that make-up shows up differently on camera than it does to the naked eye, and an experienced company will know how to strike a balance between the two.
Michelle Brooks, Make-up my Wedding by Michelle
www.make-upmywedding.co.uk
Tears of joy
Q. I'm going to be emotional on our special day and I'm worried about my eye make-up. How can I ensure it won't budge throughout the day?
A. Néveen Hudspith says: Many moments can bring on happy tears, including the big dress reveal after getting ready. These moments can often leave you worrying about your eye make-up and how to keep everything in place. There are a few steps you or the make-up artist can take to ensure the longevity of the products throughout the day.
Prepare your base with a good primer; you can get ones specifically for your eyes to help keep your eyeshadow in place. Make sure to use a waterproof eyeliner and mascara as well.
Once the look is complete, apply a good setting spray to prevent any fading or smudging.
If your make-up artist has applied strip lashes, make sure to carry lash glue in your bag. Although it is unlikely you'll need to use it, it's good to have the item if you need to stick any part of the lash back down.
Use a tissue just above your bottom lash line to absorb watery eyes and never rub – apply this technique on your face as well to keep your make-up in place.
Néveen Hudspith, Makeup by Néveen
www.facebook.com/MakeupByNeveen
Natural beauty
Q. I need some inspiration for my bridal make-up; what looks will be on trend next year?
A. Claire Milburn says: Bridal make-up trends set for 2022 focuses on all things 'natural', including glowy, healthy, radiant and flawless skin. Next year will be all about letting your natural beauty shine, you'll want to enhance your skin and not conceal it.
Boho chic and fairytale-style looks are going to be popular with soft hints of colour on the eyes. Black liner, either smoked out or kept defined with a delicate flick brings a gorgeous focus to your eyes.
Statement-nude lips are the perfect partner to natural make-up looks and will feature strongly throughout next year. Are you looking for a bolder style? Bold lip shades are going to be a popular choice in 2022, including the iconic red lip.
Next year is set to see a record number of couples tying the knot and I'm so looking forward to creating some fantastic bridal looks.
Claire Milburn, Claire Alexandra Hair and Makeup
www.claire-alexandra.co.uk
Big-day beautiful
Q. I'm going to get really emotional on my wedding day, how can I stop my make-up from smudging?
A. Victoria Holdstock says: There are some incredible waterproof and transfer-resistant products out there to ensure your make-up will stay in place all day.
For foundation, I highly recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation for a gorgeous lit-from-within glow. Some other great options are Delilah Alibi foundations and MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation.
When it comes to eye make-up, it goes without saying that waterproof mascara is a must. If you're going for false lashes, I recommend individuals lashes rather than strips as no one wants the corner of the lashline lifting on their wedding day. You need Delilah Cosmetics Gel Line if you're looking for some bulletproof eyeliner; it's a firm staple in my bridal kit.
Finish off the look with a mist of setting spray to lock everything in place. Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is not only incredible at making sure everything stays in place, but it also looks beautiful on your dressing table – what's not to love!
Victoria Holdstock, Victoria Holdstock Bridal Makeup
www.victoriaholdstock.co.uk
Looking your best
Q. I have hooded eyes but want my eye make-up to still be noticeable, what would you suggest?
A. Claire Alexandra says: Hooded eyes are just as beautiful as any other eye shape and just requires a different approach when applying make-up. I have hooded eyes and understand the struggles you may be experiencing. Here are a few simple tips to enhance your eye shape.
The secret is to create an illusion of space as most of the eyelid will not be seen. By applying your crease shade slightly higher than your actual eye crease, you'll make the lid seem larger and less hooded. An easy way to achieve this would be to look ahead in a mirror and place your shadow on the part of your eye you can see, which is just above your natural eye socket. Add lighter shades to highlight the inner corner and a third of your eyelid and highlighting under your brow also helps.
I'd recommend only using eyeliner on the outer two-thirds of the bottom lashline, don't take it to the inner corner as this will close the eye and make it appear smaller.
A common problem faced with hooded eyes is creasing; this can be combated by laying down a little powder before applying eyeshadow or using an eye primer to provide a smooth and primed surface. My favourite way to solve this issue is by using cream-based shadows which are often waterproof. Apply the product with a brush and then blend the powder eyeshadow over the top – this way nothing will separate or crease!
Claire Alexandra, Claire Alexandra Makeup Artist
www.claire-alexandra.co.uk