Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. LaLaWed editor Anna visited France and interviewed Helen, a professional makeup artist and hairstylist. Helen shares her tips on bridal beauty and the current season’s trends. Hair and Makeup Tips for Brides
LaLaWed: How do you choose a hairstyle and makeup look based on a bride’s facial features? How do you take into account face shape, skin tone, and hair texture when creating a bridal style?
Helen: I prefer a personalized approach. There are general techniques, like using bangs or face-framing strands to balance a high or wide forehead. The width or narrowness of the face can be adjusted with curls or the height of the hairstyle. In makeup, similar principles apply—playing with light and shadow or shaping the blush. I choose eyeshadow shades carefully to enhance the eyes and prefer soft lipstick tones with lip liner. My main goal is to highlight the bride’s natural beauty without masking it.
LaLaWed: What hairstyles and makeup looks are trending this season? What would you recommend to brides?
Helen: This season—and the next—is all about natural elegance and minimalism. Soft curls, loose or half-up styles, and low buns are very popular. For brides who love a touch of glamour, I recommend “Hollywood waves.” In makeup, it’s all about glow: apricot tones in eyeshadow and blush, or a bold burgundy lip for a statement.
LaLaWed: How do you choose makeup products for different skin types and ensure long-lasting results throughout the day?
Helen: Skincare is the foundation. I recommend exfoliation and moisturizing treatments at home or with a professional a few days before the wedding. High-quality makeup products, especially foundation, are key to durability. Brides with oily skin should carry blotting papers and a lipstick or gloss for touch-ups after kisses.
LaLaWed: What hairstyles work best for different hair lengths and types?
Helen: There are many styling options for short hair—an experienced stylist can even create the illusion of longer hair. For long hair, braids and braided updos are always a beautiful choice.
LaLaWed: What products do you use to keep the makeup in place all day?
Helen: I use primers to smooth the skin and help makeup adhere. A well-matched foundation and loose powder set the look, and if needed, I finish with a mineral water mist. The exact products depend on the cosmetic brand I’m using.
LaLaWed: How should makeup be adjusted for a daytime outdoor ceremony versus an evening celebration?
Helen: Makeup should look good on camera and stand out appropriately. For daytime, a soft, delicate look works best. In the evening, you can intensify the blush and lip color for more impact.
LaLaWed: How does the wedding dress influence the choice of hairstyle and makeup?
Helen: The dress sets the tone for the entire look. Hair and makeup should complement the gown’s style. For a heavily embellished dress, a simpler hairstyle works best. With a minimalist dress, more elaborate styling is possible.
LaLaWed: How important are trial hair and makeup sessions?
Helen: Extremely important. I recommend trying 1–2 different styles to get familiar with the bride’s hair texture and facial features. That way, there are no surprises on the wedding day—and the look will also withstand bad weather if needed.
LaLaWed: What hair accessories do you recommend?
Helen: Accessories should match the gown. For example, a pearl-embellished dress pairs beautifully with pearl hair details. Fresh flowers are also lovely—just make sure to confirm their durability with your florist.
LaLaWed: What tips do you have for preparing hair and skin before the wedding?
Helen: Hair coloring and treatments should be done about a week before the wedding, but nothing that will weigh the hair down. A haircut should be done about a month in advance so the hair falls naturally. For the skin, I recommend light spa treatments a day or two before the big day.