10 Tips for Bridal Beauty

Bridal makeup artist, Fabiana Coppola, tied the knot herself a few months ago and here are her bridal secrets for looking even more gorgeous on your big day.

Getting married in the middle of a global pandemic is a tough decision to make without worrying about your makeup on your big day. Thankfully as a bridal makeup artist I was covered on that front but the rest of the typical beauty prep sadly went out the window, as my wedding was just two days after our second lockdown ended in December 2020. Salons were booked solid for all the usual bridal treatments.

 I spent weeks feeling sorry for myself; no hen night, no honeymoon in sight and now no pre-wedding pampering? Fortunately, swapping out 220 guests for 25 took a huge amount of pressure off me having to look like the quintessential blushing bride – although I scrubbed up pretty well, even if I do say so myself! I treated myself to some pieces for my makeup bag that I would normally only splash out on for my pro kit. Just to let you in on a secret professional makeup artists have the most pitiful makeup bags while all the amazing products go into our kits so they are a treasure trove for our clients. This time I went all out, but in the midst of freshening up my makeup look, I also started a self-care routine that I’ve stuck with ever since.

 After several months of living in loungewear and being competitive with friends to see whose nail Shellac could survive the longest with salons closed, I had also bought into the urban legend that if you let your hair get greasy enough, it will naturally clean itself. It was a pleasant surprise to find that I was in fact capable of looking glamorous again. Having an occasion to get dressed up for put excitement into our strange new way of life and getting myself ready for it was not only more cost-effective, it was also really rewarding to put time and effort into my appearance again. Turns out you feel much better when you start to care about your appearance again, imagine that! So here are my top 10 must-have beauty products for COVID brides or anyone who just wants to feel like their old self again.

1. Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Self-Tanning Lotion €8.99

This is a fool-proof tanning essential for a natural, sun-kissed look. Apply 2 nights in a row, 2 days before your wedding if you want to look extra bronzed.

2. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% €5.90

Work this serum into your pre-wedding skincare routine to reduce the appearance of blemishes, control oil and brighten your skin. 

3. Essie Muchi Muchi nail polish €9.45

The perfect nude pink chip-resistant shade. Pair with Essie Good To Go top coat for salon quality glossy nails.

4. Inglot YSM cream foundation €22

This medium coverage foundation has a natural matte finish to ensure it stays put all day long while giving skin a smooth, radiant appearance. 

5. Rodial Banana Lowlighter €33.50

A sheer concealer with a warm yellow undertone that will brighten and colour correct under eye dark circles. Great for nervous brides who didn’t get much sleep the night before the wedding.

6. MAC Blot Press Powder €28.50

A bride’s best friend and the only product besides lipstick that you’ll need for touch-ups on the day. This virtually invisible powder eliminates shine & will never look chalky no matter how many times you reapply.

7. Charlotte Tilbury Spotlight Beauty Light Wand €35

A rose gold liquid highlighter that will give your cheekbones a picture-perfect glow. Apply with your ring finger for a natural, radiant hue.

8. Smashbox Audition Be Legendary Cream Lipstick €23

A medium nude-pink lipstick that will give just the right amount of colour to compliment your overall look. This hydrating lipstick is long-lasting & will most definitely survive your kiss at the alter! Pair with MAC Boldly Bare lip pencil for extra definition.

9. Charlotte Tilbury Stoned Rose Instant Look In A Palette €69

This compact palette is a godsend when packing an overnight bag for your special day. It features 3 eyeshadows, blush, bronze & highlight so if you’re packing light, all you’ll  need to add to your makeup bag is foundation, mascara & lipstick. 

10. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner €18.50

This marker-tip liner is so easy to apply and whether you prefer a dramatic winged look or some simple definition on your lash line, it will provide high pigment that doesn’t budge, even if you shed a few tears walking down the aisle!

Bonus Tip for hair:

L’Oréal Smartbond Step 3 Conditioner €21

Use this conditioner once a week 8-12 weeks before your wedding to restore strength & shine to colour-damaged hair. Smartbond will nourish & repair each follicle for healthy looking locks. 

Follow Fabiana Coppola on Instagram @fabianamakeupdotcom to see her work and for bookings visit fabianamakeup.com