Bridal Beauty: Make-Up Artist Hollie Danby’s Must-Know Tips
We sat down with local make-up artist Hollie Danby to get her expert tips on achieving flawless bridal beauty. From long-lasting makeup hacks to choosing the perfect look for your big day, Hollie shares everything you need to know to feel confident and radiant as you walk down the aisle.
How Do I Choose a Hair & Makeup Artist?
First, decide whether you’d like to book one person for both hair and makeup or two separate specialists. There’s no right or wrong choice—it depends on what works best for you. Having one person do both can simplify scheduling, reduce admin tasks, and minimize the number of people in your space on the morning of your wedding. However, if you choose two separate artists, ensure they have worked together before and that their styles align to maintain a cohesive look.
· Consider Location
I always recommend choosing a local artist if possible. Supporting the local economy where you’re getting married is a plus, and travel costs will be lower. Most artists, including myself, prefer to stay within an hour’s travel range, and you’ll likely find fantastic professionals wherever you are. Keep in mind, though, that if you book a local artist near your wedding venue but live elsewhere, you’ll either need to travel to them or cover their travel costs for a trial session.
· Match the Style to Your Vision
Think about the style of hair and makeup you want. If you prefer a natural look, don’t book an artist known for full-glam transformations—and vice versa. While most artists can adapt to different styles, it’s best to choose someone whose specialty aligns with your vision to ensure the best results.
· Personality Matters
Your hair and makeup artist will be with you for a significant portion of your wedding day, so it’s important to find someone you connect with. On your wedding day do you want a calming presence or someone with high energy? Look for an artist whose vibe matches the atmosphere you want for your day and who communicates well with you.
I Don’t Know Much About Hair & Makeup. What Should I Ask For?
The best approach is to consider what you do with your hair and makeup on a daily basis and how you style yourself for a night out or an event. I often ask clients to send photos of both so I can assess their “normal” look. Some people (like me, haha) don’t leave the house without their brows filled in, while others won’t step out without a full glam look.
Your “best” look is personal—it should feel like you but slightly elevated. A balance between your everyday and special-occasion look is often ideal. Your hair and makeup should also complement your dress, so details like colour, style, and accessories help inform the final look.
· Pinterest: Helpful or Harmful?
Pinterest can be great for inspiration, but it can also be misleading. Many images are AI-generated or edited to unattainable beauty standards. I often direct clients to look at red carpet looks instead, as they are designed to suit real people. If you’ve been told you resemble a certain celebrity or have a similar hair type, start there for inspiration. This method often leads to more modern and realistic ideas, while searching for “bridal hair and makeup” can sometimes bring up outdated styles.
Should I Have a Trial?
Absolutely! A trial is one of the most important parts of booking a hair and makeup artist. It allows you to get to know your artist and test a few styles to see what you love.
The more you prepare, the better the trial will go. I once had a client create a lookbook with her dresses, accessories, colour scheme, flower ideas, makeup inspirations, and hairstyles. This helped us see the full picture and create a cohesive look. If you arrive with no ideas, most of the trial will be spent figuring out what you like rather than refining your final look.
How Should I Prep My Skin?
I provide a welcome guide with skincare advice for my clients, and if someone has specific concerns, I offer personalised recommendations. The earlier you start a skincare routine, the better your skin will look on your wedding day. Avoid making drastic changes close to your wedding to prevent unexpected reactions.
My general advice is to prioritize hydration and exfoliation for a smooth makeup application. If your current routine is just soap and water, your makeup won’t sit well. I highly recommend following Caroline Hirons—her app and book ‘Skincare’ are full of great tips. Also, be cautious with acids and retinols; used correctly, they can be game changers, but improper use can damage your skin.
· Professional Skin Treatments
If you’re considering clinical treatments, there are fantastic options like HydraFacials, chemical peels, Venus Freeze, and LED light therapy. I personally loved my HydraFacial—it gave instant results! If you’re local to Poundbury, I highly recommend Sarah Dale. At home, I use my LED mask almost daily (use code HOLLIEMUA for discounts!) and have noticed smoother, glowier skin.
· Star Products Brides Should Have
o A hat, SPF, and sunglasses – Protect your skin from the sun and opt for a great fake tan instead.
o Lip stain – Works on both lips and cheeks for long-lasting color.
o Beauty Pie Waterproof Mascara – My go-to—it’s bulletproof!
Will My Hair & Makeup Last All Day?
Artists do everything possible to make your look last, but some things are out of our control—hugs, weather, and even accidents (one bride had a guest’s bracelet pull out her hair!).
For hair, a sleek bun or structured Hollywood waves hold up best, while undone styles will naturally soften throughout the day. A good backup plan is to have two hairstyle options—one up, one down—and decide on the day based on the weather.
For makeup, be mindful of touching your face. Dabbing (not rubbing) will help prolong your look. While heavy-duty setting sprays exist, I prefer having a concealer on hand for quick touch-ups. To refresh your makeup, spritz your face with a setting spray like Charlotte Tilbury’s, then blend in any touch-ups. Most likely, you’ll only need to reapply lip products and maybe a little concealer.
Many artists offer an add-on service to return in the evening for touch-ups or even a second look. Some can also be available post-ceremony for quick fixes.
Final Tips:
Avoid steam! Post-makeup steaming will make your artist cry—frizzy hair and melted makeup are inevitable.
Use multipurpose products. Lip stains that work on cheeks last much longer!
Enjoy your day! You might be having too much fun to even worry about touch-ups.
I hope this helps you feel confident about choosing the right hair and makeup artist for your big day! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out via my website or Instagram. Happy planning! Hollie x
