We recently interviewed Rowena Wilson, a bridal make-up artist based in Warwickshire and London.
She shares her experiences and make-up tips for brides here on Bride Book
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
I’m a freelance make-up artist covering Warwickshire, West Midlands and the Cotswolds. I help brides look and feel beautiful and confident on their wedding day and can even help with concealing scars, birthmarks and tattoos with my expertise in skin camouflage. I am also co-owner and tutor at the Stratford Make-Up School where we run half-day and full-day beauty make-up workshops.
2) How did you get into doing make-up for weddings?
When I first graduated from the London School of Beauty & Make-Up, I focussed on beauty and fashion work but I was soon being asked to do bridal make-up. Once I started going to wedding fairs and meeting brides-to-be I was hooked. I can honestly say I’ve never met a “bridezilla” and working with a bride to achieve the look she wants for her wedding day is a real privilege.
3) What are the most common questions you hear from brides when they are ‘shopping around’ for a make-up artist?
* Do I have a good relationship with other local wedding suppliers, especially hair stylists and photographers? If I can help a bride with other suppliers I will always do my best and it often helps the day run smoothly if suppliers have worked together before.
* Do I come to the bride’s home/venue on the wedding day to do the make-up? Yes, its important that the bride enjoys that special time with friends and family before the ceremony and can relax knowing everything is taken care of for her.
* What make-up brands do you use? I research all my products before they go into my bridal make-up kit. I work with all the top brands to give my brides the most fabulous and long-lasting look. I’m not associated with any particular brand and so I dont “sell” to my brides. For me its all about the service that I give.
4) Do you any horror stories from weddings where you did the make-up?
No horror stories from my make-up but on one occasion a bride hadnt spoken to the Registrar since booking the wedding many months ago.
When the Registrar didnt arrive at the venue as expected panic ensued.
Luckily the Registrar was just a little behind schedule and the ceremony soon got underway but I really felt for the bride that day.
5) Do you have any DIY bridal make-up tips for our readers?
I am a big fan of of eyelashes and use false lashes on my brides. If you are doing your own make-up and want to use false lashes here are some tips: Cut the lashes to shape using only the outer third to half of each lash. This way they will be easier to apply, more comfortable to wear and stay in place all day and you’ll get the same eye-opening impact.
Always leave the adhesive on the lash for a minute before applying to the eye lid. Once the lash adhesive has dried thoroughly go over the base of the false lash with your eyeliner. Finally, gently squeeze your own lashes and the false lashes together to get one full lash line.
I also love lash tints which add depth to the lash colour from root to tip which mascara alone never seems to do. Its great for beach honeymoons too when you’ll want to avoid make-up meltdown.
Rowena Wilson
Make-Up & Cosmetics Consultant
www.myweddingmakeupartist.co.uk
www.rowenawilson.com
Contact :07910 168577
Follow Rowena on Twitter @RowenaMakeUp
( Image credits 1- kenbuist.com 2- siobhanelizabethphotography.com
3- jerileebrownphotography.co.uk & Hatastic! , 4- johnclearyphotography.co.uk)
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