Every bride dreams of looking and feeling her absolute best on her wedding day and the captured pictures that last forever. From the dress to the makeup, every detail matters. To help you achieve that bridal glow and ensure everything goes off without a hitch, we’ve tapped the beauty world’s beauty expert, Carla Dyson, the talented makeup artist and owner of The Creative Directory, for her essential beauty wedding day tips every bride should know. These tips will help you look stunning and keep you stress-free as you prepare to say “I do.”
MEET THE EXPERT
Carla Dyson has built up a reputation within the beauty industry for excellence and dedication to her craft.
As a renowned makeup artist with over a decade of accolades across many continents, Carla is celebrated for her wealth of knowledge, unique artistry, and attention to detail.
Carla has been honing her craft in Melbourne, the UK, and Europe for the last 14 years. Her natural ability and years of training have helped her build trust with each and every one of her clients. In addition, her calming nature, bubbly personality, work ethic, and desire to make people feel like their best selves, means she is able to connect with her clients and let them shine emotionally.
Her work has been published in ELLE Indonesia, Scratch magazine, Body + Soul, WHO, Together journal, Hello May, and Stellar magazine. In addition, Carla has participated in Melbourne Fashion Week and Australian Fashion Week.
1) Start Your Skin Prep at Least 6 Months Before Your Big Day
Beautiful skin is the foundation of any bridal look. If you’re planning a series of facials, peels, or something more intense, book your initial consultation at least 6 months before your wedding to avoid any reactions or skin breakouts too close to the day. It gives you time to address any concerns, try different products, and ensure your skin is glowing when you walk down the aisle.{
2) Avoid Haircuts or Color Changes Too Close to the Wedding
Thinking of changing your hair for the wedding? Plan any major hair transformations well in advance. It’s best to make these changes a few weeks before so that you have time to adjust or correct anything if necessary. Carla also reminds you that you can always pop back to your hairdresser for a toner to freshen up before the big day.
Photo: Jessica Mitchell
3) No Facial Waxing for 2 Weeks Prior to the Day
Facial waxing or hair removal can cause redness and even breakouts. If you plan on waxing, get your first wax at least 3 months before the wedding to try it. Don’t try anything new, or get your first wax just before the wedding.
4) Routine Stick to Your Regular Skincare Routine
Don’t experiment with new beauty or skincare products; they can trigger an allergic reaction or risk a breakout, affecting your makeup look. Stick to what you know!
Photo: La Moment Photography
5) And Stick to the Makeup Style You Wear Often
On your big day, it’s essential to feel like yourself. Stick to the makeup style you know and love. If you’re hiring a makeup artist, choose one who specializes in the style you’re most comfortable with. As a makeup artist, Carla aims to elevate her brides’ personal makeup style so they feel the best version of themselves, not like someone else. She always says your guests should be in awe of how fantastic YOU look, not just your makeup!
6) Think Ahead for a Tan
If you plan to get a spray tan, do it two or three days before the wedding. It allows any excess tan to wash away, reducing the risk of marking your dress. Carla also likes her brides to avoid spray tanning their faces and advises a specific face tanning water like Eco Tan, Tan Lux Hyaluronic Acid serum, or the new Sontse face tan spray.
7) Be Sun-Savvy
Be cautious of sun exposure in the days/weeks leading to the wedding. Sunburn or tan lines can be challenging to deal with on your big day. Always wear sunscreen, and choose a foundation with SPF for added protection. Surprisingly, red, sunburned skin can be tricky to blend and neutralize on your wedding day, especially as makeup artists must avoid body makeup getting on your white dress!
8) Don’t Schedule Your Nail Appointment Too Early
We all understand the last-minute rush before a big event, especially your wedding day. Aim to get your nails done just 2 or 3 days before your wedding to ensure your nails are fresh and perfect. This timing strikes the right balance, allowing you to enjoy beautiful nails without worrying about breaking them in the days leading up to your special day. Leave the heavy lifting to the professionals so you can focus on looking your best.
9) Prep Your Hair the Day Before Right
For gorgeous wedding-day hair, wash it the day or night before with salon-quality shampoo and conditioner. Blow-dry it smooth and product-free (a heat protector is acceptable), as hairstylists prefer working with “day-old hair” for better hold. Remember to use a quality hair mask in the weeks leading up to your wedding.
10) Trust Your Beauty Team’s Timing
Many brides don’t want to start their hair and makeup prep too early. But let the professionals set the timings for the morning – remember, this isn’t their first rodeo! If they say they need to start at 6 am, they need to start at 6 am! Most artists would rather have more time than feel rushed later in the day. You’ll thank them later when you’re sitting sipping champagne and taking selfies with your bridesmaids before your photographer even arrives!
Photo: Jessica Mitchell
11) Count on Your Bridesmaids for Support
Carla assures you that you’ll be too engrossed in the festivities to fret about a little shine on your T-Zone. Your bridesmaids can lend a helping hand by carrying makeup minis in their handbags, including a touch of powder and a lippie, just in case. Here are some of Carla’s preferred products for quick touch-ups:
• For normal to dry skin: By Terry Hydra-Powder
• For oily skin: Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
• Lip liners: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pencils in Iconic Nude or Pillow Talk shades
• Lipsticks: MAC Lipsticks in Kinda Sexy, Honeylove, and Modesty shades; Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick or K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipsticks, with some of Carla’s frequently used CT shades being Kim KW, Penelope Pink, or Nude Talk.
Photo: Chloe May Studio
