Nicola's Wedding Make Up trial

Glamorous Heart Presenter Nicola Bonn is busy getting ready for her big day.

We’ve already heard about her wedding dress woes and moments of being a ‘bridezilla’ on her blog … and now we get to see her transformation into a classic Audrey Hepburn beauty by sought after bridal makeup artist Sarah Brook .

Sarah (pictured right) is the Director of Makeup Artistry for Daniel Sandler and has been quoted by Vogue as the ‘go-to makeup artist for award winning makeup’ as well as the ‘industry leader’, and we have been lucky enough to get an inside peek at Nicola’s makeup rehearsal with Sarah in preparation for the ceremony!

First off, Sarah gives us the basic rules for bridal makeup… perfect and long-lasting whilst still looking natural. Of course we don’t want to be a Plain Jane on the big day, but the key is to keep it simple. Sarah explains that it is fine to go for something dramatic, but it has to be ‘toned down’ as it is important to remember that bridal makeup is different to evening makeup. So fresh eye shadow with a few false lashes, a flash of black liner without the flick (too many tears on the day could cause it to become a bit messy looking!) and natural lips are the foolproof combination to compliment any dress style or theme.

Don’t forget that there will probably be hundreds of photos being taken, so going for this timeless look will mean that in years to come your family won’t be laughing at you in the wedding album because your look won’t become dated! Also, for this reason, remember to go easy on any sparkle or highlighters as this will ‘bounce’ off the camera flash and will really stand out in the photographs, and not in a good way!

At a makeup trial you won’t have your hair done or have your wedding dress or jewellery on, so there is always room for some changes or a few extras touches when everything comes together on the day. A trial like Nicola’s is the perfect way to get to know your makeup artist and cover the ‘basic look’ that you want so that you feel comfortable and at ease when it comes to the real thing!

Here is a step-by-step guide for brides-to-be to get that classic, natural look if they are applying their own wedding makeup. Sarah also gives some top tips to stay picture-perfect all day!

1 - Foundation
Always use a primer after moisturiser and before foundation, to help your makeup stay perfect all day. Use a light reflecting sheer foundation, as thick formulations can 'slide' off the skin. Apply your foundation with a brush for an 'airbrushed' finish to the skin. Apply concealer after foundation, to under eye shadows and any blemishes. Set your foundation with an invisible blotting powder to stay shine free for your photographs.

2 - Cheeks
To avoid looking 'orange', stay away from bronzer and choose a soft pink or peach tone for a pretty bridal glow. If you have very oily skin, choose a powder formulation to avoid looking too shiny. If you have normal/ dry skin, use a cream or liquid blusher for a soft, dewy look. Smile in the mirror and apply to the apple of the cheek, blending upwards and outwards towards the hairline. If you love highlighter, only use a tiny amount on the cheekbone and choose a formulation which isn't too shiny on the skin

3 - Eyes
It is really important to apply powder to your eyelid after foundation - this will avoid your eyeshadow creasing. For wedding makeup, it is best to choose light, pretty colours to keep the eyes looking brighter and younger. Add the 'va va voom' with eyeliner - there are great waterproof eyeliner pencils on the market. Always curl your eyelashes before you apply mascara and go for black waterproof formulations. If you want to wear false eyelashes, individual lashes work better, as they look more natural than strip lashes.

4 - Lips
Apply lip balm to the lip area when you apply your moisturiser, this will keep lips soft and suppleApply a small amount of your face primer to your lips - this will help your lip colour last longer. Go over the whole lip area with a lip pencil (rather than just a line around the outside) - this will give you a great base for lipstick. Apply your lipstick with a lip brush - two to three coats is perfect and blot with a tissue in-between coats. If you want to wear lip gloss - use your finger to 'pat' a small amount to the lips - this will stop the lips being too sticky

If you apply your wedding makeup correctly, your makeup will look flawless from the second you apply it, to the second you remove it at night. The only thing you will need to take with you in your handbag are your lipgloss and lipstick, a blotting powder (to blot away any shine later in the day), cotton buds and of course tissues for any wedding day tears!

Keep following Nicola’s blog for all of her wedding preparations and finally her completed look on the big day!

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