After months of preparation and organisation, when it comes to the morning of the wedding a bride wants as little worry as possible. Cambridge make-up artist Dani Rose has worked with scores of local brides and knows exactly how to get a girl looking her best on her big day.
“People often think, ‘oh it’s just make-up, I can do it myself’. But you’ve got to think of the longevity of it, if it’ll look good in daylight and in the evening and whether it’ll photograph well: you don’t want anything with a high SPF in as you can get flashback. Because there’s so much to think about, it’s just one more thing taken care of. And if you’re ever going to treat yourself and have your make-up done professionally, it’s your wedding day!”
Since training at the Davinia Fermi Make-up Academy, Dani has worked with make-up artists Lisa Eldridge and Charlotte Tilbury, and on London Fashion Week.
“I’ve always loved doing make-up and it’s such a good feeling when someone looks in the mirror and loves what you’ve done,” says Dani. “As well as being good at applying make-up – learning what suits different people etc – I think it’s really important that a make-up artist is friendly and personable so brides feel relaxed and enjoy themselves.”
I’m here for a bridal trial, and after asking how much make-up I normally wear (just lip gloss and mascara usually), we have a rummage through Dani’s vast make-up collection with a natural, glowy bridal look in mind. Dani starts with moisturiser (“as good as a primer”) then applies Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Ceylan. “It photographs well, it’s not too heavy but it still gives good coverage.”
After a dusting of blusher, Dani applies Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream to moisturise my lips before using a peachy-pink Mac lipstick. What does she love most about her work?
“Everything! I’m a people person so I love meeting new people, seeing different faces, going to new places and venues… Every day is different. It’s such a nice thing to be there on the morning of someone’s wedding because everyone’s so excited. Then it feels weird when you have to say goodbye – I almost feel like they want to ask me to come too! You get to know the brides as you meet them at the trial and it’s quite an intimate thing, applying someone’s makeup.”
Next Dani uses a Suqqu liquid brow pen to give my eyebrows natural definition then applies Charlotte Tilbury eyeliner (with a dark brown shadow on the lower lids) and mascara – waterproof of course. A light pat of powder on the T-zone later and I’m good to go.
“You want something classic that’s not going to date,” Dani advises. “If I see someone reaching for the blue eyeshadow or any weird pastels, I tell them no! But normally brides want something very natural.”
Dani also holds make-up tutorials, ideal for hen parties, and can do your bridesmaids’ and mum’s make-up on the day too.
“I allow 45 minutes for bridesmaids and an hour and a half for the bride and always do her last,” she explains. “Then they’ve got time to get in the dress and take some pictures and chill out a bit before everyone arrives.”
