Bridal beauty has come a long way from a last-minute spray tan and a swipe of lip gloss at the hotel mirror. These days, brides are planning their glam with the same energy as the seating chart, and for good reason. Your wedding day is one of the most photographed moments of your life, and how you feel in your skin sets the tone for the whole day.
Doing your own makeup for your wedding day or even for the day two celebrations, can be both empowering and surprisingly fun. Whether you’re a total beauty enthusiast or just prefer a more low-key approach, taking the reins on your own bridal beauty allows you to feel like yourself, just a little more elevated. With the right products and a bit of prep, you can create a flawless, photo-ready look that lasts through happy tears, hugs, and a whole lot of dancing.
These are just some of the most popular bridal picks and some of my personal favourites. But when it comes to bridal glam, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Everyone has their own style, and that’s exactly how it should be. It’s your day, your face, your vibe, so go with what feels most you.
Scent has a magical way of capturing memories, one whiff and you’re instantly transported back to a specific moment in time. That’s why choosing a signature fragrance for your wedding day is such a special touch. Whether you’re drawn to soft florals, fresh citrus, or something else, your wedding perfume should feel personal to you.
Tips for picking your wedding scent:
Make it memorable: Choose something different from your everyday perfume so the scent is tied uniquely to your wedding memories.
Layer it right: Use the matching body lotion or a lightweight oil version for longevity without overwhelming your senses.
Travel-sized touch-ups: Pop a mini version into your clutch or ask your bridesmaid to keep it handy for quick spritzes throughout the day.
Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede – soft, romantic and classic. With Jo Malone you are also able to do an in store experience where you can try different scents and find your perfect
Available at Brown Thomas
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 – rich, bold and unforgettable.
Available at francis kurkdjian
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre – fresh, youthful and beautifully bridal.
Available at Brown Thomas
Available at Brown Thomas
Le Labo Another 13 EDP – a clean scent that feels both modern and timeless
Available at Brown Thomas
Tip: Spritz your fragrance on your pulse points (wrists, neck, behind the ears) and even lightly on your veil (depending on fabric) or hairbrush for a scent that lingers beautifully all day.
When it comes to blush on your wedding day, less really is more. Go light-handed. Here are a few of my favourites that give glowing “blushing bride,” and not sunburn…
These products have many different shades so you can find the colour that works best for you and your skin tone! I am partial too a liquid blush but I know some of you gals prefer a Powder finish.
Top tip: If you’re not ready to commit to a full size (or full price), travel-sized or mini versions are your best friend. They are perfect for both trial runs and the big day.
Charlotte Tilbury – Pillow Talk Blush
A timeless, flattering shade with just enough shimmer to light up your cheeks.
Available at Brown Thomas
Rare Beauty – Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
My all time favourite for a reason. A tiny dab goes a long way, and it blends like a dream.
Available at SpaceNK
NARS – Made you Blush
If you prefer a powder blush then this one is for you. A classic NARS pigment power with that silky-smooth finish.
Available at Brown Thomas
MILANI – Baked Blush
A budget-friendly option that still delivers a gorgeous flush of colour! This powder blush is seriously beautiful and gives that radiant, rosy finish without breaking the bank.
Available at Boots
Line and layer. Lipsticks are one of the easiest ways to switch up your look. I recommend to go with your natural lip colour amped up a touch. (Choose a shade that feels like you, but elevated). From soft nudes to dusty rose or something bold, your lip should last and photograph well. The last thing you want is your lipstick smudged in your wedding pictures, Go for long-wear or matte formulas as they tend to last longer, but pair with a hydrating balm underneath to avoid dryness.
Here are some great lip sticks that come in a range of different shades:
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution
Available at Brown Thomas and Arnotts
Available at Brown Thomas
Available at Brown Thomas
A good lip liner will prevent feathering and keep everything in place, especially through dinner and dancing.
Tip: You don’t need to break the bank on lip liner. Let’s be honest, losing a €4 liner stings way less than a €40 one.
Here are some Lip Liners to Try:
Morphe Lip Liners
Available at Look Fantastic
Rimmel – Lastingg Finish Lip Liner
Available at Boots
And Penneys PS…Lip Liners
MAC Lip Pencil
If you are going to invest in a good lip liner I truly believe MAC are top of the league in lip products
Available at Brown Thomas
Lock it all in. You’ve probably spent hours perfecting your bridal makeup, so now let’s make sure it lasts. The final, often overlooked step that locks everything in and keeps your look fresh, radiant, and photo-ready all day long.
Whether you’re going for dewy and glowing or matte and flawless, there’s a setting spray to suit your finish and skin type. Think of it as the bridal insurance policy you didn’t know you needed.
A few bridal faves:
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray – This one is my all time fave and definitley worth the hype! Weightless and keeps everything in place for hours without fading.
Available at Brown Thomas
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Refillable – This one is another popular charlotte tilbury product. If you want a setting powder his is your go to!
Available at Brown Thomas
Urban Decay All Nighter – the cult classic for a reason; bulletproof hold with zero cakiness.
Available at Arnotts
MAC Fix+ – great for hydration and perfect for refreshing throughout the day.
Available at Brown Thomas
Pro tip: Mist your beauty blender with your setting spray and gently press it into your skin after makeup application for next-level staying power.
Let’s be real, Ireland isn’t exactly famous for its tropical climate, and a natural tan is hard to come by. Most brides opt for a professional spray tan to last the whole wedding weekend, but if that’s not your vibe, don’t worry. There are plenty of incredible at-home options that deliver a flawless finish without the salon appointment.
Tip: Always do a patch test and full trial well in advance of the big day. Exfoliate, moisturise elbows/knees/ankles, and apply with a mitt (small brush if your tanning your face) for that pro-level finish. Adding a moisturiser to your hands straight after applying tan can also help even out the tan on your hands!
Whether you’re going for a soft golden glow or a sun-drenched bronze, here are some of my favourite in-store self-tanners that are easy to use, reliable, and bridal-approved:
Bare by Vogue
Lightweight, glowy, and streak-free, this one is my personal go to. It gives a golden finish without that dreaded fake tan smell. My favourite is the Lotion but it is also available in a foam!
Available at Brown Thomas
Bellamianta
A luxury tan with skincare benefits. Known for its olive undertone (hello, no orange tint) and long-lasting wear, this is ideal for brides who want depth without going too dark. Most brands have different texture available but my favourite is the mouse by Bellamianta!
Available at Bellamianta
Bondi Sands
The Aussie classic. Their foams and gradual tanners are great for customising your shade. Bonus: they’re hydrating and budget-friendly. This one is a foam.
Available at Bondi Sands
Not into tanning but still want that bridal glow or if you want to add a glow on top of your tan, reach for Sol de Janeiro’s body glow oil or Bellamianta’s illuminating bronzing powder (depending on if you prefer a liquid or powder glow). These add the perfect hint of radiance to shoulders, collarbones, and legs, no tan required, just luminous, camera-ready skin.
• Fragrance (A great idea is to get samples/mini of your favourite fragrance)
• Setting Spray
• Blotting papers or powder
• Eyelash glue (just in case)
• Lipstick, Gloss and Liner (the holy grail)
• Mints/gum
• Tissues — always tissues!
