The Art of Luxury Bridal Makeup
March 18, 2025
An Interview with Lucy Jayne MUA
I’ve been in the photography game since 2012—the same year I first met Lucy during a fashion shoot (more on that later!). Both of us are now firmly rooted in Kent’s luxury wedding industry, a county that has played host to some of the most breathtaking celebrations we’ve had the privilege to be part of. As a luxury wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the best professionals in the industry—one of whom is this highly skilled makeup artist who transitioned from the world of fashion to bridal beauty. In this interview, we discuss her journey, the artistry behind luxury bridal makeup, and the The Art of Luxury Bridal Makeup.
From High-end Fashion to Bridal: What Inspired the Shift?
Q: Transitioning from fashion makeup to luxury bridal makeup is quite a journey, and I’m so pleased to have worked with you in both fields! What inspired you to bring your high-end artistry to brides, and do you see bridal makeup as very different from fashion makeup?
A: Thank you! The transition felt so natural for me—fashion makeup taught me precision, creativity, and the ability to adapt to different styles, all of which are invaluable in bridal beauty. What drew me to luxury bridal makeup was the emotion behind it—helping a bride feel the most radiant version of herself on such a special day is an honour. While fashion makeup is often about making a statement, bridal beauty is about timeless elegance and longevity. The key difference? Bridal makeup needs to look stunning in every light, from morning vows to evening celebrations, and last through every hug, happy tear, and dance floor moment!
Check out one of our shots from our first work together!
Crafting a Luxury Experience for Brides
Q: For brides seeking the ultimate luxury experience but still being down to earth, how do you ensure your makeup services cater to their unique vision and expectations?
A: Luxury isn’t just about the products—it’s about the experience. I take the time to understand each bride’s personality, wedding style, and comfort level with makeup. A thorough consultation and trial ensure every detail is tailored to them, whether they prefer a soft, glowing complexion or a more defined, red-carpet-ready look. My goal is always to enhance their natural beauty while making them feel completely at ease. I bring a calm, professional presence to every booking, so my brides not only look but feel incredible on their wedding day.
Luxury Beauty Brands and Must-Have Products
Q: Your expertise in bridal beauty must include a deep understanding of premium products, just as I know my camera equipment. Are there any luxury beauty brands or products you swear by for achieving flawless, long-lasting bridal looks—or ones to avoid?
A: Absolutely! High-performance, luxury products are essential for ensuring bridal makeup lasts beautifully all day. My go-to foundation is Estée Lauder Double Wear—it has the perfect satin finish, is long-wearing, and stays flawless in all lighting. I love using Charlotte Tilbury highlighters, bronzers, and eyeshadow palettes to create that soft, glowing elegance my brides love. And for a touch of radiance, Becca blush palettes are my favourite—they give the most beautiful rosy glow with a natural highlight effect.
When it comes to what to avoid, I steer clear of products with too much SPF (as they can cause flashback in photos), overly mattifying formulas (which can look dry and heavy), and any foundation that doesn’t blend seamlessly with the skin’s natural texture. Brides deserve nothing but the best, so every product I use is chosen for its performance, longevity, and luxurious finish.
Training the Next Generation of Luxury Makeup Artists
Q: Educating other makeup artists is a significant commitment. How do you approach training to pass on the high standards expected in the luxury bridal market?
A: Training in the luxury bridal sector isn’t just about teaching technical skills—it’s about artistry, client experience, and attention to detail. I focus on developing my students’ ability to create flawless, bespoke bridal looks while also emphasising professionalism, service, and the finer touches that elevate a bride’s experience. My training includes hands-on guidance in skin prep, blending techniques, and working with high-end products, but also how to create a calming, luxury experience for clients. I love mentoring artists who share my passion for bridal beauty and helping them refine their craft to the highest standards.
Aesthetic Styles for Brides That Complement Luxury Bridal Makeup
Q: Luxury weddings often have intricate themes and lavish settings. Is there a particular aesthetic you think complements your work most?
A: Luxury bridal makeup is all about effortless elegance and timeless beauty, so I find my style works beautifully with romantic, editorial-inspired weddings—think soft, dreamy florals, opulent ballrooms, and chic modern venues. Whether the setting is a grand country estate, a contemporary city venue, or a rustic-luxe barn, my focus is always on tailoring the makeup to harmonise with the overall aesthetic while keeping the bride the centre of attention.
Kent’s Luxury Bridal Beauty Trends
Q: I just love Kent as a county for luxury weddings. In your experience, what are the makeup trends or preferences of your high-end bridal clients?
A: Kent is such a perfect backdrop for luxury weddings, and my brides tend to embrace soft, polished glamour—nothing too heavy, but always radiant and refined. Glowing skin, softly sculpted eyes, and a hint of natural colour are key trends, creating a “your skin but better” effect. Brides here also love a classic, yet modern approach, often inspired by Hollywood red carpet beauty—effortless but undeniably elegant.
Recently, I’ve also noticed more brides choosing subtle monochrome makeup—tones for a beautifully cohesive look. Whatever their style, my focus is always on making sure they look timeless, luxurious, and confident on their big day.
Final Thoughts
Luxury bridal makeup is an art form that requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of how to enhance natural beauty in a way that feels elegant, timeless, and true to the bride. Whether it’s selecting the perfect foundation, curating an experience that makes a bride feel at ease, or training the next generation of makeup artists, this level of expertise is what truly elevates a wedding day. From my experience, you also need to be the kind of personality that is kind and approachable, and Lucy 100% has both of those traits.
If you have connected with Lucy, go ahead and follow her on socials or get in touch with her to work with you on your wedding make up.
Would you love to see more behind-the-scenes insights into luxury weddings? Follow along for more expert interviews, inspiration, and, of course, authentic and timeless wedding photography.
