I am Cathryn Kerwin-Rawlinson and I have been a Bridal Makeup Artist now for over 16 years and in that time I have built up an excellent reputation and I am one of the most sought after Makeup professionals in Cheshire and North Wales region where I mostly operate.
As a makeup artist, I often hear people describe my work as "natural," thinking it means I'm not applying much makeup and achieving a minimal finish. However, this is a common misconception. What you're actually seeing isn't natural makeup; it's neutral makeup, and there's a significant difference between the two.
Natural Makeup: What It Really Means
Natural makeup is exactly that—designed to look like you're not wearing any makeup at all, even though you are. It focuses on enhancing your features subtly, giving a barely-there appearance. In a true natural makeup look, the goal is to make it seem as though no products have been applied. This skilled is often used in TV and male photo shoots and grooming.
Neutral Makeup: My Specialty
Neutral makeup, which is what I specialise in, uses natural tones and colours on the eyes, cheeks, and lips to create a harmonious and polished look. These tones might make it appear as though minimal makeup has been applied, but that's far from the truth. The shades used are carefully selected to mimic natural skin tones, but the application is often done with medium to full coverage foundations, not just a tinted moisturiser as some might assume.
Neutral makeup is designed to enhance your natural beauty without looking overly done, but it's achieved through meticulous application, layering, and blending.
The Skill Behind Neutral Makeup
Creating neutral makeup looks takes time, patience, and attention to detail. It involves extensive skin prep to ensure a seamless, flawless finish. Proper skin preparation is key to making the makeup look effortless and ensuring the products sit perfectly on the skin.
There's also a misconception that neutral or natural makeup is quick and easy. In reality, neutral makeup requires more blending and skill than a full-glam look. You need to blend so seamlessly that there are no visible transitions between colours and no harsh lines. The contour is subtle, but it still sculpts the face in a way that looks completely natural—like that person was meant to have those features. Achieving this takes significant expertise and practice.
Why It's Not "Easy" Makeup
Sometimes, people undervalue the skill involved in creating these looks. Some think it's quicker or easier to apply because the result looks understated. But in truth, it's much more challenging to achieve this level of refinement. Heavy glam makeup, with bold colours and sharper lines, can often be more straightforward because the transitions and blending don't need to be as invisible.
So, next time you see a neutral makeup look that appears effortless, remember that it's anything but simple or easy. There's a reason I specialize in this style—because it requires care, precision, and experience to master. Neutral makeup isn't just about applying makeup; it's about creating a flawless, timeless look that enhances the client's natural beauty while making it seem effortless.
If you are seeking bridal makeup for your special day then please click the link below to take you to my contact page.
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