The Truth - When it comes to your makeup and how important skincare really is.....

Why Your Bridal Makeup Isn't Working – And What You Can Do About It

As a professional makeup artist with over 18 years of experience, I've worked with every age, skin tone, and skin type imaginable. I specialise in bridal makeup across North Wales and Cheshire, and I love helping my clients look and feel incredible on their wedding day.

But I'm going to be brutally honest in this blog, because something needs to be said.

What I'm Seeing in the Makeup Artist Community

In a Facebook group I'm part of—full of professional makeup artists from across the UK—I've seen a noticeable shift. More and more artists are posting about brides who are unhappy with how their makeup looks or how it wears throughout the day.

When you scroll through the images, it's rarely the makeup artist's technique that's the issue. It's the skin. Dry, congested, dehydrated skin that's clearly not been looked after. Skin that hasn't been exfoliated or moisturised properly. Skin with old makeup residue still clinging on from the day before. It's a serious problem, and it's getting worse.

Why Poor Skin = Poor Makeup

Let's be clear: makeup is only as good as the skin underneath. If your skin is dehydrated or unprepped, it will literally suck the moisture out of the foundation. What's left is pigment sitting unevenly on the skin—this is when makeup looks cakey, powdery, or patchy.

Makeup splitting or separating is often blamed on products or technique, when in reality, it's down to a neglected skincare routine.

So, if your bridal makeup in North Wales or bridal makeup in Cheshire isn't sitting right—it's time to look at your skincare.

What You Need to Do Before Your Bridal Makeup Trial

If your makeup artist—especially one with nearly two decades of experience like me—tells you your skin needs work, please listen. We're not being harsh. We want the best for you.

Here's what I recommend to every bride:

1. Start Early

Don't wait until the week of the wedding. Start prepping your skin at least 3-6 months in advance.

2. See a Professional

Get advice from a qualified aesthetician who can recommend facials and a targeted skincare routine for your skin type.

3. Hydrate

Yes, inside and out. Drink more water. Use hydrating skincare. Your makeup will thank you.

4. Be Consistent

Skincare is like training for a marathon—you need consistency. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise, protect.

The Honest Truth

I don't know if the rise of filters and unrealistic Pinterest images has changed expectations, but something has definitely shifted. And it's worrying. The reality is, no amount of expensive foundation or high-end product can mask neglected skin.

If you're booking bridal makeup in Cheshire or North Wales, your artist can do incredible things—but only if you meet them halfway.

We want you to glow. We want your foundation to sit beautifully, your eyes to pop, your skin to radiate. But we need you to do the groundwork.

Final Thoughts

This post isn't about shaming. It's about education. I've built my career on honesty, artistry, and helping real women look and feel amazing. So take this as tough love—and then take action.

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Make your skin part of the celebration, not the struggle.