The key to flawless bridal make-up is hydration, says Warnabilla

Do you ever struggle with your skin type? Whether it's dry, oily, combination, or even sensitive, skin conditions can sometimes leave us feeling insecure and yearning for a flawless, radiant complexion.

Especially for brides-to-be, the pressure to look flawless on your perfect day can be immense. The thought of make-up not sitting right or causing an unwanted breakout can be a major source of anxiety.

But fear not! You are in good hands as make-up artist and colour analysis specialist, Nabilah Nordin shares valuable tips to ensure your skin looks radiant and your make-up stays flawless throughout your special day.

So, whether you're battling dryness, excess oil, or unpredictable sensitivities, Nabilah's expertise will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to achieve a natural, long-lasting bridal glow.

Hydration

First, Nabilah said that regardless of skin type, hydration is paramount for healthy skin. Even individuals with acne-prone skin can manage make-up application effectively with proper hydration.

She advises the brides to prioritise their hydration routine, suggesting the use of sheet masks every two days leading up to the wedding to ensure optimal skin hydration.

She added to wear sheet masks into the skincare routine every two days or using humectants and skincare products that prioritise moisture barrier improvement.

Nabilah said that individuals with oily, acne-prone, dehydrated, or dry skin can benefit from focusing on moisture barrier repair and increasing hydration. This approach ensures that make-up application on the wedding day will still result in a beautiful finish.

Exfoliate and moisturiser

The crucial aspect is skincare before the wedding day arrives. On the actual day, Nabilah typically will lightly exfoliate the skin and then selects the appropriate skincare products tailored to different skin types.

For individuals with extremely dry skin, she will apply additional moisturiser and essence, choosing a heavier moisturiser to provide ample hydration.

However, she added for individuals with oily skin, it's preferable to choose for lightweight moisturisers rather than heavy ones. Additionally, she suggested using an oil-control primer to prime the skin lightly before applying make-up.

Process of bridal make-up

During the interview, Nabilah discussed her field experience, which typically spans from one hour to one and a half hours, encompassing skin preparation. Additionally, she conducts a mini colour analysis before starting, where she evaluates whether the bride has cool or warm undertones by using a piece of fabric.

She said understanding one's undertones is crucial for brides as it helps determine the most suitable make-up look. She focused on metallic colours, particularly silver and gold, to determine whether her client looks better with cool or warm tones.

Following the colour analysis, Nabilah proceeds with skin preparation. She highlighted that bridal make-up takes longer not because it's heavier, but because of the meticulous detailing involved. This attention to detail ensures longevity in the make-up application.

She likened the make-up process to building a house, where each layer needs to be applied, allowed to dry, and then another layer is added, ensuring each layer sets properly before the next one is applied.

Nabilah added that rushing the process or applying thick layers without allowing time to settle can cause the make-up to crumble, crack, and deteriorate quickly. For future brides, it's essential to prepare your skin, maintain hydration, and ensure you have someone who can analyse your colour and understand your undertones.

She said this ensures the bride look perfect on the long-awaited day. Say no to cracked make-up and yes to flawless and clean make-up!

Nabilah Nordin, also known as Warnabilla, is a full-time make-up artist and colour analysis expert making her mark in the Malaysian make-up artistry industry for 11 years.

At 34 years old, Nabilah has been practicing make-up for 11 years, with the last nine years dedicated to full-time work, starting in 2015. Despite holding a degree in architecture from UiTM Shah Alam and a master's degree from the University of Brighton, UK, her passion for make-up led her to the beauty industry.