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Exclusive Q+A with Urban Retreat: Perfecting your Make up with Ruby Hammer MBE

Perfecting your Make up with Ruby Hammer MBE


Denise
Denise Updated:
5th of June 2023

Heaven on earth for hair and beauty, Urban Retreat is a feel-good paradise when it comes to treating yourself: Its industry experts are based in Harrods and GfB is over the moon to be able to offer you an exclusive insight into their bridal beauty know-how! We interviewed Ruby Hammer MBE, Urban Retreat's Make up Salon Creative Director and Celebrity Make up Artist for all the tips and tricks you'll need to look spectacular on your big day!

Urban Retreat

Make up

1.What advice would you give to brides looking to take care of their skin ahead of the big day? 

Try to get into a skincare and grooming routine ideally 3 months before your big day to truly benefit from your efforts. Have regular facials, manicures and pedicures, hair masks etc... And adopt a more disciplined skincare routine at home to complement that of the salon. 

Make up

Have a trial before hand with your make up so there are no big surprises on the day. If you are going to be sun tanned or are having a spray tan, make sure you have that done on the trial day too. You want to know that everything has been addressed in advance so you can enjoy your big day! Its best to not go for a totally different look from your usual one, so that you'll be at your most confident! 

Makeup

Make sure you use a primer! Thin layers are better than one thick layer of make up - make sure everything is blended! Avoid harsh lines and be sure to use waterproof mascara and eye pencils so you won't run on the day! Keep a powder compact in your bag or some blotting papers for those little on the go touch ups. Do not use a moisturiser or cream with SPF in it as you will look strange in your photos or video! 

Makeup

Nothing too heavily made up, avoiding too much of a smoky eye! Its best when all your features are defined so that you don't look washed out, but don't go too dramatic! Stay away from clumpy lashes and heavy contouring to look fresh faced and lovely! 

Makeup

Individual lashes to go doe-eyed always adds a little bit of drama to your look! A strong lip colour can look amazing! 

Makeup

Pinks are typically bridal but are even more in vogue right now! There is a red revival too - but its important to not be too heavy handed in the application and to also try the shades of red that'll work with your skin tone.

Makeup

It is best to avoid really big trends on this occasion as it might look dated in your photos. You want to look timeless but not boring and certainly not just following the latest trend! 

Makeup

The colour of dress and remember to say if you'll be tanned or not on the day! Ask lots and lots of questions to your make up artist, experiment as much as you can during your trial: That's the time to see if you like your hair up or a bolder or more soft tone of lipstick. How shiny/dewy or matte do you want to look? Add some individual lashes to add fluttery eyes to your final look! 

Makeup

10. How can brides rain-proof their bridal look? 

Use a primer before make up, thin layers of foundation and add powder over creams and pencils. Of course, use waterproof mascara and make up setting sprays! Finally always carry blotting papers and powder with you to touch up your make up whenever you need.

Makeup

Magazines, celebrities, other weddings you have attended: Do a moon board of what you like and ask your trusted friends (mum, bridesmaid!) if this would work on you. Really research everything so you are confident you have covered all bases! 

Denise

About the author


Denise

With a previous career as a hairdresser, Denise is an expert in the bridal beauty category. She knows exactly how to find beauticians and hairdressers you can really trust to make you look amazing.

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