Wedding make up with Frances Moore

A major aspect to a brides wedding day is her make up. All eyes and cameras will be on her as she enters the room so when it comes to bridal make up design, we caught up with Frances Moore to learn from her experience...

When I start to form an idea for a bridal makeup design, there are many elements I like to consider before I even put brush to palette.  Initially, with a client, we will discuss the type of wedding gown she has chosen, the floral hues she has running through her concept, what she would like to achieve with her bridal makeup and what she feel's most comfortable with wearing.  Occasionally, another element is added to the mix.  The wedding venue and setting.  This seemingly irrelevant component can actually strongly influence the application methods and look of a makeup design.  So for example, a darkly lit cathedral and country house wedding venue will require a degree of perfectly placed contouring & highlighting, whereas a celebratory garden soiree will largely be dictated by what the weather is up to!

The Montagu Arms Hotel is definitely a wedding venue that falls within this category.  Nestled in a quite corner of the New Forest, you cannot help but be taken a back by the beauty of this elegant country house and the timeless english garden that surrounds the 16th century building.  When I begun, I knew I had to take my influence from the hotel itself.  Too modern, or heavy a concept would look out of place for such an exquisite venue.  Instead, I wanted a design that was exceptionally flawless, light and pretty yet with a depth to the eyes that would reflect the autumnal concept.

Wanting to make the most of Gemma's deep blue eye colour, I used a combination of M.A.C eyeshadows in brown tones such a Brule, Brown Down and Omega to create a medium smokey eye.  I then used a Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow palette in The Golden Goddess to highlight the middle of the eyelid. 

Lining the eyes in a brown/black eyeliner, I then added waterproof mascara by Dior in Diorshow Pump 'n' Volume and a set of natural false eyelashes.  I subtly added a line on the lower lashes continuing with the same shadows from the Charlotte Tilbury palette.  I then finished the eye section by filling in Gemma's eyebrows with a combination of Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz brow pencil in Blonde and matching Dipbrow Pomade also in Blonde.

Moving onto Gemma's base I used two types of primer - Dr Brandt Pores No More and Smashbox Foundation Primer.  This meant that I had a silky light base to apply the foundation to.  Gemma already has the most gorgeous skin so a couple of coats of L.A Girl Foundation was enough to balance any redness, yet still allowing her skin to breath.  I love a good concealer and of all the big brands I have used in the past years I always return to Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat - which both conceals and highlights. 

Moving onto the cheeks I used Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Love Glow, the most perfect shade for a blushing bride.  I subtly added a contour & highlight using Charlotte Tilbury's Filmstar Bronze & Glow in Light to Medium, I then finished and set the base using Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in Fair.

Finishing the look I had to use a lipstick shade that had that deep autumnal feel, yet which was still very much a bridal wearable shade.  Lining the lips in Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk, I then used a Chanel lipstick in Etienne to finish.

Photographs by Lemontree Photography

Visit Frances's website here to see more our her work.

The Montagu Arms will be opening its doors on Sunday 18th November for our Wedding Open Day from 12pm - 4pm. No booking is required.