Wedding Makeup with Frances Moore

While some brides prefer to do their own make-up, the majority will rely on a wedding make-up artist for their wedding day. A professional makeup artist will ensure your wedding makeup is perfect for the big day, but with so many out there, how do you choose and what style of makeup should you go for?

We caught up with Hampshire based wedding makeup artist Frances Moore to talk bridal makeup.

Tell us about you

I have been a makeup artist for 6 years and a hair stylist for 2 years.  I was always the 'arty' type at school and college, feeling most at ease with a paint brush and a sketchbook in both my hands.  At college I excelled in fine art and, in particular, life drawing.  I found a passion for perfecting life-like skin colour, which has been a unique skill for foundation application.

In my mid-twenties, after finding no satisfaction through a desk job, I decided to train in London to become a makeup artist.  Through my training, I then decided to specialise in beauty and fashion and brought these skills back to my home county of Hampshire.

After doing a friend's bridal makeup, I was then booked by her bridesmaid's for their subsequent weddings.  And the rest is history!

 

Where do you find inspiration?

I find people are my biggest source of inspiration. People are completely fascinating, and their individual choices are such a great insight.  I work with a lot of wedding suppliers who are incredibly creative and I will often turn to them for a glimpse into what's new in both the wedding and fashion world.

I would say my ultimate inspirational figure is Frida Kahlo - Considered one of the Mexico's greatest artist. Her self-portraits are simply stunning and highlighted her natural beauty.

How do you keep up to date with the latest trends?

I find inspiration constantly through art, fashion and even music. I think it's so important as a makeup artist to read what is 'on trend' but to also look back in history to find new ways to reinterperate the old. I love French and Italian beauty, Mexican colours and culture.  More and more I will look to social media platforms such as Instagram and use it as my 'inspiration encyclopedia.'

 

What’s your best advice to give a bride when deciding on wedding makeup?

Always pick a makeup design that is quintessentially you.  If you've never worn red lipstick, your wedding day is not the day to try something new and bold.  You have to feel like you, but just a lovely well-polished version of you.

Tell us your most memorable moment from a wedding

All my clients are the most loveliest, gorgeous and fun people to work with.  I am truly blessed in that way and I know I have a very enviable job.  When your job is essentially being invited to someone's milestone day, where tears of joy and laughter is had, every wedding I am involved in is special and unique.

It still gives me goosebumps when I'm applying the bride's makeup ready for her grand entrance.  Nothing beats that feeling of pride and it is very much a privilege to be asked.

Makeup and seasons, what works best?

For autumn, choose brown sultry eyes and burgundy lips. For spring, soft pink eyes and blushed lips are a must. For summer , shimmer eyes and a glossy pink lip look gorgeous whereas in winter, I would go for cat-flick eyes and a red lip

 

What can go wrong on the day with makeup?

I like to hold a makeup trial 6 weeks before the big day – it is a great way to wiggle out any concerns and to arrive at a design that both the client and I are happy with.

What I would say is that it is important to communicate timings to all parties, especially if bridesmaids are also having their makeup done.  Confirm with suppliers and the venue when you want to be ready by and work back from there.

 

When should a bride-to-be begin planning her makeup?

I am very fortunate to be nicely busy during the year, not just through peak wedding season (May-September). For bookings with me, I require at least a year to 2 years notice to be confirmed in my diary.  A deposit will confirm your booking with me, meaning I will not book any other wedding on your special day so you get 100% of my attention and skills.

Why should a bride choose a makeup artist?

We are very lucky in Hampshire because we actually have a lot of talented hair and makeup artists in the area.  Often if I cannot make a wedding date, I will recommend another of these artists that I know has similar skills and style to my own and who are reliable.

Through my years of experience and level of skill, I can provide a unique stand-point when it comes to bridal makeup.  My clients range from the nervous 'no makeup, makeup' look, through to seasoned

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Frances Moore has contributed to national and international wedding magazines and blogs, and her work has been seen across the world and celebrated for its emphasis on luxury beauty.  Visit her website to view her galleries of work and services that are on offer.

VISIT HER WEBSITE