Being asked to work on any wedding or photoshoot is always such an honour. But, being flown abroad as a destination wedding makeup artist in Spain? That takes my happiness to a whole new level. There is something incredibly magical about stepping into a new country, meeting a new team, and creating beautiful makeup looks in completely different light, weather, and surroundings.
Last week, I was lucky enough to work in sunny Valencia. Yes – Valencia in November, and it was still hotter than an English summer. Dreamy for a holiday, not always ideal for makeup. But honestly? I loved every second. And as someone learning both Spanish and French (bonjour my future French brides – please hit me up), it felt like the perfect combination of work and joy.
The Brief: Fresh, Glowy, Not Sweaty
The job was for a brand launching a new product next year, and the brief could not have been more my vibe:
Fresh. Natural. Glowy. Effortless.
Did someone say Evie?
We had two models, and the schedule was non-stop – shooting from 6 a.m. all the way until we lost the light around 5:30 p.m. Anyone who has ever been on set knows how fast-paced it can be. When the team is shooting back-to-back, saving time on touch-ups is a blessing.
That’s where the right products (and the right routine) come in.
Why Skin Prep Matters Even More for Destination Weddings
As a destination wedding hair and makeup artist, one thing I know for sure is that the products you use in hot weather must let the skin breathe. You need makeup that stays, doesn’t melt, and still looks like skin.
Everything starts with good skin prep.
Warmer climates can confuse your skin – sometimes it gets dry, sometimes oily, and sometimes both at once. If the skin isn’t hydrated properly, it will literally drink up the foundation, causing patchiness. Not ideal for a full wedding day or a long shoot.
My Go-To Skin Prep for Hot Weather Weddings
Gentle Cleanser – Byoma milky cleanser
Perfect for sensitive skin and removes every bit of dirt, sunscreen, or leftover makeup. No residue, no fuss.
Hydrating Serum – The Inky List
Travel can make the skin thirsty. A hydrating serum helps balance things out so your makeup glides on smoothly.
Moisturiser With SPF
I never skip SPF for destination weddings.
Some people claim SPF causes flashback, but that depends entirely on the product. Altruist SPF moisturiser photographs beautifully and keeps your skin protected.
(And let’s be honest – sunburn is not the wedding-day aesthetic anyone is going for.)
Setting Spray: Your Destination Wedding Bestie
When I say setting spray saves the day, I’m not exaggerating.
For long days, warm temperatures, or humid climates, my go-to is Charlotte Tilbury. It locks everything in without making the skin look dry or powdery.
Why Hiring a Destination Wedding Makeup Artist Matters
Makeup in hot climates is a different skill set.
Between sunscreen, sweat, heat, humidity, changing light, and long ceremonies, you need someone who understands how makeup behaves outside the cool, cosy studios of the UK.
An experienced destination wedding makeup artist will:
Choose products that work in heat
Prep your skin properly
Make sure you stay looking fresh all day
Understand timelines, logistics & travel-friendly kits
Make your morning feel calm, organised, and joyful
And if you’re a Bristol bride, don’t worry – I’m still your friendly neighbourhood Bristol wedding makeup artist, always happy to travel wherever your love story takes you.
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding – Spain, France, Italy, Greece, wherever – just know that your makeup can look flawless, fresh, and radiant all day long with the right prep and products.
I hope this little behind-the-scenes glimpse helps! Check out my blog on how to prepare for your wedding hair and makeup trial.
Updated 24.11.2025
