As a Bristol wedding hair and makeup artist, one of the first questions I ask every bride is: “How do you like your skin to look?”
And before you answer, flawless isn’t a thing. It doesn’t exist. “Flawless” belongs firmly in the Instababe box with filters and Facetune, in my opinion.
What really matters is whether you prefer your skin to look matte or dewy, with light coverage or a little extra in specific areas.
Dewy Skin vs. Matte Skin: Which One Is Right for You?
For me, I love a dewy, glowing finish – it makes my face look hydrated, healthy, and youthful.
But one of my best friends can’t stand it. She says dewy makeup makes her look sweaty.
So, which one of us is right?
The answer is: both of us, and neither of us.
Your makeup should feel authentic to you. The most beautiful bridal looks come from confidence and comfort – not from copying what’s trending on Instagram.
How to Get That Perfect Dewy Bridal Glow
If you love glowing skin but want to avoid looking overly shiny, it’s all about placement.
Here’s how I help my brides achieve that natural bridal radiance:
Apply a soft, light-reflecting highlighter only to the high points of your face – cheekbones, temples, and brow bone.
For a subtle all-over glow, mix a liquid bronzer or illuminating primer with your foundation.
Always start with hydrated, well-prepped skin – this makes all the difference.
One of my favourite cruelty-free products for this look is a gentle highlighter applied under foundation for that barely-there sheen.
Creating a Beautiful Matte Finish That Lasts
If you prefer matte bridal makeup, it’s just as stunning – especially for summer weddings.
The key is skin prep:
Cleanse gently each evening and use a washcloth for mild exfoliation.
Keep skin hydrated with a serum or rose mist before moisturising.
Choose a foundation formulated for a matte finish (Charlotte Tilbury makes some great ones).
To stay shine-free throughout the day, keep blotting papers or a mattifying powder in your bridal clutch for quick touch-ups.
My Signature Bridal Style
My style naturally leans towards fresh, glowing skin, but I tailor every look to suit my bride.
Whether you want soft, dewy radiance or a chic matte complexion, your bridal makeup should feel like you – confident, relaxed, and beautiful.
You can see examples of both matte and dewy looks in my bridal hair and makeup portfolio
My key takeaway – it’s completely up to you whether you opt for dewy or matte foundations, but check out your venue lighting, the time of year you are getting married and your photographer’s shooting style. Talk to your wedding makeup artist, they’ll know exactly what look will suit you best for whether you are getting married in the sunny grounds of Coombe Lodge or in the crypt at The Mount Without.
Evie x
Updated 05.11.2025
Written by Evie (that’s me!), a Bristol-based vegan and cruetly-free wedding hair and makeup artist
