My Go-To Products for a Glowing Bridal Look
The products I swear by
One of the questions I get asked most often is: what products do you actually use? And honestly, I love talking about this because the products really do matter — especially on a wedding day when you need your makeup to photograph beautifully, last all day, and still look like you.
Here are a few of my absolute staples for that signature glowing bridal look.
Skin first, always
Everything starts with the skin. I'm a huge fan of the Vieve Skin Dew — it gives the most beautiful lit-from-within glow without looking shiny or overdone. Prepped skin is the foundation of everything, so I always start with a good skincare base before any makeup goes on. My top products are
https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/kiehl-s-creamy-eye-treatment-with-avocado-various-sizes/12916107/
https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/medik8-press-and-glow-tonic-200ml/12708819/
https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/medik8-total-moisture-daily-facial-cream-50ml/15082444/
A foundation that moves with you
For bridal work, I look for foundations that feel weightless but still give beautiful coverage where it's needed. I always match carefully to your skin tone in natural light, and I never apply more than necessary. The goal is skin that looks like great skin — not a mask. My top foundations are
https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/armani-luminous-silk-foundation-30ml-various-shades/11918789/
https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/bobbi-brown-skin-foundation-stick-various-shades/11519361/
The glow moment
This is my favourite part. A touch of highlighter in exactly the right places — cheekbones, the inner corners of the eyes, the bow of the lip — makes such a difference in photos. It catches the light in a way that looks completely natural in person but absolutely stunning on camera.
https://www.johnlewis.com/hourglass-ambient-light-powder-palette/p1407204
https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/nars-light-reflecting-powder-luminizer-6g-various-shades/16488504/
Setting for longevity
A wedding day is long. Ceremony, drinks reception, dinner, dancing — your makeup needs to go the distance. I use setting products that lock everything in place without ever looking dry or powdery.
A note on lashes
You might have noticed I don't use strip lashes. It's a deliberate choice. I love lash extensions or individual lashes if you want more drama, but I find strip lashes can look heavy and feel uncomfortable over a long day. Everything I do is about making you feel like your best self — not someone else entirely.
Want to shop some of these products?
I'm part of the Look Fantastic Team Fantastic family, which means I have my own exclusive discount code for you to use on the site. Look Fantastic stocks an incredible range of skincare, makeup and beauty brands — including many of my bridal favourites — all in one place.
Use my code LFTFANNABELBAIN at lookfantastic.com to get a discount on your order. It's a great way to start building your bridal skincare and makeup kit, or just treat yourself — you deserve it.
What to Expect from Your Bridal Makeup Trial
What to expect…
You've found your dress, booked your venue, and now it's time to think about one of the most exciting parts of wedding prep — your makeup trial. If you've never had a professional makeup trial before, you might be wondering what actually happens. Here's exactly what to expect when you come and see me.
What is a bridal makeup trial?
A trial is a dedicated appointment, usually around 1.5 hours, where we work together to create and refine your wedding day look before the big day. Think of it as a rehearsal — a relaxed, pressure-free session where we can try different approaches until everything feels just right.
What should you bring?
Come along with any inspiration images you've been saving — Pinterest boards, Instagram screenshots, magazine tears. Even if you can't quite put your look into words, images help enormously. I also like to see photos of you, how you would normally wear your makeup for an event to see what look makes you feel your best. Also bring any photos of your dress, veil, or accessories if you have them, so we can make sure everything ties together beautifully.
What happens during the appointment?
We'll start with a chat about your vision, your skin, and how you want to feel on the day. I always take time to understand you — not just the look, but whether you want something timeless and soft, or a little more defined. I'll then work through the look step by step, talking you through every product and technique as I go.
My signature style is natural and glowing — beautiful skin, soft definition, no heavy coverage or strip lashes. But your trial is entirely tailored to you. I ask you to be honest with me and speak up if anything doesn’t feel quite right so I can have the opportunity to fix it so that you leave completely happy!
Can I make changes after the trial?
Absolutely. That's what the trial is for. I'll photograph the finished look and keep notes so we can build on it or adjust it before your wedding day. No two brides are the same, and I want you to feel completely confident in your look before you walk down the aisle.
When should I book my trial?
All of my trials are done during the slower season usually just through winter between January - March. I typically do these on Friday afternoons from my home in East Linton. However if you are not local and have specific dates you are visiting the area, I of course will be flexible and make sure we can get your appointment in at a suitable time for you.
Ready to book your bridal makeup trial? I'd love to hear about your wedding day vision.
Annabel Bain is a bridal makeup artist based in East Lothian, covering Edinburgh, the Lothians, and beyond.