From radiant skin to makeup that lasts all day, the key to a flawless bridal look is preparation and expert guidance. We spoke with renowned makeup artist Dani Kennedy (Cousens) to uncover the best bridal beauty secrets—from skincare prep to the latest makeup trends—to help you feel effortlessly beautiful on your big day.
Bridal makeup is about more than just applying products—it’s about creating a look that enhances a bride’s natural beauty and allows her to shine on the most important day of her life. According to Dani Kennedy (Cousens), the real magic of bridal makeup lies in the experience. “Being part of a bride’s special morning is an honour,” she shares. “I love seeing the transformation that happens when a bride feels truly beautiful and confident.” It’s not just about the makeup; it’s about helping the bride feel like the most radiant version of herself.
For Dani, the magic of bridal makeup isn’t just in the final look, but in the journey from start to finish. “The joy of seeing a bride’s face light up when she looks in the mirror for the first time with her makeup done is something special,” she says. “It’s about creating a look that makes her feel like her very best self, one that will make her glow all day.”
Achieving a flawless bridal look begins long before the makeup brush touches your face. A glowing, healthy complexion is the foundation of any great bridal makeup, and Dani emphasises that skincare is just as crucial as the makeup itself. “You can’t expect makeup to look great on skin that isn’t healthy and prepped properly,” she advises. “Healthy skin will give you a smooth canvas that makes your makeup not only look better but last longer.”
While makeup can work wonders, nothing beats naturally radiant skin. Dani suggests starting your skincare routine well before the wedding to ensure your skin is in its best condition. “Invest in a solid skincare routine that works for your skin type and add facials if you can—if the budget allows, this is an excellent investment,” she adds. Your skin’s health is essential not just for achieving that radiant look, but for the long-lasting finish of your makeup on the big day.
When it comes to skincare, a flawless bridal glow doesn’t happen overnight. Dani advises starting your skincare regimen at least 3-6 months before the wedding to ensure your skin is in the best possible condition. “Hydrating, brightening, or texture-refining treatments are essential during this time,” she explains. Consistency is key.
Dani also stresses the importance of skincare supplements like ProPlenish marine collagen. “Taking collagen helps boost the skin’s elasticity and hydration, which makes a huge difference in the appearance of your skin,” she says. “Incorporating a supplement like ProPlenish into your daily routine can help with skin texture and give you that natural, healthy glow.”
Additionally, Dani recommends professional treatments like skin needling or peels for rejuvenation. “These treatments help stimulate collagen production and refine skin texture, leaving your skin looking fresh and vibrant,” she shares. The right treatments will provide that radiant, youthful look, ensuring your skin is camera-ready for every wedding photo.
With a long wedding day ahead—from the morning ceremony to the evening celebrations—longevity is key. Dani highlights the importance of creating a bridal look that will last from morning to night. “Bridal makeup needs to be long-wearing,” she says. “You want something that will stay in place and still look great even after hours of dancing, hugging, and posing for photos.”
To ensure a look that lasts, Dani recommends layering cream and powder products. “Cream products give a beautiful, natural finish but pairing them with powder formulas helps set everything in place,” she explains. She also suggests using a setting spray to lock in the makeup and keep everything looking flawless for hours.
Choosing shades and tones that feel authentic to you is also a big part of making sure you look and feel your best. “The key is to ensure that your makeup feels like you, so it’s comfortable and you feel confident all day,” Dani adds. “When you’re comfortable in your look, it shines through, and that’s what really makes your bridal beauty timeless.”
Bridal beauty trends are evolving, with a shift towards more effortless elegance and glowing skin. Dani notes that bridal makeup in 2025 is all about embracing natural beauty. “Soft, glowing skin is at the forefront of bridal beauty,” she says. “Brides are moving away from heavy, full-coverage looks and opting for something that feels more fresh and natural.”
Minimalist looks are also becoming increasingly popular. “Think soft individual lashes, a delicate flush of blush, and a natural, complementary lip colour,” Dani shares. “The focus is on enhancing your natural beauty, not masking it with layers of makeup.” This more understated approach ensures that your look will be timeless and elegant, and it’s perfect for brides who want to feel like themselves on their big day.
Finding the perfect makeup artist for your wedding day is more than just looking for someone with a good portfolio—it’s about finding an artist whose style aligns with your vision. Dani suggests doing thorough research before making your decision. “Make sure to look through portfolios, attend a trial session, or even book a makeup artist for an event before your wedding,” she advises. “You’ll want to see how they work and how their makeup looks in professional photographs.”
Open communication is also essential to ensure the process runs smoothly. “Discuss your expectations, the makeup style you envision, and your budget upfront,” Dani explains. “A clear understanding of your needs will ensure there are no surprises on your wedding day.” With the right makeup artist, you’ll be able to achieve your dream bridal look with ease and confidence.
The most important thing to remember on your wedding day is to feel like the best version of yourself. “It’s essential not to experiment with drastic changes on the big day,” Dani advises. “If you’re not used to wearing bold red lips or heavy eye makeup, your wedding day might not be the time to try it for the first time.”
Dani recommends testing different looks at pre-wedding events like hens nights or bridal showers. “These events are a great opportunity to test out new styles in a more relaxed setting, so you feel confident when the big day arrives,” she adds. The more comfortable you feel in your bridal beauty look, the more you’ll glow on your wedding day.
Achieving bridal beauty perfection starts long before your wedding day. With the right skincare routine, carefully selected makeup artist, and a natural, glowing makeup look, you’ll feel confident and radiant as you walk down the aisle.
Start your bridal beauty journey today by incorporating ProPlenish marine collagen into your routine, creating a flawless base for your makeup. By following these bridal beauty tips and starting your preparation early, you’ll ensure your big day is filled with radiant, lasting beauty.
You can follow Dani and her bridal looks on instagram @makeupby.dani
