Choosing a Makeup Artist for Your Wedding Day

How do you choose the perfect bridal makeup artist? Research before reaching out.

Whether you’re planning an extravagant event or an intimate wedding, one thing is for certain, you want to look your absolute best!

A professional makeup artist will not only make you look stunning but will ensure that your look holds up for the entire day, accentuates your natural beauty and works perfectly for gorgeous photographs so you can forget about it and enjoy yourself.

As a photographer, I’ve worked alongside many amazing makeup artists. It makes such a difference to have a professional who understands your vision and makes you feel relaxed and confident when all eyes are on you.

My tips for choosing your wedding day Makeup Artist

  1. Start your research early: The best makeup artists are naturally the ones who are most in demand. Once you have your date set don’t delay in starting your search.
  2. Check out portfolios and reviews: Look at the makeup artist’s portfolio of previous work, which should be available on their website or social media. Most rely on instagram to showcase their work. Also, check out real reviews from previous clients on either their Facebook or Google profiles.
  3. Get recommendations: It may seem obvious but ask friends or family members who have recently been married for recommendations. They may have a makeup artist they loved and can give you some helpful tips.
  4. Consider your personal style: You want to feel comfortable and confident on your wedding day, so make sure the makeup artist you choose can create the look you want. Look for someone whose style aligns with your own.
  5. Ask about pricing and availability: Make sure to ask about pricing and availability when you reach out to a makeup artist. You want to ensure they are available on your wedding day and if necessary will be able to cater for your bridal party. Bearing all of this in mind make sure your pricing aligns with your budget.

My pick of the best Makeup Artists in Ireland

Getting ready on the day is a special moment in itself, the starting point of one of the most important days of your life, so naturally you want someone you can trust and rely on. I’ve put together a small list of makeup artists I feel confident about recommending.

Derrick Carberry

One of Ireland’s most sought-after makeup artists with over 20 years experience in everything from film, television and fashion week to magazines and award ceremonies. Known for his versatility, Derrick delivers in every way for whatever style you’re after by accentuating your natural beauty and making you feel confident and relaxed on your big day.

Derrick Carberry makeup artist

Derrick’s impressive client list includes Elle MacPherson, Anjelica Houston, Cecelia Ahern and Louise Redknapp, to name a few. Derrick specialises in Bridal Makeup and his work takes him all over Ireland and abroad.

For more information visit derrickcarberry.com.

Michelle Regazzoli Stone

If you’re into makeup, then chances are you already know Michelle Regazzoli Stone, aptly named ‘Mrs Makeup’. Michelle has been doing professional makeup for 18 years and is highly respected in the industry.

With huge followers on Instagram and Facebook and her own beauty brand, Mrs Glam, there’s no doubt her reputation is both well established and well earned. Michelle specialises in bespoke bridal makeup and media makeup artistry.

Her work has taken her all over the world where her skills have won her an impressive list of high profile clients including Pippa O’Connor, Vicky Patterson and Rosanna Davison for whom she flew to Ibiza for Rosanna’s own glamorous wedding.

Her campaigns include working with RTÉ, TV3’s Exposé, Ireland AM and magazines such as Hello!, Closer, VIP, RSVP and Confetti Bridal, to name a few. Suffice it to say she’s definitely one of Ireland’s best when it comes to makeup. Her glowing reviews all attest to Michelle’s exceptional talent but also her kindness and natural friendly approach with those around her.

Her brand keeps her busy but Mrs Makeup is as passionate as ever about all things makeup and delivering the highest standard in her field of expertise. Check out her beautiful looks for creative ideas and inspiration on her website here.

Vaiva Makeup & Beauty

This beauty salon run by Vaiva Sim and her team of professionals offers the full package experience. Situated in Kilkenny, they also travel all over Ireland to meet the needs of their clients. They specialise in everything from nails, eyes, tans and of course, makeup.

Their focus is to achieve your dream look so you can relax and just enjoy your big day.

With years of experience, they pride themselves on delivering an exceptional service customised for each bride. You can check out their gorgeous bridal makeup looks for inspiration on Instagram and Facebook or for more information go to the Vaiva Makeup & Beauty website.

Yvonne Maher

Based in Kilkenny with nearly 25 years of experience in the industry and countless awards, you’re in good hands with Yvonne. She’s looked after thousands of brides all over Ireland but also travels abroad should you be getting married a little further afield.

Yvonne Maher Makeup Artist

She’s a master at creating a timeless elegance that’s both laid back and sophisticated. With a loyal following on Instagram it’s easy to see why she’s in such high demand. Her glowing reviews all attest to her warmth and friendliness that instantly put you at ease.

Visit yvonnemahermakeup.com for more details and booking info.

Anne Marie Doherty

Anne Marie Doherty has been creating naturally beautiful bridal makeup for over 15 years. Based in County Meath, she travels all over Ireland to look after her brides for their big day.

Anne Marie is an expert at achieving a soft romantic style for a fresh and elegant look. Her motto is “to enhance the natural features allowing the Bride to be her beautiful self”.

Her Instagram account is full of her gorgeous looks and it’s easy to see why she is so trusted and appreciated by her clients. For more information visit makeupbyannemariedoherty.com

Ken Boylan

As one of Ireland’s most esteemed freelance makeup artists, Ken has an impressive versatility and track record. With 25 years of experience in the industry, he’s a pro at red carpet events, awards ceremonies and fashion shows as well as a regular contributor in leading fashion publications and tv programs such as RTE’s ‘The Afternoon Show’ and ‘Ireland AM’.

Ken Boylan Makeup artist

Ken specialises in creating a timeless elegance that not only lasts the entire day of your wedding but won’t look outdated in the years to come.

Ken also hosts bootcamp makeup classes to update and practise your makeup skills and splits his time between Ireland and the Algarve where he now also offers his services. For more information please visit Ken’s website.

Ruth Bergin

Based in Laois, Ruth is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading makeup artists. This self-professed makeup junkie is very passionate about what she does and it shows.

Her account is full of product reviews, tutorials and tips that really showcase her incredible range and skills when it comes to flawless makeup, especially her signature glam look.

Ruth now has her own Signature Collection in collaboration with Rebeluna Cosmetics and shows no sign of slowing down. Check out her work on Instagram or contact her through Facebook for any enquiries or bookings.

Ailbhe Lynch

Ailbhe has been doing makeup for over 25 years. She has earned many awards and accolades along with a solid reputation in her field of expertise. Her natural talent and professionalism continues to keep her in high demand for advertising campaigns, TV production, magazine editorials and weddings.

Among other things, she’s a regular contributor to wedding editorial campaigns for the likes of Image Brides, Irish Brides, Wedding Journal, Confetti and has an excellent understanding of how makeup looks on camera.

Bride on her wedding day

With a seriously impressive body of work and celebrity clients including Amy Huberman, Rosanna Davison, Vogue Williams, Imelda May and so many more, you can be sure she can deliver the perfect look.

Ailbhe has that amazing ability to make you feel instantly at ease and bring out your natural beauty with a flawless finish. Her hard work and dedication have earned her the coveted title of Wedding Supplier of the year at the prestigious Weddingsonline Awards and Image Brides have twice named her as one of their makeup mavens.

For more information check her work out on the Ailbhe Lynch website.