Skincare and Make-up for Your Big Day
We had the pleasure of chatting to Penny Pascoe, a professional make-up artist based in Cornwall, about all things make-up and skincare-related. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Penny on several occasions at Camel Studio and she always makes brides look the most beautiful version of themselves.
Penny always looks radiant and has fabulous skin so we wanted to know what her secrets are. She shared with us her tips on caring for your skin, how to achieve the make-up look that best enhances your natural beauty, the products that she uses as well as her recommendations for scheduling your makeup on your wedding day.
What are your top tips to achieve glowing skin for the big day?
Diet is really important. At least 6 months beforehand start thinking about how to make some healthy changes in your diet which will pay dividends. Try to steer clear of sweet things, eat foods that are rich in omega 3 such as oily fish and chia seeds which help to feed the skin. Drink plenty of water to help flush your system through.
Always go to bed with clean skin. This is when your skin rejuvenates. Use a sensitive face wipe or bamboo flannel with warm water. Ensure you take off every last bit of make-up, paying particular attention to the eye area. Waterproof mascara is really difficult to take off. For this, it’s best to use an oily make-up remover. Or instead look for a brand that is non-smudge. I use Blinc, an American brand, which makes an excellent mascara that is impossible to smudge but the only thing you need to remove it with is water.
Avoid chemicals in your skincare and makeup products - natural is best. I like to use Tropic cleanser and seaweed soap. Cleansing is one of the best things you can do. Also a good night cream is important.
If you’re considering a chemical peel or any other facial skin treatment, be sure to have it done at least two weeks before your wedding day. No one wants an adverse reaction.
And lastly, try not to stress too much.
What foundation do you recommend?
Foundation is an important one as it needs to last you for the duration of your day. About 12 years ago I came across All Earth Mineral Cosmetics and haven’t looked back. Their products are amazing - all natural and importantly the foundation provides fantastic coverage, lasts really well and allows your pores to breathe, which is how to achieve a lovely glowing look. They are also a Cornish-based company and their pots are made of recycled fishing nets. I have used the foundation on even the most sensitive skin types and brides have always been really impressed.
What happens if I have a breakout or have a cold sore on my wedding day?
First of all, don’t worry - there are things that can be done that work really well. I use a product by Tropic called Tamanu Balm it’s from a Polynesian flower and is the speediest cell repairer and takes care of spots and cold sores. I then apply a concealer for coverage.
What should brides bring with them for a make-up trial?
I always ask my brides to bring a lipstick with them that they would like to wear, which is the colour that I would recommended that the bridesmaids also wear as this gives a sense of cohesion to “the look”. It’s important to balance the eyes and the lips - when you accentuate the eyes, you also need to accentuate the lips.
Is it true that you need to wear more make-up for photos?
I would say no. My style of make-up is very natural and I think adding more makeup for photos can make things look overdone.
What about the wedding day itself - what are your recommendations?
I always ask that no one has anything on their face.
I don’t generally set a timetable as I always find that it never quite goes according to plan. The way I see it is that as long as I have someone sitting in my chair at all times that everything will be done in good time. I also think this more flexible approach helps people to feel more relaxed.
I prefer to do the bride’s makeup in the middle of proceedings then there is no rush and I can apply touch ups at the end.
I always recommend that the bridesmaids get dressed with plenty of time to spare. Sometimes bridesmaids leave this to the very last minute and it means that then it’s a rush to get everything sorted - final touch ups, bouquet stems dried, helping the bride into her dress etc. If the bridesmaids are all ready in good time it just helps everyone to stay really relaxed, especially the bride.
How do I ensure that my make-up lasts all day?
The make-up that I apply should last you through the day but if you’re anxious that you will need to re-touch then I would recommend ordering a sample of finishing powder and a small Kabuki Brush to touch up if required. Also carry your chosen lipstick.
To find out more information about Penny’s wonderful work, check out her website - https://www.makeupartist-cornwall.co.uk
Photography -
Emma - Freckle Photography
Lou - Travel and the Girls
