Glow up, but make it real - Hayley Bingley

Every bride wants to feel like herself, just with better lashes and great lighting. That’s where makeup artists step in, mixing personal style with pro techniques to create magical wedding-day looks.

Hayley Bingley, a bridal hair and makeup specialist, says it all starts at the bridal trial, when she gets to know the bride and her style and dress to suggest the best look. “I want to enhance what’s already there,” she says.

Zeenat Jaffer of Z Haus Makeup Consultancy in Dubai (pictured above) takes a similar view: “I don’t want to recreate someone else’s look, but to make you feel like yourself, just elevated. The day is about you, not the algorithm.”

Skin first, foundation second

Good skin prep and product restraint are key, especially with the UAE climate.

“Great makeup starts with great skin,” says Bingley, who preps her brides with hydrating masks and primers such as the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. “For Dubai’s humidity, I rely on my trusted Kryolan fixing spray to hold everything in place.”

Jaffer agrees but warns against overdoing the prep. “Too much product can cause everything to slide,” she explains. She starts with a clean canvas, some exfoliation, a hydration boost, and lots of patience. Breathable, cream-based products create that lit-from-within glow, though key areas are powdered to avoid unwanted shine. “Less product, more technique is key to a look that lasts.”

What’s in, what’s out

This season, soft glam reigns supreme. Bingley couldn’t be happier: “I’m thrilled natural finishes are trending.” Zeenat breaks it down: “Glowy skin, flushed cheeks, soft eyes, it’s timeless and flattering. Brides want to glow, not melt.”