Wedding makeup needs to be perfect, and for many brides-to-be finding the right look to work under lights, under pressure and in glare of the paparazzi can be a trial. But one photographer and beauty specialist has the perfect solution to ensure you are primed and camera ready
Photography: Anita Warszawska
Wedding makeup is something you don’t want to leave to chance as it has to stand up to pressure, heat and emotion. London-based Anita Warszawska specialises in getting brides and occasion goers party ready. With a keen eye for what works in every light, she can not only create the look but also test it under the harshest judge – the camera’s lens – because she’s both a trained make-up artist and a trained photographer.
With a beauty studio in Maida Vale (an area flooded with natural light bulbs so looks can be tested for day-to-evening quality), Anita works with many happy repeat customers – especially those looking for a specific look for their wedding or a red-carpet event.
She particularly enjoys helping brides to develop or refine their look and her bridal trials are a great way to set the tone of your wedding style. Brides always want to look like the best version of themselves not someone else, but sometimes a fresh and trained eye can reveal a beautiful new you just by suggesting a different approach to eyes, lips and the balance of the make-up you apply – even the products you choose.
Her approach is especially useful for brides who are planning a destination or remote wedding, where it’s impractical to have a make-up artist on call all day. And, of course, some brides prefer to apply their own make-up on the day.
How the wedding makeup trial works
Anita always offers free consultations first and then runs trials in her studio so that make-up can be applied in the most testing conditions (natural daylight) and then reviewed to ensure it looks flawless. She says: “I recommend that clients do some research in advance to show me make-up and hair looks they like. Then on the day we can choose between us the ideas that are going to work best.”
Although she trained at the renowned Iver Make-up Academy (formerly the Greasepaint School), so knows how to apply make-up for film and TV, Anita uses a very natural style. She says: “I apply make-up carefully and in layers so that it looks natural but also lasts.”
Throughout the session, Anita provides tips on hair, make-up and skincare to help brides ensure they are looking after their best assets in the run up to the day. She also uses tried-and-tested make-up products – those secret weapons in the pro make up bag that will work under every light and also photograph well.
Once the make-up is applied, Anita then takes a few test shots so that both she and the client can review how the finished look is working. She says: “No bride leaves my studio unless she’s completely happy and my aim is to make these preparations take the stress out of her wedding day, so she’s got the look she wants and feels relaxed about on the day.”
