Your wedding day will possibly be the most photographed day of your life and you'll want to look your best. There are so many things you want to make sure are perfect for your special day, but don't overlook the makeup. Just for a little while during the planning process bring your bridal beauty to the top of your list. An important decision you'll have to make is who is going to be your makeup artist and you'll want to avoid any mistakes on the day (photos last forever, right?). In this wedding blog we chat with Debbie from Debbie Reilly Makeup who shares with us some tips for achieving that perfect look for your wedding day.
Tell us a little bit about Debbie Reilly Makeup. Where are you based and how long have you been in business?
My name is Debbie and I'm a freelance makeup artist based in Navan, Co. Meath. For over a decade now I've been helping brides achieve that perfect look for their wedding day. My first wedding was done as favour all those years ago and soon after the excitement of it all, I realised that I had a real passion for it and that I wanted this to be my profession. There's nothing better than being involved in a Brides wedding morning and leaving her feeling amazing on her big day! Your wedding day is all about making memories and enjoying every second, so I’m there from early morning to the moment you walk out the door, to help things run smoothly. I am your second arm, from helping you into your dress to pinning on buttonholes to tidying up and most importantly those last-minute touch-ups.

Do you have a mobile service and what areas do you cover?
Yes, I have a mobile service that is available for parties of 3 or more. I mainly cover the Leinster region but I am available to travel nationwide and I'm kept busy with home-based clients also.
What are the biggest wedding makeup trends at the moment?
The 2020/21 wedding season is seeing more of a minimal look, makeup with a soft rosy glow that enhances rather than conceals. Think less Kim Kardashian and more Megan Markle. However, I would advise against following trends in general. I think brides sometimes get caught up in the fact that it’s their special day and end up doing more than they normally do, and it ends up being too much. I always strive to make my brides look like a more defined version of themselves, so as they don’t look back on their photo’s in years to come and not recognise themselves. Go with whatever makes you feel your best! So if you are more of a glam girl, you go glam and vice versa. You do you!!
What are the advantages of having a makeup trial in advance of your special day?
A trial is an absolute must if at all possible. But sometimes with distance being an issue it is not possible, in which case good communication with your makeup artist is a great way to get the results you want. My trials last about 2 hours, where I discuss everything from skincare to tan and your desired look. During your trial you will have the option of changing and adjusting your makeup until you are happy with the result. I recommend that you have your trial done early in the day so you can test it and make sure you are 100% happy with it. So the advantage of having a trial is that you won’t have to worry about what your makeup will look like on the morning of your wedding and you can sit back and relax.

What advice would you give to a bride that is not sure what style or colours to go with?
If your not sure about what style of makeup to go for or what colours to use, I say don’t worry, let your makeup artist worry about that. You can research looks that you like (of real brides, not airbrushed models) so as you can give your makeup artist a clearer idea of your preferences are. Style and colours can then be experimented with during your trial.
What tips would you give a bride to help her make up last the day?
Every bride wants to confident that their makeup will stand the test of time on their big day. I pride myself on preparing the skin to ensure that a bride's makeup looks fresh all day long, but you still need to play your part and look after it. Apart from having to reapply your lipstick, you shouldn’t have to do much more than blot your face. So my biggest tip is tissue paper. Peel off the layers of a piece of tissue and use the single layer to gently pat your face to remove excess oils that will naturally build up during the day. One other tip is to pop a few cotton buds into your bouquet to catch any emotional tears.

Do you have any special offers or promotions happening right now?
At the minute I am running a special offer for all new wedding bookings. I am offering a 15% discount during this period and a discount of 20% if you are booking any of the suppliers I have listed on my advertisement which can be found on my Facebook page Debbie Reilly Makeup or my Instagram page what_debs_does. This offer also applies to any parties from the grooms' side.
How can couples get in touch with you to book you for their wedding?
The best place to contact me for any further information, advice or bookings is by emailing me at debbiereillymakeup@hotmail.com

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