In the bridal sphere, part of ensuring a perfect day (beside the right partner) comes down to three main focal points: the dress, the venue and the glam. One can argue the order of its importance but from where we’re standing, our money’s right on the face. Which makes bridal beauty one of the most lucrative avenues; oft a feat that starts before the crack of dawn in order to make it in time for the ceremony. Whilst it’s common knowledge that brides have to ready themselves to sit in a chair for three hours as a living canvas for their make-up artist, gone are the days where the end result looks like an overly-painted mien. Take Meghan Markle on her fairytale-like wedding day for example: whilst looking like every bit of the blushing royal bride, there wasn’t much of a departure from how her skin was treated or contoured to her usual public appearances.
And in Singapore? The inclination for modern brides to lean natural with their wedding beat seems to be prevalent as well. Gone are the days where thick foundation or deep, bright rouges loom, but in its place, the skin is glowy, neutrals are present and the brides look just like how they do on a good make-up day. “I think “minimal make-up” is subjective to say, but the overall bridal trend has definitely taken a slightly cleaner route, offers local make-up artist Vic Hwang.
“My brides always reiterate on feeling like themselves, looking like themselves. They want to look back on their photos and still recognise themselves and remember their special day as their own. In a way, my work will enhance their features, not transform them. That doesn’t mean we are doing “less” as make-up artists, though. It takes a lot of detail to keep everything flawless yet balanced, minimal but bridal enough.”
Referencing a personal favourite bridal look she had done, Hwang says: “The base looks clean and light, when in reality I spent a lot of time layering many products! It also lasted super well on her, and in all honesty I believe bridal make-up has been going towards this ‘natural glam’ direction.”
Below, she shares her wedding make-up tips as well as the beauty trends that modern-day brides are gravitating towards to.
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Layering is key when it comes to ensuring the make-up lasts the entire day
“Definitely take the time to layer products thinly. When one’s skin requires more coverage, more time is needed to achieve a flawless base yet non-cakey base. This plays a significant role in keeping everything intact for longer, without a heavy feeling on the skin. When pilling on too much in a go, the make-up may slip and slide more.”
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Clean yet defined
“While everything is kept clean, I tend to focus on enhancing one’s lash line. Be it filling the lash line in with eyeliner, or more commonly, with false lashes. This ensures one’s eyes still pop and have the definition it needs in photos! Photos tend to wash out our features a bit more, so by sculpting your features more with blush, contour and bronzers, it creates a soft yet balanced finishing in photos. For those with oily skin, the easiest fix is to blot off excess oil gently with a soft tissue, before going in with a powder puff pre-loaded with loose powder that I usually provide in a small touch up kit for my brides.”
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Satin skin incoming
“In 2024, mauve tones were very highly requested on the eyes, cheeks and lips! So was Thai style make-up that comes with heavier eye looks and well contoured, bronzed skin. In 2025, I believe bronzers are going to come back. However, I believe it’s going to be adapted into the clean looks even more than before, with eye looks sitting less heavy in 2025. The “bridal glow” has always been associated with actual glowy skin, and it was hot for the past few years. However, I believe satin skin finishings are going to be the next trend. With flash photography, one will look more polished and refined while still retaining that glow from within!”
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