Claire Bowring Makeup Artist

One of my brides rode her beautiful white horse to the ceremony. Her Dad was a real character, like Bridget Jones' Dad, he was with us as I was getting everyone ready and disappeared to get dressed, he came back in with the these really bright socks and his outfit on, as I looked up I saw that he was a vicar (I had no idea up to this point) and he was going to be taking the service for his daughter - it was the loveliest moment of seeing them together.

Elegant, understated, subtle, natural and glowing.

Building a reputation for bringing my love of skincare to my brides and infusing this into my bridal makeup.

Do what YOU want, not what anyone else wants, or what is expected, be at ease with your choices and what feels right for you both.

I do love a dog at a wedding! I also love any bride that has any item from their Grandma incorporated into their day.

I generally only meet the bride but its lovely to meet the groom too. We converse over email or on phone to ascertain if we are right fit and then I send a booking form, organise a trial with the bride. My trials take up to 2 hours as I really like to understand what they are looking for, its really important for me to get to know them a little. Having your makeup done is such a personal thing and its completely in your personal space, so I bring my calm, spa therapy background to my brides to ease any nerves. I ensure the bride is happy as we go along and completely comfortable with the look at the end of the trial. We chat through timings for the wedding and I confirm payment details.

That I'm here to help women feel their most beautiful and to have the confidence to own it - if you can't feel like that on your wedding day, when can you.

Start looking after your skin - get a good regimen going, seek professional help if you have tricky skin and be consistent with your skincare.

I'm pretty intuitive when it comes to spotting a nervous bride or one that needs some air or space - I'm really easy going and have been know to take a bride off to finish makeup elsewhere. I also carry some quartz crystals with me for brides to hold in the chair whilst they are having their makeup done - it eases their anxiety and brings a sense of calm to them. I also do some breathing techniques that I use in my facials if they are super nervous.

A little powder and/or blotting paper for keep the shine at bay, blush and lipstick - everything else will stay in place all day and night.