Only the best for the bride! We reveal all the premium products and luxe-level beauty tips and treatments the industry experts want you to know about
Bride Laura with Great Lengths hair extensions by Siân Hair (Photo: Premier Wedding Photography)
When it comes to your wedding day, only the best will do! Elevate your bridal beauty routine with premium products and insider tips that will leave you glowing from the aisle to the dance floor.
Whether you're planning to indulge in bespoke skincare or looking for treatments that provide long-lasting results, here’s your ultimate guide to achieving luxe-level bridal beauty.
1. Bespoke skincare: the foundation of bridal radiance
“I always suggest you visit a skin specialist a year before your wedding to set up a personalised skincare plan,” says award-winning makeup artist Leigh Blaney.
“This way, you can avoid last-minute treatments that could harm your skin, and instead focus on a consistent routine that provides a solid base for makeup.”
Striving to offer exactly that is Glasgow specialist skincare boutique 33Dowanhill with its custom facial oil service. Completing its online ‘skin analysis’ survey provides an insight into your skin’s needs, taking age, lifestyle and personal concerns into account.
Whether your skin is dry, sensitive, ageing or has a combination of issues, 33Dowanhill will craft the perfect blend for a radiant complexion using the finest natural and organic cold-pressed oils. The ready-to-glow bespoke blend should be available around seven days after ordering.
33Dowanhill’s bespoke facial oils are made using the finest natural plant and seed oils
Browse our directory of Scottish beauty suppliers and get ready to radiate confidence on your wedding day
2. Premium products: elevate your everyday glam
Leigh Blaney has no qualms about you using high-street products day to day, but it’s a different matter when it comes to your wedding. “It’s your special day, and you should be treated to the best products,” she believes. Her kit includes premium brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, YSL, Tom Ford and Chanel.
To achieve that fine luxe finish, Leigh loves using Ishga’s body oil, saying it not only helps perfume to last longer, it also enhances body makeup. “I use it to prep the legs, arms and décolletage, especially for brides with spray tans.”
Cheers to makeup by Leigh Blaney! (Photo: In the Name of Love Photography)
3. Permanent makeup treatments: beauty that lasts
With five years of experience and the Browista 2024 ‘UK’s #1 Microblading Artist’ award under her belt, Emily Bartle-Haigh of Dundee’s Browjam specialises in natural microblading and lip blush to enhance and define brows and lips.
How long does eyebrow microblading last?
The results can last as long as three years (and even up to five years, depending on lifestyle, skin type and other factors).
If you’re considering a cosmetic tattoo treatment, Emily recommends starting a year before the wedding to allow plenty of time to get acquainted with your new look and to complete any necessary touch-ups.
“This kind of treatment is great for achieving that ‘you, but better’ type of bridal look.”
The before (top) and after (bottom) of Emily Bartle-Haigh of Dundee’s Browjam natural microblading work
The 'after' result of a client's lip blush treatment by Emily Bartle-Haigh of Dundee’s Browjam
4. Invest in injectables: picture-perfect confidence
Increasing numbers of brides are turning to anti-wrinkle injections if they want to smooth out fine lines and achieve a well-rested, naturally refreshed look – “Perfect for photos and close-ups throughout the big day,” says Fiona Ross, director of The Aesthetics Club, which has luxe skincare clinics in Bearsden, Newton Mearns, Stockbridge and London.
Are you wearing a strapless or low-back dress? You might be interested in Traptox, botox for the trapezius muscles, that is designed to release tightness and tension in your back and neck. From an aesthetic standpoint, Traptox can elongate your neck and give you leaner-looking shoulders.
And if you’re just looking for a radiant all-over glow, Ameela is the skin clinic’s go-to option. This injectable booster works to improve the skin’s texture, tone and luminosity, helping the complexion look naturally dewy and flawless.
The Aesthetics Club has luxe skincare clinics in Bearsden, Newton Mearns, Stockbridge and London
5. Hair goals: from growth to glamour
“I find that most brides want to grow their hair ahead of the wedding,” Inverness-based bridal hair specialist Natasha Griffin says, and she has a few pointers that’ll help promote growth and strength.
“When blow-drying your hair, always use heat protection. Color Wow’s Dream Cocktail Kale-Infused Leave-in Treatment offers amazing protection but also rejuvenates and strengthens.
“Avoid going to bed with wet hair as this will encourage damage and breakage. Sleeping with your hair up (in a loose bun) will also help keep any damage to a minimum,” she adds.
Ways to make hair grow faster
When it comes to nourishing your locks in the hopes of promoting growth, bridal hair expert Pamela Docherty, aka Pam Doc Hair, similarly stands by the classics: heat protection and silk pillowcases.
But she also has some additional tips: “Chāmpo’s Pitta Growth Serum on the scalp every day, along with gentle massage and brushing, is key,” she says. “And a head spa treatment is also wonderful for maintaining scalp health and promoting hair growth – the one at Head Bath Glasgow is excellent.”
One Tree Hill star Jana Kramer called on Pam Doc Hair’s skills to ensure her “relaxed and informal waves” were silky-smooth and perfectly in place all day long when she married at Ayrshire’s Carnell Estates in July (Photo: Craig and Eva Sanders)
6. High-quality extensions: ideal for styling
If all those good habits still aren’t getting you the results you were hoping for, it might be time to (literally) extend your options. “Great Lengths can make your hair dreams a reality,” says Siân Bannan of Siân Hair, and she should know – she’s a specialist in hair extensions.
Made with keratin bonds, these high-quality extensions can be seamlessly matched and customised to meet your specific needs.
"Extensions are ideal if your hair doesn’t hold a curl well or if you’re concerned about not having enough volume for an updo.”
Siân recommends getting extensions done around four to six weeks before your wedding. If the aftercare advice is followed, it is estimated that your extensions should last between three and five months: “All sorted for your hen party and honeymoon too!”
No bride of Siân Hair will worry about her hair lacking volume on her big day (Photo: Julie Lamont Photography)
Your luxe bridal beauty checklist
- Book your hair and makeup artists well in advance.
- Schedule a consultation with a skincare specialist one year before your wedding.
- Treat yourself to premium products that make you feel your best.
- Explore permanent makeup or injectable treatments to enhance your natural beauty.
- Prioritise hair health with protective products and expert extensions.
From bespoke skincare to luxurious hair extensions, these tips ensure you’ll radiate confidence and elegance on your special day. After all, your wedding is the ultimate occasion to indulge in the best – because you deserve nothing less.
Bridal Hair by Natasha created this sleek high bun on model Mallory Reid (Photo: Anna Dunlop Weddings)
