May 2026 Issue 16

MAY 2026 | ISSUE NUMBER 16

Welcome!

Welcome to May’s Edition of the Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory online Magazine.

This months Cover feature is Part one from a styled shoot in Ayr with members Jill Rowan Makeup and Bridal Hair by Morgan, at Richmond Events with Rhona Wilson Photography. We took to Croy Shore Beach in Ayr for part of the shoot.

Meet our Members this month is Maureen from The Bride to Be and our tips for Brides to Be to deal with the overwhelm of wedding makeup by Bridal Hair by Natasha.

Helping Brides find the perfect wedding hair and makeup artist for their Scottish Wedding www.scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectory.co.uk 2

CONTENT RICHMOND EVENTS PART ONE CROY SHORE BEACH - 5 Part One of our styled shoot at The Richmond Events, Maybole.

MEET OUR MEMBERS: THE BRIDE TO BE- 47 Maureen joins us for this month’s Members’ Q&A, sharing insights into her signature bridal styles,

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP: BRIDAL HAIR BY NATASHA - 50 Tips to stop the overwhelm when it comes to choosing wedding makeup.

WHY DOES WEDDING HAIR & MAKEUP COST MORE- 55 Breaking down why wedding hair & makeup costs more than occasion hair & makeup.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST- 59 Tips on how to find and choose the right wedding Hair & Makeup Artist for your Wedding.

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Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory Online Magazine Editor

Photographers

Hania McIntyre

Sofie M Studio Rhona Wilson Photography Sky Photography Romina Key Photography

Co Editor Sara Bonner - O Hara

Contributors Bridal Hair by Natasha

About Our Staff Hania McIntyre Hania is a former Wedding Makeup Artist in South West Scotland and Founder of the Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory.

Sara Bonner - O Hara Sara is a cruelty free Hair & Makeup Artist based in Scotland’s central belt.

www.scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectory.co.uk info@scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectory.co.uk @scottishbridalbeauty

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The richmond events part 1 croy shore beach In March we were at The Richmond Events near Maybole for a full day of styled shoots. We split the day into two shoots with one at Richmond Events and the other we took to Croy Shore Beach which is a short drive away from Richmond Events to showcase the stunning area and show couples the other options for photos as well as the fabulous Richmond Events.

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Teaming up with Rhona Wilson Photography again, Make Believe Events on decor and Darcye Macguire on florals. Rowan Creative captured all the back stage content, and dresses were from Dream Brides Irvine.

Members Jill Rowan and Bridal Hair by Morgan proved that their work can really hold up in the Scottish Weather, the hair and makeup survived a chilly March day on the Beach (and even in the Sea!!). Model Gemma really got involved and made it look effortless but I have to admit, it was freezing!

Any Brides to Be worried about their makeup and hair not surviving, this is your sign that it absolutely will if you pick the right artists.

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C R E D I T S

Concept & Planning - The Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory Images - Rhona Wilson Photography Hair -Bridal Hair by Morgan Makeup - Jill Rowan Makeup Model - Gemma Dresses - Dream Brides Irvine Content - Rowan Collective Venue - The Richmond Events Flowers - Darcey Macguire Venue Styling - Make Believe Events

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MEET OUR MEMBERS MAUREEN THE BRIDE TO BE

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in the wedding Hair Industry?

I did my first hair cut when I was 8 yrs old, fell in love with working with anything to do with hair...

I started my first salon at the age of 22 in Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow, three salons later over the years.

A L'oreal Colour Scottish Winner on three occasions and placed 4th just off the podium at The Royal Albert Hall in London. (claim to fame) My last salon was placed at The Hilton, 1 William Street in Glasgow, just when the hotel opened and ran my salon there for 18 years.

It was then that I decided not to be behind the chair, I woke up one morning and thought "I want to do long hair, who has got long hair, brides have got long hair" Then I began my journey into the bridal industry... The Bride to be... wedding hair and makeup was born... how many years have you been working as a wedding hairstlyist?

14 years.

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what services do you offer to brides and bridal parties?

Both hairstyling and makeup.

Bridal trials are done at the same appointment.

We supply clip in hair extensions and can colour match at the bridal trial.

We supply a beautiful selection of headpieces, pearl diamanté , combs etc... sparkles for inspiration for our brides and bridesmaids. what areas do you cover? and do you travel out of scotland for weddings?

Scotland and the Islands. what is your typical process when working with a bride, from the initial enquiry to the wedding day?

Changes are updated at any time throughout, whatever is required.

Final balance is due two weeks prior the wedding date, a receipt will be sent on the same day the payment is made.

Should the bride require extensions for additional volume or length The Bride to be... will supply, colour match and have them there for the bridal rehearsal.

The Bride to be... will have some pearl/diamanté bands, pins, combs etc. also a play veil to try for effect at the bridal rehearsal if required.

If all the bridal party requires a trial The Bride to be... will supply pink cava and nibbles for four or more at no additional cost.

The Bride to be... will not use images without permission from the bride.

This is Our Process So, what happens next?

• A detailed booking form is filled out and sent to The Bride to be...

• The bride’s quote is sent over to us with all details, date, venue, numbers in the bridal party, artists arrival time on the day, date options for a rehearsal tbc.

• To secure the wedding date a deposit will be required • Once the deposit is paid, a date for the bridal hair and makeup rehearsal is then arranged (both services at the rehearsal appointment).

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Do you have a favourite venue or location you have worked in scotland?

There are so many beautiful locations that I love to work, near the sea or on a Loch always has that extra special calming energy... what are your top 3 products in your kit?

Wow Raise the Root, Wow Style on Steroids Wow Pop and Lock how can brides get in touch with you?

What advice do you have for brides who are in the process of choosing their wedding hair & makeup artist I would suggest they really do their homework; personal recommendations are the best.

AI/ChatPT can help bring real talent to the surface, research a few suppliers and make your decision.

Be careful of images that you like online as we know they are not always real.

Firstly, check out all socials if you like what you see there is a booking form on my website www.thebridetobe.co.uk there is a booking form on the homepage.

Happy to have facetime appointments.

When brides get in touch I always suggest we liaise via email as I work from a company template this makes it so much easier for updates etc... , too many ways of communication this is when mistakes can be made.

Do not scrimp on hairstyling and makeup this is the most important day of your life, you need to look and feel your very best, (from the inside out).

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CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP - TIPS TO STOP THE OVERWHELM BRIDAL HAIR BY NATASHA Choosing your wedding makeup can feel like one of the biggest beauty decisions you’ll ever make.

There are thousands of photos online, endless trends appearing every week, and enough Pinterest boards to make your eyes cross before you’ve even chosen a lipstick. It’s exciting, but it can also become overwhelming very quickly.

Changes over the years One thing that has changed massively over the last few years is the rise of heavily edited and AIgenerated beauty imagery. As makeup artists, we tend to spot it instantly. Skin with absolutely no texture, lashes that don’t quite make sense, cheeks with impossible lighting, and makeup that somehow survives tears, sweat, wind, and twelve hours of dancing without a single crease in sight.

A lot of the inspiration images circulating online are digitally enhanced to some degree, and while they can still be useful for inspiration, they shouldn’t be the sole thing guiding your wedding makeup choices.

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Choosing your Bridal Makeup The best way to choose your bridal makeup is to look closely at your makeup artist’s actual work. Real brides. Real lighting. Real weddings. Professional photos taken throughout the day are especially useful because they show how the makeup lasts, how it photographs outdoors and indoors, and how it sits naturally on real skin.

A Pinterest image may show you a beautiful idea, but your makeup artist’s portfolio shows you what they can genuinely create.

One of the most helpful things you can do when looking for inspiration is to find people with similar features to your own. Similar skin tone, eye shape, hair colour, face shape, and even age range can all help you get a more realistic idea of how a makeup style may look on you.

For example, a soft bronzy glam on someone with deep olive skin will naturally look different than the same tones on someone with very fair skin. Likewise, makeup on a model with very large lid space will appear completely different on someone with hooded eyes.

This is where many brides accidentally become disappointed,

not because the makeup artist did anything wrong, but because the inspiration image wasn’t realistic for their own features in the first place.

And sometimes, when makeup artists ask, “What do you like about this makeup?” the answer isn’t actually the makeup at all. A lot of the time, it’s the model’s face.

It sounds funny, but it’s true.

Someone might say they love a makeup look, but when you break it down, what they really love is the model’s bone structure, lips, eyes, skin, or overall aesthetic. The makeup itself may actually be incredibly minimal. This is why communication with your artist matters so much.

Instead of simply saying, “I want this look,” try explaining what you like about it.

Is it: * The glowing skin? * The soft eyes? * The sharp liner? * The natural brows? * The lip colour? * The overall softness? * The confidence and elegance of the image?

These details help your artist translate inspiration into something personalised for you rather than copying a photo that may not suit your features.

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What are you comfortable with?

Another important thing to think about is how much makeup you actually feel comfortable wearing in everyday life. Your wedding day is still you — just elevated.

Some brides want barely-there makeup with fresh skin, brushed brows, and a touch of mascara. Others love full glam with sculpted skin, smoky eyes, lashes, and a defined lip.

Neither is right or wrong.

The key is choosing something that still feels authentic when you look in the mirror.

If you never wear heavy foundation, your wedding morning probably isn’t the ideal time to suddenly wear the fullest coverage base imaginable.

Equally, if you wear glam makeup regularly and love it, going ultranatural may leave you feeling underdone in your photos.

Bridal makeup doesn’t have to fit into one category. It can be soft glam, modern glam, natural, classic, editorial, romantic, vintage-inspired, bronzed, radiant, matte, or somewhere in between.

One of the biggest factors in deciding eye makeup is your eye shape.

Hooded eyes, for example, often need a slightly different approach. Having hooded eyes absolutely does not mean you can’t have a smoky eye or glamorous makeup. It just means placement becomes more important.

The less visible lid space there is, the harder it can be to see intricate shadow work when the eye is open. Sometimes softer blending and strategic shaping actually create more impact than very detailed eye looks.

Large wings can also be tricky on heavily hooded eyes because they may transfer onto the upper lid throughout the day.

This doesn’t mean eyeliner is impossible, it just means your artist may adapt the shape or suggest something softer that wears better for longer.

A good bridal makeup artist understands how to work with your features instead of fighting against them.

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Lashes are another thing worth considering carefully. False lashes can completely transform a makeup look, but they don’t have to be huge to make an impact. In fact, many bridal looks suit smaller, wispy lashes far better than dramatic volume styles.

Your makeup artist may use professional products from their kit, but having your own lipstick nearby is always useful after eating, drinking, and kissing your new spouse approximately 700 times.

Comfort matters too.

Longevity is something many brides worry about, and rightly so. Your wedding makeup needs to survive a lot. Tears, weather, hugs, heat, nerves, flash photography, and an entire evening on the dance floor all put makeup to the test.

You’ll be wearing them for a long day filled with emotions, hugs, photos, eating, and dancing. If you never wear lashes normally, it’s worth trying a few styles at your trial so you can decide what feels best.

Choosing the right lip colour

This is why bridal makeup is very different from everyday makeup.

Lip colour is another area where brides often overcomplicate things.

Sometimes the best wedding lip is simply a polished version of what you already love wearing.

If you always wear a nude lip, chances are you’ll still feel most confident in a nude lip on your wedding day. If you’re known for a bold red lip, your wedding doesn’t mean you suddenly have to abandon it.

A signature lip can actually become part of your bridal identity.

One of the best tips is to purchase your wedding lipstick ahead of time so you can carry it with you throughout the day for touch-ups.

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And finally, try not to get too caught up chasing trends.

Wedding beauty trends come and go constantly. What matters most is whether you feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. Your wedding photos should still feel timeless to you years from now.

The goal isn’t to look like somebody else. It’s to look like the very best version of yourself.

It’s carefully layered and balanced to last while still looking natural in person. Often the makeup may feel slightly more defined up close than what you’re used to because cameras naturally soften and flatten features.

Professional photography also changes how makeup appears. What looks “too much” in your bathroom mirror can photograph beautifully.

This is another reason trusting your artist matters.

Trials are incredibly valuable because they allow you to test things properly.

Wear the makeup for the day. Go outside in natural light. Take photos.

See how it feels after several hours.

This gives both you and your artist the opportunity to tweak anything before the wedding itself.

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How to Choose a Trustworthy Wedding Hair & Makeup Artist in Scotland (and the Red Flags to Watch For) Starting Your Search Getting engaged or setting your wedding date is such a special moment. Then comes the planning, which is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can feel a bit overwhelming too.

Having worked as a wedding makeup artist for over a decade before retiring, I’ve had countless chats with brides about their planning journeys, the highlights and the headaches. One thing that always comes up is how tricky it can be to find suppliers you can genuinely rely on. You might already have a few people in mind, maybe someone you’ve followed for years, someone recommended to you, or a supplier you’ve seen in action at another wedding. But if you’re starting from scratch, it can feel like a bit of a minefield.

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Where to Look If you’ve already got someone on your radar, chances are you’ve been keeping an eye on their work for a while (we’ve all done a bit of Instagram stalking!).

Recommendations from friends or suppliers you’ve met at weddings are also a great place to begin.

If you’re earlier in the process, or planning from outside Scotland, you’ll likely turn to search engines.

A quick search can bring up loads of options, but that comes with its own challenges.

Outdated websites, inactive businesses, or people no longer working in the industry can still show up, which makes things confusing.

Scrolling through endless pages only to find your favourite isn’t available (or doesn’t travel to your area) can be frustrating and timeconsuming.

That’s where alternatives like Facebook groups, AI tools, or directories can really help. For example, the Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory brings together a wide range of professional artists in one place.

There’s even the option to submit your details and be matched with suitable artists, which can save you a huge amount of time and guesswork.

Red Flags to Be Aware Of I don’t want to put a dampener on things, but it’s important to be realistic, there are some fantastic suppliers out there, but there are also those who are unreliable, unprofessional, or worse. Here are a few things I’d personally keep an eye on: Poor communication.

This is usually the first warning sign. Of course, suppliers are busy, but there’s a difference between being busy and not responding at all. If you’re waiting weeks just to hear back from an initial enquiry, I’d take that as a sign to move on.

Even a quick acknowledgement goes a long way.

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No reviews (or very few)

Unprofessional behaviour

It’s true that not every bride leaves a review, but most established suppliers will have at least some feedback online, whether that’s on Google or social media. Take the time to read them. Are they consistent? Do they mention good communication and a smooth experience?

Trust your gut on this one. If something feels off at any stage, it probably is. Professionalism should be there from the very beginning, not just on the wedding day.

I’m not talking about having a laugh or a bit of banter, that’s part of the experience, but it should always feel respectful and comfortable.

If you can’t find anything, it’s worth digging a bit deeper. Facebook groups and forums can be really helpful here, I’ve seen situations where the same supplier is repeatedly mentioned with negative feedback, which can save others from making a stressful mistake.

Relying on social media following alone

No contract in place This is a big one. Everything should be clearly outlined in writing, services, numbers, timings, costs. If someone is relying purely on messages or verbal agreements, you’re leaving yourself open to lastminute issues. A contract protects both of you.

No backup plan

A large Instagram following doesn’t automatically mean someone is reliable. In fact, sometimes the opposite can be true. They might be focusing on other areas of their business or moving away from weddings altogether.

That’s not to say anyone with a big following isn’t professional, just don’t use follower count as your main deciding factor. If they have a large following but low engagement, this could be due to buying followers.

Life happens, and no one can predict the unexpected. That’s why it’s important to ask what would happen if your artist couldn’t make it. Do they have trusted colleagues they can call on?

Having a backup plan in place offers that extra peace of mind.

Thats one thing with the Directory, we have a list of artists who can help each other if need be.

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Final Thoughts It might all sound a bit extreme, and hopefully you’ll never have to deal with any of these issues. But being aware of the warning signs puts you in a much stronger position from the start.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it, walk away. And before paying any booking fee or deposit, make sure you feel completely confident in your choice.

These payments are often non-refundable, so it’s important to be certain.

One thing I will say with confidence is that every artist listed within the Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory is a working professional. While I may not have met every single one personally, I know them through the community and trust them fully.

I’ve always been selective about who joins, I’d rather keep the directory smaller and filled with the right people than grow it for the sake of numbers. There’s also a strong community behind it, so in the unlikely event someone couldn’t attend a wedding, there’s always support in place from other trusted artists.

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WHY DO WEDDING SERVICES COST MORE? One question that comes up time and time again is this: why does the price increase as soon as something is labelled a “wedding”?

It’s a fair question, and while I can’t speak for every industry, I can offer some insight from my own experience as a wedding makeup artist with nearly a decade in the industry.

And the truth is, there are several very valid reasons behind the difference in cost. It isn’t because wedding suppliers are greedy, or you said the word “wedding”.

To start with, the logistics are completely different. For a typical night out or special occasion, clients usually travel to a salon or the artist’s home studio.

Weddings, on the other hand, almost always require the artist to travel to the chosen venue. In places like Scotland, that can often mean long journeys and very early starts, sometimes before sunrise.

Evening appointments rarely come with that kind of demand.

Another key factor is the scale of the booking. Bridal parties can be large, and accommodating multiple people within a strict timeline often requires bringing in an additional artist or assistant.

Coordinating this isn’t always straightforward, other professionals may need to travel as well, which adds both time and cost behind the scenes.

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Time itself is also a major consideration. Wedding hair and makeup services are more detailed and typically take longer to complete.

Unlike salon appointments, where artists can work efficiently in a fixed space and see multiple clients back-to-back, weddings involve packing, travelling, setting up, and working on location. All of this reduces the number of bookings an artist can take in a day.

Then there’s the standard of the finished look. Wedding makeup isn’t just about looking good in person, it needs to last from morning preparations through to the evening celebrations, and it must photograph beautifully under professional cameras.

The same applies to hair, which often needs to support accessories like veils or flowers while maintaining its style all day. This level of durability and precision requires a different approach, along with high-performance products. Especially in the Scottish landscapes and unpredictable Scottish Weather. Brides eloping in Skye for example often hike up mountains so the hair and makeup needs to stand the test of time!

Speaking of products, professional kits are a significant investment.

Most wedding artists rely on premium, high-end brands to ensure long-lasting, camera-ready results. While more affordable alternatives exist, they don’t always deliver the same reliability needed for such an important occasion.

Experience also plays a big role in pricing. For many artists, weddings are not a side project, they’re a fulltime career. Years of training, continuous skill development, and significant financial investment go into building both expertise and a professional kit.

Beyond the artistry itself, professionalism matters too.

Contracts, deposits, and clear communication are all part of running a reliable business, and unfortunately, these are often the areas where less experienced or hobbyist providers fall short. I often see Brides being let down by artists who offered very low pricing.

There are also many behind-thescenes costs that clients don’t always see. Professional lighting, durable kit bags, makeup chairs, and content equipment all form part of a wedding setup. On top of that, artists invest heavily in branding, websites, and social media to remain visible in a highly competitive market.

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Ongoing education is another essential expense. Reputable artists regularly attend training courses to keep their skills current and refine their techniques. These courses can be costly, often hundreds of pounds, but they’re crucial for maintaining a high standard of service.

And then there are the everyday business costs: insurance, vehicle expenses, accounting services, booking systems, and subscription platforms.

Marketing is another major investment, with many professionals paying for advertising across platforms like social media and search engines to reach new clients.

When you take all of these elements into account, it becomes clear that wedding pricing reflects far more than just the service on the day.

It encompasses preparation, expertise, reliability, and the assurance that everything will run smoothly on one of the most important days of your life.

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Thank You! Thank you for supporting our online magazine. If you want to feature in our magazine or website, please contact us on our website via the contact form or email us at info@scottishweddinghairandmakeu pdirectory.co.uk

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INDEX Photographers Romina Key Photograph Sky Photography In the Name of Love Photography JK Photography AM Photography Bear & Butterfly Rhona Wilson Photography Anna Dunlop Connor Barrett Photography Willow and Wilde Chris Guthrie Andrea Godfrey Photography White Cherrie Photography Jasmine Skye Photography Emma Halliburton Creative Love Skye Photography Stevie Kyle Photography Hannah Dalziel Films

Members Jill Rowan Makeup Bridal Hair by Morgan The Bride to Be Bridal Hair by Natasha

Models Gemma

Flowers & Venue Styling Dresses Darcey Macguire Dream Brides Irvine

Make Believe Events

Content Creator

Venue

Rowans Creative

The Richmond Events

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NEVER MISS Subscribe AN ISSUE! to The Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory

VISIT US ONLINE WWW.SCOTTISHWEDDINGHAIRANDMAKEUPDIRECTORY.CO.UK 64

Lois Barclay Makeup Artist Artist 65

Lois Barclay Makeup Artist

The Hair Hut 66

TheHairHut

Jill Rowan Makeup 67

Jill Rowan Makeup

Elegant Bridal HAIRSTYLING

Elegant Bridal Hairstyling

Image Willow & Wilde

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Alcheme Beauty 69 https://www.alchemebeauty.co.uk

Image Chris Guthrie

Alannas Artistry Artistry Studio 70 https://www.instagram.com/alannasartistrystudio/

Image Andrea Godfrey Photography

Aimi Clark 71 https://ac-hair.co.uk

Image White Cherrie Photography

Audrey McCarthy 72 https://www.audreymccarthymakeupartist.co.uk

Image Connor Barrett Photography

Meigan Alessandra 73

Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair

Gemma Black Hair 74

Gemma Black Hair

Ailsa Doc 75

Ailsa Doc Skincare & Makeup

Image Rhona Wilson Photography

Bridal Hair by Natasha 76

Bridal Hair by Natasha

Image JK Photography

Rebecca Hastings Hastings 77

Rebecca Hastings

Image TBC

Bridal Hair by Morgan 78

Bridal Hair by Morgan

Image Bear & Butterfly

Hannah Bailey 79

Hannah Bailey

Image In the Name of Love Photography

Victoria Buckley 80

Victoria Buckley

Image TBC

Rebecca Cairns 81

Rebecca Cairns Makeup

Image TBC

The Bride to Be 82

The Bride to Be

Image In the Name of Love Photography

Catherine Taylor 83

Catherine Taylor MUA

Image TBC

Lindsay Cloughley Makeup 84

Lindsay Cloughley Makeup

Image TBC

Michaela Sands 85

Michaela Sands

Image AM Photography

Makeup by Sarabel 86

Makeup by Sarabel

Image TBC

Carol Fairfield Fairfield 87

Carol Fairfield

Rachel Spence 88

Rachel Spence

Bridal by Regina 89

Bridal By Regina

In The Name of Love Photography

Erin Burgh Makeup 90

Erin Burgh Makeup Artist

BACHILTON BARN WEDDINGS & EVENTS THAT ARE INDIVIDUALLY YOURS

https://www.bachiltonbarn.co.uk

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FOLKERTON MILL LANARKSHIRE WEDDING VENUE www.folkertonmillweddings.co.uk

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CHERRY BLOSSOM CAKE

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01506 798987

https://www.cherryblossomcakedesign.com/

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AFFILIATES

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