Slogarie Estate Photoshoot
Styled photoshoot with Georgia Buckley and Diane Boa
Figgi Beauty
With Dr Jeanne Retief
BRIDES ONE STOP ONLINE MAGAZINE FOR ALL THINGS BEAUTY HAIR AND MAKEUP
Welcome to the Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory Magazine
Welcome to July’s edition of our online magazine. This edition features one of our first styled shoots last year at Slogarie Estate with Georgia Buckley and Diane Boa.
Members share their favourite lipsticks used in their kits. Dr Jeanne Retief founder of Figgi Beauty contributes with a Guide and information for Brides with sensitive skin.
Donna from Alcheme Beauty answers our members Q&A.
Warmest Regards Hania
ScottishWedding Hair&Makeup DirectoryOnline Magazine
Editor
Hania McIntyre
Co Editor
Sara Bonner - O Hara
Contributor
Dr Jeanne Retief
Photographers
Anna Frances Photography
AM Photography
Lauren George
About Our Staff
Hania McIntyre
Hania is a 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. Sara also offers nail and facial services.
www.scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectory.co.uk
info@scottishweddinghairandmakeupdirectorycouk
@scottishweddingbeauty
SLOGARIE ESTATE Photoshoot
Images by Anna Frances Photography
A Dreamy Wedding Styled Shoot at Slogarie Estate
In the picturesque heart of South West Scotland lies Slogarie Estate, a location that served as the backdrop for one of our first styled wedding shoots last year. This creative collaboration brought together a team of talented artists, each adding their unique touch to the romantic vision. Images Anna Frances Photography.
Members Diane Boa and Georgia Buckley came together to provide hair and makeup on Model Alyx Stark (Star Management). Diane created a modern ponytail with face framing pieces and Georgia opted for a fresh and glowing makeup look
Isobel Florence Bridal provided a beautiful Patricia Barclay dress that complimented the stunning gardens at Slogarie Estate. Then we switched the outfit for a sleek modern fitted Six Stories Dress for heading into the woodland area
As a last minute addition we got a lovely wild bouquet of flowers from the Moffat Garden Centre that worked perfectly with the venue and dresses.
Anna Frances Photography was on hand with her fine art style capturing the beauty of Model Alyx and Slogarie Estate
This styled wedding shoot at Slogarie Estate was a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity The Scottish Wedding Hair & Makeup Directory successfully brought together a team of talented individuals, each contributing their unique skills to create a cohesive and breathtaking vision.
The result was a celebration of beauty and artistry, set against the backdrop of the most breathtaking estate in South West Scotland. For brides-to-be and wedding enthusiasts, it offers a glimpse into the world of Scottish weddings
Credits
Images - Anna Frances Photography
Makeup - Georgia Buckley
Hair - Diane Boa
Venue - Slogarie Estate
Model - Alyx Stark @ Star Management
Dress - Patricia Barclay @ Isobel Florence Bridal
Fitted Dress - Six Stories
Flowers - Moffat Garden Centre
THE CALM GLOW: WEDDING DAY
GUIDE FOR BRIDES WITH SENSITIVE SKIN AND ANXIOUS SOULS
BY DR. JEANNE RETIEF (PHD)
Images AM Photography
For this special feature, Dr Jeanne Retief, founder of Figgi Beauty, shares her Wedding Day Guide for Brides with sensitive skin. You can buy the products here and also book in for a facial and consultation.
Any bride knows there is so much more to a wedding day than the walk down the aisle. It’s about stepping into and truly becoming the fantasy; you’ve always held in your mind about this perfect moment. The day you get to be a princess, a living fairy tale, and a vision of beauty.
Suppose you are a sensitive soul like me. In that case, the anxiety struggle combined with sensitive skin issues can add additional stress in the run-up to your big day. I, therefore, gift you with my personal SOS essentials for sensitive skin in preparation for your big day. However, before venturing into the shaky ground that is “skincare tips” (because we all know how quickly this can become an exercise in focusing only on the outer and not the inner beauty that glows within us all) – let me make one clear point to see you through this little read.
You, my dear soul, are special, exactly the way you are Your glow emanates from you, through you, and within you. There is no beauty like that of a shining soul filled to the brim with the happiness of embarking on life’s journey with the one you love. Hold fast to this because there may be plenty in the external world that creeps into the mind and plants roots of doubt. Outer beauty, including radiant skin, is a true reflection of what is happening inside. Glow from within, and you will surely radiate without.
Understanding the Mind-Skin Connection
As an anxious soul with sensitive skin and dry skin woes, I cannot in good conscience mislead you with a barrage of false hope for perfect wedding day skin. There are no quick skin fixes, no instant blemish reducers, and no magical tricks to ensure you don’t wake up on your big day with the dreaded red spot. Our skin is our largest organ, and just like the gut and every other organ, it shows the impact of our stress. The best routine for achieving glowing skin is paying attention to what is happening on the inside.
How we deal with our emotions, how we feel stress, listen to our gut, and follow our souls. Why is the skin so affected by how we feel on the inside? The main culprit is a tiny part of the brain called the amygdala, which sends out “DANGER” signals to set the body in fight or flight. (1) Once this alarm is activated, a message shoots to the hypothalamus, another part of the brain (2) Wanting to help your body get ready to attack or fight off the life-threatening danger, the hypothalamus releases a massive surge of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These flow through your bloodstream to your nerve endings, and all the sensitive nerve endings in the dermis set alight. This often causes reactions like burning, itching, and pins and needles sensations which are more pronounced in the facial skin and other parts of the body where the skin is thinner and generally more sensitive.
You may also notice pre-existing sensitive skin conditions you have flare up or worsen when stresses like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. (3) Now that we understand what happens on the inside and why we need to pay attention to the soul, we can dive into my personal favourite sensitive skin SOS methods, both internal and external. This is based on my own practice and experience, but if in doubt your first port of call should always be your dermatologist.
1 Davis M “The role of the amygdala in fear and anxiety” Annual Review of Neuroscience Vol 15 (1992) at 353
2 Zhang H “Role of stress in skin diseases: A neuroendocrine-immune interaction view” Brain Behaviour and Immunity Vol 116 (2024) 286 at 292.
3 Peters E M J “Stressed skin? – A molecular psychosomatic update on stresscases and effects in dermatologic diseases” (2016) at 233-252
Seal in the Glow: Why Damp Skin Matters
It’s crucial to apply products to damp skin. Why? Our skin consists of a high percentage of water. This beautiful hydration helps our skin look plump and glow, improving the appearance of our dehydration lines, fine lines, and wrinkles. When the skin is dehydrated, it looks dull and lacklustre; fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced, and skin tone looks uneven. When we dry our skin before applying skincare, we rub off all that beautiful water and hope to replace it by “pressing” it back in with our moisturisers or other products. This action is counterintuitive. It’s best to leave all that beautiful hydration on our skin and seal it inside with good moisturisers, whose main aim is to prevent trans epidermal water loss by creating a seal or barrier on the skin to keep the moisture from evaporating.
Stop wearing makeup
At least for a few weeks before the big day! Of course, you want to indulge in all the luxuries on the big day, maybe even while indulging in a glass of wedding day bubbly. However, when my skin reacts, I have found soothing relief in immediately stopping the use of makeup. I usually stick to this for at least 14 days to get my skin back into a good state and to ensure I’m not adding any unnecessary irritants into the mix. Many makeup products contain extremely irritating ingredients, such as fragrances, colorants, and various acids, including alpha-hydroxy or glycolic acid. These are all the elements best avoided during skin tantrums. (4)
Let Your Skin Breathe Before the Big Day
When my skin goes on strike, one of the key symptoms for me is burning, aching sensations. Even the air burns, and it’s sensitive to touch, which can be due to a disruption in the skin barrier. There are two actions I take here. I immediately stop cleansing or rinsing my face with tap water and use pharmacy-bought distilled water instead. Some areas have tap water or hard water with an excessive amount of chlorine that my overly sensitive skin does not appreciate in this state. Switching to distilled water helps me cleanse and refresh my skin without irritating it.
If I’m at home and using the same water I usually use, but my skin is on strike, I stop rinsing with just water. I add a bag of Rooibos tea to my water and then rinse my skin with this. I will also use this while cleansing The Rooibos soothe and calm my skin It has excellent antiinflammatory properties that are a true knight in shining armor to my skin, and that’s why it’s the hero ingredient in our FIGGI Beautysensitive skincare line.
4 Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products intended for Consumers concerning Linalool (9 December 2003)
SCCNFP/0760/03 European Commission available at https://ec.europa.eu/health/ph risk/committees/sccp/documents/out248_en.pdf.
Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products intended for Consumers concerning Essential Oils (24-25 June 2003)
SCCNFP/0673/03 European Commission at page 3 available at https://eceuropaeu/health/ph risk/committees/sccp/documents/out218_enpdf
Simplify to Soothe: A Gentle Pause from Actives and Extras
I immediately stop everything ”extra” in my routine, like targeted treatments that contain active ingredients. I only use the basics: cleanser and moisturizer. I continue this ritual for at least 14 days until my skin has had an opportunity to breathe and calm down. Actives can irritate any skin type, especially those of us with sensitive skin. It’s challenging to avoid these products altogether because we all have specific concerns we’d like to target, such as dark spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, or the dreaded breakout.
A Gentle Check-In: Tracing Triggers with Care
Most of the time, my skin reaction is due to an anxiety flare-up and everything that comes with that. So, the first action is to take my anxiety steps to restore my equilibrium. These steps include focusing on breathwork, meditation, stress-releasing yoga, not skipping meals, and a balanced diet. However, if this is not the problem, I usually refer to this little checklist:
Was there a change in hormones lately? Hello, Aunty Flo Did something in my skincare routine change? Did I add or remove a product, for example?
What has my diet been like for the past 14 days? Am I drinking enough water?
How have I been sleeping? Being tired affects many facets of our lives, and the skin is not immune to this.
The Takeaway
After all is said and done, consistency, patience, and kindness are the three magic words for sensitive skin, especially in preparation for The day. These are also the three cornerstones of inner peace and equilibrium What is within shines without, and what shines without is felt within the perfect little circle of life.
So, whether you glow within, without, or both, there is still radiant beauty shining through you in waves. Understandably, we would like the external to be perfect on this special day, but knowing we have done all we can and resting in peace that we show up exactly as we should on this momentous occasion goes a long way to achieving the calm glow, we all seek Shop Figgi Beauty here
Donna Alcheme beauty
Image Chris Guthrie Scott
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the wedding hair and makeup industry?
I’ve worked in the beauty industry for over 20 years, specialising in both skincare and makeup. Weddings became a natural focus early on, there’s something incredibly special about helping someone feel like the best version of themselves on such a meaningful day. Alchemé Beauty was created as a space where I could combine both passions, offering bespoke bridal makeup alongside professional skincare prep.
How many years have you been working as a wedding hair and makeup artist?
I started working with bridal clients early on in my career, back when brides would come into the salons I worked in for their wedding makeup. As the industry evolved and on-location services became more popular, I followed that path and have now been specialising in bridal for over 10 years
Can you describe the range of services you offer to brides and bridal parties?
I offer a full bridal makeup service that includes:
• Skincare consultation and prep on the day
• Soft glam to full glam makeup looks tailored to each client
• Optional individual or strip lashes
• A personalised touch-up kit
• Exclusive attention on the wedding morning
• Travel throughout Scotland and destination weddings. I also offer makeup for bridesmaids, mums, and grooms or groomsmen. Studio skincare and beauty treatments are also available.
What areas do you cover?
I’m based between Edinburgh and North Lanarkshire, and cover weddings throughout Scotland and beyond.
Can you walk us through your typical process when working with a bride from the initial consultation to the wedding day?
Once a bride gets in touch via my enquiry form, I’ll confirm availability and send over a detailed bridal brochure and pricing. If they choose to book, I’ll provide T&Cs, a booking form, and an invoice. The trial is where we plan the look, try products, and discuss timing for the big day. On the wedding morning, I bring everything needed for a calm, seamless experience including skin prep, makeup application, and assistance with dressing if required.
What advice do you have for brides who are in the process of choosing their wedding hair and makeup artist?
It’s so important to Look for someone whose style aligns with yours, and who takes time to listen to what you actually want You should feel comfortable and confident with them, it makes a huge difference to your experience on the morning.
Do you have a favourite wedding location in Scotland where you’ve worked?
Dunglass estate, Cairns farm and Glenapp castle are some of my favourites, But honestly, I’ve worked in everything from castles to remote lochside spots, and each one has its own kind of magic.
What are your top 3 products in your kit?
• Charlotte Tilbury Dancefloor Princess lipstick
• Dior Backstage Palette, such a universal product for eyes and face
• Hourglass Ambient Light Pallete, love the soft focus glow it gives
How can brides get in touch with you to learn more about your services or to book a consultation?
The best way is through the enquiry form on my website (www.alchemebeauty.co.uk) where you can provide all the info I need to check availability. You can also find me on Instagram @alcheme.beauty, feel free to drop me a message if you’d like to chat through options
MEMBERS TOP LIPSTICKS
Members have shared their favourite most reached for foundations in their kit, and these came out at the top
1.CharlotteTilbury in Love with Olivia
2.BobbiBrown Blondie Pink
3.Mac Modesty
4 Mac Ruby Woo
5 YSL Candy Glow Lip Balm
N A V I G A T I N G Y O U R
As a neurodivergent individual myself (I have autism and other learning differences), I know that getting your makeup done can feel a bit daunting, especially for your wedding day. To help ease any worries, I've put together some advice based on my own experiences.
1. Open Communication is Key
It's really helpful to communicate your neurodiversity with your hair and makeup artist (HMUA) or any other beauty supplier. Think about how you best communicate. For example, if you're dyslexic and find written communication challenging, don't hesitate to ask if you can send voice notes. Also, make use of visual information like Pinterest mood boards – they're incredibly helpful for both you and your supplier to be on the same page. Speaking as a supplier myself, it makes my job easier when clients provide clear, visual guidance!
2. Discuss Your Comfort Around Touch
As neurodivergent people, we often have preferred ways of being touched. It's important that those around you understand this. Before your wedding day, ideally during your trial, discuss your boundaries regarding touch. For instance, I told my hairdresser before my wedding that I freak out if people touch or push down on my shoulders. Setting these boundaries beforehand can make a huge difference to your comfort on the day.
3. Take Time to Evaluate Your Trial
This advice applies to everyone, neurotypical or not: don't let your trial be the absolute final decision. After your trial, take some time to truly evaluate your look. Our neurodivergent brains often need extra time to process and evaluate information, especially about how we look and how things feel on us. Even if it takes a few days, that's completely fine!
As an HMUA, I want you to be happy. I often provide a feedback form or encourage clients to send a voice note or visual examples with anything they'd like to change. Your happiness is what matters.
4. Most Importantly: Have Fun!
Amidst all the planning and details, remember to try and have fun! This is your special day, and you deserve to enjoy every moment.
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Editor’s Note
SCOTTISH WEDDING HAIR & MAKEUP DIRECTORY
Hania McIntyre
Editor
INDEX
Photographers
Anna Frances Photography
AM Photography
Lauren George
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 Photog
Hannah Dalziel Film
Members
Makeup by Sarabe
Alcheme Beauty
Georgia Buckley
Diane Boa
Dresses & Ac
Patricia Barclay
Isobel Florence Bri
Six Stories
Florist
Beauty Products
Moffat Garden Centre
Venues
Slogarie Estate
Figgi Beauty
Mac Modesty
Mac Ruby Woo
Bobbi Brown Blondie Pink
Charlotte Tilbury in Love with Olivia
Models
Alyx Stark@ Star Management
Meigan Alessandra Bridal Hair
CHERRY BLOSSOM CAKE
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