Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special days of your life, as you embark on your forever journey with your special person. Every bride wants to look and feel their best on their big day and make-up artist extraordinaire, Derrick Carberry has made many a blushing bride feel extra special as they prepared to take centre stage. Derrick has exclusively offered some expert tips and insights for brides-to-be when it comes to beauty – what to look for, what to expect and what to invest in, with some of his top recommendations from Catrice Cosmetics.

Do your research Derrick says, “Be sure to book a trial run in advance with your make-up artist and show them some aspirational pictures from magazines or online with some looks that you love. Remember – you don’t want to look like a different person on your wedding day, you want to create the best, glowing, polished version of you!” Skin comes first “It’s time to get serious about skincare”, says Derrick. “Having regular facials will make a huge impact to your skin’s texture and will help create the perfect base for your wedding make-up. Your skin should look illuminated and glowing.

~ Use a good primer like the Catrice Light Reflecting Serum Primer, €4.95 for a smoother application of foundation, to minimise pores and keep your foundation looking flawless all day (and it is a long day, remember). 

Bridal beauty should be perfectly polished and simple. “Unless you tend to wear a lot of heavy makeup daily, keep things simple and avoid anything overly-dramatic”, recommends Derrick. “Settle on a look that strikes the balance between your normal makeup and an aspirational makeup look”.

~ “I love to build nude shades on the eye so something like the Catrice Fresh Nude Collection Eyeshadow Palette, €5.50 is great for building that gradual smokey effect. It’s an emotional day, after all, so

waterproof mascara is a must.

When it comes to lips, every bride is different – some will prefer a dramatic pop of red while others opt for safer nude. Nude shades in particular have a softening effect on the face and photograph well – I love the Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipstick, €4.50 which has a beautiful satin finish. Use a nude lip pencil to keep the colour in place and prevent streaking (Catrice Longlasting Lip Pencil, €2.30 in Vintage Rose).”

Touch ups

“It’s a long day for the bride so remember to ask your make-up artist to recommend products for touch ups throughout the day. Essentials include your loose powder, a concealer, lipstick and a lip gloss such as the new Catrice Prisma Lip Glaze, €4.50.”

Catrice is available from all Penney’s stores and pharmacies nationwide now.