Melanie Hedley Make Up Artist

29/05/2026

Brows and Lashes

Last available appointment date will be Thursday 4th June , until July 8th .
Get booked for your holidays

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

Yes — the Gucci New York/Cruise 2027 show absolutely signalled a return to “party girl” makeup, and beauty editors are already calling it the comeback of the smoked eye.
The makeup at the show was very:
messy smoked-out black liner
dark eyeshadow,heavylashes,sculpted skin
Two major lip Combo’s either glossy n**e lips or bold reds.
It felt less “clean girl” and much more late-90s/early-2000s nightlife glamour. Think Kate Moss leaving a club at 3am, but polished for 2026.
And yes — the smoked eye + red lip combo is creeping back in, but in a more undone way. Not the super-perfect Instagram glam from 2016. The Gucci version was softer, smudgier and more effortless:
imperfect liner grey/charcoal shadow instead of harsh black,satin skin .
Red’s that look blurred or bitten rather than sharply lined.
The vibe now is “expensive after-hours glamour” rather than full vintage retro.
What’s interesting is that fashion is clearly moving away from ultra-minimal “clean girl” makeup. Gucci, YSL and Prada are all bringing back drama, texture and personality.
If you want to wear it now without looking dated:
keep the skin fresh and luminous
use cream textures instead of heavy powder , smoke the eye outward, not overly structured.
Pair the red lip with minimal blush,avoid overly sharp brows too!
It’s less “full glam” and more “cool girl who didn’t try too hard.”It’s a hell yessss from me .

28/05/2026

GLOW UP MASTERCLASS
Still doing the same makeup routine from years ago?
It’s time to refresh your look and learn techniques that actually work for you.
This 3-hour hands-on masterclass is perfect for beginners, returning makeup lovers, or anyone wanting to update their routine with modern products and techniques.
What you’ll learn:
• How to find the right shades for your skin tone and undertone
• Makeup techniques tailored to your face shape and features
• Step-by-step application for a flawless, glowing finish
• Everyday makeup and elevated glam looks
• Which products in your makeup bag still work for you — and which don’t
During the session, I’ll apply makeup to one side of your face while you recreate the look on the other using luxury products and professional tools provided.
Price: £130 per person (usually £200)
Special offer valid until July 26
To book, send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook, or contact me through my website email.

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

Skye looking absolutely gorgeous for her family christening .

I’ve been lucky enough to do Skye’s makeup for her wedding 3 years ago . I was delighted when she got in touch . Love painting this beautiful face for her own daughter’s christening. Full beat but keep it natural and glamorous. for coming back and filling me in with the full gossip . Lush to see you .xx

26/05/2026

Updates
I’ve had a few enquiries over the last week for masterclasses . I’ve got some availability before I go away on holiday in mid June for 3 weeks .

21/05/2026

FULL RANT MODE !!

As a bridal makeup artist, can I just say… AI bridal inspiration photos are absolutely humbling us at this point.
Every week I’m shown these stunning Pinterest brides with skin smoother than a boiled egg, hairlines crafted by angels, and lighting so perfect it looks like they’re standing at the gates of heaven personally moisturised by God.

Meanwhile I’m there with a makeup brush, a ring light and an actual human face that contains things like pores, texture and emotions.
And honestly? I don’t even blame brides anymore .
Pinterest is now FULL of AI bridal photos pretending to be real people. Half the time even makeup artists are zooming in thinking:”
Is this a bride or a very attractive computer simulation?”
The issue is — these photos are creating completely impossible beauty standards without people even realising it.
The makeup itself usually isn’t even technically correct….the lashes are perfectly feathered like an angels wings. Eyebrow’s are perfected with not a single hair insight , the skin has the texture of polished marble, no visible pores ,imperfections or texture , and somehow there’s full glam makeup with absolutely no product visible anywhere.Just glowing , just gorgeous and just not attainable. …a miracle !
And look — I completely understand wanting perfection for your wedding day. Of course you want to look incredible. But real bridal makeup should still look like YOU. Just elevated. Softer. Glowier. More polished.
Not “woman generated by artificial intelligence .
The reality is:
Real skin moves and makeup has texture. We have pores , lines , wrinkles ,imperfections and scars . Real skin!!
Annoying but true!
Guess what?
Concealer creases sometimes because unfortunately we all blink and move ,touch our face ,laugh and have expressions .

What’s slightly worrying now is how quickly these AI images are starting to affect confidence. Brides are comparing themselves to faces that literally do not exist. And that’s a very hard standard for anyone to live up to — including makeup artists trying to recreate it in real life under hotel lighting at 7am with one ring light and a bag of brushes

Bring inspiration photos absolutely.
I LOVE references.
But the best photos will always be real brides, real skin, real makeup, real lighting. Check out my social media you will see loads .
Because the goal isn’t to look AI-generated like the top two photos.

The goal is to look stunning, confident and like the best version of yourself, beautiful ,enhanced and walking down the aisle feeling beautiful. Just like Bryony and Joanne my real brides in the two bottom photos . And not forgetting the make up and hair suppliers out there ,keeping it real and bringing confidence to all these beautiful brides . The true “Angels”💗