When preparing for your wedding day it is so important to plan and that includes planning for what hairstyle/ makeup look you would like. Of course, you don’t have to be super specific with every detail but certainly if there are aspects of your everyday styling that you feel you just wouldn’t look the same without, then this is something that definitely should be incorporated into your wedding look. For example, if you wear your hair up every day, the likelihood is, if you chose to wear it down for your event, before the night has even begun you might be wishing it was out of the way! Similarly, if your makeup must-have is eyeliner, you might feel naked if this isn’t applied on the day. With that in mind, I’ve decided to try and take some of the hard work out of this stage for you by putting together a list of what is hot for 2021.
Over the last couple of years, we have seen a rise in fuller applications, defined brows, nude lipstick and that Kim K contour. Well, 2021 brides are now opting for more of a fresh and glowing appearance, bringing back SKIN that looks like skin, a no-makeup makeup if you like, products being used to enhance rather than mask to reveal a more personal and effortlessly beautiful finish.
Rouge is what will be on everyone’s lips for next year. Red is a truly timeless colour, dating right back to the Egyptians who crushed berries to enhance their lip. It really is a powerful and magical colour symbolising passion and love amongst other things, in some cultures, it’s even believed to be lucky and who doesn’t need a little bit of that hey! Plus it is very eye-catching, so if you are a bride who is wanting to keep her Makeup look simple and natural with a pop of colour, this is the perfect way to do it. With so many variations too, there is a red to suit every skin tone. Don’t forget to top it off with a gloss for that ultimate sophisticated, sultry definition.
Contouring is something that woman could not get enough of, this magical tool that forgave our sins and changed our face as we knew it, it’s almost hard to imagine how we lived without it in our lives, throw back a couple of years and we were all going about our day blissfully unaware of this little-known Makeup trend. Now although a subtler form of contouring has been around for many decades by professional Makeup Artists, it is something that has just grown and adapted over the years to become the answer to a super sculpted face. Not only was this a complete game-changer but it very much took over the role of blusher for a while, but with many brides wanting to achieve an English-rose style complexion, blush is very much back.
Smokey eye Makeup has also adapted and has been seen to take on a new definition and form. Not only can this be achieved in the more well-known manor (black kohl liner smudged and blended for a chic grungy feel) but for 2021 brides it has been seen to include many deep tones such as greens, browns and grey eyeshadows, softly applied to the lid or blown out to elongate the eye. Depending on the undertones, a smokey eye can make the eye colour pop. A Smokey eye isn’t for every bride, especially if you are not a regular makeup wearer, deeper toned eyeshadows can feel a little overpowering but you can adapt this to a smoked out eyeliner instead which is a gorgeous subtle way to achieve this look. Don’t shy away from adding colour to the liner too, colour is totally on-trend for 2021 so why not try a violet or midnight blue as an alternative?
Embellishments and glitter may not be to every bride’s taste but you can certainly expect to see more of this within wedding magazines, Pinterest boards and styled shoots. It is a trend that creative Hairstylists and Makeup artists are really enjoying playing with and it can be applied in so many ways from something super subtle to something a little more alternative. You could always try cascading pearls through your curls or a soft glitter on the eye that sparkles as it catches the light? Or you could simply choose to enjoy pinning it to your moodboard and just enjoying the view!
When it comes to Hairstyling there are not one but two top trends that we will be taking into 2021. The first being SLEEK hairstyles, every hair in its place, neatly tied into a ponytail, bun or even swept back away from the face which then turns into gorgeous curls, however, you choose to wear this and translate it to suit your special day, these styles really do look effortless, modern and chic. The other top trend (and my absolute favourite style of ALL time) is the stunning and ultra classic Hollywood Wave. This is a style that can be adapted in so many ways too, you can style it in the most common way, voluminous, silky waves, you could sleek it back behind the ears to merge the trends together and create tousled waves down the back or you could pop it up into a glamourous pony. Those vintage vibes are a timeless.
If you would like to find out more about Bridal Styling with Stephanie Alexandra click here. . .
First. . . What Are Semi-Permanent Brows?
Semi-permanent brows involve placing pigment into the skin to enhance your natural brow shape.
This isn’t old-school tattooing.
Modern techniques are softer, more refined and designed to fade naturally over time.
The goal isn’t to give you “blocky” brows.
It’s to give you balance, structure and definition in a way that still feels like you.
The Three Main Brow Styles
When clients come in, this is usually the first question: What’s the difference between them?
Powder Brows
This gives a soft, shaded effect, like a perfectly blended brow makeup look.
It’s ideal if you:
• Wear brow products daily
• Prefer a more polished finish
• Have oily skin where hairstrokes may blur
It heals beautifully soft and diffused.
Hairstroke Brows
Fine strokes that mimic natural hairs.
Best suited to:
• Normal to dry skin
• Clients wanting something very subtle
• Those with some existing brow hair
This is about realism and delicacy.
Combination Brows
A mix of both, hairstrokes at the front, soft shading through the body and tail.
This is one of the most versatile options and works beautifully for many clients wanting definition without harshness.
The right choice always depends on your skin type, lifestyle and overall look, which is why consultation is so important.
Does It Hurt?
Honestly? Less than people expect.
A topical anaesthetic is applied throughout the procedure to keep you comfortable.
Most clients describe it as a light scratching sensation, more strange than painful.
What About Healing?
This is the part people don’t always realise.
Your brows will look darker and more defined immediately after treatment. That’s completely normal.
Over the next 7–10 days:
They soften
They lighten
The true colour settles
A perfecting session at 6–8 weeks is essential to refine shape and colour.
Results usually last 12–24 months depending on your skin type, sun exposure and skincare routine.
Choosing the Right Artist Matters
Brows frame your entire face.
This isn’t something you want done quickly or cheaply.
Understanding face shape, symmetry, undertones and pigment choice is crucial. So is knowing when to say no.
In my clinic, we measure carefully, map thoroughly and never rush. The aim is always balance and longevity — not trends.
You should leave feeling more like yourself. Just with less daily effort.
Semi-permanent brows are about ease.
About waking up and already feeling put together.
About not worrying if your brows have rubbed off at the gym.
About subtle confidence.
If you’re considering semi-permanent brows in Bury St Edmunds, you can book a consultation via the website.
I keep clinic days limited to ensure every client receives a fully bespoke experience.
