Quelle Bester

REAL BRIDE . . I mean, she’s not a model but she could be. ☺️ . . Absolutely loved getting Alana ready for her wedding day in November 2019 in Sydney, and cannot wait to see her again this November (fingers crossed) when I’m there for my other brother’s Queensland ceremony with his fiancée Cass. It’s moments like this that fill my heart with joy to the point of tears - I can’t help it, and everyone knows when it’s coming, 😅. . . To make sure everything withstood the heat of the Australian sun, I kept her base light with @chanel.beauty Vitalumiere Aqua and then added highlight and sheen where I wanted it to be seen. Going in with an overly dewy foundation on hot summer days means extra shine in places you don’t want to see it in photos, so it’s best to aim more a demi-matte foundation which still allows skin to be seen so that when the natural oils come through in the heat, it doesn’t leave you looking like a you’re swimming in your foundation. This way a little blotting paper and touch up powder can then be applied without disturbing your original base and appearing caked over as the day progresses. . . #londonmakeupartist #australianwedding #destinationwedding #modernbride #summerskin #summerweddingmakeup #realbrides #londonweddingmakeupartist #southlondonwedding #eastlondonwedding #dewyskin #demimattefoundation #chanelbeauty #charlottetilburymakeup

When it comes to my kit, I need products that WORK and I can 100% rely on, time after time. . . This is why I choose brands like Chanel, which provide amazing textures and longevity of wear throughout the day, which means I don’t have to worry about a product being eaten away or appearing heavy on the skin. Must haves for me include Les Beiges Bronzing Cream, Baume Essential, Eyeshadow Quads and Inimitable Intense Mascara. I mean, have I missed anything? 😉 . . Other brands I can rely on include Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, Beauty Pie, Burberry, YSL, NARS, Glossier, ABH and MAC, as well as high street favourites like L’Oreal and Maybelline. Luxury is more than just packaging and price, after all! If it works, IT WORKS! . . Would you like to see more of the items I choose to use? . . #makeupilove #makeup #inmykit #londonmakeupartist #modernbride #chanelmakeup #welovecoco via @planoly #planoly

Flashback to this gorgeous face from last month. I just love how the light hit her face and illuminated her beautifully glowing skin. . . @miki_davis wears @ctilburymakeup Wonder Light Foundation teamed with @maccosmetics Face + Body for a more sheer application which allows skin to shine through, followed by @beautypie FutureLipstick Luxe Shine in “Master Sweet” for a phenomenal nude lip moment. . . Photo taken using my new iPhone 12 which I can’t recommend enough! The camera on this compared to my poor little 5SE is almost hilarious 😅 BUT she did give me 4 good years of use. . . #makeup #makeupartistlondon #londonweddingmakeupartist #beautymakeup #naturalmakeup #wavyhair #nudemakeup #modernbride #contenporarywedding #modernwedding #londonbride #londonwedding #beautypie #charlottetilbury #maccosmetics #brushedbrows #englishrosemakeup #hildestories #theownstudio #jennypackhambride Sent via @planoly #planoly

Throwback to this image from @jeroennoordzijphotography while he was in town with @wildatheartbridal to capture the London edge for bridal brand @bonbride. . . This shoot is still one of my favourite ones to date, as we gave our model @lucyzoeevans a toughness and more rock’n’roll edge by slicking hair back into a wet look style, teaming it with a graphic feline eyeliner and dewy skin to tie everything together. While this look isn’t for everyone, it’s definitely one to try if you prefer things a little less glossed up and perfect, or if you’re choosing to have a second look for the party end of your celebrations. . . Product must haves included @fudgehair Hair Gum, @dolcegabbanamakeup Glam Liner and @weledauk Skin Food. . . #bonbride #wildatheartbridal #archive12 #thefallbride #thelane #modernbride #rocknrollbride #rockmywedding #bridalbutmakeitfashion #londonbride #londonwedding #southlondon #southlondonwedding #londonweddingphotographer #eastlondonwedding #bridalinspo #changetheweddingindustry #sustainablefashion #sustainablewedding #londonmakeupartist #londonweddingmakeup Sent via @planoly #planoly

I know I’m supposed to give an influential quote right now about the new year but today I just can’t think. . . I’m feeling a bit exhausted so am just going to take a moment to try to recharge before getting back to work. . . Anyone else feeling similar? . . #mood #exhausted #overwhelmed Sent via @planoly #planoly

I may not being going out but I’m still going to try to make an effort at home. . . Happy New Years Eve everyone! This year has been tough for so many reasons, so give yourselves a pat on the back for getting to this point and let’s look to tomorrow as bringing something brighter and more hopeful. . . To all my brides from this year, thank you for choosing to have me be a part of your day. I know it wasn’t what most of you had planned but you did it anyway and made it your own and that in itself says more about your love for each other than any pre-dreamed plans could have done. I hope next year brings you more occasions to celebrate and a date to have the bigger party you’re all waiting for. . . To my brides for next year (old and new), I cannot wait to help you get ready to walk down the aisle and so I do. For some of you, your journeys to being a #futuremrs have been postponed many times over, but I promise your day is coming and when it does it is going to be something to remember and I can’t wait to be a part of it with you. . . And to my fellow vendors - I know your struggles. They have been hard and emotional, but they have proven your resilience as a business owner. I hope this evening acts a nice form of closure for the year we have had and you are able to celebrate peacefully and with love for those around you. Congratulations on getting to today, and keep going! . . So with that, all I can say is Happy New Year everyone! Xx . . #happynewyear #weddings2020 #nye2020 #bringon2021 #londonweddings #londonweddingmakeupartist #bridalbutmakeitfashion #thepostmodernistsbridal #hildestories #beauty2020 #sheerluxe #sheerluxebeauty #sheerluxewedding #modernbride #modernwedding #mood #flatlay #chanelbeauty @planoly #planoly

Wet look hair goals. . . Start by sectioning wet hair and applying mousse from roots to ends. Then layer in a wet look gel like @lorealpro Wet Domination Extreme Splash from roots to mid lengths of the hair, from the nape to the hairline and finish with your preferred part line. Finalise the look by spritzing a product like @bumbleandbumbleuk Surf Infusion to keep ends looking wet and provide hold. . . Easy, right? . . #wetlookhair #gentlehairdo #simplehair #simplehairstyles #nyehair #newyearsevehair #partyhair #chichair #coolhair #modernbride #nye2020 #happynewyear #hairhacks #modernhair #coolhair #rockandrollbride #bridalbutmakeitfashion Sent via @planoly #planoly

Looking forward to being able to have all my beauty items set out again in my new home rather than in suitcases. . . I’ll be putting the last of my items in storage over the next few days and then will have a few more days to myself before living in an Airbnb or something similar for a couple of weeks. Hoping to be in by mid-Jan but dates have been moved a few times now so I can only guess at this point. . . What will you all be doing as you go into the new year? . . #movinghouse #2021 #newhome Sent via @planoly #planoly

Here’s a snippet from my recent shoot “Deconstructed Maximalism” published in @bazaaruk on the future of weddings for 2021. The report attached is a detailed breakdown of how couples are predicted to break the rules and celebrate their weddings, the effects of micro weddings from this year and how contemporary form will influence design. . . Honestly, it’s a must read for the modern couple and for vendors going into next year. . . To read the report - https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/bazaar-brides/g34998616/2021-wedding-trends/ . . Makeup by me using @chanel.beauty - @abridaledit Hair by Viktoria S. Toth - @vsthair Dress by The Own Studio - @theownstudio Photography by Benjamin Wheeler - @benjaminwheeler Wedding Styling by Rosie Bess - @beatnikbride Flowers by Rob Van Helden - @rvhfloraldesign Stationary by Sophie Lewis - @ruthkayedesign Venues - @kettnerslondon and The Savile Club . . #weddings2021 #weddingsareback #harpersbazaaruk #bazaaruk #modernbride #modernwedding #coolbride #londonweddingphotographer #londonwedding #londonmakeupartist #southlondonwedding #eastlondonwedding #bridalinspo #changetheweddingindustry #bridalbutmakeitfashion #minimalstyle #sustainablefashion #sustainablewedding #satindress #silkdress #silkweddingdress #gentlehair #nye2020

I thought I better throw one of these up here for those who may not know me or thought I was some kind of catfish. . . My name is Quelle (pronounced Kèl) and I am the makeup artist behind this semi-inspirational account for the modern bride. The images I post are from shoots I have personally worked (aside from the odd vendor love post which doesn’t feature makeup) so you can see my makeup come to life in the way I hope you might one day see yourselves in the photos you get back from your wedding day. . . As I work predominantly within the fashion world (@quelle_uk is my other account if you fancy a snoop), the looks I love are not always super “bridal” like we might sometimes see when we google “wedding makeup” or as you may have seen others create when you’ve scoured through wedding directories trying to imagine yourself as a #futuremrs. It’s more likely that if you ask me for wedding makeup references that I will point you in the direction of a red carpet occasion as these are real women in a true formal setting who just want to look like themselves in their most elevated way - which is definitely the number one thing I am asked for by my brides. . . I don’t often post images of myself as like most women, I don’t see myself as others do and so it feels almost painful in many ways, however I think it’s nice for you to see makeup on a “real face” so I may pop a few more of these up as I go along to keep everything a little grounded amongst all the glamour. Who knows, I may even start to like taking my own picture! 🙃 . . Anyway, thanks for continuing to read what I write, like what I post and for sticking around to see more. As a freelance artist, it definitely means a lot. . . Until next time! Xxx . . Products used are from my much loved kit staple @chanel.beauty @welovecoco. . . #thisisnormalskin #therealme #londonmakeupartist #modernbride #londonwedding #southlondonmakeupartist #mood #realmakeup #bodypositivity #beauty #beautytips #chanelbeauty #welovecoco #chanelmakeup #chanelmakeupartist

Naturally curly hair can be placed up too! Consider items like padding when created upstyles with texture in order to bring something special back to shape and avoid feeling like your hair is completely pulled tight to the scalp. These styles work perfectly with pins and headbands for a little razzle-dazzle and fun. . . @maisiemiranda’s hair is styled using @livingproofuk Instant De-Frizz to quickly hydrate curls and combat unwanted flyaways. . . This little candid moment was beautifully captured by @taylorandporter whilst working together with @hilde.stories and @fridakim_london. . . #afrobride #curlyhairbride #bridalhairstyle #bridalinspirations #londonweddinghair #londonmakeupartist #naturalbride #curlyhairstyles #modernbride #fridakim #hildestories

Well, what a year it has been! . . With London going into further lockdown mayhem, needing to move house and hearing my overseas family will also not get to be with each other this Christmas, I think it’s safe to say I am ready to say farewell to 2020. . . But it hasn’t been all bad. I was lucky enough to continue with my fashion work while many couldn’t, and I have seen couples soldier on with their micro-weddings against all the odds. It goes to show that despite the obstacles thrown at us, there is still light at the end of the tunnel and a means to get through it all. . . I will be spending the last few days of the year packing my current life into boxes while waiting in limbo for the exchange on our new home to finally give us the green light and a move in date. Not sure when exactly that will be, but hoping that it means I can say hello to 2021 in a new space of our own after house sharing for the last 4 years!! . . For all my London lot, I hope you are able to celebrate your Christmas period as best you can and don’t feel alone. If you find yourself feeling down, feel free to send through a message and we can talk it out. And remember there is always Zoom to see those you can’t physically as a small consolation. See you all on the other side! XX . . #christmas2020 #londonmakeupartist #londonweddings #thisisnormalskin #lovewins #endofanera #mood #lovehurts #lockdown3.0 Sent via @planoly #planoly

Real skin moments for @rowleyhesselballe using @ctilburymakeup Light Wonder Foundation for a sheer coverage I can easily layer with concealer for the perfect, radiant skin base. . . @fernbayliss also wears @chanel.beauty on eyes and @elfcosmeticsuk on for a soft blush flush on cheeks. . . #radiantskin #skinglow #brushedbrows #dewymakeup #londonmakeupartist #bridalmakeup #southlondonmakeupartist #eastlondonmakeupartist #thisisnormalskin #weddingmakeupideas #thepostmodernistsbridal #hildestories #tigerlilyweddings Sent via @planoly #planoly

When you don’t know what to post, I guess a beauty flat lay always works! . . I’m out and about with clients today - first up is a hair trial for a bride I have next weekend with @thefallbride, followed by a makeup client this afternoon. . . After that I’ll be getting myself ready for a little Disco themed @zoom with @thevibe.education. . . What is everyone else up to today? . . #saturdayvibes #flatlaystyle #flatlayphotography #beautyflatlay #beautyflatlays #londonmakeupartist #southlondonmakeupartist #eastlondonmakeupartist #beauty #pinterest #pinterestaesthetic

Attitude. Energy. Details. Design. . . Not all brides are the same. . . For so long we were made to think that flouncy ball gowns or bohemian lace were the only choices to walk down the aisle while surrounded by overly feminine bouquets and cookie-cutter bridesmaids who didn’t resemble themselves. . . But things have changed. A new movement has arrived. . . One that allows women to choose attires that are more in line with their personal style and could ACTUALLY be worn AGAIN - not simply placed in a box to admire and then forgotten in the loft. A movement that dares you to think outside the box, discover what kind of woman you really are and embrace a more sustainable way of producing your « dream wedding ». . . If you’re still in the dark about what exactly it is I’m talking about, tap this image to explore all the amazing vendors I know who are changing the way the wedding industry works and plowing the way for the modern bride. . . #changetheweddingindustry #modernbride #modernwedding #2021wedding #londonbride #sustainablewedding #coolbride #sustainablefashion #newbride #sheerluxebeauty #sheerluxe #londonweddingmakeup #londonweddingmakeupartist #rockmywedding #thelane #tatlerweddings #harpersbazaarweddings

The year may be coming to an end but it’s still all systems go on my end as I help my last brides get ready for their ceremonies as well as the last photoshoots of the year with my fashion clients and two content shoots with some of my favourite wedding vendors. No rest for the wicked, hey?! . . If you’re currently waiting for a response from me via email, please feel free to send me a little nudge via my DM’s and we can chat here as well. . . Looking forward to hearing from you! . . #londonmakeupartist #modernbride #minimalistfashion #southlondonwedding #eastlondonwedding #pinterest #naturalmakeup #glowingskin #modernheirlooms #coolgirl Sent via @planoly #planoly

FINAL TOUCHES, PLEASE! . . One of the key things I like to recommend to my brides is to make sure they have their touch up items when wearing bold statement lips such as a red. . . One of my favourite options is @lisaeldridgemakeup Velvet Ribbon, which is an amazing matte lipstick that always looks even as the colour wears down during drinks and celebrations. You can also wear this as a light stain if you don’t want a maximum impact lip in the beginning of the day and then as you go into the evening, you can amp it up. The packaging also looks amazing in any of your detail photographs captured in the day! . . What are your favourite reds? . . Model @elizabethjanebishop captured by one of my favourite photographers @emiliewhitephotography for @themewsbridal. . . #redlipstick #lisaeldridge #makeuptips #weddingmakeup #londonmakeupartist #browsofinstagram #fluffybrows #brushedbrows #velvetribbon #bridalmakeup #bridalbutmakeitfashion #thepostmodernistsbridal #hildestories #themewsbridal #thisisnormalskin #southlondonwedding #eastlondonwedding #glowyskin #dewyskin #sundaymakeup

Fluffy groomed brows and perfect glowing skin for a job with @alexachungstagram. . . . If you’d like to find out how I created this look using one of my favourite @elfcosmeticsuk products, head on over to @theownstudio and see my latest beauty blog post with them, where I break down 3 key wearable makeup looks - this one is under Romantic Flushed Cheeks. ☺️☺️☺️ . . . Brow products used are thé clear brow gel from @anastasiabeverlyhills. Glow products include the Baume Essential by @chanel.beauty teamed with @weledauk Skin Food. . . . #theownstudios #makeupinspiration #makeuphowto #londonmakeupartist #fluffybrows #brushedbrows #flushedcheeks #glowingskin #dewymakeup #dewyskin #glowingskin #eastlondonwedding #southlondonwedding #alexachungstyle

I spend so much time obsessing about what to write in the captions. « Should I talk about the makeup? » « Do I find a meaningful quote someone will connect with? » « Will people even read this section?! » . . . Really, I just like to post the content I’m proud of or the images I find beautiful. I don’t like to think about who will engage with something as it takes all the fun out of loving something beautiful and then turns it into this madness of just trying to get people to like or follow. And I’m not an influencer - I’m just someone who loves applying makeup on others so they look and feel stunning. . . . So instead of freaking out over words, I’m just going to post this image from a shoot I did with @bonbride last year - before masks and isolation protocols. I love this shot, and hopefully you will too. Happy Sunday 🤓 xx P.S: Earrings are by @a.b.ellie . . . #mood #sundayvibes #bonbride #modernbride #modernwedding #londonbride #londonwedding #thepostmodernistsbridal #bridalbutmakeitfashion #eastlondonwedding #londonmakeupartist #southlondonwedding #editorial #wetlookhair #eyeliner #abelie # brushedbrows Sent via @planoly #planoly

One of my favourite techniques for giving a harmonious colour balance is by using the same cheek colour on the lips. . . . If you’re wanting to give a more powdered lip finish, begin by prepping lips with a scrub and a little lip balm, then tap your blush colour into the lip using either a soft eyeshadow brush or even your fingertip so that everything feels soft and well blended. . . . Model wears Dior Blush in Cult on both cheeks and lips. . . . #diorbeauty #modernmakeup #modernbride #naturalmakeup #flushedcheeks #mattelip #londonbride #londonwedding #londonmakeupartist #southlondonwedding #eastlondonwedding #makeuptips #bridalbutmakeitfashion #thepostmodernistsbridal #hildestories #thefallbride

In the end only three things matter - How much you loved, How gently you lived, And how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. - Buddha . . . P.S: I adore this shot, so if any photographer would like to help recreate it on a shoot so I can then hang it on my wall in High Res, that would be greatly appreciated. 😇 . . . #lifequote #mood #floatydress #wordsofwisdom #wotd #quoteoftheday #modernbride #lockdown2020 #wanderlust #bridalbutmakeitfashion

Good morning everyone! . . . Today I reached 700 followers, which isn’t a big number for some, but it made me smile. In a year when I haven’t had the opportunity to help get a lot of my brides ready and am postponing their celebrations along with them, it’s really nice to know people are still finding my account of interest. Thank you so much to each of you for following my makeup life. . . . Pictured here is one of my brides from a couple of years ago who had a beautiful ceremony at @sunbeamstudios in London, which also boasted a piñata and caricature artist as part of the festivities. That’s right - PIÑATA! What’s more fun than cracking open a papier mâché rainbow donkey with your Mr. Forever?! . . . #modernbride #londonwedding #contemporarywedding #modernwedding #newfollowerswelcome #newfollowers #thankyou #londonmakeupartist #naturalmakeup #redlip #chignon #simplehair #hildestories #sunbeamstudioswedding #thepostmodernistsbridal #westlondonwedding #eastlondonwedding #southlondonwedding Sent via @planoly #planoly

Clean and simple throwback to a shoot I did a couple of years ago for @harpersbazaarus shot by the brilliantly talented duo @themasonsofficial. . . . Model wears @marcjacobsbeauty foundation which gives a beautiful amount of coverage with a Demi-glow finish. Perfect for winter days. . . . #marcjacobsbeauty #harpersbazaarus #dowalwalker #londonmakeupartist #deepskin #beauty #beautymakeup #editorialmakeup #cleanskin #naturalskin #modernbride #masculinefashion #bridalbutmakeitfashion #contemporarywedding #southlondonwedding #hildestories #thepostmodernistsbridal

Fragrance is one of the key senses linked to memory. It can bring back scenes from childhood, moments spent in foreign places and days spent with loved ones no longer with you. . . . With time on your side, now is the perfect time to explore a perfume outside of what you may usually wear for your wedding day - if you wear any at all, of course. . . . Blanche from Byredo is one of my absolute favourites when I want to feel feminine and clean. This musky fragrance houses Pink Pepper and White Rose within its top notes, and grounds itself with Blond Wood, African Orange Flower and Sandalwood. Aldéhydes give the scent an effervescent nature, invoking a feeling of airy innocence. It’s simple, beautiful and clings to clothing hours after wear. An absolute staple in my fragrance wardrobe and perfect for anyone looking for a lighthearted floral scent. . . . #fragrantica #fragrance #byredo #blanche #modernbride #contemporaryfragrance #swedishbrand #contemporarywedding #unwedding #thepostmodernistsbridal #beauty #weddinginsporation #weddinginspo via @planoly #planoly