Photo (above): Make-up & Hair Atelier by Saada Ben - Photographer: LUX Visual Storytellers
Article in collaboration with Make-up & Hair Atelier by Saada Ben
Starting with inspiration, ending with yourself
Saada sees the same thing with many brides: “Clients come in with reference photos from social media, which are often edited or photoshopped to look perfect. You can’t just copy that exactly—also because it won’t necessarily suit the person. That’s why I ask what exactly she finds appealing about the photo: is it certain colors, specific elements, the style, the atmosphere? Then I look at what I can take from that and apply to her. Most brides still want to look like themselves, just that little bit fresher and more radiant.”
The trial session: listening and refining together
During the trial, Saada listens and notes everything so the wedding day itself runs smoothly: “The trial session is always a cozy and personal little moment. First, I listen in detail to the bride’s wishes, and she shows me her dress, the theme, and the color palette. She tells me what she likes about herself and what she’d rather emphasize less.”
Instead of simply following trends, Saada Ben always starts from the bride herself. She explains: “I look at the bride’s facial structure and her personal style. If she has large eyes, for example, we work around that open gaze. I always highlight her best features so the bridal look is extra flattering.”
The same principle applies to the bridal hairstyle. “One of my clients preferred not to have her ears visible. That’s why we chose a loose, casual hairstyle she felt good in. It’s so important to feel comfortable. So I always take your own preferences into account.”
Building up in layers and with airbrush
During the test, Saada consciously chooses to build the makeup in layers. She says: “We test different looks and techniques. I start with very little makeup and build up until the bride says, ‘Yes, that’s it!’ Brides who don’t usually wear much makeup are sometimes afraid the foundation will look too visible. Then I recommend airbrush.”
Airbrush is one of Saada’s best techniques for bridal makeup. She explains: “Airbrush works with air pressure: the product is atomized with a small gun. It’s water-resistant and lasts a long time—ideal for a long wedding day when a few tears may be shed. You also don’t feel it sitting on the skin, and it’s not noticeable that foundation has been applied. It does, however, create a light, natural finish. In addition to foundation, you can also apply blush and fuller eyebrows with it, for example.”
Beautiful makeup starts with good skincare
According to Saada, a beautiful makeup look starts weeks in advance. She advises: “The perfect base is well-hydrated skin. Especially with dry skin, I ask brides to care for their skin intensively at least a month before the wedding day: with a high-quality cleanser, toner, serums, day and night cream, eye cream, SPF every day, and a good mask every week. On top of that, I recommend getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and avoiding stress for healthy skin.”
It’s also best to plan experiments well ahead of time. “A spray tan or facial treatments you’ve never tried before are best tested four to six months in advance, not just a few weeks or days before your wedding,” Saada warns.
Quality, calm, and attention
Saada values quality highly: “I keep training, always use high-quality makeup and well-cleaned and disinfected brushes—hygiene is very important to me. In addition, I consciously choose one bride per day. I want to focus fully on that one bride, instead of ‘rushing’ to the next client. I stay until she has put on her wedding dress.”
For Saada, it’s all about the bride feeling at ease—and feeling seen, heard, and understood. The entire process ultimately leads to one moment: “It’s fantastic every single time when the bride looks in the mirror, sees her own beauty, and says she truly feels good. By emphasizing her natural features, I help her gain more confidence. That genuine emotion when she truly finds herself beautiful—that’s the moment I do it for.”
About Make-up & Hair Atelier by Saada Ben
At her Make-up & Hair Atelier by Saada Ben, Saada creates natural, flattering bridal looks that start from your face and style. With airbrush and classic techniques, a personalized trial session, and plenty of attention, she helps brides feel calm, like themselves, and absolutely beautiful on their wedding day. Saada also offers makeup workshops (a fun idea for your bachelorette!) and is happy to do your bridal party’s makeup as well.
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