Latest news with #bridalbeauty
Cosmopolitan ME
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Here's why this bride didn't wear foundation on her wedding day
Skipping foundation when going to the Mall of the Emirates is one thing, but on your wedding day? Unheard of. We sat down last week to chat with recent bride, Colette Laxton, who also happens to be co-founder of The Inkey List, about the brand's new Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex. She casually dropped into the convo that she didn't wear foundation on her wedding day. Naturally, we were blindedsided. It turns out that her bareface bridal beauty is connected to her new exosome-infused product drop. You might as well open the Sephora app now. We both know what you're about to do. Cosmo ME: What *exactly* are exosomes? Colette Laxton: Exosomes are tiny skin messengers that basically tell your cells to repair, renew, and glow up. They work incredibly hard, penetrate deep into skin, are non-irritating, and work well with other actives. Exosomes keep your skin strong, hydrated, and prepped for the long game. They provide prevention and glow, which I think is the dream. Cosmo ME: What kind of results can we expect when using exosomes? Colette Laxton: Skin will instantly have a smoother texture and glow. In the long term, it becomes stronger and more resilient skin. Cosmo ME: When are we supposed to use it? Day or night? Colette Laxton: You can use it both morning and night. I did just that every day for four months before my wedding. It's like a facial in a bottle. On my wedding day, my MUA said she wasn't putting foundation on my skin. Cosmo ME: Wait, what? Colette Laxton: My plan was always to get regular facials before my wedding. As I was using the Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, I noticed skin was looking so glowy and smooth. Honestly, it looked the best it ever had, so I decided to skip the treatments. At my makeup trial, the artist used a thick foundation and by the end of the day, it had separated. On the wedding day, she told me she wasn't covering my skin up because it looked so beautiful. We only used just a bit of concealer under my eyes and around my redness. Cosmo ME: We need more details. What was your pre-wedding skincare routine? Colette Laxton: The same it is right now. I only use four products morning and night. They are our Milky Cleanser, which is being released in the GCC in the fall, Hyaluronic Acid, Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, and Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer. Cosmo ME: Aside from being wowed by the power of exosomes, we were also stunned by your dress and its big bow. Not to mention, you married the man you founded the brand with! Spill the tea. Colette Laxton: I found my wedding dress on Instagram, of course. It's by Emilia Wickstead. The second I saw it, I knew it was for me. I wanted something strong, feminine, and unexpected. The big bow was like a power move. Supplied Mark is a microbiologist and I come from the branding side. He messaged me on LinkedIn and asked to meet for coffee. I got genius vibes from him but his communication needed some work. He had an idea for the brand and I knew if we teamed up, we could create something magical. We ended up falling in love. Cosmo ME: What a fairytale! Back to exosomes, how does The INKEY List keep consumers from getting overwhelmed by buzzy skincare ingredients? Sometimes it can be confusing if the latest ingredient is made for our skin, or not. Colette Laxton: We're all about education. Not every ingredient is meant for you. We have tools like Ask INKEY, where you can live chat with a skin expert. We also have a routine builder on our site used by over six million people. It gives you a customised routine based on your skin goals. Our packaging breaks it all down too and gives the deets on what it is, what it does, who it's for, and when to use it. The INKEY List's Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex is now available at Sephora. It's the skincare version of Colette's soft-girl power bridal gown. Want to know what other beauty products are new to the GCC? Dive into them right here.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Make-Up Artist Riham Khalifa Reveals The Top Wedding Makeup Trends For 2025
Makeup artist Riham Khalifa reveals why 2025 bridal beauty is all about soft glamour, glowing skin, and timeless elegance—enhancing, not transforming, the bride If you're tying the knot this summer, you're no doubt down to planning the finer details—the dress, venue, flowers are all booked. But your make-up look? Perhaps still TBC. If you're in need of a fairy godmother for inspiration, then Riham Khalifa can help. 'As a makeup artist who's been part of hundreds of unforgettable weddings, I've learned one thing— a bride should look like herself only more magical,' she explains. For 2025, Riham believes the overarching theme centres on timeless beauty, but there are subtle details to note. 'It's about healthy, glowing skin and soft sophistication, without altering the bride's features. That's not as easy as it sounds—it takes experience, precision, and an eye for balance.' We asked Riham to share her thoughts on this season's top make-up trends for 2025 The most popular colour palette for bridal make-up this year? 'This year's bridal beauty is all about warm, soft, skin-enhancing tones that seamlessly blend into the bride's natural features and photograph beautifully. Think nude lips with peachy or rosy undertones, cream blush that mimics a real flush, smoky browns and taupes on the eyes with a touch of bronzy shimmer, and subtle, skin-toned highlighters for that effortless 'lit-from-within' glow. These shades are designed to enhance rather than mask, allowing the bride's true beauty to shine through with elegance and ease.' The most in-demand bridal look in 2025? 'Today's bride desires to feel confident, feminine, and truly authentic—and the most requested look I'm proud to specialize in reflects exactly that: royal, timeless, and glowy. This signature style is all about flawless, healthy-looking skin, soft sculpting without harsh lines, light-reflective eyes paired with fluttery lashes, and a radiant finish that lasts all day. It's not your typical glam; it's elevated, elegant, and designed to be unforgettable both in person and in every captured moment.' What feels outdated this year? 'For 2025, brides are moving away from beauty trends that don't stand the test of time. Flat, overly matte skin is being replaced with fresh, luminous finishes. Harsh contouring that reshapes the face is out, making way for soft sculpting that enhances natural features. Graphic eyeliner has been swapped for gentle, smoky definition, and heavy lipliner paired with light lipstick is giving way to more harmonious, natural lip looks. The focus is clear—intentional beauty that feels modern now and remains timeless for years to come.' What's the most important thing when choosing a bridal look? 'Your bridal makeup should be a true reflection of you—your personality, your style, and the essence of your big day. Choose a look that complements your features, your dress, and most importantly, how you want to feel. Always communicate any skincare or makeup allergies with your artist ahead of time, and try to keep the room calm and uncluttered—too many people can create unnecessary stress. And remember, great makeup begins with great skin, so prioritize skincare in the weeks leading up to your wedding for a smooth, radiant base. A healthy glow and a peaceful mind are the foundations of truly beautiful bridal makeup.' What does a make-up artist need from her bride to work comfortably? 'Creating true bridal magic starts with a strong partnership between the bride and her makeup artist. Clear communication is key—sharing your vision, preferences, and any concerns helps set the foundation. A calm, quiet space allows your artist to stay focused and fully creative, while trust gives them the freedom to enhance your natural beauty without distraction. When these elements come together, that's when timeless, unforgettable bridal looks are born.' Are there any beauty mistakes to avoid? 'There are a few common mistakes brides make with their makeup, but they're easy to avoid with a little preparation. Too many kisses from well-meaning guests can disrupt your flawless finish, so don't be shy about kindly asking for minimal contact. Avoid applying your own skincare before the session—your makeup artist will professionally prep your skin for the best results. If emotions run high, resist the urge to wipe tears; instead, gently blot to keep your makeup intact. And most importantly, don't skip skin prep in the weeks leading up to your big day—exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish for a healthy, glowing base. Above all, remember to relax. A happy, calm bride is always the most radiant.' 'Bridal makeup in 2025 is about confidence and elegance. My approach has always been the same— timeless beauty, glowing skin, and enhancing never hiding who the bride truly is. When you walk into your wedding feeling like royalty, without losing your essence, that's when you know it's done right.'
