Elle Courtonel Makeup

Bridesmaid makeup looks for a winter wedding 🕊️

Throwback to a lovely bridal morning.

Hair: .mane_
Photography: .shot

One of the questions I get asked most often when the sun comes out ☀️

“What SPF is best under makeup?”

A lot of sunscreens either leave a white cast, pill under foundation, or make skin feel too greasy before you’ve even picked up your brush. ❌

But there are a few that work really well - not just as protection, but acting as a primer.

Here are four I often recommend when clients are looking for something that wears well, smooths texture and supports skin hydration - all essential, not just the lead up to a wedding, but for every day hydrated skin:

⭐️ Beauty of Joseon Factor 50 – Lightweight, calming and completely clear. It leaves skin fresh and hydrated without interfering with makeup.

⭐️ La Roche-Posay Anthelios Factor 50 – A brilliant everyday option. It sinks in fast and doesn’t cause pilling or shine. Great for sensitive skin too.

⭐️ Skin Ceuticals Ultra Facial UV Defence Sunscreen SPF 50 – It sits like a primer, hydrates like skincare and doesn’t move throughout the day. It also has tranexamic acid which reduces pigmentation whilst you’re wearing it.

⭐️ Helio Care Gel Oil Free SPF 50 - If your makeup tends to slide or you’ve avoided SPF for fear of looking too greasy, this is a brilliant one to try.

It’s worth finding an SPF that enhances your routine instead of disrupting it.

When the base is right, everything else feels easier and the results compound.

2026 bookings ✨

My diary is now open for 2026. 💌

To enquire about a date, follow the link in my bio or email [email protected] with your date and venue in the first instance.

This is a sign to clean your makeup brushes 🫶👀

Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes can make a big difference to your skin.

Reducing breakouts, and have a freshly cleaned brush removes excess product build up over time and can make your makeup application smoother and fresher.

A makeup trial is great preparation for your big day.

It’s where we refine your bridal look so that your makeup sits in harmony with your hairstyle, your dress, and the tone of your day.

Wearing your hair up may suit a more lifted eye makeup look, or allow a slightly more definition with eyeliner. Hair down might suit something a little lighter, allowing your hair to take centre stage.

Subtle adjustments that are thoughtfully considered.

Your final look should feel complete - not in competition. 🤍

I always recommend bridal trials. They offer reassurance that everything has been planned with room for changes, well ahead of time.

If you value a tailored approach, a bridal trial is the place to begin. 💍

The beautiful bride Sophie 🤍

This was a beautiful wedding back in October.

We went with warmer eye shadow using pigments to compliment her eyes and the autumn colours chosen in her wedding flowers.

Thank you for having me as part of your special day. 💍

Makeup look for the beautiful Carly this evening 🤍

Products used:

pillow talk instant eye palette
brow fix gel
wonder glow primer
flawless filter
pillow talk liner
pigment in famous
setting spray
translucent powder
blush

I hope you have a lovely evening at your event 😌✨

Happy International Women’s Day 🤍

When I was at school, I was told being a makeup artist wasn’t a ‘real job’ and that I would have to think bigger.

It was only moving to Liverpool years later and seeing women have great careers in the industry that I realised that narrative wasn’t true.

Being told I can’t do something only makes me more determined to prove that I can.

Today, the best part of my job is making people feel beautiful on their big day.

I feel so lucky to have been the extra bridesmaid for so many lovely women over the years. ✨

‘Should I book a bridal makeup trial?’ 🤍

Booking a bridal makeup trial is key to feeling confident on your wedding day. It lets you refine your look, see how it wears, and make any necessary adjustments.

Your trial is also the perfect time to discuss makeup looks. While inspiration photos are helpful, keep in mind that professional images often show much heavier makeup than you may want in real life. We can adjust everything to suit your features and comfort level.

✨To get the most out of your trial, consider scheduling it before a special occasion or evening out. This lets you see how the makeup lasts and feels, and take photos in different lighting to check how it translates on camera. 📸

✨Arriving with clean, moisturised skin is key for the best results. If you have any allergies or sensitivities, a trial ensures all products work for you. 🤍

✨ Book your trial around 3-6 months before the wedding, with the option for additional trials if needed. Trials can be done in the comfort of your own home for a relaxed experience.

It’s important to be open with me about your preferences and ideas during the trial. Your wedding makeup should feel authentic to you, and this is the best time to make sure we’re on the same page.

Think of me as your extra bridesmaid makeup artist, dedicated to making sure you look and feel your best. ✨

To find out more or enquire about booking please email ellecourtonelmakeup.co.uk or follow the link in bio 🔗

Hello 🤍

A little refresh for 2025 for those who are new here!

I’ve loved makeup since I was 12, and while studying visual merchandising at university in Liverpool, I realised it could be more than just a hobby. Although my degree led me into marketing, I always kept makeup as part of my life, working on weddings, special occasions, proms, and events alongside my studies. Liverpool, my favourite city, opened my eyes to so many creative opportunities, and I gained valuable experience that shaped my approach to beauty.

Over the years, I found myself doing makeup for many brides within my church who wanted a very natural, understated look, something that felt true to them but still special for their wedding day. Through this, I refined my technique, focusing on soft, seamless makeup that enhances rather than masks. My approach builds light layers to create a polished, long-wearing finish, giving enough coverage for professional photography while still looking effortless and fresh in person. The goal is always for you to feel like yourself, just with that extra confidence.

Outside of makeup, my faith is a huge part of my life. I love attending church events (Elle Courtonel Art ✍🏼) singing at open mics (Ellei-Shia Courtonel 🎶), and spending time outdoors. My favourite way to unwind is going for long walks with my two dogs, Diesel and Pip.

I open my diary once a year, and bookings are allocated on a first come, first served basis. I take on a maximum of 7 wedding client bookings per year. 🤍 I always recommend a bridal trial to ensure we achieve the perfect look for your wedding day and that you feel completely confident in your makeup.

To enquire, please send an email with your wedding date and details. I’d love to hear more about your plans.

A huge thank you to for bringing my makeup service to life and capturing such beautiful shots during my brand shoot! 🤍

Elle