On your wedding day, feeling and looking your best is a must. Here to help you do just that is Claire Milburn, an incredibly talented and passionate North East hair and makeup artist with a particular adoration for creating breathtaking bridal looks.

With a focus on cruelty-free, clean products from world-leading brands, her service is one to certainly leave a smile on your face as you dash down that aisle looking the finest you ever have. We sat down with this fun and friendly HMUA to find out why she should be your only beauty-call.

See her in action here!

Firstly, tell us a little about how you got into the beauty sector.

My love of all things beauty started when I got my very first Saturday job working for Boots The Chemist. It was like Christmas every day! I was surrounded by products and I loved trying them out. When I graduated from University I left Boots and started my career, and after 23 years working as an estate agency professional, I was at a time in my life when I really wanted to do something I felt truly passionate about.

I decided to retrain with some amazing professional hair and makeup academies and after a period of time I felt ready to go it alone, I resigned from my job and Claire Alexandra Hair And Makeup was born.

How would you describe your approach to bridal makeup?

 I ADORE WEDDINGS! I WANTED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER BRIDES A LUXURY EXPERIENCE FOR THEIR WEDDING DAY. I STRIVE TO PROVIDE BRIDES WITH THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF SERVICE, EVERY SINGLE WEDDING.

CLAIRE

What’s your signature style?

A classic, elegant, modern look with a focus on radiant, glowing skin. My makeup is light, not heavy, it feels natural, comfortable and lasts.

What areas do you cover?

I'm based in Ponteland, Northumberland and I love to travel. I'm happy to cater for Brides anywhere in the UK.

What are your must-have bridal beauty products?

Where do I start! I have so many and seem to find a reason to keep adding to my very extensive kit - I think it's an addiction… One thing I am passionate about is clean, ethical beauty. I chose to be a cruelty free HMUA when I launched my business.

Talk us through the service a bride can expect to receive from Claire Alexandra Hair & Makeup…

YOU CHOOSING ME AND MY TEAM TO BE A PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED AND SOMETHING THAT WILL ALWAYS MAKE ME FEEL REALLY HONOURED. 

CLAIRE

I work with you to discover what it is you are wanting to create for your big day, I love keeping in touch and hearing about your plans as they evolve. I help you prepare for your wedding, offering skincare advice and solutions, gel manicures and pedicures.

Trials typically take place 6-8 weeks before your wedding and I encourage everyone on the booking to come for one. This is a great way to get to know each other, ensure that everyone feels relaxed on the wedding day and adds to the feeling of this being a special event. On the day, we keep it calm and relaxed, this is your day and we want you to enjoy every second of it.

How do you detach yourself from work?

I'm not sure I do! My business is my baby, I live, sleep and breathe it and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Where is your happy place?

At home surrounded by my family, the Lake District, anywhere near a horse.

Favourite wedding venue?

We are incredibly lucky to have an abundance of amazing venues here in the North East and further afield. Everytime I visit a venue I see something else I fall in love with. I honestly don't think I could choose. Goodness knows how Paul and I are going to decide on a venue for our own wedding!

Why should a bride get her hair and makeup done professionally?

This is the most important day in your lives and you want to be able to enjoy every single moment and feel amazing.

We take the stress out of having to know which products will suit your skin tone and skin type, we know how to apply and what to apply where, your makeup needs to be of a standard that will photograph perfectly, and not all products do!

BOOKING YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST IS ALL PART OF THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE, IT'S A TREAT AND FEELS INCREDIBLY SPECIAL, AFTER ALL YOU'RE A PRINCESS FOR THE DAY!

CLAIRE

Amen to that Claire.

Find out more about Claire and her amazing bridal beauty services by visiting her website or checking out her dedicated Guest List Portfolio!