How One Radiant Bride Nailed Her Own Wedding Day Makeup

When Elle Mie-Jin McPherson-Yoon attended a friend’s '60s-themed birthday party in Venice, she had no idea that she would be introduced to her future husband. Simply put, “That’s the kind of invite you don’t want to pass up!” recalls the Canadian creative consultant, who was wearing a bright orange dress when she and Angus Tweedie, a London-based financial strategist, first laid eyes on one another. 

Fast forward to the beginning of 2020, following three years of long-distance dating, when Tweedie proposed at the arrivals gate of Toronto Pearrson International Airport. The newly engaged couple quickly set to work on planning their dream wedding in the Scottish Highlands. And then came Covid. After many months of uncertainty, McPherson-Yoon and Tweedie got the official green light to proceed with their October ceremony—as long as they significantly cut down their guest list. 

 Images by @lucybirkheadphotography

Thankfully, there was at least one head count that the bride-to-be didn’t need to reconsider: “Being of mixed ethnic background, I have a face shape that not all makeup artists understand, so from a young age I’ve done my makeup myself,” says McPherson-Yoon, who always intended to take matters into her own hands for the big day.

Nevertheless, she did enlist the help of a pro—albeit virtually—through Westman Atelier's Beauty Concierge service, a 10-minute consultation with a makeup artist who helped her determine the product order and shades that would enhance her own natural beauty. “It gave me a lot of confidence,” she adds—as did the fact that the clean, skin-nourishing ingredients in each formula were gentle enough to prevent psoriasis flare-ups.

Instead of booking a marathon roster of pro skincare or spa treatments in the lead-up to the wedding, as she had once anticipated, McPherson-Yoon focused on her mental health, surrounding herself with positivity. That game plan included time spent mastering the perfect lit-up complexion for the ceremony. Free of silicones and packed with skin-nourishing actives, Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Pêche became a fail-proof cornerstone of her fresh, luminous look, as did a skin-brightening touch of healthy pink blush.

On the day of the wedding, the application process was “such a nice quiet moment,” remembers McPherson-Yoon, who made herself a playlist and gave herself ample time to prep before she walked down the aisle. “I felt great; I felt like myself. I’m so happy that I recognize the person in the pictures.”  Shop Elle’s wedding day products below—or book a complimentary appointment with our Beauty Concierge service to find your own custom look. For Gucci Westman's number one tip to loving your wedding makeup, click here.

 Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask and Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil

“The evening before the wedding I used the Sisley Black Rose Mask and left it on overnight. In the morning, I used the Black Rose Oil and gave myself a facial massage using a jade gua sha.”

Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Illuminating Primer

“I used this Juice Beauty Primer, which Gucci recommended in an Instagram video, to prep my skin before putting on makeup.”

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick in Atelier VI

“To create a nice base, I used Vital Skin Foundation Stick very lightly, only where I needed it. I didn’t want to cover my entire face.”

Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder

“To help everything last, I set my under-eye and T-zone areas with a translucent Cover FX setting powder. I let it sit for a moment and then brushed the excess off.”

Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Pêche

“I love my skin and it’s such a part of who I am, so I wanted to keep its natural color and just enhance it. I went over the top of my forehead and cheeks with Peau de Pêche for a glow effect. It’s my favorite product.”

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick in Biscuit

“I went in with Face Trace in Biscuit to contour my cheeks and further enhance.”

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Poppet

“I mostly stuck with cream-based products because I can manipulate them in a way that wouldn’t come across as streaky. I used Poppet for a burst of really bright healthy pink on the apples of my cheeks.”

Ilia Clean Line Gel Liner in Dusk and Ilia Clean Line Liquid Liner in Midnight Express

“After using Westman Atelier's Eye Pod in a chocolate shade on my lids, I did a smudge of Ilia brown liner followed by a touch—not a wing—of black liquid liner to subtly define the lashes.” 

Westman Atelier Eye Love You Mascara  

“I love the fullness this black mascara gives me. I topped it off with a quick layer of waterproof mascara from Suqqu—just in case.”

 Beautycounter Define Brow Pencil in Brown

“I definitely have a wider Korean brow and I like that, so I just filled in my arches a bit for more shape and definition in photos.”

Saie Brow Butter in Medium Brown

“To create a natural, bushy effect, I used Saie’s Brow Butter in Medium Brown on top.”

Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick in Nectar

“As a last touch, I went over my brow and cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow of the lips to catch the light. I got compliments specifically on my highlight from my soon-to-be sister-in-law, so I’ll definitely be gifting it to her!”