When Marisa Abela tied the knot, her wedding day beauty exuded effortless sophistication and timeless glamour. The creative force behind the look was none other than celebrity makeup artist Neil Young, who crafted a bridal vision using exclusively Chanel Beauty products. The result? A luminous, polished, and utterly chic makeup moment designed to last from “I do” to the very last dance.
In conversation with Arcadia Online, Neil Young shares the inspiration, the process, and his ultimate bridal beauty secrets.
Q: What was your creative inspiration behind Marisa Abela’s wedding makeup look, and how did you translate her personality into the final style?
Neil Young: The makeup was very much inspired by Audrey Hepburn. We’ve admired and referenced her beauty since Marisa and I have worked together, so it was a natural fit to draw from her beauty for the wedding makeup.
Q: How closely did you work with Marisa to bring her vision to life? Was there a particular moment in the process when you both knew, ‘This is the look’?
Neil Young: We did a couple of trials for the look, and each time we saw a new iteration of the dress — from toile to the finished gown — the makeup became less and less. It just didn’t feel right to make it “a look” of any kind. Even on the day, the makeup was less than the previous trials, and we both knew at that moment it was the best version it could be for the special day.
Q: Did you draw on any current bridal beauty trends, or was the goal to create a look that felt timeless and uniquely Marisa?
Neil Young: We knew we wanted the wedding makeup to be the complete antithesis of a red carpet makeup so it didn’t feel like work. You want to avoid trend-led makeups where possible as trends date quickly. You will be looking at these pictures for a lifetime, so make it timeless.
Q: Can you share any hero products or techniques from Chanel Beauty that were essential to achieving the glow and finish of Marisa’s wedding day makeup?
Neil Young: Weddings are long days. There’s a lot of kissing, hugging and tears, so you have to ensure everything is as waterproof as it can possibly be.
- Le Volume de Chanel Waterproof Mascara in Noir was a clear winner for volume, length and tear-proof moments.
- Chanel Ultra Le Teint Foundation perfected the complexion with a luminous finish that lasted all day.
- Rouge Coco Baume Satin in Natural Charm ensured the lips retained their colour and stayed hydrated throughout the day.
Q: What advice would you give brides about balancing performance and comfort in wedding makeup?
Neil Young: Wedding makeup has to perform, so I never over-prep the complexion with skincare on the day. The more layers you have, the more maintenance it takes and you don’t want to spend your big day having touch-ups every two hours. Indulge in skincare before the big day and keep it light under the makeup for the main event.
If waterproof or longwear formulas are available to you, always opt for them. At the same time, if you know you eat your lipstick off, make the eyes or complexion the focus and go for a low-maintenance texture on the lip.
I often get asked, “Should I wear more makeup for photos on my wedding?” It’s important to remember that photos are taken from a distance as well as close up, so it’s essential to strike a balance. For me, elevated and beautiful always delivers.
Q: People often talk about a makeup artist’s ‘signature touch.’ What would you say was your signature element in Marisa’s look?
Neil Young: I believe makeup should always be about enhancing the person’s features. If you see makeup before the features, it’s often too much. But more importantly, it’s about how someone feels in the makeup I’ve done for them — and that’s priceless.
From the Audrey Hepburn-inspired elegance to the flawless longevity of Chanel Beauty, Neil Young created a look that was as timeless as it was personal. Subtle, luminous, and designed to last a lifetime in memories and photographs, Marisa Abela’s wedding makeup was a masterclass in bridal sophistication proving that true beauty lies in simplicity, confidence, and a touch of Parisian chic.
