Solihull Bridal makeup Artist holding a makeup brush

I'm Ellie,

YOUR BIRDAL MAKEUP ARTIST

& women behind the makeup brush


Fancy coming on a journey with me? Amazing! Let’s get into it . . .

I’ve been a professional bridal makeup artist in Solihull/Birmingham and the West Midlands for over seven years, which means I’m pretty secure in my style, knowledge, and expertise today but I wasn’t always a confident person.

Let’s go way back, shall we? Back in school, even though I worked so hard, I never felt like the genius in the group. When I was 15, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. At first, I took it as a negative. I felt stupid, like I wasn’t good enough.

But it wasn’t until college that I had my “wait a minute, El…” moment.
You’ve got skills in other areas…

Creativity, vision, and the ability to see beauty in others came naturally to me. That’s when makeup shifted from a hobby to something much bigger. It became the way I expressed myself, built confidence, and eventually shaped my career as a bridal makeup artist working with brides across Solihull, Birmingham and the wider West Midlands

“You’re a creative!”

CHECK OUT YOUR BRIDAL MAKEUP EXPERINCE
Birmingham bridal makeup artist applying lipstick in a makeup mirror

So why a BRIDAL MAKEUP ARTIST?

Being creative could have meant I could do anything, but makeup had an irresistible pull I didn’t feel anywhere else. When I lacked confidence, I found expression through makeup. It made me feel alive, powerful, and confident in a way I had never felt from within.

At first, I didn’t see makeup as a career. I moved away from my hometown in Solihull and studied psychology in Sheffield. That’s when I realised something important: dyslexia wasn’t a limitation, I just thrived in creative spaces. And for me, that creativity always came back to makeup.

One day, I woke up and decided to go for it.

I was going to turn my passion into something real. I was born in the 2016 makeup era (if you know, you know), perfecting cut creases and colourful looks. But even then, I was drawn to a softer but still powerful kind of makeup that would eventually lead me into becoming a bridal makeup artist for brides across Solihull, Birmingham, and the West Midlands.

Bridal makeup, to me, is about feeling polished, glamorous, and unapologetically YOU. You can be soft yet confident, bold yet elegant and all of that can be expressed through makeup in a way that feels true to who you are.

Along the way, I realised that what really matters isn’t just the final look but the principles I want to stand for in my work the values that guide me in every makeup look, every decision, and every wedding morning.

Makeupbyelhawkins a west midlands bridal makep artist holding a makeup brush leaning against a makeup chair

‘Being soft and strong is a combination very few have mastered.’

– Yasmin Mogahed 

Things that are important to me

Clarity & Understanding

I know what it feels like to be misunderstood or confused about something that should feel simple. In my work as a bridal makeup artist, clarity and communication matter just as much as the makeup itself. I want every bride I work with ,whether they’re in Solihull, Birmingham or across the West Midlands to feel seen, heard and completely supported, never confused or dismissed..

Mutual Support & Collaboration

I believe in true teamwork and the freedom to bounce ideas off one another. We’re in this makeup journey together. It’s not just me giving you a bridal makeup look, it’s us working as a team. We both bring ideas to the table, chat about the looks you love, and figure out what works best together. While I’ll guide you, I see this as a mutual relationship: your voice matters just as much as mine.

Respect & Equality

I’m naturally sensitive, and I believe that sensitivity is a strength when it comes to respecting others. I treat everyone with genuine kindness and fairness no ego, no superiority. Everyone’s voice deserves to be heard and valued, and I aim to create an environment where people feel seen, supported, and understood.

MY MISSION

I help brides worried about ‘too much makeup’ achieve soft, flawless, long-wear glam so they feel comfortable, elevated, and beautiful in every photo. 

Because beauty isn’t about being loud.

It’s about feeling powerful, polished, and unapologetically you.

YOUR BRIDAL MAKEUP EXPERIENCE
A bridal makeup artist solihull smiling into the camera with glasses on and a brush in hand. Black and white

Fun Facts

CURRENT BOOK BOYFRIEND: Alexus from the Witch Collector series

WHAT IM LISTENING TO: My Spotify playlist ( I’m emotional clearly)

LATEST WATCH: The Summer I Turned Pretty - PRIME ( always a lover girl)

CURRENT FOOD OBSESSION: Yogurt bowls

FAVOURITE MAKEUP PRODUCT OF 2025 ( so far): DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation she pricey but she worth it

RECENT ACHIEVMENT: Solihull and Birmingham Half Marathon’s completed. I think another one in the west midlands is on the cards soon!

So now you know me, here’s how I help you shine…

Blonde women getting her bridal makeup done at a venue in Solihull
  • Ellie’s Brides: For the soft yet glamorous photo ready bride

    Starts from £370

BRIDAL MAKEUP SERVICES
a blonde women getting her makeup done applying blush to face
  • Occasion makeup appointments are all about helping you feel flawless, confident and ready for any event. My studio is located in Solihull, West Midlands, and appointments start from £50.

Occasion Makeup INFO
Black director's chair with white text that reads 'El Hawkins Makeup Artist' against a cream-colored curtain background.
  • LEARN YOUR OWN FACE

    Designed to teach you the tips, tricks, and techniques you need to perfect your own makeup. Gain confidence in creating your look at home with guidance from a professional makeup artist in Solihull, West Midlands.

    PRO 1:1 LESSONS

    Tailored sessions for makeup artists in Solihull and the West Midlands who want to elevate their skills, refine their artistry, and develop a more polished, professional approach.

    Starts from £150

Learn more

Work together . . .

  • Brides-wedding-shoes

    "EL, I HAVE NO WORDS"

    You did my make up for my wedding day and it was simply perfect. Not only did the look you gave me look sensational, but the way you showed up for me in the morning was just what I needed to keep me calm. My very own personal cheerleader. You're the best, and any bride would be lucky to have you as their MUA on their big day!


    BRIDE - CHARLIE, 2025 SOLIHULL

  • BRIDAL-ACCESSORIES

    "Oh Ellie.. what can I say?!

    As a bride who is not a make up girl, you completely made me (and the entire bridal party) feel completely at ease and coped exceptionally well with my indecisive nature!!

    You encouraged me to go bold with the elements I loved and taught me to embrace it!

    We all loved sharing my wedding morning with you and hope to see you again in the future xx


    BRIDE - CHARLOTTE 2025 SOLIHULL

  • Wedding- dress-in-window

    "Totally in love with my bridal makeup!"

    On the big day, my makeup was everything I dreamed of – soft glam, bridal, and me. She made the tiniest tweaks from my trial that I’d asked for, and they made all the difference. The makeup stayed flawless from morning until the evening, through all the fun and dancing!

    She just gets it – the glam, the vibe, everything. So grateful for El and her amazing talent for making me feel so beautiful on my wedding day!

    BRIDE- ELLIE 2025 SOLIHULL