"I say this as your brutally honest big MUA sister..."
A UK-based bridal makeup artist has sparked fresh debate after sharing what she calls “honest bridal makeup truths” that many professionals allegedly avoid discussing with clients.
Serena Kaur Ojalae, known online as @serenaworldwide, posted an Instagram carousel offering candid advice drawn from her experience working with brides across the UK and destination weddings.
In the caption, she described herself as a “brutally honest big MUA sister” committed to helping brides achieve their best look while guiding them towards what suits them most.
Each slide featured one of her bridal clients, paired with direct tips that challenge popular beauty requests often seen in South Asian wedding culture.
In one slide, Serena advised brides to avoid nude lipsticks, explaining that such shades can wash out the face and fail to complement natural lip tones.
Instead, she recommended opting for soft pink hues that subtly enhance features while tying the overall look together.
Another tip focused on the bindi, which she described as essential to completing a bridal look, urging brides to keep it simple without excessive embellishment.
She suggested experimenting with different sizes on the wedding day, noting that the small detail is often overlooked despite its ability to elevate the entire appearance.
Addressing base makeup, Serena discouraged heavily dewy finishes, instead promoting radiant or soft matte looks that offer better longevity throughout long wedding celebrations.
She explained that natural shine will develop over time, making long-lasting formulas more practical for brides seeking minimal touch-ups.
In a further slide, she described forehead bronzer as “non-negotiable”, saying it frames the face and prevents a washed-out appearance in photographs.
The artist, who also runs the bridal-focused page @bridesofserenaworldwide, is widely recognised for her signature soft glam aesthetic tailored to South Asian brides.
Her latest advice follows recent controversy over another video in which she encouraged brides to reconsider hiring professional makeup artists altogether.
In a clip posted on March 8, 2026, Serena suggested that some artists are “charging you an arm and a leg for a bit of foundation and blush”.
She added that while brides face rising wedding costs, some professionals are profiting heavily, fuelling frustration among viewers.
The video also introduced a paid bridal makeup guide designed to teach brides how to recreate her signature looks independently.
Promoting the product, Serena told followers: “The Secret’s Out! Comment ‘Guide’ to grab yours now!” signalling the launch of her digital tutorial.
She explained that she often declines bookings due to limited availability or because pricing may be inaccessible for some brides.
Highlighting wider financial pressures, she said: “Bridal makeup isn’t cheap & in a world where wedding costs are becoming extortionately high, I want to normalise doing your own bridal makeup.”
According to Serena, the guide breaks down her techniques and methods to improve makeup longevity.
It also includes a curated product list featuring both affordable and high-end options, aimed at making bridal beauty more accessible.
She noted that the tutorial is particularly suited to brides unable to afford professional services or those wanting greater control over their wedding look.
The post quickly gained traction online, with social media users divided between praising her transparency and criticising the message as undermining working makeup artists.
While some welcomed the honesty and affordability focus, others argued that professional artistry involves skill, time and expertise that cannot easily be replaced.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions within the bridal industry, as rising costs continue to shape how modern South Asian brides approach their wedding preparations.
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