by Colleen
Are you a summer bride, a member of the wedding party or a guest? If you don’t want to hate your photos in 5 years, steer clear of any makeup look that is too trendy. In my opinion, you should be the best version of yourself, so if that means you look stunning in a classic red lip than go for it! Are your eyes your best feature? Then play them up with soft shadows and eyeliner.
When I meet a bride for a trial makeup session, we take a look at any pictures she has for inspiration, we discuss her dress and wedding theme. I like to take into consideration her own unique features and with all those ingredients come up with a look that is perfect for her. As you can see from the photos above, not everyone’s look is the same. Tracy opted for what I like to call the classic wedding makeup, with very soft smokey eye in dark browns, liner and soft pink lips and cheeks. Lydia, on the other hand, wanted a more casual look to go perfectly with her backyard garden ceremony. For her we took inspiration from the JCrew lookbook and gave her the perfect red lip, glowing skin and just a single line of eyeliner. It suits the simple and elegant lines of her wedding dress while maintaining a youthful look.
Planning on hiring a professional to do your makeup for the big event? Make sure you start looking early because the best makeup artists get booked up quickly during wedding season. You can search online or through wedding magazines as they have listings of makeup artist for many cities. Here’s a good tip: you can also contact local makeup agencies to find a makeup artist. Often model agents also represent makeup artists, as mine does (Wilhelmina models) and if the artists aren’t booked on fashion photoshoots, they can be hired to do weddings as well.
Have a trial so you can make sure the makeup artist you will hire understands the look you want to achieve and doesn’t try to force you into a look you don’t feel yourself in. Take photos of yourself afterwards to see how you will look and leave the makeup on for the day to make sure it will last! Crying included!
If the pro makeup artist isn’t in the works, here are some tips for doing your makeup yourself:
Primer: Primer is an essential tool to make the foundation last. Especially if you have oily skin or are having a summer wedding and it will be hot and humid. I love to use Laura Mercier Oil free primer and Urban Decay poreless primer for more problem skin.
Foundation: Foundation will guarantee a flawless look in your photos even if applied in a thin layer. You may want to use long wear foundation if you have oily skin or your event will be outside. I love Estee Lauder long wear foundation. I also often use Armani luminous Silk foundation for brides. It truly makes you look flawless!
Powder: Used sparingly and, mostly in the t-zone, it is an important step for flash photography so you don’t look shiny or oily. My favorite powder is Airbrush Flawless finish from Charlotte Tilbury.
Lips: After applying the lipstick of your choice, separate a tissue into two layers and use only one to blot. Then reapply more lipstick. This will help it to last. Use lip gloss sparingly.
Mascara: Make sure to use waterproof! Eyeliner should be waterproof as well. I love Urban Decay’s canonball mascara and gel liner is the most long lasting.
Setting Spray: I like to set the makeup with a setting spray like All Nighter from Urban Decay to make sure it lasts through the many hours of any event!
Finally don’t forget to pack a few little touch up items for your clutch. Powder, lipstick and these super handy q-tips for quick fixes.