Whether you're a DIY beauty bride or going pro, here's everything you need to know to look absolutely gorgeous.
Whether you're going for a natural look or for something with a little more oomph, chances are you'll definitely want to put your best face forward on your wedding day. Your makeup and skin have to look picture perfect -- and we'll show you that "pretty" is pretty easy.
Choosing a Look
When you envision yourself on the big day, what do you see? Something dramatic? Glamorous? Ethereal? Avoid nondescript words like "natural" -- that's a given. Every bride wants to look natural. (Really, you'll never hear: I want to look like Christina Aguilera on my wedding day!) But beyond expressing your penchant for au naturel, you'll want to be able to intelligently share style ideas with your makeup artist.
When you envision yourself on the big day, what do you see? Something dramatic? Glamorous? Ethereal? Avoid nondescript words like "natural" -- that's a given. Every bride wants to look natural. (Really, you'll never hear: I want to look like Christina Aguilera on my wedding day!) But beyond expressing your penchant for au naturel, you'll want to be able to intelligently share style ideas with your makeup artist.
The Inspiration
Before you start ripping your favorite pages out of beauty magazines, look at favorite pictures of yourself. Maybe your eyes or your full lips make you stunning -- or perhaps you loved the rosy glow in your cheeks that day. Only after you know what it is that you love about yourself can you look to, say, Nicole Kidman for beauty inspiration. Afterward, look at the big picture of the wedding itself.
Where you're marrying and what time of day will affect the beauty specifics: A wedding on a beach might call for a bronze and dewy look; an evening affair always requires more drama against dim lighting. Next, consider your wedding style. (Vintage? City sophisticate?) For example, if your gown and your details evoke an all-American preppy, striking cat-eyes probably aren't going to work.
Before you start ripping your favorite pages out of beauty magazines, look at favorite pictures of yourself. Maybe your eyes or your full lips make you stunning -- or perhaps you loved the rosy glow in your cheeks that day. Only after you know what it is that you love about yourself can you look to, say, Nicole Kidman for beauty inspiration. Afterward, look at the big picture of the wedding itself.
Where you're marrying and what time of day will affect the beauty specifics: A wedding on a beach might call for a bronze and dewy look; an evening affair always requires more drama against dim lighting. Next, consider your wedding style. (Vintage? City sophisticate?) For example, if your gown and your details evoke an all-American preppy, striking cat-eyes probably aren't going to work.
Make note of your day-to-day beauty dilemmas, such as mascara on your bottom lashes tends to give you dark circles or lip liner makes your lips dry, and share these concerns with your makeup artist. And don't be afraid to try something new -- as long as you test-drive the look before the wedding. You may find colors or combinations you are afraid of actually look great on you.
Bring actual photos of looks you love when you meet with your makeup artist. After all, your idea of what's "natural" or "elegant" might be different from hers.
Finding a Makeup Artist
A good makeup artist can mean the difference between a nice wedding face and a drop-dead beautiful one. As with any wedding vendor, you'll want to do your research. Look online, talk to the ladies at your bridal salon or your reception venue, speak with local brides and friends -- cover all the bases. Nowadays, you can hire a makeup artist through the same salons where you find your hair specialists. Many salons offer makeup applications, and often a line of cosmetics -- which can be a big help for a bride with limited cosmetic resources. Some salons offer a discount if you book both your makeup and hair professionals there.
A good makeup artist can mean the difference between a nice wedding face and a drop-dead beautiful one. As with any wedding vendor, you'll want to do your research. Look online, talk to the ladies at your bridal salon or your reception venue, speak with local brides and friends -- cover all the bases. Nowadays, you can hire a makeup artist through the same salons where you find your hair specialists. Many salons offer makeup applications, and often a line of cosmetics -- which can be a big help for a bride with limited cosmetic resources. Some salons offer a discount if you book both your makeup and hair professionals there.
You can also find a great makeup artist through local department stores. If you have a favorite makeup counter, head there for a free makeover (or visit 20 different counters and then pick a favorite). When you like what you see, ask the salesperson if she does any outside makeup work. She may be willing to come to you on the wedding day or, if not, maybe she can set aside an appointment at the counter for the morning of the wedding.
Finally, if you live near a big city, you can find makeup artists through agents (the same folks that represent models and photographers). Check the pages of your favorite magazines to find big makeup names, or scour the Internet for reps. Yes, those artists will cost a pretty penny, but you might find it worth the extra dough.
Finally, if you live near a big city, you can find makeup artists through agents (the same folks that represent models and photographers). Check the pages of your favorite magazines to find big makeup names, or scour the Internet for reps. Yes, those artists will cost a pretty penny, but you might find it worth the extra dough.
Once you find one you love, you'll need to set up a consultation. Many salons or professionals will charge a consultation fee -- anywhere from $25 to $100 -- and then a separate wedding-day fee, which can run as high as $1200. Others will charge only one price up front, slightly higher than a wedding-day fee, and offer a free consultation as part of the package. Take caution: The problem
with the latter option is that you sign on with the stylist before you've had a chance to critique her --
so don't be lured by the prospect of a free consultation (it's not "free" if you hate the results and
need to find someone else).
with the latter option is that you sign on with the stylist before you've had a chance to critique her --
so don't be lured by the prospect of a free consultation (it's not "free" if you hate the results and
need to find someone else).
What many brides don't realize about a consultation is that this is a trial run -- which means, most
professionals will only want to give you an idea of the look you're after, not an exact replica of what
to expect on wedding day. Your artist might do the left eye in one color combination and the right in
another, so you have a comparison of which works better.
professionals will only want to give you an idea of the look you're after, not an exact replica of what
to expect on wedding day. Your artist might do the left eye in one color combination and the right in
another, so you have a comparison of which works better.
After everything with your professional is said and done, remember this: You know your face better
than anyone. Don't get talked into something you absolutely hate or won't feel comfortable with.
You're going to have to live with that face -- not only for the rest of the day, but in pictures for the
rest of your life.
than anyone. Don't get talked into something you absolutely hate or won't feel comfortable with.
You're going to have to live with that face -- not only for the rest of the day, but in pictures for the
rest of your life.
No Expert? No Problem
We always strongly suggest that you should have a professional do your makeup on the big day --
mostly to spare you the extra stress of having to do it yourself. But if an expert isn't in your budget,
here are some things you'll want to keep in mind.
Since you're not just preparing for a day at the office, don't skip a trial run. Practice on your face in
all kinds of light -- outside, inside, daytime, nighttime. Have someone take a few pictures of you, so
that you can get a well-rounded idea of how the makeup will come out on film. And don't be afraid to
ask for help. It might be worth a trip to a makeup counter anyway so you can grab a few application
tips from the salespeople there.
We always strongly suggest that you should have a professional do your makeup on the big day --
mostly to spare you the extra stress of having to do it yourself. But if an expert isn't in your budget,
here are some things you'll want to keep in mind.
Since you're not just preparing for a day at the office, don't skip a trial run. Practice on your face in
all kinds of light -- outside, inside, daytime, nighttime. Have someone take a few pictures of you, so
that you can get a well-rounded idea of how the makeup will come out on film. And don't be afraid to
ask for help. It might be worth a trip to a makeup counter anyway so you can grab a few application
tips from the salespeople there.
What You Can Do
The great thing about being a bride is that you get to experience that all-day bridal glow, the
dewiness that makes every girl look amazing. Unfortunately, that glow does not work miracles -- and
neither do the best makeup artists in the world. Since much of your beauty condition on your
wedding day is completely in your own hands, there are a few things you’ll need to do before the
wedding to ensure your skin is in shape.
The great thing about being a bride is that you get to experience that all-day bridal glow, the
dewiness that makes every girl look amazing. Unfortunately, that glow does not work miracles -- and
neither do the best makeup artists in the world. Since much of your beauty condition on your
wedding day is completely in your own hands, there are a few things you’ll need to do before the
wedding to ensure your skin is in shape.
Get some sleep. Models might be able to stay out until 4 a.m. partying, because those next-day
photos are airbrushed into oblivion for the magazines. Your body requires a minimum of eight hours
of rest to rebuild and repair itself. In that time, it sheds dead skin cells, flushes toxins and excess
water, and regulates its natural moisture levels (among other things). Deprive yourself of sleep, and
expect to see dull skin, dark circles, and puffiness when you wake up in the morning.
photos are airbrushed into oblivion for the magazines. Your body requires a minimum of eight hours
of rest to rebuild and repair itself. In that time, it sheds dead skin cells, flushes toxins and excess
water, and regulates its natural moisture levels (among other things). Deprive yourself of sleep, and
expect to see dull skin, dark circles, and puffiness when you wake up in the morning.
Your skin reflects how well you take care of yourself. Excessive smoking and drinking can also leave
you with a pallid complexion. Since cigarettes and alcohol both restrict the circulation of oxygen
through your body, your skin does not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to look healthy and
supple. Drinking lots of water (at least eight glasses a day) and getting enough exercise, however,
can help to increase circulation and flush out toxins.
you with a pallid complexion. Since cigarettes and alcohol both restrict the circulation of oxygen
through your body, your skin does not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to look healthy and
supple. Drinking lots of water (at least eight glasses a day) and getting enough exercise, however,
can help to increase circulation and flush out toxins.
Last, create a skin regimen -- one that you'll stick to. For the most part, this should include washing
your face twice a day with lukewarm or cool water (hot water evaporates the moisture from the
surface cells, prematurely aging skin) and afterward applying a moisturizer with an SPF. Since we all
tend to diagnose ourselves wrong (for instance, thinking you have dry skin when you actually have
oily), a dermatologist can give you specific instructions as to what kind of products you should be
using and how often.
your face twice a day with lukewarm or cool water (hot water evaporates the moisture from the
surface cells, prematurely aging skin) and afterward applying a moisturizer with an SPF. Since we all
tend to diagnose ourselves wrong (for instance, thinking you have dry skin when you actually have
oily), a dermatologist can give you specific instructions as to what kind of products you should be
using and how often.
Source: www.wedding.theknot.com
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Make sure to bring a picture of what kind of look you will be going for to show the makeup artist. Your idea of “natural” might be different from what your makeup artist has in mind.