Hello Ladies and Gents! After much anticipation, the wait is finally over. The Makeup Bandit is back or I should say Mrs. Makeup Bandit. That's right it's official, I am married! And while I was on my "hiatus", I often thought about what my topic would be upon my return to blogging. Of course, I knew it would be something bridal related. Every bride wants to be picture-perfect for their big day. You want to look like yourself - but different, more dramatic, fresh... it can feel like a big task. Many brides think that because a wedding is such a big day, they have to go big on the makeup. The truth of the matter is, that everyone wants to see you, not a radically changed woman masquerading in your wedding gown. If you don't wear much makeup normally - or none at all - you don't want to walk down the aisle with a heavily painted face. It won't seem natural, you won't be comfortable, and the pictures taken will reflect it (not to mention your memories). Here are my top tips for helping you create a beautiful look that you will treasure in your wedding photographs for years to come.
Tip One: Less Is More Basically, now is not the time to be going with "trends". Doing so, will only ensure that your photos look dated. Eventhough you got married in 1985, doesn't mean you want to look like an 80's bride. You would much rather have a timeless and classic look. The makeup that you do use should be good for flash photography, too. Stick with foundations that have a yellow undertone, as these will create a warm healthy appearance in the photographs that are taken during the wedding and reception. You might also look into a good bronzing powder to warm your skin tone. Apply bronzing powder with a natural bristle brush, lightly applying color to areas of the face that the sun naturally warms. Your forehead, the high curve of your cheeks, and the bridge of your nose are the best places, but if you're naturally pale you might want to apply a very light dusting over your neck and chest for a more even tone.
Use a gel foundation primer before you apply your make-up, but be careful about the powder you use to set everything. A light dusting of loose powder will help prevent unwanted shine (this can result in a greasy, highly reflective look in your photos), but stay away from heavy pressed powders. Too much powder will leave your skin looking chalky, dull and unhealthy in photos. Go for warm, flattering cheek colors like peach and rose. When you apply blush, focus on the rounded parts of your cheek and blend the blush back and up towards the top part of your ears. If you have dry skin, you can achieve a natural, dewy glow by using a cream blush - but powder blush will work better on oily skin.
Tip Two: Be An OriginalMany brides want to create a look that's just like their favorite celebrity's. There's nothing wrong with finding inspiration from the big names, but make sure that the look you choose works for you AND the theme you're using. J-Lo looks great with that bronzey, South Beach look, but it really won't go with your Victorian themed wedding...you get the idea.
If you are looking through magazines for inspiration, stick with looks that match the theme you have for your overall wedding. Celebrities get married all the time, focus on the ones that have the elements you're already using in your own wedding.
Tip Three: Play Up Those EyesThe eyes are the windows to the soul, and this being true, you want your eyes to be a special feature of your whole look. When you begin working on your eyes, start with your brows. Make sure you invest in a professional brow shaping a couple of days before the event. This will ensure that your eyes are "framed" perfectly. If your brows are sparse and you need to create a shape, fill them in using a slightly lighter brow powder or pencil than your natural hair color. Then set with a clear mascara or brow gel.
Create lush lashes by using an eyelash curler and a couple coats of mascara. Don't overwhelm your lashes with too much mascara though - you don't want to end up "clumping". Instead, apply one coat of mascara, allow it to dry completely, and then use an eyelash curler to shape them. If you still think you need a second, apply it after. This is also a great time to experiment with false lashes. Many companies now offer both individual and half lashes which are more natural looking.
Eyeshadow should compliment your natural coloring on your wedding day - try to stay away from unnatural colors like purple and blue, and stay closer to warm tan, orange, and pink colors.
Lastly, brush one stroke of eyeliner over the top of your lashline, and a second stroke inside, under the lashes and close to the eye. This makes your lashes look fuller by leaving no "empty" space.
Tip Four: Consult The ExpertsNot all of us have the budget to hire a makeup artist to transform us into something amazing. Have no fear, there are trained experts right behind the counter of many of your local cosmetic stores. Most cosmetic companies now offer bridal consultations and they will show you really great techniques and insider tricks. Usually, these consultations are performed by a professional makeup artist, so you can glide right through the process on your big day.
I hope these tips were helpful. My last piece of advice is just try to relax and enjoy the entire day from beginning to end, it really goes by so quickly. Hopefully, the memories and photographs will last a lifetime!
Crime does pay!
The Makeup Bandit
