Tips & Tricks

Bridal Makeup Tips

May 7, 2008

Bridal season is in full swing so here are a few tips for those of you who are soon to become a Mrs 🙂


Face
• Make sure your skin is well moisturized and use a foundation primer like Laura Mercier Foundation Primer to help your makeup stay on longer.

• A tip from celebrity makeup artist Zing – mix a bit of NARS Aqua Gel Hydrator into your foundation. Not only does this add in moisture and help create a dewy look, it will make your foundation glide onto your skin and blend like a dream.

• Choose a foundation matches your neck completely. If you have to choose between a lighter or a darker shade, go with the darker. The flash in cameras might reflect off your makeup and the last thing you want in pictures is a white face with a darker neck.

• Set with translucent loose powder to maximize lasting power and avoid shine.

• Blush is a must to add warmth onto your face. Pick colors like pink, peach or rose and stick with powder so it can last longer.

Eyes
• Smudges and creases are definitely big no-nos. Use an eyeshadow primer like Urban Decay Primer Potion to create the perfect base for your eye makeup and stick with products in waterproof and long-lasting formulas. This means waterproof mascara, gel eyeliner like MAC Fluidline and powder eyeshadows.

• Avoid harsh lines, crazy colors or anything with too much shimmer or glitter. Stick to neutrals in a satin formula.

• Do not forget your eyebrows. If you need to get them waxed/trimmed/plucked, do so a few days before your wedding to avoid irritation and redness.

• Curling your lashes is a must. I personally love Shiseido and Shu Uemura eyelash curlers. Alternatively, try an eyelash perm.

• To really make your eyes pop, line the lower inner rim with a beige/off-white pencil.

Lips
• Apply a hydrating balm like MAC Lip Conditioner SPF 15 on your lips and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Outline your lips with a lipliner in a complementary color – never use a dark liner – and apply your lip color with a brush for the highest precision.

• According to celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown, “avoid neutral and pale lip colors because they can look washed out in pictures. Choose a lipstick that is one to two shades brighter than what you normally wear. Not something intense but maybe a few colors up.” Pinks, roses and plums are great choices.

Rule of Thumb
Do a test run before your big day. Get a friend or hire someone professional to help out and remember to take lots of pictures to see how you would turn out on camera. You do not want any unpleasant surprises after the wedding.

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8 Comments

  • Reply Natasha Fonel May 7, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    i’m sorry but I have to say this – those MAC Bridal looks are very “42nd Street Time Square Hookerish”. NARS and Bobbi Brown have much better selections/looks. I can’t believe you think these looks are great – I’m sure many brides will pass on those looks.

  • Reply Phyllis May 7, 2008 at 12:43 pm

    I’m sure you’re entitled to your opinion but I just figured people would be interested in them because MAC did a complete breakdown of the looks. I never said they were all great but I do like Emily’s look.

    If you can find a detailed breakdown from Bobbi Brown/NARS, please let me know because I can’t seem to find them anywhere. Thanks!

  • Reply Karen May 7, 2008 at 9:39 pm

    Personally I like the MAC bride looks. Of course they’re not for everyone but they’re definitely different from convention bridal looks. I believe the looks are also intensified for editorial purposes as well. My favorite is Luciana with the bold red lips and Agnes for the beachy bride look 🙂

  • Reply Anonymous May 7, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    phyllis,

    the laura mercier primer- they say it’s oil free but it’s actually very heavy because i have oily combo skin. it makes me feel like i have MORE on my face when it should be just a primer.

    what suggestions do you have for a primer other than laura mercier?

    – Irene

  • Reply Anonymous May 8, 2008 at 7:47 am

    Great post! I’m looking forward to reading your post about bridal looks for different cultures.

  • Reply Phyllis May 8, 2008 at 9:23 am

    Irene, try a mattifying primer if you have oily skin. LM also makes one that is oil-free.

  • Reply Jesica October 11, 2010 at 12:08 am

    do you recommend nars sheer glow foundation when doing a bridal make-up? will it last long on a humid weather?

  • Reply Phyllis October 11, 2010 at 6:04 pm

    Jessica,

    I’ve worn the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation even at raves and it still looked pretty good at the end of the night. Guess that should answer your question *wink*

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