Bridal Dos
1. Prep in advance. When planning for your wedding day, be sure to include your skin! “A lot of women don’t have a skincare regime. I recommend you get on one months before the wedding to become accustomed to it,” advises Christine Conte of Christine Conte Hair and Makeup. Note that post-facial breakouts can take three weeks to appear, and a reaction can take days to clear. Eating well, exercising, hydrating and exfoliating are all key steps to having radiant skin.
2. Prime for perfection. For flawless, airbrushed-looking skin, apply a primer between moisturizing and concealing. The pros pick Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer. “It gives beautiful texture to the skin and a smooth finish,” says makeup artist Heather Snowie.
3. Keep it neutral. “Go with elegant and classic colours for your makeup—nothing too trendy or bright,” says Nicki Traikos of Mango Tango Makeup Design. “A light shimmer in contrast to a deep crease will make your features stand out, but won’t have you looking dated in photos.” While thick application is often recommended for photography, with high quality equipment this shouldn’t be necessary.
4. Organize your makeup bag. After applying your makeup, pick some products to take with you. Makeup artist Colette Cormier recommends a blotting film, which soaks up surface oils. “Then you don’t need to add powder to cover up oil, which always looks cakey,” she says. “It’s also wise to carry breath mints! It’s a stressful day and the body reacts in unusual ways and produces different odours,” she explains.
5. Know what’s best for you.Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are definite musts. But beware: “A lot of brides say they want the ‘dewy’ look, but often it’s too much shine for them and they look oily,” says Cormier. When it comes to shadow selection, if your skin has yellow undertones, opt for cool mauves and plums, while pinky skin looks great with warmer peaches, corals and browns.
Bridal Don’ts
1. Don’t book your makeup artist in a rush. Selecting a makeup artist is just as important as picking your dress or venue, so shop around, arrange trial sessions and book well in advance. “Just because someone works at a makeup counter, they might not be great at bridal makeup. Look at their portfolio,” advises Conte.
2. Don’t distress your brows. Perhaps the biggest ‘don’t’ is plucking or waxing the day of your ceremony or shortly before it. “Makeup doesn’t sit well on freshly waxed skin,” says Snowie, and the last thing you want is a blotchy, red brow-line!
3. Don’t experiment with new techniques. Your wedding day is not the time for a total transformation–your family wants to see you as the natural beauty they know and love! While scanning through magazines is a great way to get ideas, opt for a fresh look that suits you.
4. Don’t fall victim to trends. While bright seasonal colours or frosty cheeks might be all the rage, it’s best to go for a classic look to avoid regret. Have your bridesmaids do the funky colours if you can’t resist, but remember they don’t translate well into black and white photography.
5. Don’t over-tan. There’s nothing worse than a ghostly face atop a bronzed neck, or vice-versa. If you must subject your skin to sun damage, “Be careful you don’t over-tan or burn, because then as a makeup artist I’m trying to deal with a canvas that’s peeling off,” says Cormier. Try a sunless tanner several months in advance to avoid orange streaking.
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