A MAKEUP ARTISTS GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR PERFECT BRIDAL LOOK!

As a makeup artist and a hairstylist, my clients vary from bridal, elopements, photo shoots, fashion, editorial and production.

Bridal makeup is one of the many important decisions that a bride must make before her special day. Natural, bold, vintage, classic, glamorous, boho, dramatic – there are many different looks to choose from, but how do you choose?

Like most wedding-related decisions, there isn’t one correct answer.

BE OPEN MINDED

As a general rule, you’ll want to wear more makeup than you normally do. Sweat, tears, and hugs cause wear on your makeup, so you’ll want to be sure you start off by wearing enough. This will also emphasize your features in photos which tend to lighten makeup after editing.

LET THE SEARCH BEGIN!

If choosing makeup for your big day overwhelms you, start by finding looks that you gravitate towards. Search Pinterest or Google for “bridal makeup” and pin or keep track of looks you like best.

Once you’ve collected at least 30 images, examine the entire collection and see what they have in common – dewy skin? posy pink blush? long and luscious lashes? Whatever it is, hone in on those commonalities and you’ll eventually uncover your inspiration.

Ask yourself if this look would be suitable for YOU.

TAKE INSPIRATION FROM YOUR WEDDING VENUE

If you already have your venue and/or theme, consider building your beauty look around it. Whether it’s a beach or a backyard, your venue can give you cues on what type of beauty you naturally gravitate towards.

For example, a beach wedding would be the perfect location for dewy highlighter, a touch of bronzer, and a soft, pink lip.

A vintage style wedding would pair perfectly with a bold cat eye and vibrant red lipstick. This is a good time to run these ideas with your professional makeup artist.

Share your Pinterest images to give a point of reference.

NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT THE DRESS!!!

One of the most common ways to choose your bridal beauty is to base it around the overall style of your dress. If your dress features lace and flowing material, consider a soft, romantic look; a slinky, sexy dress calls for a smouldering smokey eye; and bold eyeshadow perfectly complements a non-traditional dress.

THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP OF ALL IS, TRY AND TRY AGAIN!

The hardest issue with all of this is knowing if you will feel good with the look you have decided on.

A trial is critical, but even before that, I highly recommend trying the color shades on your complexion. They might look great on someone else in a photo, but you should try it on yourself before paying for a trail. This way you don't waste your trial on a look that you are not happy with.

If you are not used to wearing makeup or if you always do your makeup the same way, then its imperative that you play with the styles and colour shades from the inspiration photos that you have chosen.

You can also visit a department store to get help from a beauty artist.

We really don't know what we like before we see it on ourselves. Most brides are conditioned to seeing themselves in a certain way. We can be more particular than we realise . I say that with humor, but I also know how important it is to be "IN LOVE" with your bridal look.

You are the star of the show!!