Beauty
BEAUTY
Never in your life will you feel more like a film star than on your wedding day. You will feel like a VIP and everything will be about you. Enjoy every minute of this, you deserve it and it will also probably never happen again. Although booking beauty treatments and hiring a makeup artist and hair stylist is a very good idea if you can afford it try not to go overboard. Wichita Falls Wedding Photography You want your groom to recognise you when you walk down the aisle. There is even a trend for brides to have cosmetic surgery and non-invasive treatments like botox and collagen injections before the big day. While there is nothing wrong with making your own choices in regards to surgery and other non-invasive beauty treatments, be careful as you may be acting out of character. You want to look like yourself on your wedding day and getting something permanent during the run up to a wedding, when stress and tension is high, could turn out to be a mistake. In the 9th-16th 2014 edition of Grazia magazine there was a statistic that said that 40% of men think women wear too much makeup and look better without it. You might want to turn it up for your wedding pictures but don’t do anything out of character.
There has been a recent trend for brides not to wear makeup on their wedding day. I love the pictures of these weddings and think the brides look amazing. I wouldn’t be brave enough to do it myself but they look beautiful and confident. A number of brides are also walking down the aisle wearing glasses. This is another trend that I love. They looked stunning.
In saying all of this: if you want to wear a lot of makeup then do. My makeup look for my wedding was quite strong but that was mostly because I didn’t look in a mirror before I left the house. In hindsight, I am happy about that. I looked like a more extreme version of myself but it worked. My husband thought I was wearing too much makeup, of course, and thought I looked better without it, but it looked good on camera and gave me confidence that I looked good despite only having had a few hours’ sleep.
In the run up to your wedding day exercising three times a week at least, drinking lots of water, eating well: all of those clichéd things will really pay off. Even if you don’t want to lose weight, working out improves your skin and makes you look healthier. I was on a bridal boot camp in the run up to my wedding. I exfoliated regularly, used a face mask once a week and made sure I moisturised regularly. It all paid off and made a difference. I would recommend the same to anyone else. If you really want to step it up a notch, smoothies and eating lots of vegetables will leave you glowing. As will cutting out alcohol and sugar. I cut down drastically on sugar in the run up to my wedding and barely drank alcohol. Although the sugar is now back in my diet this really made a difference to my skin and how I looked on the day. I didn’t diet as I never have in my life, but I tried to be as healthy as possible.
Stress is detrimental to both health and beauty. While it is impossible not to stress out in the run up to a wedding try to stay as calm as possible. Do deep breathing or even meditation if that is your thing. Even going for a walk can put things into perspective.
If you can afford it start having facials three months before your wedding. Don’t start just before as your skin will break out and might not calm down before the big day. A good investment you won’t regret is a good spot treatment. Alternatively buy some aspirin and if you get a spot, crush half an aspirin and then add a tiny bit of water to make it into a paste, put on the skin for a little while and then wipe off. This is cheaper and far more effective than most spot treatments. I review beauty products all of the time and that trumps any spot treatment I have tried.
Another great beauty treatment to have if you can afford it is a massage. I had a full body massage at one of the posh hotels in London and afterwards I felt amazing. Great for relaxing you and sorting out any tired and aching muscles.
Beauty counters in department stores will have beauty consultants who can offer lots of great advice. They will want you to buy something obviously but you don’t have to. If you are feeling pressure then say you want to think about it and will come back and buy the product at some other point. Investing in good skincare, especially in the run up to your wedding, will pay off in the long run so don’t be scared to treat yourself.
Wedding Makeup
When Kate Middleton married Prince William and became a Duchess she did her own makeup. It started a trend and now many women do their own makeup. Some beauty counters in department stores also give free wedding makeup lessons. Bobbi Brown give an hour long lesson. Then if you buy something over £60 you get a free wedding makeup gift set.
If you are incredibly good at doing your own makeup then go for it. If you are anything less than perfect then I would hire a makeup artist. You are going to be photographed and filmed, makeup that looks good on camera is very different from makeup that looks good in real life. I had my makeup done by a wonderful makeup artist called Kay Cunningham and it was one of my top wedding decisions. In the two nights running up to my wedding I had a maximum of four hours sleep. In forty-eight hours. Yup. Brutal. On my wedding day no one could tell. What’s more, in the pictures and wedding film I look good. All thanks to the wonderful power of makeup and a professional doing what they do best.
This is not an area where I would skimp. Hire a professional. You will look at your wedding photos for the rest of your life and so will your grandchildren. Make sure you look your best on the day.
If you are going to tan for your wedding then make sure it doesn’t transfer onto your dress. Having a professional spray tan three days before will look natural and will not ruin your beautiful dress.
Hiring a professional makeup artist is a very stressful business. There are a lot of wedding makeup artists out there and choosing just one can be hard indeed. This will be even harder on a limited budget. Be honest about your budget and see if you can negotiate on cost. You might not be able to because a lot of makeup artists are in high demand. If you are having a weekday wedding, or you book last minute and the makeup artist is not doing anything else on that day then you could get a good deal. It will be harder if you are marrying in July on a weekend. Always try and get some money off however, maybe they could do a bridesmaid for free? Asking for a package deal is always a good idea.
If you have a specific makeup artist in mind and they are popular, then make sure you book them months in advance. A makeup trial will cost between £50-80 for the bride and then either the same or a little less for a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride. The actual price of getting your makeup done on the day is usually upwards of £130 for the bride and then a little less for each member of the bridal party. No, it certainly is not cheap but it will be less if you don’t live in London or are not getting married there. Although a makeup artist having to travel to the middle of nowhere will add that on to the bill. They will charge travel expenses.
Ask for recommendations when choosing a makeup artist. Make sure they are fast and won’t make you late to your own wedding and always ask to see lots of pictures of their bridal work. Not just their normal makeup portfolio, bridal makeup is different. Remember that your makeup will have to last for ten-to-twelve hours. They need to know what they are doing.
Make sure you get along with your makeup artist. You will spend a good few hours with them and they will be the last person you spend your time with just before you step into your dress and you want to be centred and calm.
If you are low on pennies but really want your makeup done professionally then you could get a student from a local beauty college to do your makeup and hair. They probably won’t charge much and even less if you let them use your pictures for their portfolio. Just make sure they are good and reliable and have a look at their work first. If you don’t mind getting up early on your wedding day you could also book an appointment in a department store at one of the beauty counters. They will do your makeup for free. Try MAC, Benefit or Bobbi Brown.
Have one of your bridesmaids on beauty look out on your wedding day. Have them make sure your makeup and hair is in place and, if not, are on hand to fix the problem.
Long lasting makeup to last your entire wedding day.
A lot of brides go for a subtle look, and this does look great and very bridal. Just make sure you are wearing enough makeup for the camera. Also make sure you are not pressured into a look that you don’t want. If you want to wear bright red lipstick on your wedding day, do it.
I interviewed my wedding makeup artist, Kay Cunningham, she did a good job on the day as I actually looked like I had had more than three hours sleep.
Here is her biography:
My first passion was fashion, growing up around both parents making custom made clothing for the community. Thirteen years ago I discovered another passion as I studied Art & Fashion Design. As makeup is a part of the artistic world it made sense when I started, I just adapted to it. I have worked for the best of luxury cosmetic brands such as Versace Makeup, Guerlain Cosmetics, Presciptives and Trish McEvoy. I have also done work for Chanel, YSL and Givenchy.
In late December 2012 I decided to become a freelance makeup artist after a second redundancy. It was a tough decision but it has made me stronger going through the challenges and developing my portfolio along the way. Bridal makeup has always been one of my favourite kinds of makeup to do as I'm making a bride up on probably the most important day of her life. I get excited doing a bride and hoping to get a smile after! I also work on other projects like films, editorial, fashion, fashion shows and events. I also have some lovely private clients I've met along the way and some are now good friends. If there was one company I could go back to work for it is Trish McEvoy.
Twitter @k_rusheal
Tell us about your experience as a Makeup Artist.
My experience as a makeup artist varies from working for luxury cosmetics brands to doing film projects, creative photo shoots, music videos, demos, makeovers at the studio, events, private clients and bridal makeup. I enjoy every project, there is never a dull moment and I get to meet so many lovely clients along the way.
Do you think hiring a Makeup Artist on your wedding day is important?
Absolutely! It might be the most important day of your life. You want to look flawless and that way you are not pressuring any of your friends by saying they can do it.
What kind of looks do you recommend?
If it is a traditional wedding ceremony you can keep a natural look for eye makeup with pastel shades, along with gold. For the lips, I love to see a bride in a rosy or nude lip colour. Some brides love it fierce but your wedding day is not over at the ceremony, a lot of brides change their makeup for the reception, some brides prefer to keep the same look throughout the day.
What if the bride is unsure of what look she wants?
A bridal trial is strongly advised before the wedding day. That way the makeup artist can make suggestions, social media is also useful for makeup ideas with an inspiring creative makeup artist.
What things should a bride take into consideration when she is making decisions on her wedding makeup?
Think of how you would love your soon-to-be husband to remember you after the wedding day, after the trial you can share the images and if he gives a thumbs up, you are good to go!
Do you have any tips for brides who want to do their own makeup?
No DIY please, book a bridal makeup artist, and to avoid a rush it's better to book way in advance. It's important as your face will be the most looked at, apart from you wedding dress!
What is your favourite wedding look?
My favourite is the natural flawless look with gold or natural eye shadows, rose or nude lip colour and highlights with a bit of soft blush.
What are your top beauty tips?
There are too many, here are some for brides or any female.
1. When doing your makeup for an occasion (medium to full makeup) Start with your eyes, then foundation and concealer etc., that way you won't need to clean the eye shadow dust off your under eye, saves a lot of time.
2. Ever wonder why your makeup slips off your face after 3 hours? The reason is due to how you dress your face, for longer lasting use a face and eye primer, that way it will keep your foundation and eye shadow intact especially for normal or oily skin tone.
3. For a fuller coverage you can build up a medium foundation ( liquid) by applying it first with a brush then again after applying concealer to the main areas needed on your face (depends on your skins condition) followed by your choice of powder (I prefer compress powder for going out)
4. Do not wear a darker foundation for a tan effect, I always tell my clients that and stick with a perfect match, then add bronzing powder or contouring shades to compliment and create contour effect. If you are unsure please pop along to your favourite beauty brand for consultation.
5. After applying lipstick add lip liner for defining the lip shape. If you have small lips apply on the lip line for a fuller effect, for medium or full lips apply liner on the inner lip line and remember that anyone can wear a red lipstick by choosing the correct one for your skin tone
What are your favourite products to use on brides?
Anything luxurious and of good quality!
What about hair? Any tips for great bridal hair?
Most brides tend to want pin up styles but remember there are a lot of different face shapes to consider. Flattering curls are also a lovely choice. Extensions will bring more volume. Book an appointment at your hair stylist about five days before the wedding if adding extensions.
How does a bride stop her makeup running or sliding off her face?
It depends on a lot of things. If in summer avoid hot rooms, but if the makeup artist dresses the bride's face correctly the only thing that might need topping up is your T-Zone and lipstick.
What waterproof makeup do you recommend?
Mascara and eye liner pencil (Read the benefit of each product before purchasing).
Any other top beauty and makeup tips?
If you have been using the same skin care for the past 2- 5 years and it is not doing what it says, I suggest you change it because it won't get any better for your skin.
Thank you, Kay
So there you go. Advice from a professional.
Hair
You might be comfortable doing your hair yourself. Or having a blow-dry at a salon the day before so it looks its best. You could also go to your hairdresser in the morning. Otherwise hiring a hair stylist for a wedding can cost upwards from £120. It will depend on how you want to style your hair. It could be less for a weekday wedding. You could also go the beauty college route again if you are trying to save
money. Many salons also do lessons on how to do your hair. These range from fishtails to blow-drys. Take a bridesmaid with you to help on the day. The knowledge is something you can use again and again so it will be worth the money. For a budget version there are a ton of beauty bloggers out there and most of them have YouTube channels where they teach you how to do amazing things with your hair. With some practice, and a good deal of patience, you could have a wonderful
hair style which you do all by yourself. My sister-in-law Alexandra did her own hair for my wedding and it looked amazing and professional, although she did say she had practiced a lot. John Frieda’s salon also has a YouTube channel which has plenty of great how-to clips on how to achieve the perfect hair style of your choice. You may want to wash your hair the day before your wedding so it is less slippery if you are having an up do. If your hair looks very ‘done’ at the beginning of the day, don’t worry. It has to last for about ten hours and will probably become more relaxed during the day.
The most important thing is to choose a hairstyle that suits you and your face shape. You want to look amazing but you also want to feel comfortable.
Allow enough time to get your hair done on the day and make sure you don’t go last, it will be stressful and you will either be late to your own wedding or only half-done. Keep in mind that if you are having a hair stylist come to you they will charge you for the travel. This can add up if you are getting married far away from their location. Going to the salon is cheaper if that is possible or hiring a trainee stylist. If you are trying something very different, a new hair colour or highlights then make sure you allow plenty of time before the big day in case you don’t suit something or it goes wrong.
Make sure your hair looks good from the back. Your guests will spend a lot of time looking at the back of your head.
For your wedding day it is worth investing in some extensions if you want your hair to look fuller. You can get clip in ones or bespoke ones that will be your exact hair colour. If you want a beautiful, full head of hair then go for it. We could all do with a little oomph sometimes. I still feel like I should have gotten some extensions for my hair on my wedding day.
Timings
You make think that the bride should go first but if she is waiting for hours then her makeup won’t look fresh. It is very important she is done on time of course but one of the bridesmaids should go first. Then the bride. Anyone else should go after that but the bride should have her makeup refreshed before she leaves to go to the venue. Also make sure you have powder and the lipstick you have used in your bridal bag.
Bridal Boot Camp
I set a target weight to reach for my wedding day so I wouldn’t get too thin. (Yes, there is such a thing). Unfortunately I then got a tummy bug and a throat infection in the week running up to my wedding and lost another half a stone. I was pretty annoyed to be honest but it turned out to be a good thing because I found out – on my wedding day (!) – I was pregnant and, although my waist and hips were fine, my breasts had already started to grow. It took my maid of honour, Paloma, and my bridesmaid, Holly, to zip the dress all the way past my bosom whilst they both chimed, ‘It’s okay, it’s just because it is a hot summer’s day, you are just swollen.’ Yup, that is why they are amazing and I chose them as my maids.
To be honest, pre-wedding I was a size 10/12 and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a size 10/12. I am, however, only 5.5” and as someone who is also an actor I know that the camera adds 10 pounds. At least. Too many brides go overboard but it is a good idea to go on a health kick, even if you don’t want to lose weight. On the other hand, if you do want to lose some weight be firm and polite with people who make rude comments about it. It is your body and as long as you are not starving yourself or over-exercising then you can do whatever you want. Some people have a problem when other people lose weight and thin-bashing is a real thing.
It is best to keep in mind that you want to look like you on your wedding day. The best version of yourself, but still you. I find the trend for women having cosmetic surgery for their wedding baffling. Surely your groom wants to marry the person he proposed to, not someone he doesn’t even recognise as they walk up the aisle?
For bridal boot camp it is best to eat as healthily as possible. I cut down on sugar and caffeine. I drank plenty of water and made sure I had my five-a-day in fruit and vegetables. I also took a multivitamin and Omega 3. In the weeks running up to the wedding I also started taking probiotics as they sort the bacteria in your tummy out and help make it flat. I went for plenty of walks and got some fresh air. Here are some more tips for looking your best:
Use a weekly face mask.
If you can afford it, have a facial.
Have a manicure and pedicure the week before the wedding.
Use a hair mask.
Up your water intake. Dehydration makes everyone look awful.
Get your hair trimmed/cut just before the wedding. It will look much better.
Exfoliate and moisturise as much as you can. It will make your skin glow on the day.
Don’t be bullied into tanning but, if you do, be careful and don’t do it the night before. Fake tan + white dress is not a good combination.
Use a highlighter on the day across your cheekbones, under your eyebrows on the outer edge and on the cupid bow of your mouth.
Have your teeth whitened. Either at home or professionally. It will make a huge difference to the wedding photos.