We are right in the middle of wedding season, and I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned bridal makeup yet. I am going to start a short bridal series, in which I will share some makeup tips and also showcase some of the amazing brides I worked with this bridal season. A million things have been said and written about looking great on your wedding day, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to add my two cents 🙂
Getting married is one of the most memorable events in any women’s life. Therefore, this is one day you want to look your very best. The idea is not to look like a different person… you want to look like a more glamorous “you”. The key is to enhance your best features without going overboard. Enter your Makeup Artist. Hiring a makeup artist on your wedding day is not a must…it’s an option. Makeup Artists are professionals who assist in achieving your desired look on your wedding day. This adds the finishing touch to a perfect day.
One of my fabulous brides, Pamela in June 2010. She and her Bridal party were such a joy to work with and I feel privileged that she chose me as her Makeup Artist. Photography by Ivan Watkins
These are some tips to make your bridal makeup turn out just as you planned:
1) Make it last! You want your makeup to last all day. Primers = Long Lasting Makeup. Begin by applying a face primer before your foundation and eye primer before your eyeshadow. Once all your makeup has been applied, use a setting powder to set your makeup. Remember, you will be in the midst of an all day “photoshoot”, therefore touchups are recommended to keep you looking fresh all day. Make sure you have lipstick or lipgloss and blotting powder handy for touch ups. Try to duplicate the Makeup Artist’s kit, if you can. If you can afford it, purchase the foundation, lipstick, blot powder and the blush your makeup artist uses so you can touch up (if they are unable to stay all day). It’s a great investment in the long run, because you can use the items long after your wedding and honeymoon. If you are on a budget, lipstick and blotting powder are the most important for your “Day-of-Arsenal”. The rest of your makeup should stay intact, depending on the products you or your Makeup Artist used. M.A.C has a great blotting powder with a mirror for quick check ups.
2) Avoid like the Plague! Avoid overly shimmery products i.e. eyeshadows, blush and bronzers. Products for added glow are ok, but shimmery products can make the skin picture oily, so avoid if you have oily skin. Also, stay way from products with SPF 16 or greater because your face could look white or have a blue-ish under cast in flash photography. Last but not least, eyebrows are important for framing the face, so plan ahead and have your eyebrows groomed a few days before the wedding. Messy brows are a big NO-NO!
3) Know your wedding! Think of the type of wedding you are having. Are you having a beach wedding with a flowy chiffon dress, vs. a huge cathedral wedding with a heavily beaded dress? You makeup style should reflect the occasion. You shouldn’t have a heavy, overly done makeup look for a beach wedding.
4) Forget Trends! Don’t be too trendy with your makeup style. Make sure years from now you will like your wedding look. For instance, will you really love rhinestones on your eyelashes 20 years from now?
5) Lash-it up! Talking about eyelashes…I think false lashes finishes all bridal looks. I especially love the center-only lashes by urban decay. I also love M.A.C #7 and #33 lashes for a natural romantic look.
6) Give it a Run! A test run that is…by setting up a trial with your Makeup artist. Test runs are the best time to figure out what you like and don’t like. Trying out your makeup look for the first time on your wedding day is a big no-no. Try to avoid stressful situations like this on your big day.
7) Have fun! Take in the moment and focus on the positive. The most important things to remember…Makeup can be washed off, so don’t worry if you make a mistake, just start afresh. Stay true to your personal style and “Tap into the fabulous You” on your special day!
Below are some more images from Pamela’s wedding. Photography is by the talented photographer, Ivan Watkins, who was soo kind to share the images with me.
Bridal Shoot a few weeks earlier. Makeup by Tiwa Lawrence; Photography by Ivan Watkins
The Bride with part of her bridal party. The Makeup on Bride, Pamela, and the two beautiful ladies (Kiesha and Vina) who are directly on her left and right was done by Tiwa Lawrence. Photography by Ivan Watkins.
Thots,
Tiwa
Tap into the Fabulous you!!! 