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Archive for June 15th, 2009

Bridal Makeup: The Camera Never Lies.

1 comment June 15th, 2009

BRIDAL MAKEUP:  THE CAMERA NEVER LIES

The camera never lies!  Bridal makeup means natural makeup for the camera.  It is makeup that incorporates techniques used for everyday, print, film and video.  When applied with a soft touch, using products that have more pigment (mineral) and fewer fillers, the effect that is achieved is more natural looking up close. If  the groom should say to his bride, “You’re wearing so much makeup you don’t even look like you,” you have not succeeded in obtaining an image of classic beauty, breath-taking and photogenic but touchable up close.

LESS IS MORE= NATURAL

The natural look brings to mind an idea of a fresh faced, healthy glow.  This neutral makeup is achieved when an artist applies techniques of glamour makeup while holding back on the tendency to color in your features. Using soft washes of color with monochromatic tones, an artist can achieve the most striking effect.

KEY POINTS OF BRIDAL MAKEUP

Creating a timeless and classic look.

  1. Flawless skin

  2. Moisturizer: Hydrating, preferably oil-free, and if you tend to get shiny, use a “matifying” formula.

  3. Classic tones of color.

  4. Eyebrows: Classically and professionally groomed.

  5. Highlighting bone structure: Cheekbones, jaw line.

  6. Water-resistant.

THE CONSULTATION

Brides are bombarded with information on wedding planning and beauty tips.  Most brides have dreamt of this day since they were little girls and have a preconceived idea of how they would like to look.  Remember, you are seeking the advice of a professional, and as a beauty expert it is my job as a makeup artist to help you achieve your dreams of looking the best you can.  Sometimes a bride will come in with a photograph that will give me an idea of what she is envisioning.  Sometimes she has no idea what she should do and has been told she “has to wear more makeup for the camera”. Caked on foundation? Tar-like mascara? What exactly does this mean?  Absolutely nothing!  Please review the first sentence on this page. THE CAMERA NEVER LIES.  I will ask questions, and then listen to what you have to say.  Remember, you have been dreaming of this day since you were a child.

Your professional makeup artist should ask the following:

1. How do you see yourself looking when you walk down the aisle, and how do you want to look in your photos?

2. Tell me about the makeup you wear on a daily basis: foundation, mascara, blush, lipstick or lip gloss, eyeliner, eye shadow, etc.?  

3. Do you do  anything with your eyebrows?

This will tell me about your sense of makeup style.

4. Tell me about the color and style of your wedding gown. Is it white, ivory or something else?  A-line/Princess, Empire, Mermaid/Fishtail, Ball Gown, or Column?

5. What color and type of flowers are you carrying?

6. Tell me about your bridesmaids’ dresses and the color of flowers they are carrying.

7. Is the wedding taking place indoors or outdoors?

8. Will you be taking photos outside?

This gives me an idea of your personality and the theme of your wedding. The theme could be anything from grandeur, traditional or as simple as walking barefoot through the park.

ANALYSIS     

3 months to 6 weeks before the wedding day

Now that you have gained my trust by my listening to your needs and concerns, this is the time to analyze your skin. In order to have flawless makeup your complexion needs to be its absolute best. Now is the time to learn and understand the benefits of a proper skin care routine and regular facials.  This is also the time for you to understand the importance of properly groomed brows and why you should remove of excess facial hair.

Tanning is a no-no! Too many brides believe that because they are wearing white they have to have the darkest tan possible. Tanning is dated and actually accentuates fine lines and wrinkles while adding to an uneven skin tone. Remember the CAMERA NEVER LIES! I’ve seen more wedding photos where the bride seems to have disappeared because all one notices is her tan.  “Such a lovely bride” is replaced with “My, she’s so tan”.  A little color is nice, so either get it sprayed on or from a bottle several days prior to the big day so that the tanning chemicals do not bleed on to your dress. Go lightly. You just want a healthy glow.

THE MAKEUP APPLICATION 

A bridal makeup application is really not that different than regular, everyday makeup except that the CAMERA DOES NOT LIE!  It will pick up the smallest details and imperfections. There shouldn’t be any questions as to imperfections if you can remember the Three B’s of makeup artistry: BLEND, BLEND, and BLEND even more.  Blending means to not see where one color starts and stops.  Think transition and flow as one color blends into another color.

Some makeup artists are too busy worrying about the perfect picture than how you are going to look and feel about yourself on your wedding day.  As a makeup artist it’s my job to help you look and feel confident, not only as you walk down the aisle but also to feel joy years later when you open your wedding album and see that happy and beautiful bride smiling back at you.