Bridal Beauty Counsel
Dear Suzanne~
I am working on my final preparations before the big day, however my makeup artist
won’t be available. Do you have any suggestions on how I can apply my makeup to get
the best pictures? Help!
Amy
Hi Amy:
I have several thoughts on this, and my strongest recommendation is to have a
consultation/makeover session with your makeup artist prior to the wedding. This is the
best investment, next to having the artist do your makeup on your big day. Be sure to
discuss your needs and desires with your artist, and keep in mind that the products
selected for your makeup application need to be long lasting, require minimum maintenance,
and most of all, have continuity under all lighting conditions for the duration of your
event. Have the products and methods used precisely charted so that you will have the best
chance of success in duplicating the look on your wedding day. Purchase and use these
products in a home practice session well in advance of the wedding. Practice often, until
you feel reasonably comfortable in applying your own bridal makeup. Allow yourself plenty
of time on the big day, so that you don’t feel stressed and pressured, especially if
you make some mistakes. Be sure to bring a mini kit of
additional powder (pressed is preferred for touch up), lipstick, and tissues for touch ups
during the day. I would assign your maid or matron of honor the task of holding on to the
kit and keeping tabs on your face for shine and disappearing lip color. Key times to check
for touch up needs is just before, and after the ceremony before photos are taken at the
ceremony site. During the day, check again after food consumption, and any time there is
high level of activity such as a receiving line, dancing, kissing and hugging, etc.
Remember, your photographer and videographer will be snapping photos throughout the day,
so at minimum, be sure to touch up at these key times.
Dear Suzanne~
I have a combination skin type that is dry and oily. Should I use a facial powder right
before the photographer takes my pictures or should I apply all makeup right before I walk
down the isle?
Denise
Hi Denise:
The trick to continuity and durability in your makeup application for wedding photography
is how you prepare your skin, and apply makeup initially, and touch up during the wedding
day. Unquestionably, you need to apply all your makeup BEFORE you make that walk down the
isle, and use high performance products that are formulated for these needs. Powder will
not last long on your skin without some kind of foundation to adhere to. Also, using a
primer or an anti-shine product before you apply your foundation will also further boost
the adherence of foundation and help minimize interaction with skin oils that tend to fade
makeup.
Even though you have combination skin, and use good makeup
application techniques as suggested, you will invariably experience an increase in
moisture activity due to the level of emotions and excitement that is generated on one of
the biggest days of your life. You most certainly will need to touch up your makeup
application throughout the day to keep the moisture (shine) under control, as well as
keeping your lip color application fresh. This is crucial for continuity in your pictures,
as the photographer will be snapping photos of you at the key moments of your wedding
celebration. Be sure to keep tissues and touch up powder close by, or assign someone in
your wedding party the task of keeping you in check.
Dear Suzanne~
I have acne prone skin, how can I cover my blemishes? Sonja
Hi Sonja~
Acne prone skin is a special needs condition. I hope you are using a skin care regimen
that is suited to keeping breakouts to a minimum and improving the texture of your skin.
Invariably, when hormone activity and emotions interact, breakouts can occur in spite of
the care you give your skin. I would suggest that you definitely stay away from makeup
products that contain isopropyl myristate, mineral oil, and other petroleum based products
that have been shown to aggravate acne breakouts. It is difficult to find a concealor
product, however, that doesn’t contain one of these ingredients as a vehicle for the
pigment. My suggestion for covering blemishes that may arise is to use a concealor type
product AFTER you have applied your foundation and powder (I prefer to use a product that
is also used to cover tattoos). Take a small nylon tipped brush ( like a #2 filbert that
you can purchase at any craft store) and take up a small amount of concealor on the brush.
Wipe any excess on the back of your hand from both sides of the brush, and then apply
sparingly to the areas you wish to conceal. Follow that with additional powder applied
sparingly on top of the concealed areas to keep it in place.
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