Brides often overlook the importance of their wedding make up. After all, it can’t be that hard, can it? Think again. Your skin type, the weather and the style of your wedding are all things you need to consider. Remember, this is the day you say ‘I do’ and you don’t want to have any regrets. So good wedding planning is important.
Going pro or DIY:
One of the first decisions you need to make is whether to get a professional make-up artist, whether to do it yourself or whether to accept one of the many offers from friends or distant aunts. Given the cost of weddings, doing it yourself would certainly save you a few dollars. However before you go down this path, remember this is not your Year 12 formal.
Rose d Carbone of RdC Hair & Make-up in Melbourne says: “Your wedding day should be like going to the Oscars – it is your one day where you have gone all out with everything so why would you try and do your own hair and make-up? A professional hair and make-up artist will ensure your make-up lasts all day and your hair remains in place so you don’t have to worry.” While it is yet another expense, using a professional make-up artist can be worth the money. He or she will know how to make you look your best and will be aware of all the factors that need to be considered.
Finding a pro:
If you decide to engage a professional, do your research. While looking up the Yellow Pages or searching the internet can give you a lot of options, the best way to find a professional you can trust is though word of mouth. Talk to recently married friends or ask people who are providing your other services such as your dressmaker or your hairstylist. You might even find your hairstylist can do professional make-up. Many hair salons these days offer make-up services and some offer special packages that include both. When choosing a make-up artist, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Enquire about her availability (some professionals are booked up to one year in advance), experience and training. It is also a good idea to view her portfolio.
When getting quotes, make sure you understand exactly what it includes as some make-up artists charge extra for products or have a different fee for different days. It is also a good idea to check whether they do more than one function in one day – you don’t want her to be rushed to get to the next job.
Getting what you want:
Once you have chosen a make-up artist, Rose says it is worthwhile arranging a consultation about two months before the wedding. They will generally charge for this consultation but it is worth it.
At this consultation, it is important to communicate your needs to your make-up artist. Bring pictures and fabric swatches of your dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses and explain the colour of your flowers and accessories. You should also give her as much information about your wedding as you can. For example, tell her of the style of your wedding – such as indoor or outdoor, formal or casual – and the time of day you will be getting married as make-up for an evening wedding will be different to make-up for daytime weddings.
Feel free to bring pictures from magazines to give her a good idea of what you like and be sure to share your concerns about your day-to-day make-up dilemmas and skin sensitivities. Most importantly, remember that you know your face better than anyone, so don’t be talked into something you don’t feel comfortable with.
The DIY option:
Doing your own make-up is cost effective and it can be done well if you have the right products and know a bit about it. It can also be fun to get all your bridesmaids together and help each other get made up on the day. Be sure to factor in enough time because you don’t want to be rushed.
Only attempt DIY if you feel you can do your make-up justice. Get inspiration from magazines, advice from friends and remember to stick with what looks good on you. Shy away from way-out trends as these will come and go, while your photos will be around forever.
Snap happy:
It can be a challenge to achieve a look that is perfect on the day and still works well in photographs. Natural excitement from the day can make a bride glow and without the right make-up, this glow can make you look shiny in your photographs.
Special consideration is especially needed for black and white photography. While a deep berry coloured lipstick might look striking on the day, it can look far too dark in black and white photography. On the flipside, a nice frosty coloured lippy can make lips look pale and insignificant. Beware of an ingredient called titanium dioxide, which is often in foundations and can make your face appear several shades lighter in photography.
A good make-up artist will also know which products will give you the best results. Paris trained Daniela Montalto from Make-Up by Daniela has been a professional make-up artist for eight years and was once Chanel’s head artist. When it comes to looking your best in your wedding day photography, she advises getting a professional is the way to go. “Professional make-up artists know about foundation blending to make a bride look fantastic in photography. When a bride does her own make-up, there is the risk that bronzers will look too orange or foundations will be too light,” she says.
A flush of colour:
Chose make-up colours that suit the style and tone of your wedding. Try to pick up the colour of your bridesmaids’ dresses and flowers.
You should also choose a colour palette that suits your skin tone and hair colour. If you are blonde or fair skinned, a ‘cool’ colour palette will suit you best. This includes tones of grey, blue, soft pink and lilac. A warm colour palette is idea for brunettes or those with olive skin – brown, taupe and burgundy will work beautifully.
Anna Woodrow from Joh Bailey in Double Bay has been a professional make-up artist for nine years. She says while many brides tend to stick to natural colours like browns and tans, there are a lot of other things they can try and professional make-up artists can help with that. “There are so many different options that brides might not be aware of,” Anna says. “Bridal make-up can be used to bring out eye colour and can achieve other things through contouring, or emphasising a bride’s eyes or lips.”
Starting early:
There is much you can do in the lead up to your wedding day to ensure your skin is in peak condition. Being sensible about what you eat, drinking plenty of water, getting lots of sleep and enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle can make a world of difference.
It is also important to moisturise and stay out of the sun – you don’t want unattractive tan lines or peeling while you walk down the aisle. Don’t have your hen’s night organised too close to your wedding day since it could take a while for your skin to fully recover from it.
Consider a professional massage before your wedding to help alleviate stress. A facial or a course of glycolic acid skin care treatments about two weeks before your wedding can help achieve a fresh-faced and radiant look.
On the day:
Ask your mum or one of your bridesmaids to carry a powder compact, tissues and lipstick or gloss for touch-ups throughout the day. It is also worthwhile carrying some make-up remover in case you get anything on your gown. Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself. While make-up can make a world of difference, nothing is more beautiful than a bride who is happy and in love.
