Bridal blush: Tips from the experts
When consulting with makeup artists for the big day, keep in mind that these artists aren’t working on a blank canvas. Whatever stress-related worries you’re feeling during crunch time will register on your mug, so take the time to treat your face. Because, trust me, 10 years down the road you’ll wish you’d snuck to a clinic once your mother-in-law rips you a new one about your not-so-perfect visage.
“If you have problematic skin, don’t wait till three weeks before your wedding to pay your dermatologist a visit,” warns Lancome chief makeup artist Gela Laurel. “Do it three to six months before.”
“Get a facial a week before the big day to allow breakouts to subside,” recommends L’Oreal Paris chief makeup artist Jigs Mayuga. “I stress the importance of taking good care of your skin because a bride should wear minimal foundation as much as possible. A wedding is all about a bride’s natural glow so take it easy on the base and face powder.”
“If you want to look your very best on the wedding day, plan ahead, start on the skincare program months before your wedding, and schedule your makeup trial early,” says Shu Uemura makeup artist Mickey See. “Don’t wait until the last minute and expect good results. Always remember, according to Mr. Shu Uemura, ‘Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin.’”
Almost all the makeup artists consulted for this story claimed that preparation was the key to looking great on your wedding day. But at the end of the day, not everything will go according to plan. So instead of popping a Xanax to take the edge off (along with most of your memory of what’s supposed to be one of the biggest days of your life), Maybelline chief makeup artist Barbi Chan suggests women let go of their inner bridezilla and just chillax. Well, she didn’t say that exactly. “Sometimes things don’t go according to your plan. Just let go. The most important thing is that your makeup artist, your gown and your photographer are there. Do not let anything stress you out because it will show on your face. Your wedding is just one day — savor it and really try to have fun!”
YStyle gathered some helpful tips from the cosmetics industry’s brightest young talents on playing the part of the beautiful, blushing bride.
“Bright lips are a good option to try for today’s modern bride, especially if you keep your eyes and cheeks subdued. Try a matte red a la Carrie Bradshaw or a flash of baby pink on your lips to offset your glowing skin.
“Have your eyebrows professionally shaped. Eye makeup should always be simple and flattering for weddings so the one thing that will anchor your look are your brows. Fill in sparse areas with light feathery strokes using brow pencil or powder.” — L’Oreal Paris chief makeup artist Jigs Mayuga, 0917-5748556
“Use matte/long wearing foundation on your wedding day. A matte foundation will last a lot longer than a regular or sheer foundation. Your skin will appear very matte at first, but will start looking natural and glowing afterwards. Also use blotting papers to absorb the oil before retouching and re-powdering your face. This will prevent your makeup from looking cakey.” — Shu Uemura makeup artist Mickey See, 0917-5440088
“Try to have at least eight hours of sleep the night before. No amount of makeup can hide tired-looking eyes. Before applying makeup, put ice all over your face to tighten and brighten your skin. This will also make your makeup glide smoothly.” — Maybelline chief makeup artist Barbi Chan, 0917-8460738
“A blushing bride is defined by her glow, so the cheek color holds that most important role. A semi-matte or dewy — not oily or shiny — cheek color should be applied only on the apples of the cheeks. A true pinkish color will match all skin tones and will make the bride’s smile glow! I love MAC’s Well Dressed, Nars’ Orgasm and Art Deco’s Glamour highlighter 8.” — Art Deco makeup artist RB Chanco, 0917-8102729
“If you want to be a rosy-cheeked, blushing bride, warmer cheek colors photograph more beautifully than cool colors because they make skin look fresh and glowing. Don’t forget that applying a little bronzing powder first will give you a fresh glow that will make you look unforgettable.” — Leo Posadas, 0918-9354257
“A lot of brides want the no-makeup look but to achieve this on photo is a different thing altogether. Balance looking natural in person with looking good when photographed. You will be stuck with that photo for the rest of your life. Check your makeup (preferably during trial) in various lighting conditions (yellow, white, outdoor or moonlit) depending on the time of your ceremony and reception.” — Shiseido training manager Lee Roberto, 0928-5037004
“It is the worst time ever to get a zit but there it is, angry and throbbing. No time to run to the dermatologist to have it injected? Resist the temptation to pop it or you’ll run the risk of infecting it further and making it bigger. Saturate a cotton ball with eye drops and place gently on the pimple. Keep it there as long as you can until you are ready to have your makeup done. Eye drops have a vasoconstrictor which will work just as well to temporarily bring down the swelling. And don’t use conditioner on your wedding day. Contrary to popular belief, we love working with rough hair because unconditioned hair holds styles and curls longer and is easier to work with rather than shampoo-commercial healthy hair.” — Shu Uemura makeup artist Claire Seelin-Diokno, 0916-4000688
“You only get married once (hopefully) and it’s really a must that you take time to beautify yourself. Prepare as early as possible so you won’t get stressed. Being stressed will definitely affect your skin. Take vitamin B, E and C. Avoid caffeinated drinks and double up on your water intake. This will speed up your detox process, giving your skin a natural glow. A regular exercise routine also helps to have vitality from within making you even more beautiful on your wedding day.” — Lancome chief makeup artist Gela Laurel, 0917-5212129
