Brides have a couple of primary options when it comes to wedding makeup — do their own or hire a professional.
Either way, it's a good idea to plan ahead.
A fun way to consider different makeup possibilities is to look through bridal magazines for inspiration.
Choosing bridal colors for eyes, cheeks and lips can be tricky, so practicing with different looks on your own or with a professional artist can help narrow down the choices.
If the bride chooses to do her own makeup, she should first evaluate her current makeup kit, then consider a trip to a department store or salon to see what's new. While there, book a private lesson or consultation with a makeup artist to discover the look that best reflects the bride's personal style.
If there's room in the budget to splurge, hire a makeup artist who will work with the entire bridal party in one location.
"Celebrity" applications and services like spray-tanning, false lashes and airbrush foundation for face and body are often well worth the price.
Book the trial-run early, since the best artists are often scheduled well in advance. During the consultation, ask about the artist's skill level.
Also, think about how easy it will be to work with her. It's important to have an artist who will come up with a look that both the artist and bride can be proud of.
On the biggest day of a bride's life, she will want a makeup artist who is experienced, timely and professional. A seasoned pro can customize a look and give the bride star treatment, leaving her one less thing to worry about.
Christina M. Gaudy of CMG Cosmetics is a professional makeup artist for film, TV, fashion and print.
She also teaches beauty seminars at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga and Saddleback College in Irvine. Her Web site is www.cmgcosmetics.com. E-mail questions to info@cmgcosmetics.com.
Beauty tips
For brides who will be doing their own makeup for the big day, here are some basic suggestions that are sure to help.
Eyes: Start with a special eye-shadow base, or concealer, all over the lid to hold the color in place for the day and also blend well. Use fluffier brushes for the mid-toned eye-shadow colors in the highest part of the crease.
If a more dramatic look is desired, use smaller, detail brushes to add smoky accents to the outer corners of the eye, along the bottom lash line, and even to the deeper crease. To finish, sweep highlighter shadows under the brow line and press them into the lid area, directly over the iris, for a "pop." Smoky eyes are achieved by lining the eyes with a very sharp pencil right on top of the lash line and sometimes the inner rims. Be careful to follow the lash line exactly and keep the line thin.
Individual false lashes, or an understated row of lashes will bring density to the lash line and minimize the need for mascara.
Face: Apply concealer to spot cover dark circles and skin irregularities prior to foundation application. Apply the correct shade of foundation to the middle of the face, blending out and down.
(Pressed Mineral Foundation is optimal here for ease of use and performance.) Liquid foundations must be set with loose translucent powder for staying power.
Cheeks: Powdered blush is dusted lightly to "apples" of the cheek, while bronzer (a pro-artist favorite) will bring a sun-kissed look to the face, neck and chest. It can be used under blush or over blush. It's also fantastic for arms and legs! Lips: They are most often kept neutral to balance out the eyes.
One more note: Take along a few key items for last-minute touch-ups. Don't leave home with- out blot powder compact to absorb any shine break-through on the face. For lip color re-touches, carry lip liner, lipstick and gloss in the original colors used. And, in a pinch, bronzer with retractable brush can do the trick for a quick touch of color for face or body.
And finally: For more tips, don't miss "Makeup Tips for the Bride" at Chaffey College, 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 18. The cost is $39. To register, call the Chaffey College Department of Community Education at 909-652-6041.
better living | brides
