Blushing Bride
According to numerous makeup artists, when a bride does her own wedding-day makeup, she will most likely glam-up her every day look for eyes, foundation/powder and lips, either by using more dramatic colors or a different finish, like switching from matte to shimmery formulas. She will even buy special products just for the Big Day, like a new lipstick and waterproof mascara. But, when it comes to cheeks, she is likely to stay loyal to her old standby blush or bronzer, and believe that simply layering it on heavier than usual will fancy it up enough. Not so, say the experts.
If you are lucky enough to have access to a professional makeup artist for your wedding day, and your budget allows it, then by all means collaborate with him or her on finding your best makeup look, and be open to any suggestions regarding the best formulas and shades. After all, their expertise is what you’re paying for, and knowing what works best in photographs and in different types of light is invaluable information. So, if you’ve got your heart set on wearing that new fuchsia blush with the mult-colored glitter flecks and your makeup artist ditches it in favor of a subtly shimmery shade she swears will make you look ephemeral instead of easy, she probably knows best. Many makeup artists include a trial run when they give you their rate quote, and this is the best way to make sure that you’re not in for any surprises just before you walk down the aisle.
For brides that do not have the option of hiring a makeup pro, DIY makeup is far from a tragedy and does not have to be as intimidating as it seems. Practice is everything, and taking the time to scour the best artist-authored makeup books can give you a crash course in great techniques and product picks for your coloring, face shape and the type of occasion. Most books include a section on makeup for weddings or special occasions, or at least different advice for day looks versus night. Two of my favorites are The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, by Bobbi Brown, and Makeup Your Mind by Francois Nars, but there are plenty of other easy-to-understand, beautifully photographed makeup how-to books as well.
The best blush shades make you look magically lit-from-within, giving you a subtle glow – think incandescent, not iridescent. You may need to scrap the shade you usually wear, particularly if it’s totally neutral (which may read as flat in photos), too pale (disappearing act) or sparkly or frosty (shiny and downright weird in certain lighting) in favor of a silky matte or soft shimmer formula in a bloom-hued shade, from petal pinks to peaches to bright pink and rose. Here are some of my favorite bridal-worthy blushes:
Bobbi Brown Blush is a classic, silky-matte blush that is virtually idiot-proof. Best used as the Divine Miss Brown does it herself: start with a neutral shade of blush that looks like your own natural flush and sweep it from the apples of your cheeks up to your hairline. Follow with a pop of color in a brighter shade swirled only on the apples of your cheeks. I love the combination of the neutral Tawny shade topped off with Apricot, a melon-y pink that looks all scary clown in the compact but transforms into the soft, sunny flush once on; $22; www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.
Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow Blush has held a place in my makeup arsenal for several years now. The shades look rather bright in the compact but go on very sheer and give the most beautiful, ethereal glow. If you’re after the truly sweet, “blushing bride” look, layer light apricot Dolline and pure pink Shadore – either one over the other or swirled together with a large, fluffy blush brush; $37; www.neimanmarcus.com.
L’Oreal True Match Blush is a diva in drugstore clothing, in my opinion. It’s as silky and sheer as blushes triple its price, has a lovely shade range without a loser in the bunch, and even groups shades by skin tones for newbies. Apricot Kiss is my go-to pale peach when I need to fake a full night’s sleep but don’t want to appear made up, and it’s a fantastic bridal look for very fair-skinned brides who prefer peach over pink. Layer over a light matte bronzing powder for a modern sunny glow; $10.95 at drugstores.
LORAC Baked Matte Satin Blush, contrary to its name, looks mighty shimmery in the pan, but don’t be fooled – the color, though highly pigmented, does go on amazingly smooth and looks like a real matte yet glowy blush on your cheeks. My shade pick is Exposed, a radiant peachy-pink; $24, www.sephora.com.
Smashbox Blush Rush is a sheer yet long-wearing formula that feels like silk plus boasts an ultra-ingenius mirrored swivel compact. If you love berry-toned tints, the shimmery Crush shade is a must-try; $24, www.sephora.com.
Finally, like everything else wedding-related, the devil is in the details when it comes to blush. Choosing a spectacular shade is only the first step; Invest in the best quality, large blush brush you can afford, start with a little bit of color and only add more when you’re sure you need it to balance your look. Once you are fully dressed from tiara to toe, take a step back from the mirror and make sure that your cheek color hints rather than harasses. If it’s clearly too much color, soften it a bit with a bare fluffy loose powder brush and if that doesn’t work, buff it with a tiny amount of sheer loose powder until the color seems to melt into your skin rather than sitting on top of it. Now…smile! You’re getting married!
No comments:
Post a Comment