Hello, beautiful! It is my pleasure this week to introduce to you Alexandra Dale. I had the opportunity to work with her on the Next on Scene Magazine spring photoshoot last week. I asked Ali to come up with a couple things you need to know for a perfect bridal makeup experience. Without further ado, here we go.
As a makeup artist that works on all sorts of projects, photo shoots and with a range of clientele, I have a special place in my heart for wedding makeup. Being a part of someone’s big day is fun, exciting and touching; I feel honored every time I book a client for her nuptials. As a vendor that has worked on hundreds of weddings, here are my five “Makeup Truths” to keep in mind when heading into the wedding makeup trial:
What’s the basis of good makeup? Good Skin: Although makeup can mask some skin issues, makeup still has its limitations. As a makeup artist, there is only so much I can do to help correct tonal and textural issues. Taking care of your skin before your wedding is a must. Still using Aveeno or Neutrogena? It’s time for an upgrade. Pop into your local beauty retailer or spa, and work with a skincare expert or esthetician to develop a doable (and financially reasonable) skin care routine to target any skin issue you may have. Not sure if you have skin issues? Chat with your makeup artist on what they see through their professional eyes (we can see skin issues that may not be obvious). We’re always happy to make suggestions. Makeup always sits better on hydrated and cared-for skin, so take the extra 10 minutes in the morning and evening to give it love.
Need a place to start? Here are some great skincare lines that won’t break the bank:
Mario Badescu *excellent and effective products but doesn’t spend money on fancy packaging, so that extra cost isn’t passed along to you
First Aid Beauty *effective skincare designed for ultra-sensitive skin
Let’s Talk It Out: Don’t be afraid to articulate your hopes, desires and vision for your wedding makeup. The more information you give me in terms of your daily makeup routine, esthetic of your wedding, dress and hair style, helps me determine what products to use and look to design. I’ll do my best to talk you through what I’m doing, so you understand the “why” behind my color and texture choices, as well as why I’m using the products on you.
- Make The Time & Take The Time: Make sure you schedule your wedding makeup trial with ample time for you two to chat, skin prep, apply the makeup, lashes, and then make final adjustments to the look. When you are rushed, it can be felt by your artist and you don’t want that interrupting their focus and workflow. Also, be present. If you you’re distracted, it will kill the vibe of the trial. Checking your phone, taking calls or scrolling through emails is not only rude but hurts the communication between you and the artist. This is the time to finalize your look and products; it is the time to get it right, so that the day of the wedding the look can be applied quickly and efficiently. Take the time now and it will certainly pay-off on the big day.
Images (let’s be realistic here): When searching for inspiration images for your wedding makeup, try to find pictures of women who have similar features to you. I like clients to do a little research so that they come into the trial with some specific ideas for makeup looks, but I often find that the women in the images they choose have such different bone structures, hair color, eye color, etc. that the makeup look would read completely different on the bride. You can certainly bring in a photo of Giselle, but I promise you wouldn’t like her makeup look on yourself (note: lots of editorial and commercial makeup looks would not read well for your bridal look). Find images of other brides with similar features, and you and your artist will be set-up for creating a successful makeup look for yourself.
Main items to think about
Eyeshadow color and shape – smoky eye or just light shimmer?
Eyeliner – crisp clean liquid liner or soft and smudgy?
Matte or dewy/glowy foundation – what finish do you prefer?
- Lip color – nude? natural pink? berry? Or statement red?Have A Little Faith! Trusting a professional opinion: When I say, you need a little more foundation than your standard tinted moisturizer, trust me! After seeing how makeup photographs, wears and what just generally looks good for bridal makeup, I can give you lots of insight into what will work and what won’t. Trust my opinions and take them into consideration.
Well fash dolls I hope that you found Ali's 5 truths as helpful & eye opening as I did! If you are looking for a bridal make up artist I would highly recommend Ali, you won't regret it! Till next time fash dolls.
Stay Sassy & God Bless!
