Bridal Makeup – how to achieve your ideal look

by Kristen Ashton - Addicted To Glamour Makeup Design  

"I have many years experience in bridal, fashion and runway makeup.  Over these years I have had the opportunity to work with many beautiful brides, and help them achieve the look they want.  There is nothing better than when a bride finally sees her makeup and loves it – their confidence just shines through and it really is lovely to see it all come together. "

Whether you are having a professional Makeup Artist or doing your own makeup, there are some common tips and tricks to achieving your ideal look.

Having well hydrated skin will certainly help to keep your makeup looking fresh and lasting well.  Don’t forget to keep your lips well moisturised (I love paw-paw ointment:  it works wonders and is cheap)!  Using an eye cream as well will help to keep the eye area hydrated so the makeup won’t settle in the skin and fine lines.  Don’t forget to keep the water intake up as well!

Your wedding day makeup should compliment your features.  If you don’t normally wear much makeup you probably won’t feel comfortable with smoky eyes, and if you do generally wear a lot of makeup you will probably need as much, if not a little more to feel finished.  The main thing is you feel comfortable, so it is vital that you have a trial or try your look out on yourself a few times before the wedding.  Just remember that it will all come together once your hair is done and your dress is on.

What is currently popular:

• Beautiful skin – wedding day makeup needs to be applied so it lasts, but it shouldn’t feel caked on and heavy.  Fresh, beautiful skin will look amazing in photos.  I would recommend you take some blotting papers and powder for touch-ups.

• The majority of brides I see want their eyes to be the feature.  This doesn’t necessarily mean smoky, but with some contouring and lining you can get the effect without the makeup being too dark and heavy.

• Eye lashes!  Nowadays there are some amazing lashes on the market that don’t look fake.  Applied correctly they certainly will finish the makeup off and make your eyes “pop”.

• Well groomed eyebrows frame the face and really can make a difference.

• A lustre lipstick looks beautiful in photos, whilst keeping lips moist.  A soft pink, or neutral nude compliments a lot of skin tones, so can be shared by the girls in the bridal party.  Add a touch of gloss to finish it off.  You will want a lipstick or gloss to touch up throughout the night.

Kristen’s work as a makeup artist has been seen in Perth and international bridal and fashion magazines, as well as local television commercials. Contact Kristen at  

    www.addictedtoglamour.com.au    0411 065 529