Bridal Beautiful

With the Philippine wedding season being December-February plus the 08-08-08 craze that has been going on, wedding makeup artists are bombarded with inquiries and bookings for trial makeup and the like. Wedding makeup is very lucrative and challenging because nothing should fail since your work will be documented and be a part of a woman's life for many years to come. That's why wedding makeup packages are very expensive as compared to regular client makeup or event makeup despite the natural palette - the bride has to look exceptionally beautiful in person, close-up, in pictures, and in video. Beautiful in a sense that she looks radiant, fresh, glowing, and this should withstand hours of dancing, eating, kissing, posing, with minimal retouching.

So here's my say on bridal makeup for those who would like to tap on this field:

TRIAL MAKEUP

Trial makeup is done before a bride signs up for the makeup artist's services. During the trial makeup, this would be a "practice" session as to how a bride wants to look like during her wedding day. The makeup artist might have to do some adjustments as to her skin color, face shape, preferences, and cut of the gown. This is usually scheduled months in advance. Take note that trial makeup rates are paid. In fact, these are more expensive than regular client makeup because documentation and trial-and-error would be involved. Make sure to document each look in pictures and list what was used where it was used so just in case the bride does get you for her wedding day, you know how to go by the look, not to mention it would save time.

It would also be best to give advice as to when threading procedures, doctor's appointments, etc, should be held before the actual wedding day.

THE LOOK

For weddings, the key is "the more classic, the better." The bride should be able to look at her wedding pictures years from her wedding day and say, "Wow! I really looked good back then". So dated looks, colorful eye shadow, and fuschia blush are no-nos (I can hear just 80s brides with the blue shadow, frosty pink lipstick and mad blush are cringing right now). Keep eye colors netural and muted. Opt for soft colors of browns, peaches, pinks, and taupes. For lips, I always prefer lipstick in a satin or matte finish. Super glossy finishes can stick to the veil or it could intimidate the groom.

Mascara is always a staple in the look and so are defined eyes and glowing skin. I go generous on my bride's mascara and use a waterproof formulation on the mascara and liquid/pencil liner. Some brides can get emotional and cry as they walk down the aisle. Falsies are okay, as long as they look natural and enhance their lashes and eyes. If the brides are uncomfortable with falsies, it's better not to put them.

For eyebrows, I want defined but natural brows. I don't like it when brows look penciled in. I go for two shades lighter than the head hair color for a subtle, girly expression but keep the shape defined.

I use little bronzer on the bride, just to warm up their skin. I prefer a peach blush or a blush that would make the bride look naturally blushing. For mineral makeup fanatics, I suggest not using purely mineral makeup. Although it creates a flawless "glow", the effect can be too sheer as not to withstand cameras. I use mineral foundation as pressed powder for my foundation but use quite little to avoid cakeing

DAY TO NIGHT

Daytime wedding means enhancing their best qualities. However, for nighttime wedding, do a subtle taupe smoky eye or add a bit of shimmer. Red lipstick looks sexy on brides who go for red. But remember the focal point rule - focus on either the lips or the eyes - NEVER BOTH! Dark eyes and dark lips are harsh, even on nighttime.

SPEED

Wedding makeup should not be taken sweet time to. Work up on speed. Have assistants/hairstylists ready to save time.

HAVE FUN

A good aura will result in good work. Don't pressure yourself and just have fun with it. :-)