Chicago Bridal Makeup Tips From A Pro
by Jill Maltezos
Every bride wants to look beautiful on her wedding day. It’s safe to assume that brides would like to have their beauty permanently recorded in photographs and videos. The question becomes, then, what is beauty? Does beauty come from within, or is it merely based on physical attributes?
The answer to these questions, with respect to wedding makeup, is simple. A beautiful bride is one who is genuinely happy and radiant, and who looks like herself, only better! The real question becomes, then, how can one achieve the desired look of a beautiful, radiant bride on her wedding day and in her photo album.
Bridal makeup presents certain challenges to the makeup artist because the bride must look natural for the intimate occasion, and at the same time, look enhanced and somewhat glamorous for the prints. After all, there is an element of drama to the event, particularly as the radiant bride walks down the aisle to meet her delighted groom.
While there are no specific rules regarding bridal makeup, there are certain recommended guidelines to ensure that the makeup applied will be flawless, polished, refined, and last, but not least, durable! Brides may choose a clean, natural look, a sophisticated look, or a glamorous runway beauty look. I recommend that she choose a look that accurately reflects her personality, provided that the makeup is artfully applied.
Because she wants to look her best, and because the wedding will be forever recorded, I recommended that brides consider retaining the services of a professional makeup artist. The problem becomes, however, whom should she hire?
People have a tendency to believe that anyone who claims to be a makeup artist knows what he/she is doing. Let the bride beware! Virtually anyone can apply and sell products, given some training on particular makeup lines. However, not everyone who claims to be an artist possesses the ongoing training, experience, knowledge and the “eye” for bridal/print makeup.
What To Look For In A Bridal Makeup Artist
In looking for a makeup artist, I would suggest that brides find an individual who understands color theory, and is able to find that perfect foundation, eye shadow combination and the most flattering lip and cheek colors. Furthermore, the artist must use color theory to apply the correct intensity of color, considering time of day, outdoor/indoors, and the formality of the event.
The artist must posses the ability to apply corrective makeup: makeup that emphasizes certain features and minimizes or softens others. He or she then creates an illusion of better bone structure, sculpting and symmetry of features.
What may look fine to the human eye might translate very differently on print or on film.
Brides should ensure that their makeup artist be skilled in the application of print makeup. What may look fine to the human eye might translate very differently on print or on film. The makeup artist should know how to create a multidimensional face that will look great not only in person, but will be dramatic and beautiful on print and video, color or black & white.
A bride’s makeup needs to last for several hours throughout the day. Makeup artists with experience on long, commercial photo shoots will be adept at applying long-lasting makeup on their clients.
Finally, the makeup artist selected should understand the science of skin. The better the condition of the skin, the better the appearance of the makeup. The artist should be able to identify skin types and recommend (and not necessarily sell) products and treatments both prior to and on the day of the wedding so that the bride’s skin will be at its best for a smooth foundation application.
How To Find Your Makeup Artist
Makeup artists are found in a variety of ways, including word-of-mouth, advertising, makeup counters or salons and day spas. I would suggest that brides hire an artist only after he/she has applied their makeup in a trial run. During that session, he or she will address skin care issues and will determine a particular style of makeup for the wedding day.
The final makeup application decisions should then be recorded on a face chart as reference for the artist on the wedding day. The professional artist should also take photos, both Polaroid and digital, to see how the makeup application translates on film.
Be Happy! Enjoy The Process!
On your wedding day, you will spend a significant amount of time with your makeup artist. I suggest that you take the opportunity to relax and feel indulged. This is a good time to unwind before the festivities begin. Make sure you have an excellent rapport with whomever you choose to apply your makeup. A good, professional makeup artist will not only be skilled, but will have a calming effect on you. This will relieve some stress and will make your day even more special. Remember, beauty comes from within as well as from without!
© 2005 by Jill Maltezos. This article was reprinted with permission. The original article can be found here.
Copyright 2004 Wedding Chicago, inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.