What Style of Bride Are You?

Can I just say; I love my brides. Brandie was one of those brides that just reminded me of why I absolutely love doing what I do. She is fun, bright, and always has a smile on her face! (Seriously. All the time).

It was an absolute pleasure working with her on her wedding.

She's not someone that wears a lot of makeup on a day-to-day basis (although she can definitely rock it when she's going out). She's a daring, strong woman that's not afraid to pull off some bling (diamond studded piercings on her back, I might add!) She rides her very fast motorcycle, yet is feminine and beautiful, and has an inspiring strong faith. In general, she rocks. 

Here's a look at her big day:

Inspired by Khloe Kardashian's Wedding Makeup?

One thing is for sure- I love my brides. I have to say that in most part, they are all just amazing women to work with and my team and I are honored to be a part of their big day.

So much so, that it has occurred to me to begin telling you about them. Each one is unique in their vision, especially when it comes to hair and makeup. Maybe you're engaged and looking to get some ideas, or maybe you're just browsing, but I always learn something with each new perspective...perhaps because I'm obsessed with makeup!

I first met Andrea at her trial run. She was a very classy bride with a very good idea of what she wanted, which makes my job so much easier!

I always ask that brides-to-be bring pictures to the trial run of hair and makeup they like. The reason for this is two-fold: 1. It gets them to really hone in on what they want and 2. It provides us with a visual, so there is nothing lost in translation. I learned a long time ago that my idea of one thing is not someone else's, so this avoids confusion and frustration. Aside from that, I am an artist, so I am very visual anyway.

Andrea provided Jaime (on of my very wonderful and talented hair artists) and I an image of Khloe Kardashian. The look was long, loose curls and lined, dramatic eyes was something that inspired her.

Do You Want A Natural Look For Your Wedding Day Makeup?

In skin care the most common comment is: " I have sensitive skin". For wedding makeup it's: "I want to look natural". What I have learned is that it's all relative and subjective to that person's interpretation of what qualifies as 'natural' (or 'sensitive' for that matter!)

I learned this the hard way, with one wedding in particular.

I came prepared with all my goods and the bride uttered the magic words: "I want my makeup to look natural". I smiled in acknowlegement -since I was familiar with the term- and I confidently began applying her makeup.

Beaming, I handed her the mirror when I was done. I was completely caught off guard when she almost started weeping. "It looks like I don't have anything on!", she cried in disappointment (or horror, I'm not sure).

I was a little confused...perplexed, dumbfounded.

I didn't understand. As far as I was concerned, I had given her exactly what she had asked for. In an effort to please my client and to keep her from freaking out, I calmly asked her to tell me specifically what she thought was missing. "Well" she replied, "I was hoping for some gold eyeshadow or something".

Huh? Okay, I don't know about you, but gold doesn't necessarily come to mind in my interpretation of natural, unless you're talking about the mineral found in God's green earth. It's not to say the bride wasn't right, but what I'm trying to point out is that broad terminology serves no one in this scenario.

We all have our own interpretations on the definitions of things when it comes to makeup: natural, dramatic, and generally what qualifies as good or bad makeup.

My point is, communicate. Communicate with your makeup artist, communicate with your hair artist and be specific. Give examples such as: "these are the colors I typically wear" or "I like eyeliner on top but not the bottom", etc.

If you don't ever wear makeup during the day, but you doll it up for a night on the town with the gals, this is important information because it shows you're not afraid of turning up the volume from time to time. It's much different than if you NEVER wear makeup, period.

The best is to have magazine clippings or email the artist pictures of makeup (or hair) you like. This will eliminate a lot of guess work on the artist's behalf, and frustration on yours.

It's all about and always about communication. It's why technology has come so far!

I hope this helps,
your Bridal Beauty Blogger :) 

and P.S. The gold eyeshadow bride did end up very pleased with her makeup. Hurrah!