Check out the Spring issue of Brides Magazine Philadelphia to read about my take on achieving the sultry and oft-requested Kim Kardashian visage. Not suprisingly, it’s my raven-haired brides who hope to channel this look. Deep warm browns, pink cheeks, nude lips and tons (and I mean “tons”) of lashes….
Category Archives: Wedding Make-up Q&A
Talking Wedding Make-up on “What’s up with Missy”
Here’s a recording of the interview I did with Missy Stein that aired on 5/5/10, on her AM radio show “What’s Up with Missy.” The staff at the station were great fun, and a good time was had by all…
Click here to listen to the interview: Béke’s Interview with Missy
Wedding Make-up Q&A: How can I make problem skin look flawless on my wedding day?
Metaphysically-speaking, nothing of an earthly nature is flawless, but there are ways to approximate perfection, face-wise.
Your best strategy is to hire a professional make-up artist who is skilled in using corrective techniques to cover blemishes or scars. Concealing problem skin can be time consuming, and wouldn’t you rather be drinking champagne with bridesmaids than being forced onto intimate terms with your breakout? Focusing on the negative is the last thing a bride should be doing.
If hiring a pro is not an option, then you’ll want to have serious coverage on hand, in the right color for your skin tone. The best technique for application is a pressing motion, rather than brushing or wiping. With that in mind, apply a medium-to-heavy foundation like MAC Studio Sculpt with a wedge-shaped sponge. Follow with Studio Sculpt concealer in a matching shade using a small concealer blush, dabbing onto problem areas, then press with your finger to smooth if necessary. Set by gently pressing a loose translucent powder onto your face with a puff or cotton pad, then lightly brush of excess with a soft powder brush. Apply a matte blush with a fan brush, which is ultra-soft and won’t upset your coverage. Shimmery blushes and highlighters will accentuate your lunar-like surface, so avoid them.
Touching up with a pressed powder often is essential to having the foundation and concealer stay put, whether applied by an artist or not. Blotting papers might also be handy if you’re especially oily– Boscia makes papers in six different scents, including lavender and vanilla, and these are available at our local Ulta and Sephora stores.
Remember that in this digital age, your photographer can easily smooth your skin for posterity using Photo Shop. Retouching aside, avoid breakouts by staying away from new products with harsh or overly-rich ingredients, watching what you eat and getting enough rest and hydration. And don’t beat yourself up if you have a blemish or two on your wedding day. They won’t be able to compete with your joyful smile.
Wedding Make-up Q&A: “To tan or not to tan, that is the question…”
Thank you for your question, Mr. Shakespeare, when’s the wedding?
Seriously, and in my humble opinion, no tan is best. Putting it nicely, wedding dresses and tans don’t mix, and a bride can run the risk of looking like she went on the honeymoon first. Putting it not-so-nicely, a tan contrasted with your white or ivory dress can make you look—sorry—tacky. Embracing your natural skin tone will be the most flattering to you, your really expensive dress and the photos.
That said, if you must tan, a spray tan is certainly safest, but applying it without streaking takes experimentation with different formulas (to find the best color for your skin) and of course, practice. Blend like crazy and use a cosmetic wedge sponge to do your face, hands and feet. Do your final application at least two days before the wedding.
If you are throwing all caution to the wind, just be sure not to go to the tanning salon or the beach the day before the wedding. A sunburn could easily ruin your special day. And wear a strapless bathing suit to avoid tan lines, which are difficult to cover with make-up.
