With wedding planning comes dress shopping and the hunt for the perfect photographer. But brides-to-be sometimes forget to determine a makeup look for their big day. "It amazes me how girls don't pay more attention to their makeup when that's what photographers are looking at," shares Kelly Miron, owner of the Powder Room Makeup Oasis & Boutique at Eton on Chagrin Boulevard.
Skin Deep
Sure, blemishes and other imperfections can be concealed or edited out of images, but a smooth base is ideal for makeup application and wedding day confidence. "You can apply makeup professionally, but the biggest thing for us is keeping that skin healthy and [maintaining] it after you're married," says Monica Velasco, manager at the Powder Room, which boasts 14 cosmeceuticals, individual lash services, makeup application from 11 top brands and a variety of skin treatments.
Armed with a licensed managing esthetician, the salon is more than equipped to handle any and all skin care needs, from rosacea to hyperpigmentation. "It never fails, the stress of the day comes out in a zit or something," Velasco says. "Makeup is only as good as the skin underneath."
Lindsay London has been a licensed managing esthetician for more than 15 years and worked with a top area dermatologist before opening Lindsay London Beauty in downtown Willoughby. Her facility provides microdermabrasion, chemical peels, waxing treatments and brow sculpting, among other options. "Whatever the trends, flawless skin is always what brides want," she says.
In order to flush out any toxins in the system, brides should stay hydrated at least a month in advance of their nuptials. A few nights before the wedding, they should exfoliate to remove dead skin and lighten their complexion. Finally, a moisturizer is necessary. "It will prep the skin for makeup, and plump out any fine lines and wrinkles," London says.
Get the Look
While perfect skin is always in style, makeup trends come and go. London offers airbrush makeup, which is primarily used for evening complexions. Airbrushing feels like a cool mist when applied and is available in different levels. As no brushes are involved, airbrush is extremely sanitary. London specializes in bringing this service on-location and remarks that the makeup lasts throughout the day, whether the bride is getting teary-eyed during the vows or is busy dancing with her new husband. "A lot of my brides tell me it feels like they don't have anything on their skin," she says.
London has noticed that brides are shying away from artificial tanning. "We're seeing a lot of soft shimmer on the eyes, corals, pinks, and a rose lip — these colors add a lot of warmth to the skin," she says.
Additionally, a fun trend she expects to see more of is winged or white eyeliner. "I've also seen a lot of old Hollywood glam with full lashes, a deeper pout and clean liner," London says. On the other hand, Miron has seen several bohemian wedding dresses over the last few seasons. The makeup to match these dresses is a little more relaxed. "The makeup is not structured," she says. "It is more airy and natural-looking, nothing pops out at you. You will find a softer pink lip rather than a bold red."
Once you decide on a bridal look, be sure to book your makeup trial. "Do your trial at least six months before the wedding so you know your artist," adds Miron, noting that brides have the choice between being pampered at the Powder Room or in the comfort of their home on their special day.
It's All About You
"So many brides tell me, •I just want to look like myself,'•" says Miron, "I always think, who else would you look like?" But be careful so as not to go overboard. She recalls a sweet bride who did not want to disappoint anyone and considered all suggestions. "She wanted a bold eye, bold cheek, bold lip — it was too much going on," she says.
Encouraging brides to select a makeup artist and come in several months before their wedding allows women to experiment with multiple looks. "It's okay to do several trials; it should never be something you compromise on," she says.
Miron looks at the whole picture of the wedding before determining a bride's look. She contemplates the venue, dress, décor and even the invitations. "Throw one or two trends in, but still stay indicative of who you are," she advises.
