By Philip Luque, Director of Artistry & Education, Youngblood® Mineral Cosmetics
When it comes to weddings, hair and makeup are just as important as the dress and guest list. Bridal makeup trends vary from season to season, but they also share similar styles throughout the year. Here, are three different looks for three different skin tones: fair, medium, and dark. When picking a foundation, always be sure it is appropriate for your client’s skin type (normal, dry or oily).
Fair Skin Tones:
Light complexions need a bit of warmth. Start by adding a bronzer after foundation. Next, add a brightly colored blush to the apples of cheeks to make them pop a subtle shimmer makes cheeks glow when walking down the aisle.
Eyes should be enhanced and not overdone. Start with a subtle shimmery shadow all over the lid. Then add definition by applying a medium to dark shade in the crease, gently sweeping back and forth and blending as you go. Finish the eye with a highlight under the brow to open up the eyes. Using black eyeliner, line directly into the lash line — avoid a thick line. This will help eyes look picture-perfect. Add mascara and define the brows with the appropriate color to frame the face.
Choose a lipstick in a medium shade to avoid overwhelming fair complexions.
Medium Skin Tones:
Start off with the appropriate foundation and a light dusting of bronzer, then add blush to brighten the cheek area. A soft berry tone will help bring out the cheeks in medium complexions.
For romantic, smoky eyes, apply a medium-toned shadow all over the lid and a matte shade into the crease. Line the eye with a dark burgundy shadow to make eyes stand out. If more drama is desired, add black eyeliner on top of the dark burgundy shadow. Apply mascara using a zigzag motion to gently separate and lift lashes, then follow with the appropriate brow color to define brows.
Since medium skin tones can wear more pigmented lip colors, use a lip liner to avoid feathering. Next apply a medium shade all over lips to blend.
Additional Tip: I advise against using lip gloss for weddings because it can be messy if there is a veil involved or for when the bride and groom kiss.
Dark Skin Tones:
For darker skin tones, select her best foundation match. Use a powder to set foundation on deeper complexions. A powder with an orange/yellow undertone will help prevent an ashen appearance. Follow with concealer to brighten around the eye area.
Apply a richly colored eyeshadow all over the lid, and a dark grey or black to the crease to create a dramatic effect... Highlight the brow bone area with a medium-colored shimmer. Accent the lash line with a black eye liner pencil, apply mascara in a zigzag motion and define the brows.
When choosing lip shades for darker skin tones, understand that most shades will look totally different than what is in the tube. Darker skin tones can wear the deeper shades and sometimes need to in order for them to show up in photos. If your client has full lips, you do not need to use a lip liner — instead, simply apply a color all over the lips.
Additional Tip: When doing wedding makeup for any skin tone, remember to always do a trial run with your looks. Be sure your bridal client is comfortable with any look you put together for her.