As wedding season is well and truly underway, I thought that I might share some of my favourite bridal beauty products.
Over the years, I’ve done my fair share of bridal makeups from actress Angela Griffin to Swarovski crystal CEO , Nadja Swarovski and to share in someone’s special day is indeed, a privilege. But if you’re a bride-to-be or attending a wedding, and want to do your own makeup, then standby for my makeup musthaves!
Longevity is the key, so exfoliate your skin the night before and use a lightweight yet nourishing moisturiser on the morning of the wedding. Unless someone has exceptionally dry skin, I tend to avoid moisturising the t-zone as you will want to keep that area shine free for as long as possible.
Smashbox Photofinish Primer is great to absorb excess oil and act as a base for your foundation to help it last longer.
Tip: If you’re going to do a strong look on the eyes then do your eye makeup first and then if any product falls under the eyes it’s easier to clean.
Getting the right foundation is so important which is why for combination skins I use Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, the Vitamin c helps to energise the skin and staying power is impressive. Use fingers or a foundation brush and start at the nose and blend out.
Illamasqua Skin Base is also beautiful and glides on the skin like silk. I’m also an Airbrush makeup artist so if any of the bridal party want makeup that literally doesn’t move and is great in heat , then I bring along my Airbase Kit.
If you’re getting married abroad and want a Base with an spf then use Inika Organic Mineral Powder Foundation £30 www.inikaorganic.com , it has an spf 25 and is available in 12 shades. As it’s a makeup item you can easily reapply every couple of hours to maintain the protection if you are in constant sun exposure. You will just have to add extra blush afterwards.
Eye shadow palettes are readily from most brands now, with Urban Decay and NYX leading the way. Apply your shadows by pressing the colour onto the lid rather than ‘brushing’ the colour on, as it prevents the colour from scattering everywhere.
Mascara, has to be reliable so I use either Urban Decay Perversion Mascara , £21, www.urbandecay.co.uk or if my brides want a waterproof one then Makeup Atelier Paris Waterproof Volume & Length 3D Mascara, £13.50, www.makeupatelierparis.co.uk or Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ,£19, Www.debenhams.com
Eyebrows should always compliment the look and not dominate, so never start your makeup by doing your brows first ,always do them once you have your eyeshadow on, so you know how intense they need to be. Choose your medium: Powder, wax, gel , crayon and pencil . I like the Smashbox Brow Tech To Go, £21, www.smashbox.co.uk as its waterproof pencil is slanted for precision application and comes with a clear fixing gel to tame unruly brow hairs! This is great on the grooms too!!!
Now, move on to lips. Avoid sticky lip glosses as your partner doesn’t want to end up wearing it when it comes to ‘kissing the bride’. Burt’s Bees have got a lovely range and NYX Lingerie LipGloss is great over your favourite lipstick too.
Balance your look with a hint of blush on the apples of the cheeks followed by a touch of bronzer at the temples and under the cheekbones. Inglot Freedom System Highlighter Powder, starts from £9, www.inglotuk.com , with shades 152 & 154 being my favourite. Sweep on top of the cheekbones and add a touch down the bridge of the nose if you want to enhance the shape. Add to the décolletage too if your gown is strapless.
It’s worth mentioning to hydrate the body especially if it’s on show so try Egyptian Magic ,£29, www.boots.com , which is packed full of olive oil, honey beeswax and Royal Jelly. It’s very glossy on the body so take care when applying , not to get it on your dress!
Finally, you’re never fully dressed without your fragrance! I think that it’s a lovely idea to buy each other a new Fragrance so it will be forever linked to your wedding day. My personal favourites are Van Cleef & Arpels Precious Oud , Parfum De Marly Oajan, Halfeti by Penhaligons, Enigma and Danger ,both by Roja and finally Kiton Classic by Kiton.
Armand Beasley is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty columnist. He is a regular contributor to beauty magazines and publications, and appears on TV, radio and podcasts.