Bridal Beauty Preparations

Weddings are a stressful time and there are lots of little things you might not consider.  Fashion Reverie spoke with the best in the industry about what how to prepare and what to bring with you to ensure that your whole day goes smoothly, from your “I Do’s” to dancing the night away.

Trials, tribulations, and inspiration

“When you’re getting your hair done, go for at least two different trials with two different people,” recommends Jay Ree, lead stylist backstage at Dennis Basso for Kleinfelds.  Ree also recommends “Taking lots of pictures with you of things that you’ve seen.  You don’t necessarily [have to copy the look in it’s entirety, you can] incorporate a whole bunch of different things.  Like they say a picture is worth a thousand words.”  Inspirational photos are a great way to insure that both your stylist and makeup artist are on the same page as you.

Once you’ve found your perfect hairstyle, it’s important to make sure the look will last.  Akemi Tamaribuchi, lead hairstylist shares her secret for the perfect wedding hair, “I think that building a strong foundation with your hair is the most important piece. Foundational products and being really smart about addressing your texture is key.”  She recommends Kérastase Paris’ products to keep your hairstyle from falling flat or frizzing up.  “VIP and Baume Double Je are a bride’s best defense for longevity and texture in the hair.”

If you’re going to be wearing a veil, make sure to incorporate it into your hairstyle.  “If you want to go modern, wear it a little lower in the back.  For a more traditional [look] wear it higher on the crown,” shares Pnina Tornai’s lead hairstylist, DM.

It’s also important to do some prep work before the big day.  “I would tell any bride to definitely take care of her skin,” advises Jenny Smith lead artist at Nars.  “Get your facials and everything a month or two before your wedding … It’s always about skin for me.”

When choosing your look, don’t forget to consider your venue. “For outdoor weddings, make sure after you do your makeup trial, take photos outside to see how you look in natural light.”  Don’t forget to also consider the wind and the sun when planning your look for a ceremony outdoors.

Make sure to pack

Makeup artist Kimberly Soane for Bobbi Brown offers a few tips, if you want to change your look up for the reception.   “To make your makeup a little more party, you can try a shimmer in your blush, a sparkle shadow, or a higher shine finish on the lip … will take your bridal makeup into something a bit more party feeling.”

However, even if you plan to keep the same look all night long, Soane shares her top must-haves,  “For touchups, have blotting papers, a puff, and a compact because your T-zone always looks a little bit shiny in photos.  You’ll also want to have your blush and your lipstick.  The rest of your makeup should hold for the night.” “Oh and don’t forget the tissues and breath mints,” Soane adds.

When it comes to your hair, a properly done up-do should last all night, but make sure to pack a few extra bobby pins in your purse just in case.  The bride who prefers to wear her hair down faces a few more challenges with a night of dancing ahead of her. A great spray is the ticket for touching up hair that may have a tendency to lose its style over time, explains stylist Jae Manuel Cardenas. “Sally Hershberger created a major caffeine volumizing spray, [called Major Body 3-in-1 Volume Spray] with a light hold.  It’s a dry shampoo and a texturizer all in one and everyone’s kinda crazy for it right now.  [As a bride,] you go throughout the day, you’re dancing, you’re doing whatever. Just put it in your purse, spray a little bit and brush it out.  It really holds.  It’s not too crunchy…  It doesn’t have that tacky strong hold of a hairspray … This is the best refresher right now”

Things to avoid

“One of the biggest bridal faux pas that Bobbi [Brown] has taught all of us is that you want to make sure your face, neck and chest are all the same color… for a lot of people, the neck is a little whiter and the chest may have more color [from being in the sun.] Make sure with your bronzer and face powder that it all connects.”  But Soane warns, “Never put foundation on your neck and chest because it will look like makeup, but a bit of bronzer will help color connect it all.”

Heidi Evora-Santiago, lead makeup artist at Dennis Basso also recommends staying away from “Too many colors on the eye.” “I like things to blend.  Your makeup should be a frame, it shouldn’t be the focus.”

Remember it is your wedding day so you want to make sure you feel beautiful in your own skin.  Wedding beauty trends are great, but do what works for you!

—Janine Silver

*Slideshow image courtesy of Junebugweddings.com