Your wedding photos are the one time in your life when you simply must look your best. Make up that is incorrectly applied and coordinated can not only ruin your apparel theme but also your precious photographs. It is really best to consider hiring a professional just for that day, even if you are experienced at applying your own.
Remember this is a time when you will be challenged with many things to do but also an exceptional occasion when you really need to be pampered and made to feel special.
Proper background preparation is essential for the successful outcome of any task, this is no less so in your aim for a good finish. You need to have your skin ready for applications, to achieve the results you desire. In addition you need to be aware of the varying needs which will affect the outcome for your wedding photo-perfect make-up.
PREPARATION
Begin by washing your face with lukewarm not hot water. Too high a water temperature can actually damage the skin. A gentle facial scrub will give you a beautiful glow; follow with toner to close the pores.
Apply a suitable moisturiser for your skin type to lubricate and protect your skin. Be gentle with this process being mindful not to pull or tug needlessly. Your skin does have an absorption limit, put too much lotion or cream and it will feel greasy, too little and it will feel tight offering little moisturising benefits.
As Barbados is hot, do wear a sunscreen but go easy on the quantity you apply or preferably use oil free. Remember to blot afterwards as a shiny face would not be attractive in the photos.
This is a regimen which should be performed regularly regardless of your skin type, to maintain and protect.
APPLYING COSMETICS
FOUNDATION
Ensure that your foundation matches your skin tone and that it merges beautifully with the rest of your neck as seams will show up on a photograph.
Sponge-apply foundation to even out the natural tone of your skin, so that it appears flawless in photographs. This ensures a finish with the minimum of blemishes and shadows.
Foundation should be slightly thicker than normal as sheer would not stand up to the day. Always try, if possible, to apply in natural light.
Be mindful of the finish; matt photographs better than shimmer or dewy finishes which can give you a greasy look.
Use a concealer to mask dark spots which would show up in the photo.
Set with powder.
For those who prefer not to wear a foundation, translucent powder will serve as a suitable alternative, in addition to "setting" your make-up.
EYES
Earthy and natural matt eye shadow colours work best for wedding photos. Frosted can cause the light to “hit”, shine and create an unpleasant effect and pastels can create shade alterations which may not be desirable.
Use eye-liner to accentuate your eyes against the wedding shades but in this case a brush application is more functional as it will be more durable.
Remember to opt for waterproof mascara to prevent “Panda eyes”.
In general the rule is to keep it light in application but with slightly darker shades than you are accustomed wearing so that your face will photograph well against the white, ivory and other pale colours. You also need to use stronger tones than normal for clarity which may be lost by lighting conditions. Generally, the further into the evening the more dramatic your make-up will need to be while still keeping within your personality.
BLUSHER
Do apply blusher to warm your skin tone and highlight your cheeks but once again the golden rule is to go lightly with the application, too much on the cheeks will make you appear to be excessively flushed.
It is more effective to try to keep the blusher colour within the same tone group as the lipstick.
LIPSTICK
Use a neutral lip liner (too dark does not photograph well) and apply a soft lipstick or coloured lip gloss to accentuate your lips. Very heavy, strong colour will not work well here. You do not want your lips to be noticed in the photo before you are.
Use a lip base to ensure that your lipstick lasts longer and that the colour is even.
Enjoy lipgloss but apply sparingly as too much can reflect the photographic light when wearing wedding whites or other pale clothing.
Enjoy a finish which is beautiful, durable and PHOTO PERFECT ...
BLACK & WHITE PHOTOS
As a bride you may want to experiment with different looks for your wedding photos or just want to infuse a little drama or edginess to a special photo concept. Please be aware that black and white photos do not work well with all make-up colours.
Generally to achieve a successful finish you need more distinctness and the use of deeper colours than normal. Try to aim for dramatic colours which are rich in hue or create stark contrast like white, reds and jewel tones. Pastels like mint green and baby blue to not translate well in black and white photography. On the same note keep lips either strong or very neutral.
