The day you get married you want to look beautiful and radiant, goes without saying, but here’s the thing: you also want to feel like yourself, and reconciling the two can become a potential source of stress. The good news is that you can have it both ways, and a big part of the solution lies with your foundation: what, how much of it, if any at all. (Don’t forget, the way your skin looks in person and in photos is almost entirely rooted in foundation). Here are 5 tips for beautiful bridal skin.
Know your skin
There are foundations for every skin type, so determine what type best suits yours. Prone to oiliness and breakouts? Keep the shine at bay with an oil-free or matte formulation such as Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation ($42). Drier skin types benefit from richer, creamier or hydrating foundations like Kimiko Hydrating Tint SPF 20 ($43). For sensitive skin, best bet is mineral foundation or light-tinted moisturizer; try Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer ($34).
Prime
A primer is a clear or light gel that smoothes the surface of the skin, filling pores and uneven texture and ensuring foundation lasts all day long. Your makeup artist will apply a foundation primer to a freshly cleansed and moisturized face. This step is not to be skipped!
Foundation
Next, your makeup artist will apply a foundation that matches your skin tone. Foundation doesn’t have to cover the whole face — it can be applied strictly to the areas that need it most. Note: Never — seriously, never — should a foundation shade darker than your skin be used. If you’re looking a little pale, a bronzer and blush will do the trick. One of the worst beauty blunders is a mask of mismatched foundation — especially on your wedding day, when you will be immortalized in a gazillion photos.
Cover
A stick or cream concealer that matches your skin (or is slightly lighter) will be used to even out the skin and brighten under the eyes. There are also specialty concealers and correctors, to cover all the other bases. Are you likely to cry your eyes out during the vows? If so, your artist may use a waterproof concealer (and should give you a tutorial on how to effectively dab tears instead of wiping them). You may see a mint-green concealer being used — don’t panic, this little puppy is great for neutralizing the redness of blemishes, rosacea and broken capillaries. A pink concealer cancels out the blueness of under-eye circles and veins. A lavender-coloured corrector can be used on yellow or sallow areas. One, some or none of these might be used on you, depending on your skin’s needs.
Set and warm
After applying foundation and concealer, your artist will set your base with a pressed or loose powder, and add a pop of colour to the cheeks for a healthy glow. The makeup artist may also apply a bronzer, to warm the skin for a sun-kissed sparkle.
Even if you have near-perfect skin or don’t like wearing makeup, it’s still best to use a smidge of tinted moisturizer or foundation. A little will go a long way towards giving you a picture-perfect complexion. And this day, of all days, is a day for perfection in pictures.
Louise Griew is a Toronto-born makeup artist whose second home is Melbourne, Australia. Her work can be seen in national and international advertising campaigns, magazines, music videos and on TV.
