Bridal glow

makeup

With summertime on the horizon, brides-to-be all around the country are set to get ready for the biggest day of their lives...

Planning your wedding can be a dizzying process, but after the date is set, the caterer is booked, and the dress is ordered, you can finally sit down and be primped like a princess. That’s right; it’s time to focus on your hair and makeup.

Makeup is just one major aspect of your wedding day that can make or break the way you look and feel. Brides love to get dolled up but still look like themselves, the way their groom loves them every day, and in 2017 makeup is all about a more natural, seamless and blended look. Simple elegance is starting to make a comeback in terms of bridal makeup. However, most brides want to look like themselves but with pops of colour. If you go with neutral, smokey eyes, then opt for a brighter lip.

On your wedding day you want to look your best, but you don’t want to look like a completely different person. Sometimes makeup can ‘mask’ your features, so it is important to use makeup to complement your look. To create a natural look for your wedding day a decent amount of makeup is required, but the trick is to have it applied in such a way where you cannot see where your makeup begins and ends. All lines should be blended with colours fading into one another - giving you a fresh and glowing look. Avoid too much frost, shimmer and extreme colours. Instead, stick to matte textures with a little sheen. Moisturizing products are key to a natural look for your wedding day, set with a silicone based powder which helps your makeup stay all day long.

In the past, airbrush foundation has been a favourite amongst brides due to the hype and buzz about the staying power and flawless effects. Instead, focus on skincare before your big day by incorporating regular facials and a healthy clean diet. The more flawless your skin is, the less makeup you will need and in return you will look even more fabulous in front of all of your guests.

The bridal trend for summer 2017 has eyes that are defined, brows are groomed, lashes are long and fluttery, and cheeks and lips that look kissable and glamorous. Expect to see some softer colours used on the eyes. Shades of grey, purple , green, silver, bronze and creams will be matched with a natural makeup colour palette and accompanied by false lashes, resulting in eyes that really pop in your wedding photos.

According to renowned makeup artists, brides should choose a focal point to accentuate and keep the rest of their look neutral. For instance, if a bride chooses to wear a brilliant eyeshadow, then she should keep her lips neutral. If she’s wearing a bold lip colour, a touch of liquid eyeliner and tube mascara is a striking eye makeup choice.

Best wedding makeup tips:

• Opt for a powder-based foundation, which is more likely to stay on than the liquid or cream types. Apply lightly and evenly, and blend well down into the decolletage. Choose a colour that is just a shade paler than your natural skin tone for best results.
• A common wedding makeup request is to give skin a dewy look, and this season is no different. To achieve the glowy, not shiny, face, makeup artists use a pearly highlighter stick. You’ll get the most shimmer by using a hint of highlighting makeup on the cheek bones, the corner of the inner eye and just below your brows.
• Eye makeup should be tasteful and muted. Consider using cream, pearl, or grey eye shadow blended carefully so the effect is luminous. Eyeliner should be applied very carefully, aiming to let the eyes stand out rather than make them over-dramatic. As for mascara, a volumizing mascara should be used first, followed by a lengthening mascara to make your eyes look wide and adoring.
• Nails should be carefully manicured and shaped, preferably in ovals so there is no chance of snagging them on your dress or veil. Pale pink or cream polish is a good choice. Paint your toenails to match if you’re wearing an open-toed shoe or strappy sandal.

Ultimately, it comes down to the bride’s tastes and what she feels comfortable in, so don’t fret! Oftentimes, a toned-down look is best and one that will allow the bride’s natural beauty to shine through.

Credits: Text: Sadaf Jabeen

Styling, hair & makeup: Fatima Nasir & her team Photography: MHM Jewellery: Sonica Jewellers

Wardrobe: Saira Shakira, Farah & Fatima and Omrose