When the big day finally arrives, every bride wants to look her best! We’re teaming up with local beauty experts to get the inside scoop on all things bridal beauty. We recently sat down with makeup artist Randee Strand of About Face Artistry to get her expert advice. Check out her helpful tips below and stay tuned to the blog as we share more beauty tips from local experts!
What are the advantages of doing a make-up trial run before the big day? The main purpose of the trial run is for you and your makeup artist to have some quality one-on-one time to design your look, make sure you are comfortable with everything, and be sure that your makeup wears well for an extended period of time without any allergic reactions. This is also a great time to get to know your artist. I always tell my clients, “The makeup only gets better each time I get my hands on your face.” Getting to know each other and trying out different looks will help you to feel less stressed during this exciting time. After all, you not only want a skilled artist, you want a professional who uses clean brushes and follows proper sanitation, and someone to help you choose products that will not only look great in person, but photograph flawlessly, and last all night. Your professional makeup artist should combine their talents with your desired look. This is a team effort and being specific about what you do or do not like is crucial to achieving your personal look. Also, remember that this person will be there for your portraits, as well as on your special day. You want someone you can count on, who shows up on time, and makes you feel relaxed and pampered.
What advice do you have for a bride trying to find the right look for her day? There are many ways to find inspiration for the look you want to achieve. The internet, especially Pinterest has been a huge hit with brides, as well as beautiful wedding magazines for inspiration. I think the one thing you should know is trends will come and go, so stay true to yourself. Your photos will last forever. Some brides want a “better version” of themselves, and others want sexy glamour. This is the reason it is important to make sure the professional you choose can execute the look you want. If you don’t typically wear much makeup, you will want an artist that isn’t heavy-handed. Look at the portfolio of your makeup artist and make sure their work has a variety of looks you like.
What beauty product should every bride have with her at all times? Is this a trick question? Haha! I bet you would guess my answer to be blot sheets, waterproof mascara, or touch-up lipstick. Nope! I think most of the time brides forget about the preparation of skin up until the big day. Prepping skin is so important. You can cover lots of imperfections with makeup, except nothing covers texture. Many women have dehydrated skin and even those with oily skin still need to moisturize. Take care of the canvas and you will be surprised how little makeup you need to look stunning! Embryolisse has so many amazing products! I am a big fan of the Lait Creme Concentre. It is rich without being heavy and absorbs quickly without any residue. You can use it as a skin primer, daily moisturizer, or makeup remover. It is perfect for any skin type and keeps the skin looking refreshed and revived.
What’s your favorite shade of lipstick? Just one, is this a trick question? Haha! Most of the time I tend to like more dramatic eyes and less color on the lips. For a subtle lip, I would have to say my Randee Strand Pro lipstick in “Cupcake.” This is one of our most popular colors for brides and is a beautiful nude peachy-pink. For someone who likes the Old Hollywood or the Gatsby inspired look, I love our bright red color called “You Say Tomato,” or a sexy hot pink pout using “Fox Force Five.”
Do you recommend false lashes? Absolutely! Lots of brides joke with me about Halloween being the only time they have ever tried out false lashes. The chief complaint is that the lashes poke them all night and the story always involves them gluing an eye shut. Most women tend to think that false lashes are hard to wear and have to be a mile long. The truth is there is such a wide array to choose from these days, and if a professional artist applies them correctly they won’t bother you. We have a lash bar that offers everything from a tiny bump up above the natural lash all the way to va-va voom. None of these are extensions, so there is no maintenance, you get professionally sized and placed strip lashes. Or, the majority of my brides like the custom lash experience I provide. These are special individual lashes strategically applied so they look like yours. Clients can choose a very subtle application all the way up to lovely voluminous lashes. They really do look great in person and in the photos. Beautiful lashes really frame the face, as well as enhance beautiful eyes.
How can a bride keep her makeup looking fresh and flawless throughout her big day? Using professional face, eye, and lip primers and sealers are a must for every bride. Anyone can have a nice looking makeup applied, but to make sure it really lasts through tears of joy and perspiration is key. Sealers keep oil at bay and a face fresh for hours. Airbrush makeup applied correctly can give any bride a flawless camera-ready face that is also long-lasting.
Any other helpful beauty tips for brides-to-be? Drink lots of water, start preparing your skin now (including moisturizing lips), and remember to breathe. You get what you pay for, so book your trial run with a professional makeup artist before you blow your entire budget. Your makeup expert should help you feel relaxed and provide you and your loved ones with an amazing experience on your special day. Enjoy your wedding day lucky lady and smile pretty!