As a professional makeup artist, one of the most asked questions I get is: “Can you make a contemporary bridal makeup?”- to which I of course answer: Yes! Not long ago a contemporary bridal makeup was not even considered as appropriate for weddings. About 20-30 years ago, and for many up until recently, a bridal makeup was made up of pink and brown colors, flesh tones lipstick and completely matt skin (and the occasional blue mascara through the 80s). With millions of women getting married each year it is just depressing to think that they all would have to look alike- so thankfully contemporary bridal makeup is all the rave no days.
A contemporary bridal makeup basically means that we as makeup artist adjust the style, look and finish of the makeup to match the bride and not just the time. Whatever she want, she gets with our professional tweaks of course. So even though it may seem like a contemporary bridal makeup can be just about anything, and it really can, there are a couple of things that most women want and honestly should wear as it is super flattering and brings out the absolute best features on her. So let’s check out the contemporary bridal makeup techniques you wouldn’t see at all 20 years ago, but are frequently used today: –
LIQUID FOUNDATION + TRANSLUCENT POWDER
This step is truly key as it will allow the bride a natural skin that is still super even and photo-ready. As before the face would just have one dimension by piling on powder compacts, the liquid foundation together with the translucent powder truly helps to build the face and add structure. It also allows for the student to reapply the translucent powder during the evening without even needing a mirror to look in!
CREAM TEXTURE PRODUCT
We now use a lot of cream texture products for a contemporary bridal makeup as it gives a really fresh and healthy finish. Cream eye shadows, cream blushers, cream highlighters are all frequently part of a contemporary bridal makeup application. If the bride has very oily skin, we try to stay away from it, or at least set it with a powder after application.
COLORS
Yes- you can use colors with a contemporary bridal makeup! But, let’s not go back to the 80s just yet and make sure you work out which colors beforehand and how they work out. Much love to incorporate a purple color on the eyes, but instead of using a bright and heavily pigmented purple we lure it in with a Taupe color high in purple (like Satin Taupe from MAC). We can also do a soft smokey effect under the eyes (or the complete eye if you want) and darken the crease for a lift to the eye. The cheeks should be peachy in color, but a well-placed bronzer is more than allowed. When it comes to the lip- the bride should really just get to decide whatever she prefers. If she is used to be wearing a strong lip on a daily basis, she should, of course, do the same to the wedding. After all, we want the husband to recognize her!
