Kristen Arnett:

It’s June. Wedding season is well underway and I'm talking to all the brides out there...

Your wedding day is coming up, and if there weren't enough details to think about, then someone poses the question, "How are you going to do your makeup?" Ack!

For many women makeup is a mask to hide "defects". Or I hear them say they feel as if their drawer is a jumble of expensive products in delicious containers with colors that never seem to look as great at home as when they were dazzled by them in the store. Some feel they aren't skilled enough and give up entirely and some artfully indulge in makeup-play.

Whether you find yourself in one of those categories or not, a wedding is no time to mess around.  Wedding photos were meant to last a lifetime, and the majority of those photos will show your face.

First consider all aspects of your beauty routine.

Makeup can only look as good as the skin it’s on. Pay attention to the importance of good nutrition, hydration, and an appropriate skin care routine with products that are safe from harsh chemicals.

For wedding makeup there are two routes to go, hire someone or DIY

Finding a great makeup artist is really important because they are highly skilled in a variety of photographic situations and will consider your complexion, the style of the dress, lighting, weather, theme of the wedding. Ultimately, their work can ensure that your face looks as good as possible, for as long as possible throughout the wedding and reception.

Asking questions and noticing how you feel about the type of responses you get will give you a signal if that artist is right for you. Of course you would do well to have a trial and make sure you love how you look before making a decision.

The blushing bride; a modern yet traditional way to approach makeup

Gone are the days of spackle and war paint with distinct looks that date the photos.  Most grooms will say they want to see their bride and recognize her coming down the aisle!  Now brides are showing off the radiance of healthy skin, a pinkish mouth with a subtle color in the cheeks, and eyes that seem to have no discernible makeup on them, but accentuate a lovely shape and eye color. 

I am a rare type of makeup artist because when I look at a woman, I wonder, “What is the least amount of makeup I can put on her as possible while still making her look fabulous?” So I emphasize natural tones in the face, and bone structure with discreet contouring.  

On the flip side some brides will play up one feature, like a 40's style red mouth to coordinate with their wedding theme.  That can be so much fun and look beautiful if done well. The idea is not to look like a theater actress, but rather a more dramatic version of the modern, glowing bride.

My absolute favorite trick for making a bride's eyes pop is applying different sizes of individual false lashes all across the eye.

Please remember that no cosmetic will replace self-care and personal-esteem. Your allure as a woman is powerful and complex.  Makeup is a tool to make you look as beautiful as you really are which attempts to mirror to others how you feel, without turning you into someone else. 

Enjoy your wedding day, enjoy the process of getting married and enjoy who you are in this moment.

By Kristen Arnett