Make-up Styling for a Wedding, Part III: Ingredients List

Last time we talked, Jenn had responded to some make-up inspirations that I sent her. She was on board for a neutral palette of an overall peach overtone, with punched up eyes. Based on that information, I devised an “ingredients list” to cook-up Jenn’s perfect wedding make-up look. Some of the products she would buy, and some I would bring with me. To come up with this list, I mentally walked through her make-up application.

STEP 1: Creating an even canvas

Beginning with a freshly washed face, the first step would be to apply primer to help even out the skin surface. I already had Smashbox Photo Finish in my collection, so we would use that.

Next, Jenn would need a good liquid foundation. She had recently received a gift certificate to Nordstrom, so I did my best to recommend products that she could pick up there. Jenn decided on a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.  As an active outdoorswoman, this was a good choice for Jenn (has SPF20) that she’ll get plenty of life out of beyond the wedding.

After foundation is concealer. As I’ve said before, this is an important make-up product that not only will cover dark circles but brighten your whole face. Jenn purchased the Smashbox High Definition Concealer.

STEP 2: Dressing up the eyes

Since the emphasis of her make-up look would be the eyes, there would need to be careful consideration on color palette for these items. Jenn had expressed concern of her eyeliner looking too dark or harsh, so I advised her to buy a waterproof pencil liner in charcoal. That way the color would still show up without being too dark, and a pencil would be smudge-able. Jenn purchased Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes liner.

I told her I would buy the eyeshadow for her. Smashbox has revamped their eyeshadow colors and have these new Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio sets in fantastic colors. I bought Jenn the trio in Headshot.  (When my budget allows, I think I’m going to give Megapixel a try.)

For eyebrows, I’d fill in with brown eyebrow powder with an angled brush. And I advised her to invest in a waterproof mascara. With my recommendation, Jenn bought Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in black.  I would bring individual false eyelashes for a little extra oomph.

STEP #3: Making the bride blush

For a subtle overall shimmer that would look great in photos, I would bring my LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer.  For cheeks, I would use Benefit CORALista blush for a pretty peach color to her cheeks.  And lastly, so that Jenn would have that dewy, fresh look in photos, I would use my new favorite bargain find, e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip. To set the whole look, I brought my Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder.

STEP #4: Lips are last
To go with the warm, blushing bride look, I told Jenn to buy a lipstick that was dark enough to show up on her lips and to not buy a sheer color. And she would need a matching lip liner. Well, she ended up with a NARS sheer lipstick in Barbarella.  More on how that turned out in the next post.

NEXT (AND FINAL) STEP: The Big Day!

Images: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Smashbox High Definition Concealer, Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Liner, Smashbox Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio, Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara, Ardell individual lashes, LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, Benefit CORALista, e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip, Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder, NARS Sheer Lipstick