Minimal Makeup vs. Natural Makeup

I often have the conversation of minimal makeup versus natural makeup. When I work with ladies who do not wear a lot of makeup on a daily basis, this is especially important. Let me explain...

Minimal Makeup is simple and fast. Minimal Makeup is most likely what you wear for light enhancing or for a quick pick-me-up. It doesn't have to be natural, it can actually be quite dramatic. An example of minimal and natural makeup is tinted moisturizer, blush or bronzer, mascara and a soft lip color. This will take you just a few short minutes. Or you could apply a full coverage foundation, setting powder, blush, eyeliner, mascara and a bold lip color, a total of 6 products, to create a dramatic look in about 5 minutes. 

Natural Makeup is meant to enhance natural beauty. It is choosing shades and textures that enhance your eye color, complexion products applied to look flawless but feel and look like your skin. It can be a bronzer that simply adds a touch of warmth, like a kiss from the sun...not a week in the tropics. Tricks like using lip liner and lipstick along with a lip gloss can ultimately make for a natural look that maximizes and enhances your lips and smile. 

One reason understanding this is so very important with bridal makeup is the overall wear of your look. Taking the time to properly prep your skin and layer the right products are key to your makeup staying in place throughout your big day. For your wedding day, if you want a natural look it is not a minimal makeup look. I believe in wearing a look, whether natural or dramatic that is enhancing to your natural and unique beauty and style on your wedding day. 

10 Foods for a Wedding Day Glow

As a bridal makeup artist, my goal is to enhance each of my bride's natural beauty and joyful glow on her wedding day. Of course there are many tricks and techniques with makeup and day-of skin prep that I am able to use for a glowing complexion. There are also many skin care tips I share along the way to prepare for skin that is in it's best condition. In addition, there are several healthy practices to enhance this beautiful, bridal glow. Here is my pick of top 10 foods to eat for a healthy, wedding day glow...

1) TOMATOES

Tomatoes help boost collagen, are rich in Vitamin A, C and K as well as lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant. 

2) GREEN TEA

Green Tea is loaded with polyphenols, powerful anti-oxidants. Drinking green tea regularly is also known to help reverse sun damage. Be sure not to limit consumption, it also contains caffeine which can ultimately dehydrate your skin. 

3) BERRIES

Berries are rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Anthrocyanin, an anti-oxidant that helps fight damage from free radicals and ellagic acid, which helps protect from sun damage and promotes collagen and elasticity are both present in berries. They also contain essential fatty acids which improve skin's hydration and reduce inflammation. 

4) AVOCADOS

Avocados are a great source of carotenoids which improve density, thickness, tone and overall general appearance. They also contain vitamins C and E and oleic acid which helps keep skin soft and hydrated. 

5) CARROTS

Carrots have vitamin C which helps plumpness and firmness of the skin. They are rich in beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A and helps with blemishes, pigmentation and oiliness.   

6) LEAFY GREENS

Leafy Greens such as kale and swiss chard are high in beta-carotene, helping to repair and renew skin for a healthy glow. Arugula also contains sulfur which supports collagen production. Spinach is also high in folate which helps with DNA repair. Leafy greens are also rich in vitamins A and C.

7) EGGS 

Eggs help to soften, firm and hydrate your skin. They help to protect skin from UV damage with lutein and zeaxanthin. Eggs have amino acids that help in generation of new cells. 

8) ALMONDS

Almonds help to hydrate and soften the skin. They are high in vitamin E which helps prevent cell damage as well as damage from the sun. 

9) CITRUS FRUITS

Citrus Fruits help with sun spots, uneven skin tone and enhancing a radiant glow while rejuvenating your skin from within. These fruits are high in vitamin C and contain vitamin B6, folate, potassium, lycopene, niacin, magnesium, thiamin and phytonutrients. 

 10) PEPPERS

Peppers are high in vitamins A, C and K. They help with blood circulation and fighting blemishes as well as fighting oxidative stress. 

These 10 foods are just a starting point for a healthy glow for all of us, not just a bride. It is incredible what a healthy, clean and well-balanced diet can do for our overall health and well-being. Have fun and be creative with your food, it's truly one of life's simple pleasures.

The Natural Makeup Look for Your Wedding Day

Are you a bride-to-be who wears very little makeup or just loves the no-makeup makeup look? That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the benefits of having your makeup professionally done. Have you ever heard that it's a lot of work creating this no-makeup look? It's true! Let me explain...

First, your skin prep is critical to the wear and look of your makeup. Skin that is in it's best condition will look even more flawless with makeup. In addition, you'll find that it will wear better for much longer throughout the day. Refrain from picking at blemishes. I know it's so tempting, but makeup will not adhere properly to broken or peeling skin. Keep your skin hydrated and balanced, this will also help the wear of your makeup. It will also prevent dehydration lines. 

Photo Credit: Duca Studio

Be sure to have your brows shaped earlier in the week along with getting rid of any unwanted facial hair. Having a smooth complexion truly does make a difference in your makeup look. Of course, having brows shaped to enhance your eyes and face shape makes a difference even when you're makeup-free. Ideally, you will only need a subtle enhancing with products to perfect your brows and hold them in place throughout the day.

Photo Credit: Unique Concepts Studio

Choosing the appropriate complexion products and shades is critical to this look. The idea is to perfect your coloring and enhance your bone structure. This is especially important with professional photography. You want to look naturally flawless in person as well as in your photos.

Photo Credit: Kelly Giarrocco 

Your eye makeup should be subtle and bring out your eye color. It should enhance the shape of your eyes. Choosing the right colors and textures can also make a huge difference. Don't forget to define your eyes with eyeliner and false lashes. Again, these two things have a big impact on your look in your photos. 

Choose a lip color that mimics a natural lip shade. Don't be afraid to line your lips, this will not only enhance their shape but will help prevent any lipstick bleeding. 

Don't forgot to set your makeup with a setting powder and setting spray!

A professional makeup artist will know how to provide this look, ensuring not only that you feel your absolute best but that your look will photograph beautifully and stay in place through the tears and laughs throughout your Big Day. 

Airbrush Makeup for Your Wedding Day

You have probably heard both good and bad experiences about airbrush makeup. Maybe you really aren't even sure what it is exactly or why you may want it for your wedding day makeup. So here's a simple breakdown...

Airbrush makeup is applied with an airbrush gun and a compressor and is essentially a super fine mist of makeup. 

One of the advantages of airbrush makeup is the lightweight feeling on the skin. When done correctly, airbrush makeup creates a flawless yet natural looking complexion. It can be especially helpful in covering blemishes and areas needing extra coverage. It photographs beautifully as well. 

Airbrush makeup is available in formulas that are long-wearing, water-proof, transfer-resistant and smudge-proof...perfect for your wedding day.  

For your wedding day, you may also choose to have body makeup or tattoo coverage. Airbrush is a great choice for either services. 

Please do keep in mind that just like traditional makeup, airbrush makeup is available in many formulas and finishes. Also just the same as with traditional makeup, your overall experience with airbrush makeup is subject to the expertise of your makeup artist.

Wedding Day Makeup for Your Bridal Party

Wedding day makeup with your bridal party is so much fun! Your big day has finally arrived and you get to spend time with your best girls doing what girls love to do...hair, makeup and get dressed up! 

Typically what I find is that during our trial, brides say that they don't care and the other ladies can do whatever they want. As a professional makeup artist, I suggest something a bit different. The ladies are all going to be in many photos with you and standing along side of you during the ceremony. I think it goes without saying that the bride should have her own look and style. My suggestion is that the other ladies have a harmonious look together as well as with you. Each individual bridesmaid can still have colors and styles that best suit her features and coloring as well as personal style. However, when you're all together you look like you belong together!