Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Day Makeup Look

Choosing your wedding day makeup look can be exciting but also overwhelming. Where do you look for inspiration and ideas? Should you do something different from what you usually do? Do you need that much makeup? How will you look your best and not like someone else? These are just a few of the questions that I regularly hear from brides. At JKo Beauty, we specialize in bridal makeup. I personally have worked with brides for over 20 years and those on my team have years of experience as well. I have broken down a few very helpful tips to help you choose your wedding day makeup look.

Consider what you normally wear for special occasions or events. Often times brides wear little or light makeup everyday. This may be because of their lifestyle or their profession…maybe it’s just what makes them feel their best. However many of these ladies like to experiment or wear much more makeup for special events or occasions. If you like to wear a bold lip, this is a great time to wear a stylish red or a pretty pink or berry shade. These colors are timeless, glamorous and feminine. If you prefer smokey eyes, go for it! This look can be subtle yet stunning on a bride. If you prefer something more natural on your wedding day, keep in mind that the “no-makeup” makeup look is actually a full face of makeup.

Photo Credit: Carly Fuller Photography

Keep your overall wedding style in mind. For example, an outdoor ceremony in the afternoon or beach wedding is very different from a black-tie, evening ceremony. Your look should match the overall style. I always recommend choosing your venue or style of venue, then your gown and then your hair and makeup look. Everything should work together, in a harmonious and complimentary style.

Consider the season or time of year. Summer weddings, for instance, can be hot or humid and wearing a heavy eye makeup style with a heavier complexion look may not feel as good. Instead try a soft, glowing complexion with a bright or soft lip shade and subtle shimmer for your eyes. A winter wedding can be a perfect time for a bold lip or more dramatic eye look. These are only ideas, you should always stay true to your personal style and preference.

Try to stay away from trendy styles that will look dated in just a few short years. A stylish bride can always incorporate current trends in her look. The idea is to keep the trend somewhat subtle. We’ve all giggled at past wedding photos, but just remember, that was a fashion trend at that time! So when you are choosing your look, ask yourself if the style is a trend. A prime example is what is know as “Instaglam.” Bold brows, maybe even ombre brows, dramatic and transforming highlighting and contouring, as well as strong winged eyeliner are some of the elements to this trendy look. While this look can be fun (and I encourage you to have fun with your makeup,) incorporate these techniques into your look in a more understated or soft manner. Your makeup will look beautiful in person as well as your photos. Forever.

Photo Credit: Grace + Ardor Co.

Once you’ve considered these factors, discuss your ideas or preferences with your makeup artist. I always have a thorough consultation with my brides during their trial to discuss and determine a look created just for them to make them look and feel as beautiful they had hoped for on their big day.

Why It's Worth Having Your Brows Professionally Shaped

Your brows frame your eyes and can change the look of your face. Throughout the years, styles have come and gone...and come back again. There are different methods of shaping your brows, such as tweezing, waxing and threading. Here are 5 great reasons to trust a professional for your most enhancing look. 

1) The proper brow shape can make you look younger or more refreshed. Your brows can, in a sense, have an expression. The idea is to have a positive expression, not surprised, angry or mean.

2) Have you ever heard the saying, "brows are like sisters, not twins." This means that they are not exactly alike, brows are not naturally completely symmetrical. A pro can see these subtle differences and make your brows appear more symmetrical. 

3) It is important to understand that the best brow shape is not the same for everyone. Your face shape, bone structure and individual features are all factors in creating your best shape. 

4) The proper brow shape can give you a more finished look. I always say, "Take care of your skin and your brows, they do not wash off at the end of the day." Even without makeup, great brows can enhance your look. 

5) Something I always tell my clients is how difficult it is to shape your own brows. It's really quite simple why. In order to see the hairs you want to remove, you must look closely in the mirror, most likely a magnifying mirror. By doing this, you ultimately lose perspective of both brows. This is how you end up with either over-tweezed or more asymmetrical brows, or even worse both. 

Before you trust just anyone with your brows, do some research. Read reviews, look for photos of the stylists' work online and ask for referrals (from people with good brows, of course!) 

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.