Bridal Bliss

In today’s post, I’ll be touching on a few of the more commonly seen bridal styles and how to achieve them. First up, The Bohemian Bride.

The Bohemian Bride

It’s August, and oh-so-hot, which makes this style very desireable right now. The key to this style is all in the details! Everything is flowy and all details are soft, but eye-catching, such as lace and flowers. It is a casual look with so much OOMPH! Hair is generally worn down in soft aves, or loosely pinned into a style that can only be described as “Romantic”. Makeup is kept soft and natural. A bride may choose to play up her cheeks or lips with a stain of berry. A little drama on the eyes is always nice. A “natural smolder” can be achieved with a deep shadow liner, smudge brush, and a black thickening mascara. Not too much! The point of this look is to be soft, natural, and sexy. And maybe a little mysterious…

The Vintage Bride

1920’s

1940s

1950s

1960s

As you can see, vintage can mean lots of things to lots of people. The one common denominator of the all vintage looks is that the hair & makeup is very deliberate & polished. The hair gets a bit more relaxed in the 1960’s era, but you will notice that the roundness is always very well sculpted.

I’ve chosen some of the most classic vintage looks but there is a wide range out there. To achieve a vintage look, practice makes perfect! If you choose to do your own, make sure to practice as much as possible before the big day. I completely suggest hiring a professional and doing 1-2 trial runs. There are lots of details in vintage hair & makeup, so be prepared to become very familiar with your hair stylist & makeup artist.

Vintage can easily turn into retro, which isn’t bad in itself. But, some retro can come off as cheesy, and not classy. There is a fine line, so I also suggest having friends on hand to tell you if you’ve gone overboard on your look. 

Vintage can be romantic, stunning, and dramatic when done correctly.

The Ultra-Glamorous Bride

The Ultra Glamorous is all about drama and flair on her big day. It’s the silk, satin, chiffon, lace, diamonds, pearls, feathers, crystals, and all of the other pretty details that make being this kind of bride so decadent! Hair is sculpted into elaborate and elegant updos, often adorned with something sparkly but classy. Skin is made to look porcelain while most of the emphasis lies in a smokey eye. 

Being an Ultra Glamorous Bride usually means that you will have a hair and makeup person on location for your big day. If not, make sure to perfect your hair with heat-friendly styling sprays and finish with shine spray or serum. Invest in a great foundation which smoothes your skin and evens out its tone. Also work on your smokey eye. There are many tutorial videos online to get you started!

The Classic Bride

The Classic Bride can be described as elegant or timeless. Clean lines, classic shapes, and soft colors are often desired by Classic Brides. Classic bridal makeup isn’t easy to achieve. It is very clean and natural, never overdone or dramatic. Rosy cheeks and lips are the perfect touches for a sweet, angelic look. Hair is usually swept up and away, but kept shiny and soft. 

You’ll often see a Classic Bride in pearls and soft lace. Accessories are kept to a minimum, as not to distract from the bride’s classic beauty.

The Fashionista Bride

The Fashionista Bride is very fashion-forward and in tune with current trends. They are not afraid of wearing a trend on their wedding day because, if it looks great on them now, it’s going to look great on them forever. The Fashionista Bride looks more to Vogue for wedding inspiration than she does to bridal magazines. Being a Fashionista Bride requires the personality to rock a dramatic hair-do and/or makeup. It’s hard to pinpoint what a Fashionista may wear on their big day. I find that they usually have every detail of their look planned to the “T” and every detail is spectacular & well-worth taking in. See my previous post about Summer 2011 trends to see the latest in the wide world of wedding beauty!

Remember, you do not have to be defined by a certain style. The most important thing is to be yourself and to be comfortable on the Big Day. Also remember that, at Fleur Artistry, we are fully prepared to turn your Wedding Day beauty dreams into reality. We do work on location, so contact us anytime to set up a consultation!

   I promise to make this blog way more exciting starting with my next entry, but let us not forget that the preparations for great Wedding Day hair and makeup may be more important than the finished product. With that thought, here are some tips & basic rules that every bride should take into serious consideration…

1. - STAY WELL HYDRATED

   This rule is the most important. When you are dehydrated, so are your skin and hair. And it shows. Not only should you amp up your water intake in the weeks leading up to the Big Day, you should make sure you are consuming electrolytes, as well. Most people don’t realize that regular water doesn’t provide your body with the adequate amount of electrolytes. Drinks such as Smart Water, Propel Fitness Water, & Gatorade replenish electrolytes quickly & effectively. AND, they come in low-calorie versions so there is no need to worry about drinking “empty” calories.

   I have noticed a huge difference in the way makeup looks on a well-hydrated client as opposed to someone who may be dehydrated. The skin is smoother, making foundations glide on like silk. Or, in my case, spray on (I primarily use airbrush makeup) effortlessly. Being hydrated also helps get rid of built-up toxins, which will more than likely cause breakouts. The best part of staying well hydrated is the effect is has on your sense of well-being. This is especially important in the summer months when the sun and heat can be especially abusive. If you choose to follow only one of the rules listed in this entry, make it this one. Your hair and skin will thank you.

2. - SKINCARE

   For those of us who weren’t blessed with naturally beautiful skin, a proper skincare regimen can go a very long way. If you already have a routine that works for you, my only suggestion would be to begin getting professional facials 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding. If you do not have a skincare regimen, now is the time to implement one. The world of skincare products is vast, wide, & full of variety, which can make finding the right products a daunting task. My suggestion is to find a great esthetician(get some recommendations from friends or www.yelp.com), explain to her your skin issues, & take note of her advice. There are lots of beauty industry professionals out there who are only trying to make a buck, so make sure that the one you choose isn’t just constantly shoving products in your face. Yes, you will need to drop some cash on products, but only do so if the person recommending them can explain them inside & out while also explaining why she’s recommending them for your particular skin condition.

   Finding a good cleanser & moisturizer are key. There are tons of other specialty products that may benefit you(such as masks, peels, serums, & toners) but our mothers were only looking out for our best interest when they made us wash our faces every night before bed. Cleansers and moisturizers have come a LONG way over the years so now just about every product line out there sells items specifically targeted at your skin type(oily, dry, combination). It’s important to know your skin type before investing in products. Here’s a little known fact for you: Most people who consider themselves to have oily skin just aren’t using the proper products and, to make up for that, are washing their faces more often, making the skin work harder to produce more oil. It’s a vicious cycle, really. 

   I can’t say enough about moisturizers. EVERYONE, regardless of skin type, should be moisturizing on a daily basis. People with oilier skin types may only want to use a light moisturizer before bed, since our skin repairs itself while we sleep. But, the absolute bottom line is that everyone should be using one. There’s no good reason not to. Moisturizers make your skin smoother, softer, & more youthful-looking. They also combat aging.

   Lastly, but most importantly, NEVER leave your house without applying sunscreen. Lots of moisturizers have SPF built in, but they will wear off throughout the day. And, most of the time, the SPF is only 15-20. That would have been fine 15 years ago, but the fact is that our sun puts out some very harmful rays and we should protect ourselves against them as best we can. I’ve recently found a facial sunscreen that goes on underneath moisturizers and makeup, doesn’t get greasy, & leaves your skin feeling clean. It is Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70. You can find it at any drug store, or here: http://www.drugstore.com:80/neutrogena-ultra-sheer-liquid-daily-sunblock-spf-55/qxp245994?fromsrch=neutrogena+sunblock

   Here are a couple of my favorite skincare lines:

www.100percentpure.com (they also have FANTASTIC, organic makeup)

www.osmosisskincare.com

Other tips to note - DO exfoliate at home 24-48 hours before the Big Day. You can use a product like St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It comes in 3 formula: Acne-prone, Normal, & Gentle. Excellent product. Also, keep that chapstick nearby! If you’re lips are flakey, lipstick won’t go on, or stay on, as well. To exfoliate lips, gently scrub them with a soft, moist toothbrush.

3. - SCHEDULE A TRIAL RUN WITH YOUR HAIR STYLIST AND MAKEUP ARTIST

    I’ve run across quite a few brides in my day that opted out of doing a trial-run for their Wedding Day hair & makeup. I have to admit that those weddings were the most stressful that I’ve worked due to the sheer uncertainty of the situation. The trial is the time to play with different looks to see what looks best. It’s the time tweak and personalize your makeup & hair to ensure that you will be nothing less than stunning on your actual wedding day. A lot goes into your wedding day look…the dress, the invitations, the venue, the flowers, etc. Your hair and makeup should not be left on the back burner. Meeting and trusting your hired hair stylist/MUA on the actual day of your wedding is a super stressful situation. You may have an idea in your head of the bridal look you’re expecting, but keep in mind that your stylist &/or MUA is not a mind-reader & you will be on a schedule. Photos of your desired hair & makeup are always better than nothing, but a trial is a surefire way to get exactly what you want. Any possible communication issues should be resolved during a trial. We want to make you as happy as possible and everyone involved would feel much more secure having had a “practice” session beforehand. One way to justify the added expense is to schedule your trial run to take place on the same day as your bridal portraits.

4. - PREPARE A “GOODIE” BAG

   Before the wedding day, you should prepare a bag of things you may need for any touch-ups you may want to do throughout your Big Day. You may not even need to use any of it, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The items I always suggest a bride(or loyal bridesmaid) have with her are as follows:

Bobby pins in your hair color, translucent powder(for blotting up any shine that may come about from lots of dancing!) or blotting papers, your lip color or gloss, tissues, Tylenol, and a mini hairspray. Some brides opt to pack a needle & thread, as well…just in case. 

   At Fleur Artistry, we’re always happy to prepare your goodie bag for you. All you have to do is ask!

5. - KEEP STRESS AT BAY

   As your Big Day approaches, you may find that your stress level is a bit higher than usual. It’s important to enjoy this time in your life and you should not spend this time completely wound up due to stress. Make sure to get enough rest, eat well, take your vitamins, & get some exercise. Physical exertion releases endorphins, which are like Mother Nature’s Xanax. Just 30 minutes of physical activity can put all of the little things into perspective. It’s important to have time away from the planning and preparations. Try to get caught up in the joyous parts of planning your wedding. Spend time with your future spouse, friends, & family without discussing the upcoming nuptials. Do something that makes you happy, whatever it may be. Take a deep breath and smile. And laugh…it’s the best medicine.

   I hope you found these tips helpful. Preparing for your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life so take the time to enjoy it! And, as always, you can contact me with any and all questions or concerns that may be floating around in your head.

www.fleurartistry.com

Summer 2011 is in full-swing and so is Wedding Season! We’ve compiled a list of the hottest bridal trends for the hottest months of the year! Take a look & jot down notes!

Makeup Trends:

This summer, skin should be dewy(not sweaty) but polished. A glowing complexion is the perfect compliment to your 1,000 watt smile! Achieving this look will require some prep-work, such as regular exfoliation. There is a wide array of foundation products on the market these days, as well as airbrushing. Finding the right one may take some time and patience…or you can ask your makeup artist if you choose to hire one! Primers are key to this look! Also, try setting your foundation with a translucent powder. The lack of pigment will prevent powder build-up & translucent powders can be applied over & over throughout the day. Our pick - Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder, available at www.sephora.com.

Another trend that has really gained popularity this season is a brightly stained lip! Corals, reds, & berry shades have been all the rage! Be sure to make them kiss-proof! Stains are great for this very reason. They are easy to apply, stay put, & provide just a flush of fun color! Bright colors are a great way shake up the traditional bridal makeup look. Note that choosing a brighter lip means taking it easy on the eye makeup.

And, lastly for the makeup section, the NATURAL look is all the rage this summer! Go figure…it’s simple, beautiful, and timeless. AND it works with the high summer temps! A fresh face is always a crowd-pleaser and your groom won’t have to worry about messing up your makeup! A little highlighting, some cheek color, a few carefully-placed false lashes, & you will be the perfect blushing bride!

Or choose to glam it up a bit for an evening wedding by choosing what we like to call the “Angelic Drama” look!

Also noteable: Smokey eyes with soft, natural color such as light bronze, creamy ivories, soft grays, & peachy shades. Top it off with Gel Liners, which will stay put through heat, humidity, & tears!

Hair Trends

During the summer months, most brides-to-be choose to sweep all of their hair up and away! Although it is ultimately up to the bride, we think that too-tight & seriously-structured updos are better suited for cooler months! Summer is all about being relaxed and romantic. Trends to note:

Braids:

The Side Pony

Popular this summer is also the elegant side ponytail! The look is flirty and effortless! You can also do a side updo, which is just as elegant!

Loose Updos

And, lastly(for now), in keeping with the summer spirit, we’ve noted that the “loose” updo is among one of the most requested! Casual and deeply romantic, this style works for everyone!

Summertime accessorizing is simple! Just add a few fresh flowers to your ‘do for a perfect finished look! Or, take a browse around www.etsy.com to find something that is catered to your style!

Thank you for reading and remember, regardless of trends, your wedding day look should represent your style! There are so many options out there so start planning your look well in advance! Our most important piece of advice is this: Find several photos of styles that you like and bring them to the stylist of your choice for a trial-run! Don’t leave room for surprises on your Big Day!

Please note that at Fleur Artistry, we are here to help you find & achieve your perfect wedding day look. Contact us anytime!

www.fleurartistry.com