How To Virtually Shop For And Create Your Perfect Wedding Beauty Look

In-person beauty shopping, demos and sampling have been off the table since the beginning of the pandemic and likely will continue to be a no-go in the months ahead. The good news is the latest virtual-reality technology makes shopping for the products you need to create your perfect wedding look and learning how to use them a breeze. You can actually see how products and shades will look on you and give a test run before hitting send on your cart. In fact, you can do all this with your phone’s camera—many companies are offering an interface where you can swipe through to test colours on yourself much like a social media filter.

Here are a few brands using this technology that I am loving right now!

• MAC Cosmetics has just launched a new virtual try-on tool, which allows you to test out more than 800 shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation and more in three easy steps. MAC is also bringing exclusive access for the customer to a whole new level with virtual makeup consultations. You can book 30-minute consultations online and learn tips and techniques. And the best part? This service is free AND fun!

• Maybelline's try it on virtual makeover and online make-up application tools help you find the best shades for you in all areas of their makeup line. The brand offers a virtual try-on tool, as well as a foundation shade finder. Find the perfect 'no make-up, make-up', or try a bold new look—this is a fun way to experiment and find your perfect products!

• Bobbi Brown has recently launched a virtual try on tool for their eye and lip shades and it’s super cool. The tool uses accurate facial mapping technology for a true-to-life virtual makeover. You can try on different shades by using the live camera, uploading a selfie or selecting a model’s image.

Nikki Strachan has been working as a professional makeup artist for over 16 years and is currently the key makeup artist for Your Morning, The Social and an instructor at Toronto’s George Brown College with a focus on bridal makeup. Nikki also brings her makeup tips and tricks alive on TV as a beauty expert for Your Morning and The Social. She has beautified numerous celebrities and brides and loves to bring a trend-focused eye to all her clients’ beauty looks.