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Fashion & Beauty

What To Look For In A Wedding Makeup Artist

  |  By Rachel Cravit
What To Look For In A Wedding Makeup Artist

Photo via iStockphoto.

Though brides often spend hours determining their wedding photographer, a makeup artist is usually one of those smaller details that doesn't come in until later. Who you hire, however, can make a meaningful difference, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best on your big day (and in the photos that follow). Weddingbells recently got the full scoop from Toronto bridal makeup expert Colette Cormier, on what brides should look for when evaluating potential wedding makeup artists to hire. "When you look at photos of an artist's work, you want to look for these signs that the makeup is technically well applied," says Cormier.

This means:

  • Photos featuring real people with visible skin texture and pores, a sign that the artist's work has not been falsely enhanced with photo-editing. "Look for photos of real brides, not only models from magazines," advises Cormier.
  • Blended makeup free of harsh, sharp edges between two shades. It should also not be evident where the skin ends and makeup begins.
  • Correctly applied lip colour: straight, without going over the edges of the lip. Lip liner should not be obvious.
  • Uniform, well-groomed eyebrows. There should not be any stray hairs or blank spaces with the skin visible beneath. "Brows are often completely untouched in an amateur artist's portfolio," warns Cormier.
  • Symmetry. Eye shadow and liner shouldn't be darker or differently lined on one eye or the other.
  • Matte makeup applied in the T-zone (nose, forehand and chin). This area should not look shiny or greasy. Appropriate areas for shine include limited highlighting below the brow bone, on the upper cheeks and inside of the eye near the tear duct, as well as a small amount of sparkle above the cupid's bow (upper lip).
  • Proper concealing in the under eye area. "It's the most neglected step," says Cormier. "You can often still see dark under the eyes, or they overdo it, using a formula that is too thick and dry, drawing attention."
  • Perfect match between face colour and neck/shoulders
  • Restricted use of bronzer. "You don't want to see bronzer used in the wrong areas," advises Cormier. "Bronzer placed correctly will find its rightful spot on areas that are naturally kissed by the sun" (upper forehand, nose, upper cheekbones, tip of the chin).
  • Connection between makeup and the bride's dress and hairstyle. "You don't want to see strong bright colours that are trendy now but will date your wedding photos 15 years later. You want muted, neutral tones that are classic," says Cormier.

Cormier also suggests looking for before and after shots which demonstrate the artist's ability to tackle larger skin issues like blemishes. Ideal portfolios should also include a range of ages. "Mothers of brides want to know the artist doesn't target only 20-something faces," says Cormier.

Keep our handy little checklist in mind when you're looking over potential makeup artists' portfolios. Taking some time to find an experienced wedding makeup artist for your big day will ensure that you look your absolute best for your walk down the aisle.

This article was originally published on Mar 05, 2013
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