Bridal Beauty: Traditional Look

Any traditional bridal beauties walking down the aisle soon? This look is for you! I already covered general bridal beauty tips from Sara and how to achieve a perfect complexion for those wedding photos. Now it’s on to the first look! Of course, what defines a traditional look for a bride is to each her own. For me, Sara created defined yet subtle eyes, perfected brows and a darker lip.

Sara began with the eyes, applying MAKE UP FOR EVER Shadow in Espresso 17 ($19), a neutral base color, from the lower lid to right up under the brows. She next used MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in Black Purple 6L ($17) just along the lash line, blending it out to the lid with a brush. She chose liner over shadow for a longer hold and picked a plum shade because she said it’s “a big color that people use in a traditional bridal look. You can mix it with browns or neutral tones, and it will still make the look very enhanced.” Sara then added a little bit of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes in Matte Black OL ($17), close to the lashes for an extra pop. (Waterproof makeup, of course, is staying-power insurance for those poignant toasts or teary vows!)

Next was a little MAKE UP FOR EVER Star Powder in Iridescent Beige 926 ($19) right in the center. According to Sara, for women who aren’t totally comfortable with doing their own makeup (this is where I say “I do”), loose shimmer is a great way to cover up any potential messes. It reflects light, concealing mistakes and perfecting the look. She finished with Dior DiorShow Black Out Waterproof Mascara ($24) on the lashes.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve applied enough eye makeup, have someone take a picture of you rather than just looking in a mirror. The look in photos is the one you’re going for!

On cheeks, Sara suggested a cream blush for a dewy look. She used NARS The Multiple in Orgasm ($37) just on the apples, cautioning against overapplying. For my oh-so-pale complexion, Sara brushed on Stila Sun Bronzing Powder with SPF 15 in Shade 2 ($28). She stressed, “Don’t overdo your bronzer. Put it only on the spots where the sun would naturally hit your face – a little bit on the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and chin.” If you don’t use bronzer, you can extend your blush out more.

Brows were next, a necessity for the traditional look, according to Sara. “The brows frame the face and eyes, really bringing out your gorgeous makeup," she said. She also advised getting brows professionally shaped a month before the wedding.

For me, Sara used Anastasia Brow Ex-press ($38), a kit that includes stencils, a brush, two colors to blend for a perfect match, a highlighter, and wax to apply on top for a longer hold. She started in the center of the brows, explaining it gives better control to balance the look out. If you start in the front, it’s easy to go heavy in the front and lighter in the back. If you start in the back, you could create an overly high arch.

Finally, lips completed the look. Most traditional bridal looks usually use a pink, a maroon, or a cranberry shade. Sara said, “Lips should look alive when you’re taking pictures or when you’re walking down the aisle. But you also have to be comfortable with your choice of color. If you want neutrals, a good peachy nude shade is good with a neutral gloss. And if you want darker lips, then don’t forget the lip liner to ensure it stays on.”

Sara first primed the lips with a bit of concealer (the wax from it fills in fine lines and keeps lipstick on longer). She then used MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner in Matte Dark Raspberry 11C ($17), followed by Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Mulberry ($20) on top. She applied the stain with a brush, which she stressed was necessary for building better pigment and ensuring a longer-lasting finish.

Tips for lips:
1. If you’re not used to working with darker shades, after lining your lips, dip a Q-tip in makeup remover and outline the outside for a nice defined lip.

2. For women with fuller lips, stay away from liner and focus more on gloss, dabbing it in the center. Brides with thinner lips, on the other hand, should always use liner to create more definition and shape.

Next look coming down the aisle: romantic!