How far in advance should a bride book her make-up session and what should she bring with her to the trial? - Courtney, BDA
Hello Courtney,
A make up trial should only be booked maximum a month before a wedding. I have been doing hair and make up for 17 years and in my experience of doing trials, I would say that a month is most sufficient for a make up artist and for the bride. A professional make up artist does not always need to do a physical trial as they do this on a daily basis and are quite in touch with their trade and skills. Naturally you would like to see that the bride is happy and pleased or even get along with you. It is most important to have as much possible details and information with you when you meet. Please also be as honest as possible if you suffer from any skin conditions, herpes, allergies or problems caused by medications that may have an effect on your skin. A trial consist of three steps: 1. Meet and greet and exchange of ideas . 2. Practical run of make up and discussions of the day’s event and strategic planning. 3. Finalization of look and payment of deposit or agreement made. Remember that the more you play or even "hit it off " with each other, the better the photos will be—and that is an everlasting, treasured moment for life.
What are some of the biggest beauty mistakes to avoid? - Tracy, BDA
Hello Tracy,
WOW, where do I begin? Well, I would be honest and frank and to the point—you do not want to look like a drag queen topped with glittery blue eye shadow and ice pink lips complimented with a L'orange fake tan. Always remember that layering your make up for the big day is the key to a great look for your wedding pictures! Another no-no is the ever-shiny lip-gloss that I see in photos. It creates a hot flash on the pictures and you can actually ruin all your pictures with very shiny lips. Instead, invest in a gorgeous soft neutral lip liner and a very sheer lipstick. CLARINS has been known for years for their ultra soft lip glosses—it is more like a veil of soft colour and yet at the same time conditions your lips too.
I can go on and on about this subject but here are my top 10 list of No-No’s:
1. The famous tan lines. Girls, ever heard of self-tan?
2. High shimmer white eye shadow. We are past the 70s!
3. Ice pink lipstick. I rest my case.
4. Bright pink blusher applied like a V on the cheeks. Listen girls, Boy George revived that look just for the 80s.
5. Black or dark brown lip liner with a pale lipstick. I cannot stress how bad THAT look is!
6. A fake mole above the lip. Is your name Cindy?
7. Caked powder foundations two shades too dark. Try a consultation with an approved CLARINS representative.
8. Multi-toned nails in an array of neon and patterns. Who said this look is in Vogue?
9. Green and or blue eye shadow in high frosting shimmer (a la Priscilla Queen of the Desert).
10. Glitter and shiny crystals glued on the lash line. Did I not say that you should NOT obey a drag queen's rule?
What is a good skip-prep routine for a bride-to-be and how early should she start? - Michelle, NY
Hello Michelle,
I believe in the power of my beauty routine—no wonder people think I am still in my early twenties. It is important to invest from an early age in the three key elixirs of life: cleanser, toner and moisturizer. I cannot stress enough the importance of these powerful three steps of our daily routine. You ideally would want to have a relationship with a highly-trained beauty therapist and invest time and money in the appearance of your skin and skin tone. CLARINS have years and years of advanced research behind them to bring you the latest up-to-date products and beauty routines that are easy and, best of all, handpicked for you by either a skincare consultant or beauty therapist. I suggest you go today to any CLARINS salon or spa and invest in your skin and your future as a bride, mother and yummy mummy!
What are the current bridal make-up trends? - Crystal, BDA
Hello Crystal,
I like this season’s new look! It is all about the golden tones and hues of the fall. Think deep gold combined with deep and soft shimmery bronze. Caramel tones in every hue and shade effortlessly blended with the tones of deep mulberry and chocolate brown. Adding false lashes and loads of lashings of mascara tops off a gorgeous smokey sultry eye.
Here are my top 10 looks for brides this fall/winter:
1. Smokey deep bronzed eyes
2. Double layered false lashes
3. Mulberry heavy set eyeliner on the top lid
4. Healthy glow apricot blusher with a sweeping of fresh pink as a highlighter
5. Perfect waxed or plucked eyebrows
6. Sheer glossy dewy skin
7. Beauty flash balm of CLARINS
8. Sensual soft veil colour for lips in any form of cocoa and soft browns
9. Nude lip liners and nude demi matt lip colour
10. A hint of womanly perfume ... just because you can.
I over-plucked my eyebrows in my 20s and have a hard time growing them in but I really want them to be fuller for my wedding day. Any tips? - Allison, UK
Hi Allison,
To change the shape of your eyebrows requires some patience. If you are having problems just growing them in then you can use an eyebrow pencil to reshape and fill in. It would be best to work with a beauty therapist to get the best results. At Strands, all our therapists are great with eyebrows. Anneline specializes in eyebrows so this is the sort of person you need to work with leading up to your wedding. Clarins has some great eyebrow pencils that you can use that will give you the results you are looking for. Always get advice on the right shade for your skin tone before purchasing.
Love and sparkle kisses,
Vernon G
"Celebrating Thirty Beautiful Years"
31 Reid Street, Hamilton
Salon Tel: 295-0953
Skin Spa Tel: 295-0353
www.strands.bm
info@strands.bm
