Beauty: Polish

Two of the biggest decisions a bride will make are hair and makeup styles. She will want to exude glamour and beauty but still look like herself, finding the balance between natural and dramatic.

For hairstyles, Kelly McDonald from Get Polished (1920 Magazine St., 301-0316) says that “elegance is always key. Soft golden highlights and lowlights look great on everyone, and they can really create that bridal (and summer) glow.” She also says that 1960s styles with extra volume are also popular. “Soft up-dos modernize this look for a classic and fresh look.” McDonald recommends wearing the hair up in hot weather. “It keeps you cool, and you won’t be bothered by humidity and heat messing up your style.”

Erin Moreau of It’s all about the Finish (Finish Studio, 843, 843 Carondelet St., suite 6, 523-3555) says that long, soft curls are popular this season. “Extensions and even temporary clip-ins can be used for achieving ‘occasional hair,’” she says. Moreau also recommends “a nice chignon, a ballerina or Chanel bun” and vintage looks including finger waves and victory rolls. As for hair accessories, she’s noticed fewer veils and more flowers, birdcages and brooches added to the back and side of a hairdo.

Celeste Louapre of Make Me Up (3426 Magazine St., 891-9688) recommends a look that’s loose and wavy, “not slick or pulled tightly back.” She also says using a product such as InCharge Plus by Pureology is great for keeping hairstyles in hot, humid weather. “(It) locks in style all day long,” she says. “Lightweight resins provide powerful hold, resist humidity, enhance color brilliance and add radiant shine.”

“Hair should be shampooed and styled with smoothing products that help with humidity-defense,” says Garland Tullos of the Paris Parker® Canal Place Team (Canal Place, 333 Canal St., second floor, 568-1124). He says that
the team is seeing romantic up-dos with stylistic touches such as braids and flowers.

For makeup, Robert Hudson of Robert Hudson Makeup (4514 Magazine St., 473-8167) says that 1940s-’50s Hollywood glamour is big, with “a strong eyeliner and a medium to strong mouth.” Hudson says a challenge with bridal makeup is finding a balance with lip color and eye color. He sees a lot of light smoky eyes, “done in dark brown, gold and peach or charcoal, soft gray or plum and lavender.” As for lips, he says that matte reds are “hot on the runway,” and that applying Rosebud Salve with a lip brush, blotting with a tissue and repeating can soften up the look. “The other option in the glamour look is coral, which can be made more pink or more peach with a lipliner.”

His tips for keeping makeup looking great include: Be careful of shimmer, which can be oily-looking in photographs; make sure skin is in the best possible shape before the wedding; and use an anti-shine product or primer for the T-zone. “Blotting sheets are always a good idea to keep extra oil off the skin,” he adds.

Megan Teachworth from Get Polished says that the “overall trend for summer makeup is natural and light. Most brides want a fresh look for summer. Neutrals and pastels are always in, but combining them with bronzer and glossy pink lips can give brides that fresh, beachy look.” She also recommends using airbrush makeup. “It’s lightweight, so brides won’t have the feeling or look of a heavy foundation. It also looks great in photos; plus,
it’s sweat-proof and waterproof, so it’s perfect for keeping makeup in place, giving brides a flawless face.”

“Enhancing natural beauty is always a great trend to follow,” says Tullos of Paris Parker. “We recommend using neutrals with a pop of color to accentuate the eyes and, of course, waterproof eyeliner and mascara.” For lips, they recommend a color two shades darker than your natural lip color.

Louapre of Make Me Up recommends using colored gel eyeliner such as Bronze from Smashbox or Black Cherry from Simone. She also recommends lip stains from Smashbox to “add a pop of color to the lips that will last all day.” For face makeup, she says that using primer will help makeup last through heat and humidity, and that translucent powder on top of liquid foundation will “de-shine the face without giving a matte look.”

She says to make sure you always have a trial run of full hair and makeup before the wedding. “Tell (your stylist) what’s working and what isn’t.” Moreau of It’s all about the Finish also says to be open with the stylist. “Bring pictures of hair, makeup, eyes, lips (and) hair pieces,” she says. “Communication is the key!”

Moreau recommends adding false eyelashes for an extra oomph to a dramatic eye. “This is great for formal evening weddings,” she says. “Just remember, (the makeup) has to be a little more than usual for the lighting in the pictures.” She also says that skin tone, flowers and time of day will help determine the lip color. Bridesmaids, she says, should all wear the same lip color to avoid detracting from the bride.

For foundation, Moreau recommends MAC Studio Fix because it has the dual function of both foundation and powder. “Keep it light (with) foundation – in the heat, too much will feel caked on, and you don’t want it to crease,” she says.

Whether you go with a simple, classic up-do or loose, ethereal waves, choose whatever makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Wear dramatic red lipstick, a bold and smoky eye or go au naturel – it’s your day to shine!
 

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