It’s a big day for the Mother of the Bride too so ensure your mama feels great and looks her best with these top tips from our panel of make-up artists, Aileen Duffy, Sharon McCormack, Aisling from Empower Studio and Michelle from Michelle T Makeup…
Trials: It’s important to feel comfortable with your make-up artist so make sure you meet them before the Big Day says makeup artist Aileen Duffy. “I encourage my brides to bring their Mum along to the wedding trial. At the trial you will have a chance to meet the makeup artist, get to know her style but also the makeup artist will get to know you, your likes, and dislikes. The main thing is that you are comfortable and confident with the makeup on the wedding day. The words I hear most often are “I don’t wear much make up” and “please don’t make my eyes too dark” – the pre-wedding consultation will help alleviate those fears.”
Less is More: Makeup artist Sharon McCormack swears by the motto ‘Less is More’ when it comes to more mature skin. “Don’t overdo your makeup. You don’t want to pile on the foundation, the eyeliner and the heavy lipstick. Instead, you want to use highlighter pens, tinted moisturisers and a lighter touch with the shadow and lipstick. Wearing too much of anything once your skin starts to age can make you look far older as the makeup sinks into the fine lines and wrinkles. So always think ‘less is more’.”
Image courtesy of Sharon McCormack
Moisturise: Aisling from Empower Studio recommends prepping the skin with a good hydrating moisturiser. “When applying the moisturiser, heat it in your hands first to warm it up – the skin can only absorb product when it’s warm. Then count to 60 while working it in to the skin. If the skin sucks it all in, repeat.”
Primer: Aileen Duffy suggests priming the skin for best results. “A primer can help create an even base and the foundation lasts all day. Two of my favourites for mature skin are Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and Illamasqua Hydra Veil. Hydra Veil is fabulous for skin that’s a little dehydrated. And also be careful with concealer, I use a very light liquid concealer under the eye; we don’t want to see anything settling into any little fine lines. My favourite is MAC Moisture Select Cover.”
Foundation: Choosing the right type of foundations is key according to the experts. “Mature skin can often be quite dull, lacks radiance and can have more colour pigmentation issues, says Michelle from Michelle T Makeup. “To bring back some lustre I recommend using a satin finish foundation for normal to dehydrated skin. I love the YSL Touché Éclat or Armani Lasting Luminous Silk Foundation for mature skin, as they both have medium coverage but the light reflecting particles will give the skin a soft glow. Avoid anything too matte on mature skin as it will make it look dry and cake in areas with fine lines. Adding a bit of powder to set this will ensure it lasts all day and will keep any hot flushes at bay!”
Blush: Sharon McCormack suggests using a pop of blush on the cheeks. “Too many women use blush incorrectly or not at all. A pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks can brighten a dull complexion. But the trick is to blend it well so it’s not obvious you’re wearing blush.”
Eyes: The eyes are one of the best features to focus on according to the professionals. “Your eyes are where you have the chance to shine, says Aileen Duffy. “Having your eyes defined will bring glamour to your look.” When it comes to the type of eyeshadow, Michelle from Michelle T Makeup recommends staying away from the shimmers as they can emphasize fine lines: “High shimmer products can emphasize fine lines especially around the eye area so I tend to stick with matte eyeshadows in neutral colours such as Yoghurt, Cork and Espresso eyeshadows by MAC. These soft, warm, neutral tones work perfectly to open, brighten and lift the eyes whilst giving definition without being harsh.” And when it comes to lining the eyes, avoid liquids says Sharon McCormack. “Eye pencils are softer than liquid liners, which can be harsh on aging eyes. To soften the line even more, smudge it with your fingers or use an angled makeup brush dipped in dark shadow as smudged eyeliner. Don’t line the inside of the eye if you have small eyes, it makes the eye appear smaller.”
Lashes: Sharon McCormack suggests only coating the upper lashes for best results or if you’re looking for a professional treatment, Yumi Lashes are an amazing treatment for a Mother of the Bride says Aisling from Empower Studio. “They are your own lashes, permed and tinted, and last 8-12 weeks! They open up and lift the eyes. Once the brows and lashes are perfected, it’s easy to make the rest of the face look great and minimal makeup is needed thereafter.”
Image courtesy of Sharon McCormack
Lips: Lips can lose their definition over time but the professionals have lots of little tricks to plump them up. “The lips lose their volume and their natural colour pigmentation with age, says Michelle from Michelle T Makeup. “So I strongly recommend using a lip liner to get the definition back into the lips. Avoid lipstick shades with blue/purple tones – I love Sweetie, Syrup, and Rue de Bois lipsticks, again all by MAC. These shades are warm pink tones with some depth to the colour, are very moisturising and have good staying power. The satin finish will also make the lips look hydrated.” And if it’s plumper lips you’re after, Sharon McCormack suggests using lip gloss. “To plump up thinning lips, I recommend lip gloss. Add a little colour first by filling in lips with a lipstick a shade or two darker than your natural lip colour, then add a dab of gloss on top and that is how you get instantly plump lips!”
Eyebrows: The brows are often an afterthought but they can really make a MOB makeup look according to the experts. “Brows are really important, says Michelle of Michelle T Makeup. “Years of over-plucking and hair loss means the brows tend to be very thin and sparse. Filling in the brows with an eyeshadow like Omega by Mac can take years off a lady!” And if you’re planning on having a treatment, go professional says Aisling from Empower Studio: “Focus on defining the brows. Go to a professional – great brows can be like a mini face lift.”
Finishing Touches: As always, having a good beauty regime will do wonders for your skin on the lead up to the Big Day but if you’re looking for a helping hand, opt for a cup of Green Tea say Aisling from Empower Studio. “Drink a cup of green tea every day on the run up to the wedding, it works wonders for your skin, and beauty stems from the inside! Or if you’re looking to treat mum, Michelle from Michelle T Makeup would highly recommend a facial: “It’s a good idea to treat your mum to a facial the week before if time permits, a deep exfoliation and hydration mask can make a huge difference to the texture of her skin, thus ensuring her makeup will look flawless and natural.”
Main image by One Love Photography on Style Me Pretty via Bridal Musings
