By Lorraine Haigney
For 2014, bridal beauty trends are centred around luminous, polished skin. By the grace of God, and the good folks who produce cosmetics, there’s a whole new wave of products on the way that will gloss over imperfections without masking your complexion – just what the doctor ordered after the weeks of shabby sleep and food-on-the-go that come with wedding planning.
Image via harpersbazaar.com
Before we lay the foundations on the how-to, we’ve collected some inspiration from the catwalks. Above: In summer, glowing skin and tomato-red lips will work beautifully for braver brides. The lipstick’s warm tones will add life to pale complexions, while veering away from a full-coverage matte foundation stops the look from seeming too heavy or old-hat.
Image via via elle.com
Keeping things very simple with no lipstick or eyeshadow allows the base to take centre stage. Blusher and bold lashes add a touch of glamour, but this is all about the fresh face.
Image via models.com
We love the combo of beachy waves and natural makeup here – perfect for brides who are having destination weddings or ceremonies in the great outdoors.
Image via vogue.co.uk
Still craving more? Using a grey or brown eyeshadow instead of eyeliner gives a hazy, romantic effect and is kinder to smaller or hooded eye shapes than inky flicks. Pale champagne and light gold eyeshadows can be used to add colour and shape the eyelid.
Image via elle.com
Blush pink tones are the biggest bridal trend this season. Elie Saab’s runway models wore creamy rose lip and cheek colours over a dewy base for a very youthful, care-free look. Inspired? Here’s the breakdown of products you can use to get the look at home: 
1. Clinique’s range of Super Primers (€27) launched with a bang last year. These fellas are packed with silicone to smooth over pores, leaving a blank canvas for foundation. Available in seven shades, we’re choosing pink for its brightening properties. If concealing redness is your wish, cast your eye to the yellow option – the contrasting colours cancel each other out and you’ll be left with a neutral base.
2. Guerlain’s Meteorites Perles (€49) are a cult classic and this spring sees the launch of a new collection, Meteorites Blossom. It does all the things that you’d expect a €49 product to do – add radiance, reduce oil and correct complexion issues like dullness or high colour. Also, it’s fierce pretty, so there’s that.
3. This is a bit of a cheat, because Vichy Idealia Life Serum (€34.50) is skin care, not makeup. In our defence, this is probably the most exciting product that’s launched on these shores since the extra-large bag of Thai Sweet Chilli Sensations. Delicate pink pearls provide a healthy glow immediately, but the magic is in the long-term effects. This tightens pores, reduces the appearance of sun damage, hydrates and more. It would probably take you dress shopping, if it had legs.
4. YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat (€38), the sly aul thing, gives coverage aplenty but feels weightless. The satin finish and creamy texture it creates are exactly what the trend calls for. This is one to test out if you’re in love with the look but still want to totally even out your skin tone.
5. Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream Blush (€10.40), is a budget-friendly option that adds a subtle sheen as well as colour. Those with oily skin will want to stick to traditional powder formulations, but this velvety pot o’ pink should be the first port of call for brides with mature or dry skin.
See something you like? Add it to your Pinterest so you or your makeup artist can have a point of reference. You can also follow us on Pinterest while you’re at it! Think you’ve got another wonder product to suit the trend? Share it in a comment below!
