We asked hair and make-up artist, Jess Berg her top tips for a gorgeous, lasting make-up, that is still totally you...
1. Makeup should be applied so that you look like a better version of yourself, which means: natural while enhancing your best features!
2. Skin should look flawless but natural, so that when people see you up close, they are not saying to themselves...”Wow, look at all that makeup!”, they are saying...” Wow, look at how amazing her skin is!”.
3. While we are on the topic of skin, make sure your face is the same colour as the rest of your body, so your skin tone matches from head to toe! (I’m always making sure the foundation is tonal and blends so well that from face to neck, there is no visible “line” of makeup).
4. As long as the foundation looks natural, you can go for a smoky eye and your makeup can still be in that “natural look” category. I have brides all the time requesting a “smoky eye”, but they and others still comment on how natural and beautiful they looked, because the foundation wasn’t over the top.
5. For eyes, make sure eye makeup is well-blended with a soft tip blending brush, especially if you are going for that smoky eye look! I love MAC’s 217 blending brush, which helps to create seamless and beautifully blended eyes.
6. Use lashes sparingly. I love adding individual lashes to complete a look that are so natural, but really make a difference in opening up the eye. This way you can go less on the eyes, but still make them look big and enhanced.
7. Using a finishing powder to set your makeup, not a pressed powder or anything too heavy, is recommended for a flawless finish that lasts. Powders can age you and create a heavier makeup look. Finishing powders (I love MAC Prep and Prime Translucent Finishing Powder) are like silk and undetectable on the skin, but still help to keep the makeup in place.
8. Your makeup should suit you personally and not just because it’s the latest “trend” on Instagram. Choose of photo for reference of someone with similar colourings to you, so you can be sure the look will suit your skin tone and hair colour. Have an in-depth chat with your makeup artist before the trial, to ensure she/he understands exactly what you are after.
For more of Jess’ work visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Written by our guest writer, Nikki Yazxhi, editor and creator of BellaMumma.