10 Backstage Beauty Tips We Learned at Bridal Fashion Week
Photo: Paige Stables via Instagram
By Elizabeth Swanson
Do you know why we love going backstage to all the shows during Bridal Fashion Week? It’s partly because we get a sneak peek at the gorgeous dresses — and partly because we always get the best beauty tips. This season, we asked the hairstylists and makeup artists to spill all of their best-kept beauty secrets just for brides. Here, our favorite pieces of big-day advice.
1. Use a setting powder one shade darker than your skin.
“So many brides wear finishing powder that’s too light, which can make you look washed out in photos. If you wear one that’s just a shade darker than your foundation, it will not make you look funny — it will just give you a bit of extra color and help control shine.” — makeup artist Viviana Martin at Claire Pettibone
2. Let your dress be the focal point of your look.
“You spend so much time finding the perfect gown, so you don’t want your makeup to overshadow it! If you’re a red lip or smoky eye girl, go for it, but keep everything else subtle. Make it about your dress.” — makeup artist Daniel Martin at Naeem Khan
3. An updo is a foolproof way to look regal on your big day.
“Wearing your hair up exudes confidence and lasts a long time, too. Specifically, an updo that’s soft and textured looks modern.” — hairstylist Joseph DiMaggio at Naeem Khan
Related: 41 Wedding Dresses That Look Better From The Back
4. Pale pink isn’t the only option for nails.
“The shade you choose depends on your personality and what you’re wearing. Failsafe, feminine options are shades of pink and blush. But if your dress has a bit of red in it, go for red! I also love a very light blue, like Essie’s Borrowed and Blue. So beautiful.” — manicurist Julie Kandalec at Naeem Khan
5. Make sure the color above your neck matches the color below it.
“It’s important to have a continuity of skin tone from the top of your head to your toes. On the models’ face and body, I used MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance. It reduces redness, evens out the skin tone, and photographs beautifully.” — makeup artist Gina Bettelli at Monique Lhuillier
6. Focus on making your skin look perfect.
“You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a full face of makeup, whether you really are or not. The key to doing this properly is really working on your skin. It should look luminous. On the models, I put foundation only where needed, covered imperfections with concealer, and applied Laura Mercier Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil with a sponge to add more radiance to the skin.” — makeup artist Talia Sparrow at Jenny Packham
7. At your hair trial, try to mess up your hairstyle.
“Yes, you heard that right! Before sending the models out to walk the runway, I always make them shake their heads to make sure everything doesn’t come undone. If it does, it’s much better to fix the problem then, instead of having it happen in the middle of your wedding day.” — hairstylist Kevin Ryan at Jenny Packham
Related: Plus-Size Bridal Gown Trends from the Runways
8. Carry a two-in-one lip and cheek product for touch ups.
“They’re easy to apply on the go and are great for multipurpose use. I used Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge in Pale Pink on the models — a perfect, fresh bridal shade.” — makeup artist Cassandra Garcia at Carolina Herrera
9. Balance a sexy dress with a soft, sweet hairstyle.
“Some of my dresses are a bit sexier, so it’s nice to counteract that with a young, soft hairstyle that isn’t as severe. Little black ribbons tied in the hair are perfect for achieving this.” — designer Elizabeth Fillmore at Elizabeth Fillmore
10. To get the perfect cat eye, trace it first with nude lip liner.
“Mapping it out first will help you get the shape right. Plus, if you mess up, it’s much easier to erase nude than black! Then, go right over it with your black eyeliner. And if you do need to erase mistakes, the thin cotton swabs from Muji save my life.” — makeup artist J Guerra at Elizabeth Fillmore
For more front-row photos and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage, see our our Bridal Fashion Week round-up on Brides.com.
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The Biggest Trends in Wedding Dresses For Fall 2015
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