A wedding day prep shot in the bridal suite at HollyHedge Estate. I like to make it fun and visually interesting, like this shot of the spritz of hairspray!
Whether it’s a wedding or an engagement session, my clients always ask how they should have their makeup done for our photo shoots. They ask if it should be applied heavier, if the eye should be more defined or if they should use a darker lipstick. So I asked Daneene Jensen, a makeup artist I’ve worked with umpteen times and have often photographed applying the perfect makeup during those “getting ready” shots that brides love.
Here’s her advice:
“Navigating all the planning details of your wedding day can be quite a challenge, but your wedding day hair and makeup does not need to be! This is a time that you should get to relax, enjoy being pampered and have a great time with your bridal party that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Makeup that’s going to photograph well but still feels like “you” is a valid concern that most brides share. It must, of course, be flattering, but it also must endure the long day of photos, kisses and possible perspiration, as well as all those happy tears!
Makeup for photography and video is also a bit different than doing your makeup for an event that is simply “in person.” The challenge with wedding or special event makeup is that it must look great in person, as well as in those photos and videos, and this is where hiring a professional is your best bet!
Here are a few things to be mindful of when having your makeup done for that special day or for photos:
- The most natural bride, who wants a very lightweight application, may find it a bit surprising that it may be necessary to step slightly out of her comfort zone for her wedding day makeup. Even those very natural looks require a bit more makeup than some are accustomed to. Trust your professional artist’s opinion. They will honor your preferences, but they are experienced in this area and they will advise you.
- Our team likes to choose either the eyes or lips to accentuate the most. Meaning, if you do a stronger eye makeup, keep the lips more subdued. A stronger eye and lip can look outdated and overdone.
- If you’re going to keep your eyes more understated and have your lips be the bolder feature, choose a color that will get noticed! There are some terrific, inexpensive, long-lasting lip color products that can be purchased at your local drug store that stay put all night long. Our favorites are CoverGirl Outlast and Revlon Color Stay. They are inexpensive enough that you can buy a few and take them home to try them out. They are transfer resistant, so no matter what color you choose, it will not end up on anyone or anything but your beautiful lips!
- Remember that your makeup needs to look great from a distance as well! This is when wearing a bit more color is best. Not many photos are extreme close-ups on your wedding day. Most are from 20 feet away or more.
- Wedding makeup 101: Waterproof! It all simply must be waterproof.
- Whether you choose airbrushed or manually applied makeup, your skin will naturally produce oil throughout the day, so you will most likely look shiny in the T-zone area in photos at some point. This can be obvious in photos and tends to be unflattering. It is best to have a compact of translucent powder or oil blotting papers at your access to reduce that shine now and then. Ask someone in your bridal party to keep an eye out for shine on your face and let you know when you may need some powder.
- We find that our airbrush makeup endures through pretty much everything, from tears, perspiration and hours and hours of wear. Our airbrush makeup is waterproof and silicone based. Not all airbrush makeup is waterproof, as there are several different formulations of airbrush makeup. If you are hiring someone to do your makeup, be sure to ask if it is waterproof.
- Sealants are helpful in keeping everything in place. We recommend the higher quality brands of sealant like MAC, Urban Decay or Makeup Forever, as opposed to drug store brands.
- Your best makeup is of course, your beautiful smile! Have fun and enjoy yourself!”
Daneene Jensen & Associates serves PA, NJ, NY and DE @daneenejensenhairmakeup