How to Look Good for Wedding Season
Wedding season is upon us and that means lots of travel, frantically looking through registry lists for the last teacup, land the prospect of being seated next to Aunt Sylvia at the reception. On the upside: It's an excuse to get dressed up and look really good. We asked makeup artist Troy Surratt for a few tips on how to put on your best face for an event that's likely to be photographed more heavily than a Jolie-Pitt trip to the playground:
See the (day) light
"Party makeup usually means smoky eyes or dark lips-people focus their attention on one feature and really play it up," says Surratt. "I don't think that works as well if you're going to be outdoors or standing around in daylight. But I do think it's important to take a little extra time with every feature. Your brows should be perfectly groomed. Your skin should look really dewy and perfect. Your lashes should be curled, and evenly fanned out and defined."
Don't slather it on
"I think a lot of people wear too much makeup when they know they're going to be photographed," says Surratt."But with digital photography and high-resolution images, what you see is what you get-all that extra foundation will show up and you won't look better."
Lay down a base
"Concealer under the eyes has an instant brightening effect," says Surratt. "I dab a bit into that dark half moon shape that extends down from the tear duct and a little right under the lash line where you might have red or purpley tones, and then a dab it on the eyelid itself. It's the perfect primer for shadow." Surratt recommends a tinted moisturizer with SPF for the rest of the face; his favorite is by Laura Mercier. "Then I finish with a little bronzer on the apples of the cheeks and wherever else the sun would hit (ie. the forehead, the bridge of the nose, the chin, and the clavicle, if your dress reveals it). A little added warmth on the face makes everyone look pretty. It's universally flattering."
Think pretty
When it comes to choosing eye shadow and lip colors, "You want to look light and fresh," says Surratt. "Stick to warm, beige-y pinks and peachy nudes. They're soft and glowing and evoke a sense of innocence and softness and romance." He also suggests going with lipstick instead of gloss: "I love lipsticks at the moment. You want a hint of light reflection but nothing too slick. Your lips, but a shade or two darker than their natural color."
The final touch
"I love fragrance," says Surratt. "And you don't have to worry about overpowering anyone, since you'll be outdoors. I'd choose something light-weight and romantic that has white floral notes, like Lily of the Valley."
Pack light
Don't go overboard when it comes to touchups-all you need in your clutch are some blotting papers, translucent powder, and your lipstick tube. "I'd use the powder sparingly. Blotting papers absorb shine without adding product, so you don't get buildup." If you're going to be wearing sunglasses, Surratt recommends touching up after you remove them. "I cringe when I see a celebrity whom I've just spent 45 minutes on put on their sunglasses," he says. "They always leave a mark on your nose!"
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Photo Credit: WWD
