It's Not Easy Being Green

Beauty Tips

Kermit the Frog says, “It’s not easy being green.” But it’s not easy being Asian, Hispanic, Indian, African-American either, especially when you are in search of flawless skin for your wedding day. How do you make your skin look natural in person and yet radiant in pictures? Here are some quick do’s and don’ts when choosing foundation for your wedding day.

Do choose your type of foundation based on the type of coverage you want. If you have troubled skin, a lot of discoloration or acne, you may want to choose a full coverage foundation. Many full coverage foundations now come in lightweight formulas than in the past, so that they will not feel as heavy on the skin. Always make sure you take the foundation for a test drive first and wear it throughout the day before purchasing it. That way you can experience the wear of the foundation on your skin and the color in different types of light (outdoor/natural light, florescent, dim/candlelight, etc.). Don’t be deceived by the makeup counter salespeople who tells you that you need every product and powder because “you want to make sure you look good in the pictures.” It is important to be aware of the lighting and environment of your wedding, so that you understand how it will affect the way you (and your makeup) look in pictures. Remember, however, that more does not always equal better. Do understand that you will look differently in photos taken by your family and friends with their personal digital cameras than in the photos taken by your professional photographer. As a professional, your photographer will have a much better camera to capture the moments you want to remember. Your photographer will also have a variety of different lights and reflectors to help you look your best. Personal digital cameras have one direct flash, which can make you look like a deer in the headlights. Whereas your photographer will have many different flashes to ensure your photos look like the moment as seen with your eyes.

Don’t wear a skin luminizer or shimmer all over your face as it will reflect the light of the flash and make your skin look a lot lighter than the rest of your body. If you want to wear some shimmer on the brow bone or a little on the cheekbone to highlight, it can be done in a very flattering manner.

Do be aware if your foundation or moisturizer has SPF in it as it can reflect the light from a flash and make your face look like it doesn’t go with the rest of your body. Also be aware of your face powder. If it contains a lot of talc, it will also make your face look mask-like in photos. Yellow-based powders are usually best as they tone down redness and also look natural in pictures.

Don’t become frustrated or overwhelmed with the multitude of choices for your makeup. Contact your wedding planner, venue, friends/family or bridal associations in your area to get referrals for professional makeup artists with a good reputation. Having someone else worry about your makeup (and not having to purchase it all yourself) will often times lighten your load before and on your wedding day. Have a trial run through and consultation with your artist and make sure he/she understands what you would like and are comfortable wearing on your face. Remember that though they may be the professional, this is your wedding—not theirs. And if the artist seems to not listen or try what you would like, look for another artist—there are wonderful makeup artists out there who specialize in making brides beautiful.

Remember that this is a personal day of celebration that will be documented in pictures. If you are uncomfortable with the amount of makeup you are wearing on your wedding day, you will be more unbecoming than if you wear no makeup at all. These are your friends and family who have seen you in all different stages and amounts of makeup. They will know if you are unhappy—and a happy bride is always the most beautiful.

~ Megan Garmers, MG Hair and Makeup