cover girl looks

I thought I’d mix things up and offer a 'how to' on our editorial look. Do you often flick through magazines and think, 'Oh that’s beautiful' but in the back of your mind you're thinking, 'I don't know how to do that'? Well here I am to share some ideas on how to create a simple yet alluring look. This may be a starting point for your wedding makeup or perhaps the catalyst to a departure from your regular routine. It is a guide to inspire and introduce you to products and ideas, not to dictate what you must do. If I can introduce you to one idea that in some way guides you to success... that is my success.

Sometimes the most simple change or an introduction to a seemingly basic product can make a big difference.

Don’t be afraid to try something new, as I have written in the past it’s makeup not a tattoo. My style is light handed and I like to see skin. That said it takes time and practise. This 'how to' is for a simple, fresh look so don’t be afraid to add or subtract for your wedding day.

You may be using a makeup artist for your wedding. It can often be a challenge to communicate what look or style you're after. There are always new terms and techniques so arm yourself with one great thing, knowledge. If you can narrow down some ideas and find the key products used, seek them out and try them. Alternatively when you have your trial, chat to your artist and make them aware of where your head is at with your intended look. They may need to top up their kit or find some of your new favourite products. They will of course have their go to products and this is where you can really enjoy the collaborative aspect of your makeup journey. Often things you learn throughout his process will stay with you and may even help create what could be your future signature look.

So arm your good self with some inspo, a few key products and create. Grab the girls and make it an event or pour yourself a glass and have some quality 'me' time.

Have a look at what we got up to with the incredible Petra, I hope you find some inspiration.

PREP THE SKIN WITH TATCHA THE ESSENCE

• Hydrate and plump your skin with this rich, lightweight liquid goodness
• Apply a generous dose to cleansed skin and pat with the palms of your hands
• Follow with the 'Tatcha ritual' using an eye cream and moisturiser best suited to your skin’s needs. All Tatcha products are lightweight and nourishing.

 

 

 

BRIGHTEN THE SKIN

• Try LE MER Perfecting treatment. Using this as a substitute primer is ideal for skin with any redness or irritation. Its soft focus technology blurs pores and refines the skin's imperfections. Subtle reflective qualities impart a flawless glow.

 

 

 

 

CREATE THE CANVAS

• Match your skin colour with a shade of foundation that blends in with your body. If you're tanning be sure not to go too dark in the face.
• Layer complexion products and contour, highlight and bronze to add warmth as opposed to using a dark foundation. I matched Nars Pure Radiant tinted moisturiser with Chanecalle Liquid Lumiere in Brilliance to embed a glow in the complexion.
• For areas needing more coverage I applied Ellis Fass Skin veil in 3.5 a new shade created for Australia. Conceal as needed. I used Surratt Beauty Surreal Skin Concealer.

SCULPT THE CANVAS

• I use a myriad of products on a shoot. To best reproduce a look like Petra's, consider the textures you wish to use.
• If you like a dewy finish, create it with a cream blush and contour or cream sticks. Cream on cream will blend and melt together. It gives a longer lasting intensity to colour infusing it into the foundation. Look out for Nars Multiples and Stila Convertible colour creams. Matte for sculpting and long wear colour, and shimmer for dimension and highlight.
• If you prefer a more natural or matte finish, you need to look for powders. On a dewy base, powders can grab and appear blotchy. Remember to set the base before applying powder products.
• To get more out of your powders, layer them and buff into the skin. New textures now available on the market are lightweight and give glow and warmth without an opaque look. The new Nars Sunwash Diffusing bronzers are a great example of this providing a sheer glow that glides onto the skin. Hourglass Ambient strobe powders and blushers are very flattering and the textures are flawless. The whole range is addictive and will change the way your makeup looks, wears and feels.

CAPTURE BEAUTY IN THE EYES

• I have favoured a simple eye look using texture to create dimension and clarity. Firstly, I lay a base of Nars Dual intensity shadow in Dione (pictured). It blends seamlessly to brighten the eye area. Then at the lash line I applied the darker side of the Nars Charade duo. The lighter side was used for a soft transition shade in the socket.
• Apply mascara 'to taste' as they say in cooking. It’s a personal preference. I chose to use Surratt Beauty Relevee mascara in black. It’s a hybrid tubing formula with some filaments for volume. Easy clean up and humidity resistant.

LAYER THOSE LUSCIOUS LIPS

• Many brides are asking for a different ceremony lip to a reception lip and it makes sense to switch. You may favour a more classic shade for the formalities and then amp it up with something more fun or bold for the celebration.
• This was my inspiration for the editorial and I found a shade to go with each particular look. Some favourites are Surratt beauty Lipslique in Hevyn, a gorgeous nude skin tone shade with a glossy finish. It’s not sticky and lasts. Great for all that kissing!
• I also recommend Nars Velvet Matt lip pencil in Do Me Baby, a rich deep nude that can be played down with a lip balm or gloss or, worn full strength for a more defined look.

GLOW FROM TOP TO TOE

• Not only did we have great tan prep for this shoot we also layered illumination into the body products. Add a subtle glow to the skin by mixing a liquid illuminator into your body moisturiser. Avoid anything too bronzing and be aware of shimmer that is too chunky and will catch on creases in the skin or fine hair. if you need to apply any body makeup or hide imperfections it’s a great way to even out the skin. Glow is very forgiving.
• I used the same Chantecalle liquid as on the face mixed with body cream and then layered some Hourglass Ambient powder to set around the neck and arms where the dress may contact.
• Use a setting spray to set the body and face to avoid damage to your dress. Try Urban Decay All Nighterlong lasting setting spray.

Available mecca.com.au opposite page ‘The Bonita’ gown from CON ILIO, conilio.com } Diamond encased pearl earrings from Paspaley, paspaley.com } Diamond vintage inspired engagement ring and wedding ring set from Ka’llure Jewellery, kallurejewellery.com