BRIDAL BEAUTY: THE BEST BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BIG DAY

With wedding season already upon us, and this year’s predicted to be one of the busiest of all time, thanks to consecutive lockdowns resulting in changed plans and prolonged engagements, we thought brides could use a little extra help, so we enlisted the talents of one of Ireland’s most prolific makeup artists, Christine Lucignano. Name a famous face, and this woman has worked her magic on it. From editorials to runways, celebrities to brides, Lucignano is a master at perfecting a camera-ready yet natural finish. Here are some of her top tips for anyone saying “I do” anytime soon.

GOING IT ALONE

“For the record I think that having your makeup and hair done by a pro on your big day is a true sign of self-care and it is so deserved!! But if a bride is in a position where they have to do their own makeup on their wedding day than there are a few things they can do to better prepare themselves. Start by finding YouTuber’s who are actual makeup artists ie; Lisa Eldridge, Caroline Barnes and Hung Vanngo, and immerse yourself in their videos that favour a bridal look that you love. Then simply practise, practise and practise some more. Pack all the essentials that you will need and leave yourself plenty of time to paint yourself on the morning and try to hold off on too many bubbles until you have perfected your pout!!”

DOs & DON’Ts

“As photos are a big part of your day as well as the life-long keepsake of the day I would recommend a few dos and don’ts; Do make sure to keep essential touch up items close at all times ie; blotting powder to stay fresh and flawless looking as well as a sheer concealing product - I quite like YSL Touche Eclat. Also make sure to keep whatever product(s) you have on your lips at hand for easy touch-ups.”

“In terms of any Don’ts I would say try if possible to skip any physical SPF products as this may well have you looking patchy when flash photography is used. Also don’t depart hugely from what your regular 'night out' makeup as you want to look like yourself but the best version. Anything completely new is just too risky. Don’t wear a really dramatic look for the day because you want to keep it on to suit the evening light, just add a bit of glam as the light falls, keep it fresh. And finally, don’t go for a ‘trending’ look as your photos / videos will most likely date before your first wedding anniversary!”

LIPSTICK JUNGLE

“Your wedding day lipstick should be wearable and comfortable! If you aren’t accustomed to wearing a long-wear matte liquid lipstick, for example, then don’t torture yourself on the day just because you think it will require less work. You can always touch up a sheer lipstick throughout the day. I would suggest testing out a few lip shades that are not too far away from what you normally wear on a night out. If you are wearing a white dress on your big day then test these prospective colours while wearing a white top / dress and take a few selfies in both natural day light as well as in a flash light environment so you can really see how you feel about the shade.”

POWER PRODUCTS

“My top three products for a bride would be 1.) A beautiful moisturising / nourishing face mask for prepping the skin on the day (I love the Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Repair Mask) 2.) A sheer blotting type powder compact to keep your skin looking fresh and to also have a mirror to do checks occasionally. (M.A.C Blot Powder, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish) 3.) A refreshing beauty spritz to bring your skin back to life through the day. This is especially important in warmer weather or if your skin leans to the drier side. (I love the Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream Mist or the Clarins Hydra Essential Mist).

CHRISTINE'S BRIDAL PICKS

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