Seven Questions to Ask your Wedding Makeup Artist

The process of actually getting and booking your makeup artist is a bigger task than you may realize, but we got you covered. Now that you’ve narrowed down your choices to the artist of your dreams, both of you need to be prepared. Here’s a few things that you’re going to want to go over during your test runs.

“How long will you be around?”

You need to agree on how much time your artist will be committing to you. If you feel that you may need extra touch ups between the ceremony and the reception, it is essential to communicate this to your artist. Your artist may even suggest staying later to assist in touch ups during photo opportunities, or changing your look before the reception. Be sure to factor this in with your pricing as well.

“How long will you need to set up and apply my look?”

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the clock during your trial run for this. Your artist will need at least a few minutes to unpack all their supplies and find the best light to work with. Factor this in with all of your planning! Your wedding day will be a hectic one and it pays to plan ahead. Have someone there to let your makeup artist set up and get ready for you so your time isn’t wasted waiting around.

“Will you be available for my bridesmaids?”

If your bridesmaids want to get their makeup done as well, you want to make sure your artist is up for it and prepared. Some artists will charge purely on hourly, and some will charge based on the amount of product/work put into a look. They may only be comfortable doing makeup on one person, so keep that in mind.

“Do you suggest any skin treatments before the wedding?”

Many artists that I know recommend that a bride go bare-faced the day before their wedding (save for sunscreen, of course). This prevents any build up of product, and leaves your face extra clear for your wedding look. Some may also suggest doing a peel or an exfoliating treatment prior to your wedding. Pick your artist’s brain for any suggestions to ensure your newlywed glow.

“What products will you be using on me?”

It’s good to have an idea of what you’re wearing and how your skin takes it. If you have more sensitive skin, stick to hypoallergenic brands or brands that are more organic. You should be clear if you have any allergies or known skin sensitivities. If you’re not sure about a product,  you may want to pick it up and test it for a few days at your leisure. Also, if you’ll be wearing false eyelashes you may want to pick up some more heavy duty makeup remover. Lash glue is not fun to take off.

“Will my lips stay on through dinner?”

Your artist is going to be honest with you. If your lips look amazing in photos but slide right off after your first sip of champagne, this is something you need to know. When you have the perfect lip shade for the big day, you are going to want to keep an eye out for touch ups. This shouldn’t make you feel pressured to change your perfect shade in favor of one that won’t budge. It’s your day, wear what you love and what makes you feel good, even if it’s more high maintenance. If your artist sticks around through the ceremony and reception, have them keep this as one of their top priorities. If they are relieved of their duties more quickly, stash your touch up products with a bridesmaid. Ask one of your girls to be dedicated to keeping you look fabulous all night long.

“Do I need to bring anything?”

If you wear a special foundation that is hard to find or even discontinued, your artist may need that to work with. Your artist may even ask that you pick out the false lashes that you wear for the big day and bring those along. Most freelancers are fairly prepared and have a well-equipt makeup kit, but there’s a chance they may need your help too.

 

Live! Your Wedding Day Recap

The Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach recently hosted ‘Live! Your Wedding Day’- the wedding sensory experience. The sensory experience was an all-inclusive event with wedding vendors on site to provide a taste of what they have to offer on your special day. Vendors included florists, musicians, wedding coordinators. Team Bridal Hot List was there on the scene to report.

The day began with a short mock ceremony accompanied by both a four piece string quartet and an acoustic guitar.  The musicians took turns showcasing different takes on classic wedding songs.

The mock ceremony included a couple doing a quick walk through in full wedding day attire. Even though they weren’t a real couple, they looked fantastic together!

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Following the ceremony, we moved on to a cocktail hour in another reception area the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach has to offer. The cocktail hour was accompanied by The Marieve Herington Band and a dessert bar provided by the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. During this time, several models were on had to showcase trending wedding dress styles.

Lace was a big trend being showcased, as well as beautifully detailed backs. One of my favorite dresses was this short, mod-style wedding dress. The lace and the buttons are a major trend right now, and the detail on this is mesmerizing.

Following the gown showcase were the floral showcases courtesy of Paradise Delight Floral & Event Productions. The arrangements ranged from classic and beautiful to progressive and trendy.

My favorite arrangement was the display of calla lilies in the large flute glasses. The tones of the chevron runner and the flowers were beautiful, and the floating candles made the arrangement perfectly romantic.

This gorgeous reception hall also featured  Undercover Live Entertainment, where they got us dancing, and having a great time. Super high energy and fun!

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There was another reception area set up with a DJ, beautiful floral arrangements, and a 3D photobooth. The arrangements here were provided by White Orchid Productions. Simply stunning!

Live! Your Wedding Day was an absolutely amazing experience and incredibly inspiring. Events like this are an excellent resource for newly engaged looking for inspiration. It was great to be able to window shop different wedding looks in all aspects of the wedding. The Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach was incredibly accommodating, as well as a gorgeous location for events.

Niloufar, Chief Editor of Bridal Hot List Andrea Carter, Contributor of Bridal Hot List

Niloufar, Chief Editor at Bridal Hot List
Andrea Carter, Contributor at Bridal Hot List

For more information on Live! Your Wedding Day, please visit them at: http://liveyourweddingday.com/

 

Five Sun Safe Must Haves for Summer Weddings

We’re knee deep in the summer season and that means we’re knee deep in the heat. Outdoor weddings are fun, but now with the weather so hot here are a few products you may want to consider picking up.

Load Up on Sunscreen

Being outside should always warrant sunscreen, but be sure you’re packing it on for weddings. It’s something that’s easy to forget in the rush of things, but is incredibly important. A wedding is a day you want to remember, and you don’t want to remember it as the day you got a horrible sunburn! Pick something non-scented and not greasy, so it doesn’t affect your outfit or perfume. If you know you’ll be dancing, pick up a sport sunscreen like this one from Coppertone ($7-$9, drugstores). It covers both UVA and UVB rays and is water and sweat resistant.

SPF Everywhere

Remember that SPF counts everywhere! Having a sunburn on your lips is a nightmare. The Maybelline Baby Lips ($4-$6, drugstores) line are all SPF 20, and offer a light tint on your lips. They stay moisturized and help block out any sun damage. I also love the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm ($7.50, beauty specialty stores). It’s an incredibly moisturizing line and makes lips feel pillowy soft. The SPF 25 doesn’t hurt, either!

Seriously, Everywhere

I like to use a leave-in conditioner in my hair to keep it from drying out, particularly when the air is more dry. Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Leave-In Cream ($8-$10, drugstores) has a UV Shield, which helps protect your hair from sun damage. Your hair won’t get a sunburn, but it may get damaged or dry out in the heat. Dab a little in your hair and work it out to the ends before you style.

A Flawless, Sun Safe Face

Laura Mercier is known for their tinted moisturizers ($42, beauty specialty stores) year round, but the SPF 20 really helps out in the summer. The tinted moisturizers offer fantastic hydration as well as light coverage. Plus they offer a wide range of shades to accommodate all complexions.

Full Coverage and Sun Safe

If you’re looking for a foundation with more coverage, the MAC Matchmaster Foundation ($33, MAC counters) is for you. It offers SPF 15 and a wide range of shades. I find that it goes on moe matte to absorb any oiliness you may encounter. It goes on light but covers blemishes and redness very well.

In addition to wearing more products with SPF, just remember…

Ditch The Soda

Yes, soda is bad for you, but carbonation in general can throw off your fashion game plan completely. Skip any bubbly sodas the day before and the day of to avoid any unwanted bloat. If you need something sweet, stick to juice or a flavored water. Being bloated and in the heat is no fun at all. Plus, you’ll absolutely avoid any accidental burping.

Opt for Water

Going hand in hand with ditching soda, stick to water until the reception. It keeps your teeth from getting stained, it’ll keep you hydrated all day long, and if it does happen to spill, it’s not a major crisis. Yes, it’s fine to have a glass of wine (or two) but be sure to pair your glass with some water to avoid becoming sloppy. You don’t ever want to be that girl.

 

Five Trending Eyeliner Shades for Bachelorette Parties

One of the most fun perks of being in the bridal party (aside from the wedding, of course!) is a good girl’s night. A bachelorette party or night on the town is one of the best places to try out a new look. Here’s my guide to ditching the standard black eyeliner in favor of a fun trendy shade.

Stila Eyeliner in Lionfish ($20, beauty supply stores)

Stila’s eyeliners always go on smooth and have a great color payoff. Lionfish is an unbasic brown that is warm and a little glamorous. It’s the perfect shade for those of you looking to break out of a classic routine without being overwhelming. This shade is complimentary to every skin tone and will transition well into the fall. The gold tones give skin a subtle glow, which is perfect for summer.  Keep an eye out for this new staple shade, it’ll be your new favorite liner.

Covergirl Liquiline Blast in Silver Spark ($6-$7, drugstores)

 

A silvery-grey can help break any girl out of a dark eyeliner habit. The grey is neutral like black, but isn’t nearly as dramatic.  This shade in particular is smooth and smudgable, making it perfect for beginners or advanced glamour girls. Silver Spark is very complimentary to cooler skin tones and eye colors. The formula wears for a long time, but won’t be a pain to remove at the end of the night.  This low maintenance liner also transitions well from day to night.

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in LSD ($19, beauty supply stores)

It’s almost impossible to talk about trendy eyeliners without mentioning Urban Decay’s line of liners. They recently rebooted their entire brand and rolled out a bunch of new shades in their famous 24/7 eyeliners. One of the breakout shades is LSD, a blue-toned shimmery liner. Don’t be intimidated by the blue though, this shade is fun, trendy, and surprisingly complimentary to many skin tones. LSD was initially introduced as a limited edition shade, but is now a part of the permanent line.  Thin application along the lash line gives a subtle sparkle, but packed on it creates a wide-eyed sultry look.

M.A.C. Pearlglide Eyeliner in Black Line ($16, M.A.C. counters)

Earthy tones are on the rise this summer, and this liner is one of the best ways to wear it! The Pearlglide formula is one of my personal favorites because of how smooth and soft it is. If you are more comfortable with black liner, this dark earthy shade may be your new go-to. The khaki green tone in this liner is very complimentary to warm skin tones and have the ability to bring a sparkle to green and brown eyes. Going lightly and tight on your eyes warms your face for a romantic look.

Covergirl Ink It! in Golden Ink ($5-$7, drugstores)

There’s no harm in going a little glam for girl’s night! Open up your eyes with a touch of gold, like this one from Covergirl. You can pair this with any of the other liners listed, and keep the gold on your inner corners. Small pops of color have been popping up everywhere, with gold leading the pack. This formula is incredibly well pigmented, so a little bit goes a long way. If you’re going super glam, use this liner as a shadow pencil for a golden glowy look.

Which of these shades are your favorite? Leave a comment down below saying which shade you’ll be keeping an eye out for!

Five Fashion No-No’s for Bridesmaids

Alright, so you’ve got the dress, you’ve got the date, the only thing left is showing up. As a bridesmaid, your job is to help out your blushing bride, but you should also remember this event will be photographed. Heavily. Here’s a few tips on what to avoid on the big day.

The Accent Nail

Yes, accent nails can be cute, but not on someone else’s big day. This trend took off a little over a year ago and is still popping up, but is not appropriate for a wedding. Unless the bride specifies that she wants accent nails, I would avoid this entirely. Just because it can be fun at bachelorette parties does not mean it will be fun at a formal gathering. It’s best to stick to a classic french tip or a demure shade that compliments the wedding theme.

Pouting

As a bridesmaid, you will be visible at all times and be close to the forefront of the wedding ceremony. To show your support, you should not be moping or pouting. Even if your jaw hurts, you want to convey a sense of happiness and pride for the bride. You are a reflection of her friendships and who she is outside of her relationship. Plus it’s a wedding! Leave your stress at the door and enjoy yourself.

Don’t Go Gaudy

It’s good to stick to simple and smaller for your stint as a bridesmaid. Again, unless your bride specifies against it, lean towards conservative. As far as jewelry and accessories go, definitely aim for pretty and classic. This doesn’t mean basic or boring, just nothing to distract from anything else. Pearls or small topaz stones are appropriate for most outfits and color schemes. Also, try to avoid drop earrings or anything that hangs too long. You want to look as polished as you can to compliment the bride.

Leave the Blushing to the Bride

A wedding is typically an all day affair, and you will be expected to participate all day. Between the dancing, the wine, the sun, and your overall running around, it’s perfectly fine to skip the blush for the day. Your body’s natural blush will be enough to keep you rosy all day long. I would suggest picking up a powder highlighter instead. Cream or liquids may run, but a powder will absorb any extra oils or sweat that may occur over the course of the day. A highlighter on your cheeks is pretty and can offer you a glow in pictures.

Glitter

You’re at a wedding, not a disco. Yes, some shimmer in eyeshadow may make your eyes pop but leave it at that. Ditch the glitter eyeliner until your next girl’s night, over-doing glitter is inappropriate for weddings. It may be fun to wear but this day is about the bride, you should not outshine her. Glitter in your lip gloss doesn’t always photograph well, and you should always stay away from body glitter. There’s no reason to wear body glitter to a formal event ever. Putting a little bit of gold eyeliner in your inner corners can make your eyes look bright and fun without being overpowering or obnoxious.

 

Something Borrowed, Something….Emerald Green!

Emerald Green Bridesmaid

Emerald Green Bridesmaid

The Pantone ‘color of 2013’ is versatile & fresh enough to bring into your wedding plans even if your wedding date is in 2015! As a main color, Emerald Green can be considered a neutral background or canvas to juxtapose splashes of vibrant colors against, such as fuchsia, orange, teal, lime green, or red. As a detail color, the possibilities are endless. Here, we will explore some ideas & benefits to choosing this timeless jewel tone.

1. Consider emerald green bridesmaid dresses. This color looks fantastic on absolutely every skin tone. Just look at the red carpet for proof: Julianne Moore, Angelina Jolie, & Viola Davis have all stunned in it. Pair orange roses for contrast or red shoes for an unexpected twist!

2. If you’re getting married on a golf course, you’ll be surrounded by yards of emerald green grass, so you may want to go with another color for your bridesmaids, so they don’t get lost! However, consider using emerald green in your invitations, thank you notes, photo album cover, and other wedding correspondence to ensure continuity of your theme & venue. When your guests receive your thank-you note, the green will remind them subconsciously of what a beautiful, well planned event they attended.

3. Use emerald green foliage to ‘fill out’ your floral elements. Have your florist add extra fern stalks, palm fronds, birds of paradise leaves, (you get the idea) to your venue arrangements for a super lush look. For a modern garden style wedding, consider setting a potted topiary at the end of each aisle. Cutting back on blooms and adding more foliage might also save you some paper green!

4. Have some fun with your signature cocktails by adding Midori or green food coloring to the mix. Ask your DJ if they can bathe the dance floor in emerald green for your couples dance. Extra points if they have green lasers for a club vibe when the music picks up later in the night. Order your favors in emerald green. Group them together for a visual impact, or place at each table setting with some emerald green in the centerpiece.

Emerald bracelets

5. Wear this precious gem for sentiment (& good luck!) if your or your groom’s birthday is in May, if you’re getting married in May, or if there are some cherished emerald pieces in your family collection. To top it off, gift your groom with emerald cuff-links to match!

The almighty Emerald is sure to keep your wedding scheme modern and fresh. Be careful not to over-do it, or you’ll end up with a Wizard of Oz / Emerald City vibe (unless you are going for that, and in that case, please invite me!).

 

Photos courtesy of Brandon Wong photography.

Five Trending Bridal Shower Looks for Summer

Hey gorgeous gals! Summer has officially kicked off, so it’s time to ditch the leggings and enjoy the sunshine in style. Summer bridal showers are a perfect platform to flaunt fun summer style, and this is your guide for what’s trending right now.

Look #1: Flowy and Free

 

 

The layered maxi skirt has been on the rise lately, and so has this gorgeous mermaid turquoise shade. To work this trend, I suggest pairing with a button up sleeveless blouse. A white top with an embellished collar dresses up a basic, making it a versatile piece in your wardrobe. Plus it is completely functional and comfy in the summer time! Pair it all with a detailed bun and flattering studs to create a look that is polished and still very trendy. If you’re heading to a bridal shower at a restaurant or even somewhere a little more adventurous, this look will be perfect.

Look #2: Down to Earth

 

For a look that is trendy with an earthy flair, keep an eye out for pretty braided accessories and lacy layered dresses. A simple belt at the high waistline is quite flattering around a tummy. Pair with a tailored blazer in a hot summer color, like orange. Just make sure to balance it out with nude heels so the color doesn’t clash with anything else.  If your bridal shower is at a home or is a family based event, this warm look is perfect.

Look #3: Classic Romantic

 

 

That Tiffany’s blue is always going to be perfect for any event bridal-related, hands down. This look particularly is polished and appropriate for any bridal shower. The modest neck line and the boxy cut of the dress hugs curves in the right places without being too tight or inappropriate. Pair with similarly toned creamy heels and a delicate hairpiece for a look that says ‘classic romance’ meets cute and trendy. To give the look a little more personal flair, pair it with a hot clutch. Knuckle rings have been popping up lately, and this clutch is a very flirty way to work that trend.

Look #4: Bohemian Beauty

 

This beautiful deep periwinkle tone is showing up everywhere and will be one of the hottest shades this season. The flattering shade will pull a summer glow out of any skin tone, creating an instant sun-kissed look. I’ve been loving this shade paired with warm browns to balance out the powerful periwinkle. For more casual bridal showers, a brown gladiator flat is both trendy and functional. For hair, I would suggest leaving your hair in loose waves either half up, or with a braided detail. This look is all about something beautiful with details that make it all the more personal.

Look #5: Retro Romantics

 

If you’re heading to a bridal shower that may be a bit more formal (at a country club, etc.), a look along these lines may be perfect for you. The peplum skirt is a trend that has been really taking off this season, and its’shape is both trendy and demure. I love this creamy pink, particularly paired with a lacy peeptoe heel. This look is all very feminine and romantic, but is updated with vintage accessories. The cat eye sunglasses fit seamlessly with the outfit while updating it to have a unique retro-inspired look. Vintage pieces and retro styles have been going strong, and because they are a proven classic any pieces will be instant staples of your wardrobe all year long.

 

Maid of Honor Jitters: A First timer’s Survival Guide

Of course I have dreamed of my wedding day from the time I learned that there could be an entire day dedicated to celebrating falling in love. Not so common is the dream or even thought of being asked to stand at the side of a bride on that special day, as the Maid of Honor. My cousin recently got engaged to her boyfriend of 3 years and truth be told I had an inkling of what was coming my way. We have grown up at each other’s side, always promising to be one another’s Maid of Honor. Now that the time is here and after the tears of joy have been shed, the reality of the position begins to emerge. I am 25 years old and this is my first time as Maid of Honor. Luckily for me I am surrounded by a gigantic family of women who have been in countless weddings and are able to offer me a plethora of solid advice. To those of you like myself who are embarking on their first MOH experience, I offer you a survival guide for the Maid of Honor jitters.

· GET ORGANIZED. For the bride this is a stressful yet exciting time in her life. She might be going in 50 directions at once but as MOH do what you can to lighten the load. Take control of the other Bridesmaids by scheduling fittings and communicating dates with the bridal party. Make sure you are always in the know with tastings, fittings and parties as you may be required to attend such things if the bride so desires.

· BE PROACTIVE. As MOH you are the bride’s right hand woman. As dates come closer help the bride by assuring invitations are sent on time, help manage the guest list, and get together with the bridesmaid’s early to begin planning the bachelorette party and bridal showers. Make sure events of her wedding are well-thought out and memorable for the bride.

· ATTENTION TO DETAIL. As leader of the bridesmaids it is important that you keep everyone, including the bride, in check. Check in with the other bridesmaids to make sure they have gotten their dress, hotel and any other arrangements squared away before the wedding. If you are asked to be a part of the pre-wedding activities, document the couple’s journey. Take pictures along the way or just see that opportune photos are not being lost.

· BE HONEST. This may be the hardest of all but the most essential. Be honest with your bride. Yes it will be difficult when the bride asked your opinion with a twinkle in her eye, but if the hairpiece she is considering is way too much for her simple gown, tell her! The last thing you want is for the bride to look back at her pictures and ask how you could let her walk down the aisle in that?!

· DIRECT RESPONSIBILITIES. Here things can get a little cloudy. Talk with your bride. Ask her what she needs from you and what you are able to give. MOH has various responsibilities in different cultures. For example, in my Latin culture it is customary for the MOH to buy the cake. MOH also plans the Bachelorette party with the other bridesmaids, helps to plan the Bridal shower with the bride’s mother and pays for her entire bridal outfit.

· DAY OF WEDDING. Here is your time to shine. Start early and make sure all of the bridesmaids are on time. Give enough time for hair, make-up and dress to be styled to perfection an hour before the wedding. Check-in with the wedding planner at the location and help organize the bridal party into formation. Keep the bride calm and as stress free as possible. Ensure that she is taken care of during the wedding (doesn’t forget to eat) and simply be attentive and helpful to her the entire day.

· LISTEN. You are the MOH so chances are you mean a lot to the bride. Listen to her and just be there for her throughout the entire process. Things get a lot easier if we have a friend to stand by our side during the big transitions of our lives.

TLC’s Four Weddings Sneak Peek: January 10th

Are you ready for tonight’s sneak peak of  “Four Weddings” which airs on TLC? This show features four completely different brides who attend each other’s weddings with one wedding being deemed “the winner” at the end. The brides rate the food, dress, venue, originality, and overall experience of each wedding, except for their own. At the end, all the scores of each bride are tallied, and the one with the highest score wins an all expenses paid honeymoon.

On tonight’s episode the four brides do have one thing in common, they all have their weddings set in Northen California.  The four brides are:  A Hawaiian style bride, a Go Green bride, a traditional Afghan bride,  and a high energy and party bride. Each of these brides share their unique style and taste on their wedding day. Which bride will be your favorite? Which bride’s detail’s will you like the best? Which dress will stand out the most? What ceremony will be the most touching? Which bride do you think will win? What do I think? You will have to wait until Friday where I will provide a re-cap on this episode. All I can tell you know is that you do not want to miss this episode, there is a bride who gives a score of ten! (Which I have never seen so far on this show). Make sure to watch tonight.

TLC’s Four Weddings airs tonight at 9/8c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

For more information on Four Weddings, check out the website: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/four-weddings

TLC’s Four Weddings Sneak Peek: January 3rd

Are you ready for tonight’s sneak peak of  “Four Weddings” which airs on TLC? This show features four completely different brides who attend each other’s weddings with one wedding being deemed “the winner” at the end. The brides rate the food, dress, venue, originality, and overall experience of each wedding, except for their own. At the end, all the scores of each bride are tallied, and the one with the highest score wins an all expenses paid honeymoon.

On tonight’s episode the four brides are all from Boston, however they have very different styles. The four brides are:  A organic food loving bride, a bride who loves the sea, a backyard glamour bride,  and a colonial bride. Each of these brides share their unique style and taste on their wedding day. Which bride will be your favorite? Which bride’s detail’s will you like the best? Which dress will stand out the most? What ceremony will be the most touching? Which bride do you think will win? What do I think? You will have to wait until Friday where I will provide a re-cap on this episode. All I can tell you know is that you do not want to miss this episode, there are some very unique details!

TLC’s Four Weddings airs tonight at 9/8c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

For more information on Four Weddings, check out the website: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/tv/four-weddings