birthday ootd

Eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh 2NE8 ;]

Rings and Necklace: Forever21

Dress: Topshop/ Cardigan: Free People/ Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

diy: spring/summer bridal makeup

I've had the privilege of applying makeup for a couple brides and I wanted to share some tips and tricks for those of you who are thinking about doing your own makeup for your wedding! Since my friends refused to model for me (you know who you are!), I created a simple diy spring/summer bridal look on myself- enjoy!

Disclaimer: The products I used for this look work for me but may not necessarily work for you. Also, these are my opinions on bridal makeup but it's your day, do what you want!

BASE: The most important step in bridal makeup is your base- you want to have a smooth, even canvas to work with that will last all day/night. If your skin is not happy with you it might be time to switch out some products from your regimen (read my post on skin care basics). Before applying makeup, your skin needs to be thoroughly moisturized and primed. I have combination skin and ended up using two different primers: for the t-zone I used the hourglass veil mineral primer -it's good for filling in pores and controlling oil. For the rest of my face, I used the too faced hangover primer- it has a light lotion feel that's moisturizing but not greasy. After a couple minutes of letting the primers set, I used the koh gen do aqua foundation starting from the center of the face (start wherever you need most coverage then blend out). For foundation, use a formula that suits your skin type that does not contain a high SPF (15 or less)-SPF tends to show a white cast in flash photography. Use concealer as needed if you have scars or dark circles- make sure to use a thin formula with high coverage so it doesn't get cakey. [Tip- if you have blemished skin, leave the concealer on for a minute before blending so you get maximum wear time and coverage!] I opt out of powder but if you're very oily (or you're having an outdoor summer wedding), use powder only where you need it (if your whole face is matte, it'll look cakey and flat in photos).

EYES: Depending on your eye shape and how much eye makeup you normally wear, stick to what works for you but take it up a notch. Don't get overly ambitious by imitating something you saw on pinterest because most likely that look won't work on your eyes. Plus, you want to look like a more beautiful version of you, not someone else! On a daily basis, I only wear mascara so I kept it simple- I used concealer as a base (if you have eyeshadow primer, it works the same) to cover any discoloration on the lid. Then taking a waterproof black gel liner from marc jacobs, I tight lined my upper waterline (I recommend this step for everyone because it gives the illusion of thicker lashes). Next I took a shimmery brown liner from rimmel and put it just on the outer half of the eye closest to the lashes then blended it with a clean q-tip. [Tip-using a creamy eyeliner works great as a base to prolong the longevity of powder eyeshadow]. For extra definition, I took my bronzer (you can use any neutral transition shade) on a fluffy blending brush and put it on the socket of the eye using windshield wiper motions. Lastly, I took a powder highlighter from physician's formula and placed it on the center of the lid and brow bone to add some glow (try not to use anything with chunks of glitter, it won't turn out well in photos). Now that the eyes are done, I moved on to brows. I highly suggest defining the brows- unless you have naturally opaque and thick brows, they will look washed out in photos. I used this nyx brow kit to fill in sparse areas- if you have little to no brows, you'll need a pencil or gel plus powder or brow mascara. For lashes, I recommend getting lash extensions because no mascara will make your lashes super long and full unless you're genetically blessed. I've used falsies on brides as an alternative (cut the lash strip into 3-4 pieces for a super natural effect!). I didn't have extensions or falsies on hand so I used a mascara primer and volumizing black mascara on curled lashes.

COLOR: We're at the last step of this bridal look! Personally I think pinks and reds are flattering on every bride and by picking the right shade for your skin tone, it will brighten the face and look great in photos. I went for a fresh faced look by using a medium bright pink blush and a muted hot pink lip combo. On the cheeks, you want to start off little by little and build up the color- when it starts looking like you have blush on, then you know when to stop; you want to add a bit more blush than usual, or else it won't show up in pictures. I personally love a stronger blush on brides because it makes you look youthful and alive! For lips, I layered a bright stain (this should last you throughout the whole wedding day) and muted it with a sheer nude lipstick on top (this will keep your lips moisturized). I learned this trick from Lisa Eldridge- by using a bright lip color, you'll instantly look better but for a more wearable look, tap on a sheer nude color over top. You can also achieve this lip combo by using a bright lip liner (they tend to last longer than lipsticks) and a nude tinted lip balm over top. If you want to go for a bold lip, check out something like the sephora cream lip stains (haven't tried it but has great reviews!). [Tip- if you're someone who enjoys colored eyeshadows, go for it! Just use a more natural color for lips and cheeks (mauve is always a safe one)].

EXTRAS: 

1. Use a setting spray to refresh your makeup throughout the day (I swear by Evian face mist) 

2. Bring blotting sheets to blot away excess oil without disturbing your makeup 

3. If you have sparse hair by your hairline, use an eyebrow powder to fill in the gaps 

4. Instead of doing the typical contour with bronzer, just sweep your blush back toward the ear to define the cheekbones 

5. Do an at home facial with a steam towel, mud mask, and a moisturizing mask a day or two before

6. Make sure to take care of your teeth and nails!

7. If you do decide to go with a professional, do at least one trial so you know what to expect the day of- I've had friends who hated their makeup on the wedding day because they didn't do this!

8. Q-tips will be your best friend

9. Use highlighter or a bronze shimmer lotion on the collarbone if you're wearing a strapless gown

10. If possible, apply your makeup in natural light to ensure everything is blended and seamless

I know this is a lot but I hope it helps you prepare for the big day! The more prepared you are, the less stressed you will be on the day of- whether you decide to do you own makeup or get it done professionally, remember these tips and don't be afraid to voice your opinion to your makeup artist! CONGRATS to you and your hubby to be! :]]

<3yaeinn

(Ecc 3:11) 

     

shop with me: clutches

Here's a new series I'm trying out called "shop with me." Essentially, it's online window shopping with yours truly ;] Online shopping can be a little risky but most stores offer free shipping and easy returns so if you're a homebody like me, it beats going to the mall any day!

Lately, I haven't been wearing a purse since I travel light (usually just carry my iphone, card case, and keys). I'm on the hunt for a new clutch/wristlet, shop with me! :]

tory burch

perlina- nordstrom rack

see by chloe- nordstrom rack

Which one do you like?! :D

<3yaeinn
(Ecc3:11)