Brides-to-be, these are the beauty essentials to achieve the flattering, low-key wedding make-up look for every age…
Weddings can be so high-maintenance. The full-tilt approach is to list a full cast of credits on Instagram, as if for a shoot or a Hollywood movie, name-checking everyone from hairdresser and wedding planner. Perhaps in reaction to this, many more people are pulling back, choosing to go small, intimate, personal and private.
Maria McManus SS24.
Tips taken from the catwalk
And so too with wedding make-up. It’s not a prerequisite to be fully airbrushed, full-tan and lasered-up. Most people want to look like themselves, fundamentally. I like the approach taken by Irish designer Maria McManus for her spring 2024 show, held in New York. “For make-up, we really wanted models to feel very fresh-faced and light, just enjoying the moment – fresh and invigorated,” says McManus. A healthy natural sheer finish to the skin was key, adds global pro artist for Estée Lauder, Jocelyn Biga. “I wanted the skin to look almost steamed and dewy, for a fresh-faced carefree look.” Biga achieved this using Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Foundation (€48, at Brown Thomas) sparingly; a bit of Pure Colour Lip Oil high up on cheeks added a glow. The show featured some lovely mature models in this, illustrating that this base works well for all ages.
Photograph via @patidubroff.
Make-up like Margot
Here’s another naturally flattering look that would work for a wide age range. Make-up artist Pati Dubroff used Chanel to make up Margot Robbie at the Critics Choice awards earlier this year, starting with Sublimage skincare and then the new Les Beiges Winter Glow Primer (in Light Copper). On lips and cheeks is N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Ardent Brick; new shades of this brilliant multi-use colour have just landed, and they are such flattering and easy to wear shades with a gorgeous moisturising texture. At the same awards, make-up artist Nina Park used Le Liner de Chanel in Noir Profond on Brie Larson for a subtle liner look to complement pared-back skin, pictured below.
JOIN US for The Gloss Wedding Salon at The Merrion on Saturday, March 23. THE GLOSS and wedding planner extraordinaire Tara Fay will host an exclusive lunch at The Garden Room at The Merrion to celebrate with brides, sisters and friends, bridesmaids, mothers and mothers of the bride. Click here for more information and to book your table.
Base Instinct
We’re finding there’s more choice than ever for bases that work well for mature skin – the key is bringing as much hydration and glow as possible into the equation. This is good to know, since many people are getting married later in life; The Irish Times reported recently that weddings of people aged 60-plus more than doubled over the past decade.
For good glow-giving options, consider Chanel’s amazing Sublimage Foundation (expensive, but so good, and perfect for a wedding day); Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow; and Clarins Tinted Oleo-Serum, all excellent.
Lip Colour
The new Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Icon lipsticks are flattering, including Rose to Flame (€28.90 at www.theloop.ie), a beautiful soft pink. There are also new Lip Cheat lip pencils, including Red Carpet Red (€25 at Brown Thomas), to match the red lipstick of the same name – the most glorious of reds. A lip pencil will help keep your colour in place, without “feathering” into lines.
Another perfect lip colour, soft and moisturising, is the Rouge Hermès satin lipstick in Rouge Abysse (€73, www.hermes.com); refillable. Dab on for a soft yet strong balmy and non-drying look.
Make-Up Artists: If doing your own make-up isn’t something that you feel confident with, these are the make-up artists to have on speed dial … SEE THE FULL LIST.
