Makeup Transformation on Joy: Bridal Makeup

Hey guys, so in today's post I'll be talking about my experience with my first bride and some tips I have for bridal makeup. So, I've officially started freelancing now! I'm really excited! I still don't have my website up and running, but it's definitely in the process! Anyways, let's get to my first bridal makeup experience. So, I did Joy's makeup back in October. I actually spent a lot of 2015 practicing makeup. I didn't go to makeup school, which was why I was really hesitant on starting in the beginning. But, there's so much resources these days on the internet! In my opinion, it's not obligated to go to school, but you HAVE to practice a lot! I mean A LOT! That's why I was doing these shoots with my friends. I was working on different skin tones and textures. It didn't only help me practice and learn, but I was also creating content for my portfolio. Even when I knew my friends had weddings or big events, I would offer to do their makeup. I spent a lot of time doing that and I wasn't getting paid, but honestly, it helped me so much! I was also doing Tamanna's (Dress Your Face) online classes, which also helped me A LOT! Tamanna is so talented and it was a great experience! She would give you all the tips and tricks! Like, she works hard in the makeup industry and when you see her work, it's mind blowing! So, I enjoyed doing her classes and I recommend that whether you're a professional makeup artist or not, to check it out! I also started this blog way back last March, because makeup is something that I'm passionate about. Half the time I'm writing these posts at 2am, because I have work or school during the day. I keep myself motivated. Why not make a career out of something that you love? I find blogging was a good starting point. I started learning a lot more about makeup products, as well as different techniques. I was doing a lot of research not only to keep up with trends, but to find ways for a flawless application. I find it helped me a lot to become a makeup artist. Like, even when I do makeup on myself, like my makeup game elevated to another level! Like honestly, it's ok if you don't go to school, but be sure to do your research and PRACTICE! So ya, I'm going to list everything step by step. I'll be mentioning which brushes I use as well! All the makeup that I used on Joy are really good recommendations for your kit and bridal makeup in general! It's going to be very detailed, so I do apologize for this post being really long!

A before and after picture! 

So, I ran a free bridal trial for Joy to basically see what she likes and how she wanted her makeup to be. She wasn't too picky, so it wasn't really stressful. Joy is one of my best friend's sister, so throughout the month, my friend sent me pictures of what kind of look she wanted and what would look nice on her. I find it's a great idea to ask the bride what she wants, that way you're prepared for it and you have an idea of what she expects. Then when it's the trial, you can go over the looks that she picked (they'll always pick more than one look) and you can discuss what will suit her and all. Then, the first question I like to ask is: "What type of skin do you have? Is it oily, dry or combination?". This helps me with my primers and my baking time. I don't want to bake on someone that's dry for too long, because they won't need it and they'll look flaky. Whereas, someone that has oily skin requires more time. After that, you can start the makeup!

Another look at her

1) If they moisturized their face before coming to you, then you don't have to apply a moisturizer. If they didn't then you do! Also, if they came with their makeup done, once you take it off, it's best to moisturize their face! You let the moisturizer sit on their face for a few minutes and then start the makeup application

2) I applied the Dr Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer first around the whole nose and cheek area (areas with large pores). This primer is amazing for people with large pores. It really fills in the pores and helps the skin look smooth! Then, I applied the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream under the eyes to hydrate that area, so that it doesn't get dry and flaky when we bake. Next, I used the Smashbox Photofinish Primer all over her face (besides under her eyes, where we applied the Bobbi Brown cream). The reason I did this is because I want to assure that we have no pores or blemishes peeking through. Since, all cameras will be on Joy, I wanted her skin to look extra flawless! I let the primers sit for a few minutes (3-4 minutes). I even let the Dr Brandt primer sit for 3-4 minutes before I went over with the Smashbox primer! I also applied the Too Faced Shadow Insurance on her lid with my fingers (the best method I find). This primer will help the eye makeup last throughout the day

3)Next, I sprayed Mac Fix Plus all over her skin. I love using Fix Plus to hydrate the skin and it's also going to make the foundation blend a lot better!

4)Since we did a very soft eye on Joy, I went in with the foundation right away. I used the L'Oréal Infallible foundation in the shade Sun Beige. I used the M427 brush by Morphe to apply this foundation in stippling motion. It matched her perfectly and I didn't need to mix shades. I love this foundation. I've never used a foundation that works as well as this one! It has medium coverage, but I definitely built it up. It also looks amazing in photographs and it doesn't leave a cakey feeling on the skin! If you guys are interested, I wrote a full review on this foundation : http://makeupcheckbydivya.blogspot.ca/2015/06/loreal-infallible-pro-matte-foundation.html

5) Next, I used the orange corrector in my Morphe 20CON palette to cover her dark circles.  I used the 130 brush by Mac to apply it and to blend it!

6) Then, I applied the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer in Biscuit. This shade has peachy undertones, so I used it just to assure myself that her dark circles won't peak through! I blended the concealer with the same Mac brush.Then, I went over that concealer with the Maybelline Fit Me concealer in Medium. This shade just helped open up the whole eye area. I also used it on the bridge of her nose and her forehead. Again, I blended everything with the same Mac brush.

7)Next, we started baking! I used my damped Beauty Blender to apply the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder in all the areas that we applied the concealer in. I packed on 3 layers under the eyes and for the rest of her face, I only applied one layer (but a generous amount). I applied quite a bit, since Joy had oily skin and we didn't want her to be a oily mess. I kept the powder on for 8 minutes, which is longer than usual.

8)While the powder was on, I filled in her brows with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ebony. I didn't really create harsh lines, I wanted everything to be as natural as possible. I used the "Feathered" technique. It's basically brushing her eyebrow hair at a upward angle and gently filling them in.

9)Then, I applied MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre all over her lid with my fingers. The MAC Paint Pots are a dry base that will prevent your eyeshadows from creasing and fading away! It's definitely a must have for anyone!

10) Time for eyeshadows! So, we went for a really basic look. Joy didn't want anything crazy, so we basically did a nice warm brown crease with shimmer on the lid. I started by applying Free Spirit from Tarte's Tartelette palette all over the eye area. It's best to apply a light neutral shade over the MAC Paint Pot, so that the eyeshadows can blend easily! Then, with my MAC #217 brush, I applied Soft Brown by Mac all over the crease. This is going to be our transition color! Next, I defined the crease with Saddle by MAC. I used my Younique Crease brush to apply this shade. It just darkened the crease up, but be sure that you don't bring it up too much! You just want to focus it right above your lid! Next, I used Dreamer in the Tartelette palette to darken the crease even more. I used the same Younique Crease brush to apply this. I only took a tad bit of this shade, because I don't want it too dark, I just want to define the crease and have that gradient effect going on. Next, I took my Younique Cream Shadow brush and sprayed MAC Fix Plus on it. After, I dipped the brush into MAC's Arena and applied it all over the lid. Arena is a gorgeous peachy gold. It has a satin finish, which was perfect, because Joy didn't want too much shimmer going on! Next, for my brow bone highlight, I used Makeup Geek's Bling. Bling is a frosted ivory shade. It really pops, so it put the whole look together! Next, I took my Morphe Flat Definer Brush (the one that was a part of the Angel Merino collection) and I went under the lash line with Saddle. By this time, I dusted off the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder!

This is the closest picture I got of her eye makeup!

11)Since, it was a soft look, we didn't do a wing. We just applied the Bobbi Brown black gel liner with the Anastasia Beverly Hills #12 brush close to the lash line.

12) Next, I applied Too Faced's Better than Sex Mascara. I love this mascara!  It volumizes and lengthens lashes like no other!

13) Now, it was time for falsies! We stuck with the most natural lashes, because I put longer lashes on her during the trial and she found them uncomfortable. So, we used Au Naturale by House of Lashes. These are super natural and not too long. They're very comfortable and just put the whole look together! I used the Duo Brush on Adhesive as lash glue and I used the Velour Lashes tweezers to help me put them on. I'm not a fan of these tweezers and I don't recommend you buying it! I just didn't have another pair of tweezers on me, so I went with it!

14) Next, I used the Benefit's They're Real mascara on her bottom lashes. The wand of this mascara is amazing to get individual lashes! I also applied this Beige eye liner by Sephora ( I can't find it, so I have no idea what the name is, sorry!) on her water line! I was going to use black, but in case she cried, I didn't want the black to smudge. So, I figured a beige would be perfect to just brighten and open up her eyes!

15)So, I powder contoured and highlighted with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette. I used my Real Technique's Contour brush to apply Fawn for contouring. For her forehead, I used the shade Havana, because it's a warm brown that complimented her skin. I find Fawn is just good for your cheek bones, since it has a grey base to it, but when it comes to contouring your forehead, it's best to use a warm shade. It looks more natural and it doesn't look ashy in person! I also used whatever was left on my brush from Havana to go over Fawn slightly. Next, I applied the Banana shade under the eyes, the bridge of her nose and the center of her forehead with the Elf Tapered Highlighter brush.

16)Next, I applied the Nars blush in Deep Throat with the Chanel Blush brush. I love this shade. It's the perfect peachy pink with the right amount of shimmer! It literally suits any skin tone and any event!

17) Next, I took my Morphe M497 (fan brush) to apply Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop as a highlight. I love this highlighter and I've mentioned it a few times, like it's absolutely gorgeous! I was going to use my Hourglass Ambient Lightning Palette, because the highlighters are more subtle and not metallic like the Becca ones. But, her look was already really soft, so I just wanted her highlight to pop!

18) Now onto her lips! I used MAC's Stripdown as a base lip liner. It's a gorgeous nude that's more on the brown side. I find it the perfect nude for people with medium skin, which is why I chose it for Joy.

19) She was looking for a satin or matte finish. So, we didn't bother with a lip gloss. I just applied the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in the shade N4. It's a dusty pink. It's nice and subtle. It just put the whole look together! Since, her makeup was so simple, I wanted to add a bit of color to her lips.

20) Lastly, I sprayed Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray all over her face. This is an amazing setting spray that will legit help your makeup last throughout the day! Even though we set it with powder and all, I just love to use this spray just in case!

She's absolutely gorgeous!

And that's it! Those are all the products that I've used for Joy's wedding makeup!  It was super easy and simple. She looked absolutely gorgeous! It was such a beautiful wedding and I can't wait to work with more brides! I wish I had more pictures and close up of her, but honestly guys, it was such a long day! I was also attending the wedding, so I had to get ready as well and I also had my friends makeup to do! But, if you guys enjoyed this post, I can definitely break everything down again for my next bride this month! If you guys have any questions, please let me know! I'm also taking bookings for the summer, so if you're looking to get your makeup done in Montreal, contact me! Other than that, I hope you have an amazing week! My reviews are slowly coming, so be on the look out for that! I'm also going to be posting this week about how I started freelancing. I been getting a lot of questions about that, so I decided why not talk about it. It'll be useful for those of you that are starting to freelance or are thinking about it!