Wedding Wednesday: Best Bridal Foundations

Last week we talked about primers and how important it is to find the one that works best for your skin type to ensure the longevity of your makeup.  Today we are speaking all about foundations, which is the second most important part of your bridal beauty routine. I have one drugstore and one high end foundation that I put to the test this weekend that will surely make you look beautiful all through your wedding.

Before we get to the foundations the number one rule to remember when picking out your bridal foundation is  NO SPF.  The chemical that they use in foundations that contains the SPF will give off a white cast when pictures are taken with flash and that's something even the best photographer can't edit out.

D R U G S T O R E

Revlon Color Stay Whipped Creme Makeup ($14.99)
     You don't have to shell out sixty bucks on a foundation or sacrifice for a sub par foundation that will diminish throughout the day or require multiple touchups.  This foundation is the best of both worlds.  I wore it for about 10 hours and it still looked perfect by the end of the night.  When you first open the foundation your expectation is that it will be thick and heavy, but rather it is a whipped texture almost bouncy to the touch.  I recommend using your fingers to blend it in or to dot around the face and then blend in with a damp makeup sponge.  With just one even layer it provides medium coverage, so it is easily buildable if you are looking for full coverage.  It sets quickly and with a satin matte finish.  My combo skin didn't even require powder! Though oiler skin types might want to set the T-Zone with powder just for safety.

H I G H   E N D

Georgio Armani 'Luminous Silk' Foundation ($62)
     I had done a lot of research about bridal foundation and foundations in general before this post and I knew for certain this was the high end foundation that was going to be the winner.  Walking into Nordstrom was a long sad walk of agony.  With every step I could feel the weight of the impending purchase and the effect it would make on my diminishing bank account.  Once the worst part was over, I rushed home to try it out.

IT WAS MAGIC.

I thought it was a joke at first, like this was too good to be true.  The makeup was light and liquidy, almost undetectable to the eye when on the skin.  With one light layer it evened out my entire skin tone and set with the most beautiful satin matte finish.  With this foundation I recommend either using your fingers or a traditional foundation brush.  To blend seamlessly use a damp makeup sponge as well.  Like the drugstore foundation it looked as beautiful at the end of the night as it did the moment I put it on.  Now, girls with oily skin might be wary to this foundation when they see the words "luminous" and "liquidy," but this foundation is suitable for all skin types and sets to oily skin beautifully.

Both are worth a look at, but if you are willing to pay the big bucks you will not be disappointed and will definitely be getting your money's worth.

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Emmy's 2014: Best and Worst

It was TV's biggest night last night and my favorite award show of them all...the Emmy's.  Although I love the grandeur of the Oscar's my heart will always be with TV so the Emmy's are my Oscars. Lots of great fashion walked the carpet last night, with a popularity of reds and whites.  In no particular order, here are my best and worst picks.

B E S T

Sofia Vergara stunned in her favorite mermaid silhouette designed by Roberto Cavalli.  White is a very unforgiving color but when you look like Sofia there is nothing to hide. 

Camila Alves, 1/2 of Hollywood's most fashionable couple, never disappoints.  This white and nude stunner by Zuhair Murad look flawless against Alves' dark hair and tan skin.

Supermodel Heidi Klum wowed in a sleek Zac Posen gown. The simple cut let the attention be all about the color.  The flowing cape in back provided a stunning exit look.

America's funny lady Julia Louis-Dreyfus always seems to look great every award season.  It may be due to her inability to age (she is 53!).  Her raspberry custom Carolina Herrera gown flattered every curve.

If someone is to wear a mini to the Emmy's it is Julia Roberts, just look at those gams! The navy color  of her Elie Saab Couture looks great against her blonde hair and the texture and structure is incredibly chic. 

Sarah Hyland decided to play with both color trends and succeeded in the best way possible. I'm not usually one for crops but the subtle midsection still looks classy while being young and fresh for a 23 year old.  The top was perfectly structured and the skirt was perfectly full, everything one could want in an Emmy look.

W O R S T

Oh Lena, Lena, Lena, why do you do this to me?  I was definitely not surprised to see another red carpet flop by Dunham.  The top and skirt combo by Giambattista Valli was so wrong in so many ways and probably one of Lena's worst looks yet. The top especially was her downfall.  It was too big for her, wrinkled, and sloppily tucked into her skirt.

Christina Hendricks was an unexpected pick for worst dressed.  Her bombshell curves usually lend themselves to beautiful mermaid gowns.  Unfortunately this Marchesa gown was a little too big and the amount of ruching in the center made her look bigger than she actually is.

Most commonly remembered from her role in That's 70's Show, Laura Prepon, could easily mistaken since she has ditched her red locks for stark black ones for her role in Orange is the New Black.  Her dress by Gustavo Cadile was too much allover from the zig-zag "peplum," the train, and awkward collar shoulder thing. 

If someone were to show me this picture and tell me Katherine Heigl was 35 I'd call their bluff immediately.  This vintage John Hayles gown ages her about 20 years.  Even worse is the color, the yellow based cream is too similar to her hair and skin making her look like a big yellow blob.

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Wedding Wednesday: Principle of Primer

No matter what time your wedding is at you will surely have your makeup on for at least 10 hours.  In those 10 hours you will be under the sun taking pictures, maybe on a stage of a banquet hall, and definitely on the dance floor.  Your makeup needs to look just as fresh and flawless as it was the moment you saw yourself unveiled by the makeup artist. While you can leave much of the makeup up to your makeup artist, if you have one, but a primer is something you should test out in the months prior. To help the selection be a little easier I've put together 4 primers perfect for every skin type. 

D R Y 

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Hydrating Primer ($42)

     Many dry skinned damsels flee at the sight of primers because they are usually linked to mattifying the skin of oil which will only accentuate the dry patches on their faces.  But no need to  be in distress any longer, this primer by Smashbox is formulated to hydrate the skin.  It will smooth over the dry patches and help makeup lay on top evenly. 

O I L Y

HOURGLASS Veil Mineral Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($18 - $72)

    The Hourlgass primer is a tried and true product by all oily gals.  It's most reigning achievement is how incredibly light weight it feels on the skin unlike most mattifying primers.  Many reviewers post of 12-16 hours of wear for their makeup! 

BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector™ ($36)

     This formula minimizes pores like a dream.  Like the Hourglass it boasts of 12 hour wear.  It also is incredibly fast absorbing, which leaves your skin feeling fresh rather than stuck with another layer of makeup. 

C O M B O 

TOO FACED Primed and Poreless Face Primer ($30)

     If you struggle with dryness on your cheeks and oil in the t-zone then come over and join the combo club.  I personally love this Too Faced primer.  It has a flesh tone color which aids in evening out the skin and leaves your face looking poreless.  My favorite feature is how it is oddly hydrating yet mattifying in all the right places. 

Hopefully this list helps in your search for the perfect primer. My biggest tip when testing out primers is to ask for samples.  They can usually last you about 1-2 weeks of use and perfect time to test it out for all days and occasions. 

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Wedding Wednesday: All About Skin

Your bridal look is a very important aspect of the wedding process, but like I've said many times before, no makeup look will look its best when the skin underneath is not at its best.  And on your wedding day the best is all you want! So before we jump into any beauty products and looks in the upcoming weeks we first have to talk about bridal skin care.  Today I will be sharing with you three categories of products every bride needs to add to their routine in the upcoming months to her wedding to guarantee skin that is clear, smooth, and glowing.

M A S K S 

A mask is a great way to intensely target your skin's problems.  I recommend using a mask once of twice a month depending on your skin's needs. GlamGlow masks are the queen of all masks.  If you want to revolutionize your face, these are the only way to go. 

GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment ($69)

     Skin Type: Dry, Dull

     This mask is a great one to use the day before your wedding to really hydrate and plump up the skin.  The extra hydration will help your makeup go on more smoothly and you will surely have that bridal glow. 

GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment ($19 - $69)

     Skin Type: All

     This is the mask that made GlamGlow famous.  It is the perfect exfoliating mask that will leave                  your face incredibly smooth and glowing. 

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment ($69)

     Skin Type: Acne-Prone

     This mask will deeply cleanse the skin of all the impurities trapped in every pore.  I suggest to use the hydrating mask the next day to help revive your skin from the extreme clean. (Note: If you have problematic skin, head to the dermatologist ASAP, they will be able to help you the most by finding a routine that will clear up your skin before your big day.)

S E R U M

Serums are something I recommend to everyone regardless if they are getting married.  A serum is a great way to regularly nourish your skin and prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and help the overall wellness of your skin. 

Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil Light ($16 - $96)

   I love Argan oil.  It has so many different uses from skin care to hair care and more.  The light version is the one I recommend the most because it will be suitable for both dry and oily skin types. 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II ($62 - $92)

    This is a classic serum.  It is great for all skin types and ages.  Your grandmother, mother, and aunt probably use it, so you should too. 

E Y E  C R E A M 

On your wedding day your eyes will most likely be the feature you choose to highlight with your makeup.  You don't want to have dry skin around your eyes or little lines that trap concealer, so implementing an eye cream into your routine will help prevent these problems.

KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle Eye Cream ($45)

     Putting creams around your eyes on a regular basis can cause some people to worry but this all natural cream is super safe for your sensitive peepers.  This cream has lots of antioxidants which help the puffiness, darkness, and lack of elasticity in your eyes. 

ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream ($140)

     This eye cream is super hydrating and increases the cell renewal.  It has great intensity, perfect for mature skin or very problematic under eyes. 

Whether you implement all three of these or just one you're sure to improve your skin by your wedding day and have beautiful radiant skin. 

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Wedding Wednesday: Hair and Makeup Inspiration

Whether you are doing your makeup your self or hiring a professional, everyone needs to start from some sort of inspiration.  Your dress and decor may go out of style but your bridal look should not.  The key to anything bridal is to capture your natural beauty and personality. This is not the time to try out that purple liner or chic tangerine lip.

Glam Wedding

Glitzy hair pieces and old hollywood waves are the perfect glamorous bridal look. They are the perfect styles that won't date your pictures. 

Winged liner and a bold lip scream glam! Make sure you test out winged liner throughout the months before your wedding to figure out what thickness and shape most flatters your eye shape. 

Romantic Wedding

A curly side chignon and type knot are incredibly romantic.  

The chignon is one of the most popular wedding hairstyles because of how effortless it looks.  The key to pulling off the topknot is to make it a bit messy like the bride above.  The more clean and pulled back it is, it will fall more on the glam (Kim K) side of things.

Romantic inspired makeup is all about soft blended looks.  

Neutral eyes and rosy cheeks will always win over your groom and your guests.

Bohemian Wedding

Two rules:

1. The messier the better

2. Flower crown, always

Bohemian makeup tends to sway to the two extremes of makeup.  

The first would be a very messy smokey look of neutral colors. The second would be almost no makeup at all, emphasize your features with a light lining of the lash line with eyeshadow and a neutral lip.

There are so many options to choose from and it can be quite overwhelming! But the most important rule to live by is to find a style that will reflect your personality.  Choose a style that you will be happy to look on 20 years from now.

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Wedding Wednesday

So two months a really cool thing happened. 

I got engaged to my very best friend!

Immediately after my head started spinning with a mixture of excitement that I get to be with him forever, color schemes of bridesmaids' dresses and flowers, and how that Pinterest board will finally be put to use. With so many ideas out there from the internet and of course my mother, grandmother, aunts, and every person I pass by on the street, the task of actually planning a wedding becomes very overwhelming very quickly.  To make things even more hasty we decided to get married at the end of December...of this year, conveniently after I will have spent 3 months in Europe studying abroad this fall.  If you are reading this and thinking I'm crazy, I'm already fully aware of that fact. But hey, doesn't love make you do crazy things? (Bad joke, I know.) 

As I race off to the altar and begin planning my life with that hunk up there, I decided to take you along for the journey, the beauty journey that is. Whether you're a bride, bridesmaid, or just a guest each Wednesday I'll be testing out different products, looks, and sharing helpful tips, tricks, and tutorials to make sure you look naturally stunning for that exciting day. 

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Rompin' Round

Rompers are my favorite pieces to wear in the summer.  They are no fuss outfits perfect for those lazy summer days. Pair them with the right shoes and accessories and they can easily go from the beach to a night out.  When shopping for rompers if you want simple cuts get it in a graphic and when looking for simple color look for interesting cuts.  This will keep the outfit looking exciting and you can wear that romper with confidence. 

Check out my favorite romper and shoe combos closer and shop the looks here!