During the next weeks, we’ll have a look at bridal makeup in different countries. I recently talked all-things bridal with Irene Fast, a German makeup artist I got to know well during her time as a store manager of Frankfurt’s MAC store. This is the first installment in a series, in this one we’ll have a closer look at bridal makeup trends in Western Europe.
She has about eight years of artistic experience under her belt, and started her own freelance business in January 2017. Since then, she has done a lot of commercial and bridal work, while still working in the store three days a week. Since I’ve met her years ago I’ve always been in awe of her classy makeup looks, and her vast knowledge.
I had a set of questions and some rather set opinions of bridal makeup, based on my own experiences, and watching a lot of My Fair Wedding and Say Yes To The Dress. And of course, my first question was how a typical bridal makeup looks like – and if there’s such a thing as typical when it comes to bridal? Turns out there is.
The typical bridal makeup
Natural is the keyword here. Basically, makeup is conservative and restrained. “The typical German woman wants her makeup done in earthy colours.” Irene says. “Eyeshadow is grey and brown. Blue or purple? The horror! While a slight shimmer is acceptable in eyeshadows, skin is a soft matte, or softly highlighted for a little healthy glow.”
Irene tells me that skin is an important issue. “Fresh skin, and consequently, a light foundation formula, is a must for nearly all brides. Nobody likes a lot of powder that turns cakey! They go for an even coverage that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, like MAC’s Face & Body Foundation.”
That brings us to one of the big trends she noticed last year. “The whole romantic, undone look! Especially when you look at hairstyles, you see that the half-up half-down style, the romantic vintage look is really on trend. It works really well with this kind of natural, classic makeup that also looks great and timeless in your wedding pictures.”
Irene laughs. She actually likes doing natural looks. “You know, it’s not that easy! It’s a lot of know-how to make up someone and make it look like it’s completely not there. It’s a look that’s never mask-like. The art of it is to tailor it to each person and their unique look, skin type and colouring.”
Sometimes, though, less is not more. “It’s also my job as a makeup-artist to explain how makeup works on pictures. You’ve to explain that you’ve actually have to apply a bit more to make it look natural in pictures, because the camera flashlight and artificial light in venues takes off a lot of colour and make you look pale anyway.”
Social Media influences, and then some
I too did a rather classic, subdued look for my townhall wedding, but that was rather due to the Chanel-esque tweed jacket I wore that was a mix of oranges, pinks and reds. (A colour-scheme I picked up in my lip – the great, coral YSL Glossy Stain in No. 12 Corail Fauve. Otherwise, it was an earthy smokey eye and a rosy blush. Safe and neutral, tbh.) When I tell her that, Irene agrees that a lot comes down to wanting a somewhat classic look that won’t look dated in pictures.
I wonder, though. I actually thought, in this day and age, Social Media would influence brides-to-be a lot. And yes, while Irene tells me that brides usually come armed with pictures from Instagram and Pinterest, that doesn’t result in the typical ‘Instagram-Makeup’ you’ve seen on social media numerous times. How come? Irene doesn’t think it’s an age issue (she tells me that ‘instagram-makeup’ is much more in demand from girls under 20 who come into the store to get a instagram makeover).
She thinks, though, that in Germany, there’s not as much pressure to look perfect as in other countries. “Germans are more discrete, and at the same time, feeling good is a priority. You can see that as well in how little beauty procedures are done before a wedding – while it’s getting socially acceptable in other countries to have a little nip-and-tuck before a wedding, that’s not the case in Germany. I love that.”
Makeup conceptions and requirements
I think back on my wedding, and the practicalities I wanted to make sure of when I did my makeup. Longevity was such a big deal for me, waterproof mascara, makeup set into place, a liptint that wouldn’t fade into oblivion. I ask Irene about the number one wish that brides have when it comes to makeup, sure that at last my suspicions would be confirmed. But nope.
Irene’s answer makes me do a double-take. Because it’s wrinkles. Wrinkles?!?! “A lot of women want their skin to look as flawless as possible, and that means any fine lines have to go. You know how self-critical women can be! A lot of them have seen YouTube videos in which someone applies a lot of layers of concealer, and bam! No more fine lines around your eyes. They don’t realize that this is partly due to the studio lighting, and that this doesn’t work in real life. Speaking of concealer, the other thing they always wish for is to minimise dark circles.”
I also want to pick Irene’s brain a bit more, because of the one thing every makeup addict always want from a makeup artist – the best makeup hacks!
Makeup hacks to establish in your daily life
We have established that a typical bridal look has natural, great looking skin, a very minimal eye and lip – that sounds like something I’d like to wear on days when I need to look polished fast. Any recommendations for techniques she uses on brides but are also great for daily life?
“I really love a bit of sculpting”, Irene tells me. “It looks beautiful done with a bit of bronzing powder, and it’s a look that you can easily wear to work and it won’t look over the top. It’s also super quick. Same with concealer – pick a shade a bit lighter than your skintone to highlight! Much easier than picking up an illuminator, bake etc. That’s very wearable for a daylight look. ”
And with that, our time is up. Thank you so very much, Irene, for talking to me!
Find Irene on her blog and on her Instagram!
And now I’d like to know how your wedding-makeup looked like? Let me know! (And stay tuned for the next instalment of our little series that’ll likely go up next week!)
