Wedding

How to Prepare for a Wedding Makeup Trial

February 4, 2011 By makeupbyjasmen Leave a Comment

Determine a wedding day style. What is your “wedding style”? If you have picked out your dress, veil, colors and/or jewelry, then you’ve already begun to put together a look that reflects your personality. You can even get a girlfriend to snap a pic of you in your dress during your fitting. The more details you give your makeup artist, the better. This will help ensure that your final look represents your overall vision.

Make a photo scrapbook. Begin to look through bridal and fashion magazines or google search images of specific makeup looks (ex. “smoky eye,” “natural”) for ideas. Then tear out pages of specific photos that inspire you to show your makeup artist at your trial.

Consider your personal look. What is your typical makeup routine? Think about the ways you put on your makeup, but be open to suggestions when customizing your wedding day look with a makeup artist. Do you always wear lots of mascara and false lashes? Go for lash extensions or a lash growth serum. Moisturizer and lip gloss and you’re good to go? A natural look is you. Like to experiment with the latest looks and trends? Try something retro like a cat eye and a red lip. Don’t hesitate to test out a new lip color or bronzer if your makeup artist recommends it. Remember, this is a trial run, and makeup washes off, so you can always swap a color out.

Maintain a good skincare routine. Don’t throw caution to the wind and fall asleep with your makeup on. Now is a critical time to be gentle on skin, moisturize and exfoliate so that your skin can remain flawless for your wedding day. If you plan on tanning for your wedding, don’t book a tanning session and makeup application on the same day. It will be hard to match your true complexion and you may not get an accurate picture of the final outcome.

Bring a friend. Having a familiar face with you can take off some of the stress that comes with wedding planning. Plus, close friends know your style and can offer a second opinion about the styles you choose.

Leave it to the professionals. Oftentimes to stay under budget, brides are tempted to get a friend to do their makeup. If you are hiring a talented photographer to capture your special day, think of it as your own photo shoot. Professional makeup artists are trained to keep your look fresh and camera-ready throughout the day. If you are investing in good photography, invest in a talented makeup artist so you will look amazing in your photos!

Remember, this should be a fun time and a chance to pamper yourself. Have an open mind about what your stylist might recommend and take lots of photos and have your makeup artist write down colors, so that you remember what you decided on.

Filed Under: Wedding Tagged With: hair stylist, Makeup, makeup artist, trial, Wedding

5 Pre-Wedding Day Beauty Tips You Need To Know

November 22, 2010 By Shiri 4 Comments

Get a Facial from a Pro! My face was a mess from pre-wedding day stress. My acne usually flairs up when I’m overly anxious, so it was no surprise that my skin was worse for wear in the weeks leading up to my wedding day. I got a deep pore cleansing facial the week before my big day and then one more hydrating and rejuvenating facial the week of. I also had an eye contour treatment add-on to make sure my eyes looked bright. My skin never looked better. Be sure to go to a licensed professional in a clean and trusted environment. Whatever you do, don’t squeeze or pick your skin yourself — it may lead to infection and scarring. If you have a blemish and can’t get to a pro, use an overnight treatment based on salicylic acid – the blemish should be gone by the time you wake up.
Get a natural glow. My complexion is peaches and cream on most days, but I always prefer the way I look with a bit of a tan. Afterall, you are wearing white and we all know white always looks best with a nice golden hue. Now, please don’t get an orange glow – you are not auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. Applying a light selftanner the week of your big day will give you a nice splash of color without turning you into an oompah loompah. Don’t ever go to a tanning salon as the rays are cancer-causing and don’t tan outside even with an SPF because you may end up with tan lines not to mention it’s never safe to be in the sun for extended periods of time. A tan in a bottle is a safe alternative and gives you a nice healthy glow.
Eye Lash Extensions! My hair/make up artist recommended that I get lash extensions. I was apprehensive at first, as I don’t love the idea of something glued to my lashes not to mention the hefty price tag but trusted the advice of my stylist. The lashes were well worth the investment. They survived the tears that I shed before and during the ceremony – never having to fear a streaky tear moment á la Lindsay Lohan! My sister turned to me and gasped “after the wedding you have to tell me what mascara you are wearing…” Bonus — my lashes looked great throughout our beach honeymoon in St. Barths. Having great lashes saves you loads of time in the morning, not to mention, waking up looking just as pretty as when you went to bed!
Get your hair and makeup touched up after the ceremony. It was wonderful having my makeup/hair stylist there after the ceremony to touch up my makeup and change up my hair. I let my hair down after the ceremony, literally, and I was ready to party the night away.
Calm down. It’s your day. Enjoy it. Words that are easier said than done. I didn’t know that my nerves and the emotions of the day would get the better of me but thankfully my sister was there to calm me down with some calming essential oils. She cusped her hands and let me breathe into them. Whatever it is that helps you relax, have a trusted friend or relative be equipped to be the one to help you through the moment. Just breathe and enjoy it. Remember, it’s your day and you have a lovely man waiting for you at the end of that aisle because he wants to spend the rest of his life with you. Everything else will fall into place.

Photo: iStockPhoto|Elle.com

About Shiri Shiri Sarfati is a beauty industry expert. She holds a Masters Degree in Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing and Management from The Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as a Bachelor of from Columbia University, Barnard College. When she’s not blogging, she works with top salon and spas around the world with Repechage, her family business. She has been featured and quoted in The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, and SpaWeek Daily and appeared on FOX and CBS. Follow her on Twitter @SpaHeiress She also blogs on LydiaSarfati.com as well as her own blog spaheiress.blogspot.com.

Filed Under: Wedding Tagged With: care, extensions, eye lash, Hair, Makeup, makeup artist, Skin, Wedding

Which Bridal Hairstyle Do You Like Best? And, Yes, Suave Humidity Defying Hairspray Works

June 25, 2010 By Victoria 5 Comments

Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365, Humidity Defying Hairspray was used to tame flyaways on Amber’s down hairstyle in photo #2. I coated each section of hair, used a 1″ curling iron, let each section cool, then gently fingered out the waves. Without the product from Suave, this 90+ degree heat we’re experiencing in Washington, DC would wreck our beautiful down-hairstyle, shown in photo #2.

But, one question remains, which look better suits her for her upcoming big day. Tell me, which do you prefer? Leave your answer in the comments section of this post and help Amber choose her style!

Products featured in this post may have been received complimentary for review from a public relations professional. Please view our DISCLOSURE page for more information.
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About The Author

Victoria Stiles is a make-up artist from Washington, DC working in New York and worldwide for commercial print, editorial fashion, red carpet events and weddings. Victoria’s client roster includes celebrities Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks, Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarin, and publications Glamour, O Magazine, Vogue, Surface, Virginia Living, and Washingtonian. Stiles’ expertise in make-up is frequently called upon by local and National publications. Recent articles in Washingtonian, Real Simple, Women’s Health, American Baby, and Northern Virginia Magazine showcases and quotes her knowledge in make-up and labels her as an industry leader.

In addition to artistry, Stiles is a presenter for The Powder Group-- an organization uniting makeup artists worldwide with relevant industry information and career guidance. She has presented seminars nationally at The Artist Summit and The Makeup Shows.

Follow her on Twitter @victoriastiles and add her on other social media networks here.
www.VictoriaStiles.com

Filed Under: Hair, Wedding Tagged With: bridal hair, hairspray, humidity, makeup artist, suave, updo, victoria stiles, Wedding

My Wedding In A Week Washington DC

January 12, 2010 By Victoria Leave a Comment

WeddingWire has teamed up with MIX 107.3 FM and the Washington Bridal Showcase to give one lucky couple from the Washington, DC Metro area a dream wedding BUT they only have one week to plan!

Beginning January 4th, we encourage local couples to enter to win a $50,000 wedding. With the help of our team of wedding professionals, including hair and makeup services by Victoria Stiles Makeup, you will get it all, from the dress to the reception and everything in between. Give us a week and we will give you a wedding!

CONTEST DETAILS
Jan 4 to Jan 21:	Registration Period
January 22:	Top 5 finalists selected
January 22 to 28:	Voting Period
January 29:	Winning Couple Announced
Feb 1 to 5:	Wedding Week
February 5:	Wedding Day!

Please visit Mix 107.3 for more details on how to enter! Good Luck!

Filed Under: Events, Wedding Tagged With: contest, giveaway, mix 107.3, wedding event, wedding in a week, wedding wire

Style Me Pretty: Winter Wedding Inspirations

January 7, 2010 By Victoria 1 Comment

Style Me Pretty has published 3 shoots I styled the Hair and Makeup for! The professional wedding team from Washington D.C. included: Genevieve Leiper Photography; Flowers – Holly Heider Chapple Flowers; Gown- Hitched Bridal Salon; Model – Leigh Ann from Hitched Bridal Salon; Paper – Christina M. Barbour, Paperzest; Linens, China, glass – Design Cuisine; Cake – Kendall from Kendall’s Cakes; Venue- The Stone Manor Country Club

Winter Wedding Inspiration Cello

The hair was styled to be “sweet” and almost ballerina like. The hair was pulled tight on top of the head and filler hair was used to create the full bun. A white ribbon tied in a bow finished the look.

For the makeup, I added a touch of pink color to the eyes, lips, and cheeks while still keeping the soft bridal look.

Winter Wedding Inspiration Woodlands

The hair was styled to perfection in this series. This up-do takes on a non-traditional look by sweeping the hair and designing the hair to one side. This look, although finished, is not pulled tight as the top is left loose with volume.

The makeup takes on a more dramatic role– but still bridal soft. Emphasis around the eyes was achieved by rimming the eyes with a black kohl liner and adding lots of mascara. The lips were softened with a nude gloss shade.

Winter Wedding Inspiration Pheasant

This hair and makeup look is completely soft and bridal clean. The hair was styled with a 1″ curling iron through out and the curls were separated and styled by hand. A soft finishing spray completed the look.

The makeup is minimal as just a touch of foundation, a little top eyeliner, one coat of mascara, cream flushed blush, and a natural lip shade were used to design this look.

For more information on my bridal services, please check out my website: www.VictoriaStiles.com

Filed Under: My Work, Wedding Tagged With: cakes by kendall, design cuisine, genevieve leiper, Hair, hitched salon, holly chapple, Makeup, paperzet, style me pretty, the stone manor country club, victoria stiles, wedding inspriation, winter

Wedding Makeup: All Aboard Smoky Eyes

November 18, 2009 By Victoria 1 Comment

Sultry, smoky eyes are my signature look. Since a teenager, I’ve been intrigued with enhancing eyes. Maybe because its the first thing guys look at– trust me ladies, it’s the truth!

For a recent shoot with one of Washingtonian’s top pics for wedding photography, Genevieve Leiper and I collaborated aboard a sailboat in Annapolis, Maryland with one very lucky bride. The scene was dramatic which called for drama-makeup and hair.

Makeup: I perfected her skin with Face Atelier Ultra Foundation and smoked out her eyes with MAKE UP FOR EVER’S Flash Colour Palette. A soft lip in Conquest Lip Tar by OCC finished the look.

Hair: The hair had to be a bit dramatic as well but not to over-power the entire look. I teased the hair at the root all over and gently pulled it back into a low chignon. I wanted the hair to be loose yet secure, so I gently picked through the crown of the ‘do with a rat tail comb.

Here are some of the images from the day!

Special thanks to Holly Heider Chapple for the gorgeous bouquets and hair pieces!

Filed Under: Hair, Makeup, My Work, Wedding Tagged With: celebrity weddings, genevieve leiper, hair stylist, holly heider chapple, makeup artist, makeup forever, occ lip tar, smoky eyes, victoria stiles, wedding makeup

Winner: 2009 Bride's Choice Award!

February 11, 2009 By Victoria 1 Comment

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that my business, Victoria Stiles Makeup, has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means that my business is one of the very best for wedding makeup in Washington, DC!

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s CEO said, “We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community. This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

I would like to take a moment to thank my past brides for speaking on my behalf and helping me win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

Filed Under: Wedding Tagged With: bridal makeup, bride's choice award, makeup artist, victoria stiles, victoria stiles makeup, wedding makeup, wedding wire

Wedding Aces: Expert Advice from Wedding Professionals

February 11, 2009 By Victoria Leave a Comment

I am pleased to announce that WeddingAces.com, a blog in association with WeddingWire.com, has named me as one of their WeddingAces! As a WeddingAce, I will be sharing information on the WeddingAces Blog about wedding beauty along with my experience in the wedding planning process. As a wedding professional, I understand the ins and outs of wedding planning. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge of weddings so I may assist engaged couples during this process!