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Modern Bridesmaid Makeup

Modern bridesmaid makeup: When it comes to bridal makeup, almost every beauty story is about the bride. But what about bridesmaids? I have many twitter followers to tweet me questions about what is the best makeup to wear as a bridesmaid? So I called Guerlain’s international makeup artist, Maxime Poulin, for some pro advice. Maxime worked under the direction of Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director of Makeup for Guerlain in Paris. He’s worked with clients across Europe and now Canada.

guerlain international makeup artist maxime poulin

Guerlain international makeup artist, Maxime Poulin

 

Dave: To start, how has modern bridal makeup evolved over the past few years?

Maxime: Bridal makeup has definitely evolved in recent years because the trend is a lot more sophisticated when it comes to makeup application: Instagram and the super-contoured celebrities are influencing women’s choices so while before the bridal look was always about soft pale shades and translucency, today’s bride are a lot more bold and glamorous.

 

D.L.:The bride always seems to get all the beauty attention, but what about the bridesmaid?
M.P.: Of course the bride should be the center of attention: I think a good idea is to create her look first, and then create a declination of the look for the bridesmaid that will complement the bride’s look.

 

bridesmaid fashionsD.L.: How do you approach makeup when you are asked to be a bridesmaid?

M.P.: I think it is really important to respect the theme of the wedding: is it old Hollywood glam? Is it bohemian? Is it super modern? The makeup look you wear should match the fashion accordingly, obviously adapting it to your features. The way I look at bridesmaid is very much how I would look at a runway lineup: it’s about respecting the collection, the individuality of each, but at the same time to have a great coherence and impact as a group. Imagine if one is with bold eyeliner, one heavy smoky, one in the nudes, one with fuchsia lips: it all created a cacophony and distracts from the focus: the bride.

 

D.L.: What looks modern and fresh to you for bridesmaid? What colours do you like?
M.P.: The colors really will depend on the theme of the wedding but for me a must is to have a super glowing perfect skin that makes you look younger and fresher and virginal! The Guerlain Meteorites products are an absolute must for radiance!

 

bridesmaid dress

 

D.L.: Do you match the makeup to the bridesmaid dress?

M.P.: It is important to consider the style of the dress, the cut, the texture and of course the color: you wouldn’t do the same look on a sequined red heart-shaped dress as you would with a sunflower dress!

 

D.L.: Should bridesmaid makeup always look more subdued than the bride’s?

M.P.: I wouldn’t say subdued, but obviously you don’t want to steal the show! If the bride is wearing an angelic glowing makeup and all bridesmaids were heavy Smoky eye it won’t look right in the pictures! It’s all about details. The bride may have a brighter lipstick or darker eyes.

bridesmaid dress

D.L.: What about those with darker skin tones?

M.P.: Every look is adaptable to every woman when you are in the hand of a good makeup artist!

 

D.L.: What are your 3 favorite bridesmaid colours and products?
M.P.: Illuminating and correcting primer and powder like Meteorites Pearls is a must for perfect glowing skin. To shape and structure the face shape without any harsh lines I like to use Terracotta 4 Seasons: it’s my go to for red carpet sculpting effect. And to make sure lips stay put and won’t smear or smudge I use KissKiss Liplift on and around the lips as a perfect primer to prevent you from having to reapply all the time!

guerlain meteorites pearls

Guerlain Meteorites Pearls

guerlain terracotta 4 seasons

Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons

Guerlain LipLift

Guerlain KissKiss LipLift

 

D.L.: Should you make sure mascara is waterproof in case there are tears during the ceremony?

M.P.: Your mascara, pencils and eyeliners should all be water resistant of course! And also make sure to bring your compact powder to touch up your skin if it is a very humid day and your lipstick! The Guerlain Rouge G lipstick and the Meteorites Refillable compact powder are just SO GLAM for touch ups!

 

D.L.: How to you quickly update the makeup for the reception and party that evening?

M.P.: You can line the inner rim of the eye to instantly amp up your look or have all bridesmaids go from a nude lip to a classic red: it’s easy and efficient.

bridesmaid dress

Guerlain is available in Canada at select Hudson’s Bay stores and thebay.com

7 Comments

  • Reply
    Wendy Lam-Vechi
    April 10, 2023 at 6:56 pm

    It’s nice to see a bit more character in weddings now and not just the same theme. I love seeing a bit more colour, boldness and not just the simple white dress and natural colours.

  • Reply
    Emily Mitton
    September 12, 2017 at 5:28 pm

    Oh I love this!! Gorgeous tips and looks!

  • Reply
    Gonny Aarts
    September 11, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    So so pretty. Natural!
    That LipLift sounds just wonderful

  • Reply
    Jennifer Corrigan
    September 11, 2017 at 9:59 am

    OH Dave thanks for sharing!! what a fabulous interview!! All guerlain products are stunning!! @jenni40

  • Reply
    Adele Wright
    August 3, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    In heaven with these looks !@AdeleAWright

  • Reply
    Dhara Patel
    August 3, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    This article is awesome so much to know especially the details you have covered mind blowing!!! I am planning my wedding next year and I will keep this in mind… Can you do a article about East Indian glam and wedding please and thank you

  • Reply
    denise
    August 3, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    great tips

    @momof3boysj

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