If there’s one thing for certain I love about Instagram, it’s all of the friendships and the network I have cultivated over the years. I mentioned on stories how I’ve been feeling so grateful for the amount of support I’ve received around planning our wedding. When I’ve asked questions on stories, you guys always deliver… so thank you! This community is just so kind and helpful. It really blows me away!
I also am lucky to be Insta-friends with people like Ashley Rebecca, a (super talented) makeup artist based in New York, who happily answered a handful of questions I sent along to her this weekend. She has actually done makeup on sets with my wedding photographer who is moving to SF from NYC this month! Ashley’s responses were incredibly thoughtful and thorough (links and all)–– thank you again, Ashley, for your time and expert advice! Here’s what I collected in prep for doing my own hair and makeup…
Q
What are some of the standout makeup essentials you swear by in your beauty kit?
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Primer. This primer has a tiny bit of highlight in it, but I prep every model’s skin with it, and it photographs beautifully. I love the texture and how the golden yellow color helps neutralize pink and red.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I use this on all my brides (I have every shade of it) and have seen it hold up under any circumstance. It blends beautifully on the skin and looks and feels really natural, which is the most important.
Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. I’ve been using this setting spray for years and it’s the only one I trust, it really holds up under heat, too.
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder Palette. This palette is a beautiful trio of shades that can be used as all over face powder, highlight, sculpting powder, and they are so light and airy. They don’t come off incredibly shimmery, yet won’t make your skin look matte and flat. You can use each color for different things, or swirl your brush through all three and apply all over your face as a setting powder.
Cle de Peau Cream Blush #3 (Persimmon). This is one of the best cream blush formulas out there because it gives the consistency of cream which makes skin look healthy, but dries matte so it lasts and doesn’t slip off the skin. #3 is what I recommend for you, they also make some pink colors but 3 is a beautiful coral peach that would look great!
I also recommend Cle de Peau concealer in beige or almond and their eyeshadow cream base in 302. The eyeshadow base dries down matte and lasts.
Q
What mascara would you recommend? Do you use waterproof mascara on brides?
Right now I am completely obsessed with Grande Lash Drama mascara with Castor Oil, it’s a random brand but I’ve used their serums before and I’ve been using this mascara and LOVE it. I recommend doing a non-waterproof mascara for the wedding, and never use waterproof on my brides because it’s much easier to clean up if it smudges versus waterproof that can stick to skin.
Q
What glue-on lashes do you recommend?
I always use Ardell for eyelashes. I rarely use strips, only individuals as they look much more natural. But here are suggestions for both, and be sure to use black glue: Ardell Faux Mink Individuals, Ardell Lash Wispies, Duo Lash Adhesive in Dark.
Q
Is there a good bronzer you love? My skin has a bit of a pink undertone, so I stay away from anything pink/red-toned. I go with more earthy neutrals/browns/peaches.
I definitely recommend the Cle de Peau bronzer in shade #1 Tan. It’s peachy for fair skin that has pink and red undertones. One of my favorite bronzers.
Q
Okay, hair talk! Starting to look for a great hairspray (I never wear it)… what’s your favorite product?
I love Oribe dry texturizing spray, I use that in my hair kit for work and on myself, it’s really good for volume. I also swear by L’Oreal Ellnet hairspray (it smells but it’s worth it. You can brush through it over and over and it doesn’t leave a crunch in your hair).
Q
Lastly, are there any particular natural makeup tutorials around the web you’ve tried and loved?
My favorite makeup artist that has a youtube channel is Lisa Eldridge. She is so good at natural makeup and I definitely think up your alley as far as aesthetic.
Follow Ashley here for weekly doses of beauty inspiration!
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I’m also Insta-friends with Ashley and she is just the best!! She is so wonderfully generous with her time and expertise. Congratulations on your wedding!
Aw, she really is so kind! So excited to practice and try all these out. 🙂 Hope you have a nice day, thanks for stopping by!
I’m obsessed with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders! The palette was probably the only powder makeup I’ve ever completely used up. I just went to their flagship store in Venice where you can custom make your own palette with any of their powder shades. I feel like they would let people make their over the phone and have them ship it to you as long as you would know what shades you want… Also love their bronzer in “Nude Bronze Light” … its a good neutral color that has such a pretty finish! Also for the rare occasion that I feel the need to use it, I love the davines medium hold hairspray (that one doesn’t stink😂)
You are so sweet, thank you for these recommendations! I am so excited to try this hourglass ambient lighting powder and the bronzer. I have Sephora plans this weekend 🙂 Thanks, Liz!
Love this post! Wish I had these products for my wedding day a few years ago.
I highly highly highly recommend if you wind up using the Urban Decay setting spray on your wedding day, spray your face generously every time you add a new layer of product. Foundation then spray- let dry, concealer then spray- let dry, bronzer then spray- let dry etc etc. I do this every day for a long list of reasons I won’t bore you with, but it has completely done the trick with getting my make up to stay put ALL DAY! It doesn’t feel heavy, sticky, gunky at all. just let it completely dry between layers and I promise your gorgeous make up will stay put your entire wedding day!
Hi Kellie!
Thank you so much for the tip, that is incredibly helpful! I am going to start doing some trials, so great timing. I really appreciate it! xx
Hi! Loved your wedding Makeup. Which lipstick did you end up going with?