Picture perfect or vampire-looking bride?

Tricia Wanjala

He popped the question and you said yes. In a flurry of excitement, you have been planning, preparing and pondering over your dream wedding. You find yourself obsessing about it and as the day draws nearer, tiny details crop up even in your sleep.

For the umpteenth time, you go over your mental to-do list: Caterer: check. Flowers: check. Photographer: check. Videographer: check. Dress: check. Cake: check. Wait a minute! What about your makeup?

"I have always been good with makeup so I figured I would just do it myself on my wedding," says one bride.

"I have never been a makeup girl and besides, we didn’t have the extra money," says another.

"I am a natural girl. I do not like looking made-up at all," opines a third bride, who totally omitted wearing makeup on her day.

Such is one extreme when it comes to bridal makeup. The other is the horrific Jezebel-brides who ordinarily never wear eyeliner or lipstick, but get makeup shovelled on in spade-fulls by over-zealous charlatans on the big day.

So how can you find a balance? Where can you get expertly applied makeup to suit your own unique personality and look? What about skin care prior to your wedding?

Budget

Eve Bridal spoke to experts in the makeup industry and found the answers to these and more questions.

The overall consensus among industry professionals is that each bride should budget for quality makeup services well in advance.

Joseph Njau, a cosmetologist at Serene Spa in Hurlingham, advises prospective brides to begin a serious skin care regimen up to six months to the wedding day.

"I recommend getting a facial every month before the wedding in order to achieve an even skin tone, to minimise pores, to brighten the skin, control break-outs and give the bride a nice glow," Njau says.

He normally advises brides to do the final facial no less than four days prior to the wedding for optimum results.

Regardless of one’s skin type, he recommends purchase of maintenance products at home in between facials and cleansing, toning and moisturising the face twice daily. A night cream is recommended to rejuvenate dead skin cells. For those over 30 years, an eye cream helps minimise dark circles, bags and wrinkles.

It is also advisable to hire a professional aesthetician to do the makeup on the big day.

Makeup artist Muthoni Njoba of SuzieBeauty says: "Some brides may feel that professional makeup is expensive, so they go with the cheaper option of a non-professional who charges little for the services. The problem is, more often than not, you get what you pay for."

Muthoni further explains: "When someone comes with no makeup brushes and only two or three foundations to use on everybody, it is easy to see the type of services you will get. A professional will have a large kit containing a comprehensive variety of makeup for all skin tones and types, as well as several brushes and individualised tools for hygiene purposes."

She states that professionals always have clean brushes and avoid re-using applicators on different clients for sensitive areas such as eyes and lips.

"This is for purposes of sanitation and to avoid break-outs, allergies and the spread of infections among clients," Muthoni urges.

Personality

Her counterpart, Suzie Wokabi, explains that a professional will be well versed in the language of make up and will take into consideration the personality of the bride, carefully bringing out her essence without drowning her in overly dramatic make up. This delicate balance can be achieved only when the artist is experienced enough in the craft.

"Paradoxically, it takes time and careful application of a full face of makeup to achieve a flawless, simple and natural look," says Suzie.

Even when a bride is blessed with naturally clear and radiant skin, the professionals advise that makeup accentuates one’s best features. It also counteract the glare from cameras as well as reducing the appearance of too much shine in the photographs.

In addition, taking into account that most brides rarely get enough sleep the night before, professional application of makeup will prevent them from looking washed out and tired.

Gladys Githegi, a veteran aesthetician and makeup guru, advises brides to book well in advance for makeup services. She also recommends they meet with their makeup artist several months in advance so as to get skin care advice and recommendations on products.

Most professional makeup artists will require a deposit to confirm the booking and to avoid the hassle of cancellations. Gladys explains that when she quotes her fee, she is including her time, her talent, her superior products and expertise as well as her travel expenses.

After that she can proceed to create a spectacular and quintessential look that will last until the next morning.

Finally, if you are sourcing for a makeup artist, make sure you ask to see their portfolio. Ensure they have a wide range of good quality products and hygienic, individualised tools.

If they claim to be skilled aestheticians, make sure they understand high-end techniques such as priming, contouring, airbrushing and lash extension application.

As Suzie Pieia of SP Makeup-Rome says: "You pay big money for the photographer and for everything else. Your day can never be repeated. Your look has to be absolutely picture-perfect. It is well worth investing in a skilled professional."