Modern Indian Bridal Makeup Tips from Khush Singh

Indian Bridal Makeup Tips & Advice

A wedding day is an auspicious and important day in the life of every bride and it is natural for each one to want to look their fabulous best, yet retain some of their inherent everyday charm.

Use a professional makeup artist if possible. Have a pre-wedding consultation so your makeup artist already knows what you want.

Working with The Indian Bridal Makeup Artist (Hopefully Khush ;) can save you quite a bit of time but make sure you collect pictures from magazines to show the makeup artist so he or she can get an idea of the look you're going for. Keep in mind that your wedding is not the time to start experimenting -- stick to an enhanced version of your everyday self.

Schedule trial runs before your prewedding parties or other special events (friends' weddings, class reunions, etc.). Some makeup artists do charge you for these practice sessions -- so find a crowd to wow!

Take a close look at yourself a few hours after a trial makeover to check how the makeup wears on your skin. Does it last or fade away? Note any color changes or allergic reactions.

Have a facial two weeks prior to your wedding. If you’ve not had facials in the past we would recommend you start this process 3-4 months prior to your wedding.

However the below is a makeup tutorial for those who would like to do it on your own - here are the tips:

The makeup should be classy, yet not so overdone as to draw attention away from the rest of you.  Splash cold water on your face in the morning to help reduce morning puffiness.

Moisturize:

The first of these Indian bridal makeup tips involves moisturizing. Once the face is clean and free of any excess oil or dirt, apply a sheer layer of moisturizer. This will help to hold the makeup better, and make sure that it lasts longer. You should also apply a layer of oil-based concealer under the eyes, in preparation for any tears that may arrive during or after the ceremony. Allow the makeup and concealer to set for about 20 minutes

Foundation:

Make certain your foundation is an exact match to your skin tone.  Use heavy-pigmented cream foundation and layer it with powder foundation to make the skin look smoother.  Using your fingertips or a sponge, apply a sheer but even layer of foundation. Check for any lines around your jaw bone. 

(Makeup Artists will combine 2 or 3 different foundation colors to match the bride's skin tone perfectly and also possibly combine 2 or 3 different coloured concealers to conceal things like dark circles.)

Apply a matte powder all over your face; using a powder based product, this will ensure skin looks perfect in the photographs. The shine free oil control loose powder, will help control the oil that usually develops around the 'T zone'. This will last long & give it a matte look. Add a little blush; pick a peachy pink color that will look natural on you.

When you’ve applied it, dust on some loose powder to seal it all in.

If your dress has an open neckline, be sure to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of Bronzing Powder.

Blush:

For a pretty flush that lasts, use two shades of Blush. First, apply a neutral shade on the apples of cheeks, blending up into the hairline, then downwards to soften. Then apply a brighter shade just on the apples of cheeks.

Eyes:

If you have dark brown eyes and want to have a smokey eye effect, then focus on using deeper colors, as these complement the natural color of your eyes. For a more dramatic effect you can use colors that shimmer, but in general deep, rich, matte colors work best for dark brown eyes. Some excellent colors are purple, gray and brown.

For a perfect eye shape, use a small brush to blend a medium tone color from just below the brow arch downwards in a semi-circle motion.

Basic smokeyeye makeup uses two shades of eye shadow, one light and one dark, in order to achieve the dramatic effect. However, using three colors can really enhance the make upon brown eyes, since brown eyes are less dramatic than, say, blue eyes. Do make sure, however, that the shades you select are complementary and do not clash.

Begin by cleaning your eyelids and applying a primer. If you don’t have a primer, you can dab on a light layer of concealer or moisturizer for around the eyes. This will ensure that the makeup is absorbed better and continues to look fresh for much longer. Once you have primed your lids, line both the top and bottom lids with brown or black eye liner. Smudge the line on the bottom lid to make the effect more dramatic.

Once you begin shadowing, you will immediately see the effects of smokey eye makeup for dark eyes. Brush the lighter shadow over the entire lid, up to the brow ridge. Next, gradually blend in the darker shade, starting at the outer corner of the lid.

As you get closer to the eye crease, switch to the other, slightly lighter dark eye shadow. Blend continuously. To finish your makeup, apply a few layers of black mascara to you lashes.

The foremost tip that you must remember before applying Smokey eye makeup for dark brown eyes is to select the right colors. Choose deep, rich tones to complement and enhance the color of your eyes.

End with lining the eyes with kohl, to accentuate the look.

Lash Extensions:

Every Bride wants her eyes to pop on her wedding day. It’s all about the lashes.

The extensions are single strands of synthetic eyelashes that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash. They provide length and thickness to your own lashes and are available in varying lengths and thickness. They are applied to your individual eyelashes, one lash at a time. There is no need for mascara even though a water based mascara is fine to use. The result is thicker, longer, eye opening eyelashes that are safe in the shower, while swimming, sleeping or exercising.

Lipstick:

Use a light to medium lipstick that is long wearing. Choose a lip liner that blends easily with lipstick for that soft glossy look that looks good in photographs too. Start with a pencil lip liner. Apply from the centre and line outward; make sure you have completely outlined your lips. Lip liners help lip color stay longer and also avoid bleeding. Now fill in your lips with a moisturizing lip color, helps keep lips soft and supple and the pick a color that is most striking. 

Thin and small lips look more sensuous with light lip colors while fuller lips can use deep shades. Keep the Lipstick handy to freshen up your pout after the kiss.  Add some gloss to your lips for a great impact.

Nails:

Go get yourself a manicure & pedicure! It will ensure the hands & feet look duly moisturized. Well polished and shaped nails add spark to the looks of a bride. The color of nail polish should ideally match the wedding dress of the bride. Apply it to your nails in single sweeps. Apply a base coat on the nails because it gives strength to your nails.

Remember:

Place the focus on the face either on eyes or on lip and underplay the other with neutral pink or brown shades. 

Neutral and pale lip colors look washed out in photographs, so choose a lipstick that’s one to two shades brighter than what you normally wear. Pinks, roses and plums are great choices for brides.

When applying your makeup wear a button shirt that can be easily removed when its time to dress.

Get plenty of sleep, please!

Don't try anything new on your skin 7-10 days before your wedding. You don't know how your skin will react.

Well-shaped brows can open up your whole face, get them done ten days before the wedding, then two days before get them touched up or pluck the few strays yourself.

Choose a hairstyle that will suit your face shape. Round faces will look good on high ‘up dos’ and sleek long styles while long faces suit styles that have width and volume.

If your wearing sandals then about a month before your wedding start your foot treatment so your feet look as good as the rest of you.

Do not do your own makeup. Have a professional makeup artist do it. Chances are you’ve got a bit of the jitters with all the excitement which could result in you having difficulties doing your own makeu

 Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist ...Born with a Brush in her hand...

Indian Bridal Makeup Photography Tips - From your Indian Makeup Artist - Khush Singh

Indian Bridal Makeup  & Photography Tips

To understand why makeup requires different skills, it is important to consider how lasting images are created on different media. The image, seen by the naked eye, impacts on the retina and is transmitted to the brain. To develop a photograph, the image is transferred to film where it is created chemically, whereas videos record images electronically on magnetic tape. The trained makeup artist understands these differences and uses the tools of their trade accordingly to compensate for these differences.

The Camera's Distortions because the camera only records a two-dimensional, flat image whereas the naked eye sees a three-dimensional image, it exaggerates facial flaws: a wide, full face appears wider, close-set or deep-set eyes photograph closer-set or deeper-set, and sometimes these types of eyes can photograph very small when a person smiles.
 
The Solution Very few people, except professional models, are blessed with bone structure which creates natural planes on the face. As the camera flattens the face even more, the professional makeup artist, through the skillful use of highlighting, contouring and placement of color, creates the illusion of definitive bone structure. The makeup artist strives to create large, upturned eyes, high cheekbones, a strong jaw line and a symmetrical mouth.

The Effects of Lighting and Makeup Solutions This is an important element that makeup artists consider when applying wedding day makeup. Wedding photography takes place in three types of lighting:

Natural light -- outdoor light produced by the sun, which is the harshest, purest light. Makeup must be very soft and in neutral shades to look natural. Dark or bright colors will look harsh and aging.

Fluorescent light -- these lights are found in department stores and homes. To counter the green tones this cool white light casts, warmth must be added to the face through the shades of makeup chosen.

Incandescent light -- lighting found in some restaurants and hotel ballrooms. This lighting casts red undertones. Because this light is dimmer, softer, and rosier, makeup must be applied stronger and in more intense, richer hues to show up.

Color Photography Makeup Color film translates color differently. The camera is most sensitive to red and blues (the opposite ends of the color spectrum). Any feature or discoloration containing red will appear darker on film than to the naked eye. The camera emphasizes red blotches in an uneven skin tone or makes ruddy complexions even redder. Dark under-eye circles photograph even more pronounced.

The Solution Makeup artists and photographers advise that brides wear concealer and foundation to tone down irregularities in skin pigmentation. An opaque, lightweight base uniformly blended creates flawless looking skin in photographs and videos. Powder is also an important cosmetic on the wedding day as it sets the foundation. Sweat and perspiration will catch the flash and translate into a blank, white spot.

Black and White Photography Makeup In black and white photography, the camera records color only within the extremes of white to black and a spectrum of various shades of gray.

The Solution It is especially important in this type of photography to consider the intensity and shades of colors when emphasizing a feature or downplaying it. For example, a deep blue-red lipstick will photograph nearly black, while a brown-pink lipstick will photograph a neutral or medium gray. The techniques of contouring and highlighting also vary from color photography. In black and white photography makeup, the professional makeup artist uses darker shades to contour and create more defined contrasts in the face.

The Final Result: Camera-Ready Wedding Parties Brides should consider engaging a professional and contemporary Indian makeup artist trained in the specialized craft of photography and film makeup to insure they will be camera-ready; that is, the makeup artist has used the appropriate techniques for their unique features and wedding setting. Being camera-ready will produce infinitely more flattering and natural-looking photographic results, akin to the way the eye sees the face!

Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist. "Born with a brush in her hand..." http://www.KhushSingh.com

<a href="http://khushsingh.com/">Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist</a>...Born with a Brush in her hand...

Indian Bridal Makeup Facial Tips - From your Indian Makeup Artist - Khush Singh

Indian Bridal Makeup is unique in itself and Indian Weddings are the most decadent in the world.

Advance Preparation for Bridal Makeup

Before The Big Day
Undertake a skin, hair and nail care program at least 6 weeks before the wedding. Start going for regular facials and manicures and ask your beautician to advise good beauty products as well.

Stay away from the sun as far as possible. In case you have to move out, do not forget to use a sun-block, with at least 20 SPF. Try to avoid extremes of weather, like wind, pounding rain or freezing cold, as well.

If you have a stressful job, make sure to go for relaxing massage, at least once in a week. Use essential oils in your bath and try to attend at least one aromatherapy session before the wedding.

Do not compromise on your sleep; otherwise you will be hard-pressed to hide your under-eye circles on the big day. At the same time, be happy. Remember, what goes on in your mind reflects on your face as well.
Make the booking for the make-up artists at least 3-4 months before the wedding. Let him/her see your outfit, so that he/she can plan the exact look. You should also go for a trial session before the wedding.
Regularly make use of astringent or lotion. Following are the some dos and dont's, which you should take care to get glowing skin on wedding day.

You should avoid eating or drinking spicy, junk food and deep fried foods, which make your skin oil for at least a week. Also avoid substance, which can make your skin irritating and puffy.

Drink plenty of water, about 3-4 glasses a day, to flush out toxins out of body and keep you skin hydrated. It leads to glowing skin. 

Use manual exfoliater to exfoliate your skin 2 day before the wedding.

Get your eyebrows shaped at least 2-3 day before the wedding as eyebrow shape plays very important role in framing eyes.

If you want to color your hair, do it a week before the wedding to give time for color to settle on hair.

A night before the wedding, clean all the makeup from your face. Apply moisturizer and toner on face. Apply Vaseline on lips to keep them moist. 

If you have blackheads, remove them by steaming a day or two before.

Do not forget to consider hair care - hair is as important a part of bridal makeup.  Wash properly with shampoo and apply conditioner. It will keep the locks glowing and soft.

On The Big Day

It is always advisable to synchronize your makeup with the bridal outfit and jewelry. If they are extremely heavy, then you should prefer to get light makeup done on the D-day.

The time of your wedding also has a bearing on the type and amount of makeup. For instance, heavy makeup looks good at night, but will make you seem very odd under the harsh rays of the sun.

If your wedding has been scheduled for spring/summer, bright, pastel shades will work the best. For a winter wedding, warmer and deeper shades will be a better option.

Though your bridal makeup needs to be heavier and more dramatic than the one you do for usual parties, it should no be so heavy that it makes you look like a made-up doll.

Since it is your wedding, you will be photographed a lot. Remember, foundations will yellow tones work best with flash photography. While, the ones with pink tones will make you look too pale.

Always go for a lip-liner that is the same shade as your lipstick. Otherwise, you might end up with a lip-line that is too noticeable. At the same time, always stick to long-lasting lipsticks, for your wedding.

Remember, you have to balance the eye makeup with lip makeup. In case you want to go for dramatic eyes, go for a light-color lip shade. If you are using a dark lipstick, it is better to have natural, light eyes.

Never ever forget to apply the foundation on your neck, back, ears and other exposed areas of the body as well. Otherwise, your face will look painted on and your beauty - artificial.

It is advisable to go for a light dusting of translucent powder, so that your face does not end up shining too much. You can also apply bronzing powder to warm your skin tone and get a natural glow.

Ask your sister, friend or some other female relative to carry a powder compact, tissues and lipstick for you. This will help you do the touch ups, especially if your wedding is going to be a long affair.

<a href="http://khushsingh.com/">Khush Singh - Celebrity & Indian Bridal Makeup Artist</a>...Born with a Brush in her hand...