Q: Hi Rhia, Thanks for all your tips on using shimmery make-up for my wedding day. I know you said a matte face will always photograph better, but I want a sheer, dewy look to my skin (and without it looking sweaty!). I find when I use all matte products, my skin looks dull and flat. Are there any alternate methods you can recommend so I can still achieve that dewy kind of look while maybe being not-so-dewy? I’d rather not have a flat powdered face for my wedding day photos!

A: Great question. The dewy look is definitely a gorgeous one – who doesn’t want a fresh and healthy glow on their Big Day (or everyday for that matter!)? But on a day like your wedding, it’s definitely a risky look to take on (after all, weddings don’t come around that often and we want to make sure the make-up is done right on such an important day!). In terms of combatting the flat make-up look, try these artist tips for a fresh finish that's a happy medium between a polished matte look and a healthy glow:

1. Moisturize before your make-up application.
Let the moisturizer sink in for at least 10 minutes, but ideally, let it set for 30 minutes before proceeding with your make-up application.

2. Use powder sparingly, paying particular attention to the oil-prone T-zone area.
Use a large powder brush and loose powder to set your initial foundation application. Pack a touch-up kit for later in the day with oil blotting tissues and a pressed powder. Use the tissues to absorb excess oil, and then dab on pressed powder to refresh your look (the pressed powder will cause less of a mess than loose powder, which is good because you'll have your dress on at this point!)

3. If you find the finished look is still too matte-looking for your liking, try using MAC's Fix+.
Hold the bottle an arm's length away from your face and spray a couple of times to add a light mist of moisture to the face. Fix+ is infused with vitamins and minerals that help calm your skin, add radiance and finish your make-up! Lastly, powder down the T-zone once more to make sure this oil-prone zone is in check!

Hope this helps! All the best for your wedding day!

Check out artistrhi.com for photos from a recent creative shoot done outdoors. It was a super cold day, but you wouldn't be able to tell with the poise from our models! The shoot would not have been possible without the efforts and talents of the super team I'm fortunate to work with. Thanks guys - can't wait to do it again!

Model: Kat
Photography by Nadia Cheema
Hair by Fabio Persico
Styling by Cisya P
Make-up by Rhia Amio

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Check out the original post on Toronto Wedding Professionals - your e-source for all things wedding!
It’s definitely your time to shine on the Big Day, but we want to make sure it’s done right. A little strategically placed shimmer is good, but too much shine can translate into the not-so-coveted sweaty look on camera.

For the face, play it safe and use flat matte powders to set foundation and blot away shine. Pay particular attention to more oil-prone areas like the T-zone and the cheeks. It's best to avoid using face powders that have shimmer in them - camera flashes can catch you on the wrong angle and may not always be so flattering! A matte look will always photograph better.

For highlighting, avoid using glitter products; the larger light-reflecting particles can be a bit much for wedding photography. It’s definitely ok to use some shimmer eyeshadows on the eyelids, but use it sparingly. Apply shimmer atop the browbones and on the inner corner of the eyes for a fresh look that’s not overdone. To add dimension and enhance other prominent areas of the face (i.e. the bridge of the nose, atop the cheekbones and the browbone area above the eyebrow) use cream highlighters (like YSL’s Touche Eclat) or a shade of concealer that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone colour. Be sure to blend well for a flawless finish that’s camera and wedding day ready!!

More make-up tips to come!

Rhia Amio, Toronto Make-up Artist
web: http://www.artistrhi.com
blog: http://artistrhi.blogspot.com
email: rhia@artistrhi.com

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