Connecticut and Vermont makeup artist, d.d. Nickel for d.d. Nickel Makeup Studio shares with brides some very helpful tips when thinking about their wedding day style and look.  Check out what dd has to say!  ~Liz

First, determine your personal makeup style…would you consider yourself natural, classic, trendy, vintage or dramatic? Or do you not wear makeup at all?

Look for artists whose work compliments your personal style…every makeup artist has a different style and philosophy.

Be clear! Words like “smoky”, “natural” and “sexy” are subjective.  Bring photos of makeup you like for inspiration PLUS your personal makeup bag.  Even if the artist doesn’t use your products, it gives him/her an idea of your makeup “comfort” level.

Create the mood! Bring pictures of your dress and any other elements of your wedding to the trial.  The more information the artist has about your personal style, the better!

Be realistic! Many photos in magazines and on your favorite celebrities look great in print but aren’t the best choice in person.  Those looks are created based on professional lighting and editing and can look really heavy in person.  A great artist, however, can translate your desired look into something wearable for YOU!

Be open! Keep in mind you may need to wear a bit more or less makeup than normal to get the results you’re looking for.  Makeup doesn’t need to be “heavier” for photos but needs to be balanced with the style of your gown and accessories.  Not enough can make you look unfinished and too much can be severe depending on the style of your dress. The right professional can explain what will work in photos and still make you look and feel like your very best self!

If you’re on a budget or having a destination wedding, consider scheduling a makeup lesson with a professional artist.  They can help you create the perfect look and then coach you through the application so you can re-create it on your Big Day!

Steer clear of too many “trends” on your big day and watch out for these makeup “Dont’s”:

• Too much shimmer or glitter on the eyes…particularly the brow bone.
• Contouring with blush…use it on the apples of your cheeks only.
• Lip color that’s too dark, too brown, or too plum.
• Heavy eyeliner underneath.  When in doubt just line the top lashes.

dd also shares with brides her thoughts on following “makeup trends”…

I don’t spend much time following “trends”.  I don’t believe your face is the best place to show your “trendy” side, especially on your Big Day, however, there are techniques that I think anyone can follow to keep their makeup looking stylish. Use these tried and true rules of makeup and experiment with different colors to find your perfect look.

• Always focus on one feature, either the eyes or the lips.
• For a smokier eye, try using eggplant instead of grey or black.  It’s universally flattering and photographs well. Navy and Emerald are also great if you have brown eyes.
• Always keep lips and cheeks soft if you have a smokier eye.  Lipstick or gloss should be close to your natural lip color.
• If you prefer a more dramatic lip, keep your eyes soft and clean, using neutral tones.  Red lips are currently very trendy on the Runways and Red Carpets and make a great Vintage statement.

Recently, dd teamed with Callie Tein and Steve Depino to shoot the newest gowns from the Modern Trousseau Collection.

image by Barrie Fisher Photo

This look was created for a shoot featured in Well Wed and Vermont Vows, both bridal magazines focusing on talented wedding  in Vermont, the Cape, the Islands, and New York.

d.d. Nickel Makeup Studio
Website: www.ddnickel.com
my Kate Parker Wedding State and Budget:
- CT $50-80k and $80k+
- VT $80k+

Connecticut and Vermont makeup artist, d.d. Nickel for d.d. Nickel Makeup Studio, is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, your online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing brides to quality vendors based on their price range and state.