I’m getting married soon, and I still haven’t decided on my makeup. What are the latest trends I can follow?

 

When it comes to weddings, the only requirement is that the bride should look fresh and beautiful. Trends may come and go, but it is usually the tried-and-tested looks that endure as brides seek to look their best on their big day.

 

Just like wedding gowns, where the most popular designs are still the classic and the traditional, makeup remains conventional, immaculate and radiant. If you think about it, we may already have bridal makeup down to a tee. What we usually see on the bride is the typical blooming, blushing makeup with matching carnation pink lips.

 

As much as we love this type of makeup, we tend to forget there are many other looks that are equally gorgeous. The cookie-cutter bridal makeup works, but it shouldn’t be the only option out there.

 

Once in a while, we must go beyond the conventional and try a look that is modern and more suited to our personality.

 

I didn’t have to go far in search of the latest bridal makeup trends. Last Wednesday was Face-Off Filipino Bridal Collection 2012, staged by Inquirer Lifestyle, Look Magazine and Samsung, at Dusit Thani Manila Grand Ballroom.

 

The bridal fashion show and exhibit featured 38 of the country’s top designers. Makeup and hair were done by MAC Cosmetics, Jing Monis Salon,  Schrwarzkopf, Osis and F&H Salon.

 

The fashion show was absolutely breathtaking, as designers showcased their best bridal designs, complete with accessories. Some models carried bouquets, others walked the runway with their “groom.” Makeup looked clean and beautiful, but the show offered other variations that stuck to this year’s trends.

 

My favorites from Face-Off 2012:

 

Matte red lips. Red lipstick seems like a bad idea for your wedding day, but not when it’s the right consistency, shade and finish. The usual red rouge may end up all over the place—your veil, gown and even on your groom, but not when it’s a long-lasting matte formula. Matte lipstick stays on the lips for hours without need for retouching, and it isn’t messy to wear.

 

The best part: Red lipstick can make any bride look amazing. Look for bluish tone and your skin will look flawless.

 

Tip: Have your makeup artist with you every step of the way, or carry the tube of lipstick and mini-mirror so you can give yourself a touch-up.

 

Smoky eyes. No, I am not talking about dark gray and black for this type of smoky eye, but a more natural-looking one using earth tones. Beautiful shades of beige, taupe, brownish pink and plain brown can give your eyes definition (not to mention a deep-set look). This is the right makeup to make the eyes appear bigger; wear it with waterproof black eyeliner and mascara and you’re good to go.

 

Luminous skin. You know how makeup rules tell you to focus on one feature at a time? Well, lately the feature to highlight is skin, and it couldn’t be more apt for bridal makeup. Dusting ultra-fine shimmer on key points of the face (along the bridge of the nose, on your brow bone, your lips and on your chin) can instantly lend any bride a beautifully radiant look, making sure all eyes will be on you the entire night.

 

Defined cheekbones. Adding contour to your face may not sound at all like bridal makeup, but believe me, it is necessary. Blending a bronzer or matte powder two to three shades darker than your skin tone can make your face look smaller and more angled. I’m not saying you should completely change the way you look, but giving your cheekbones a little definition can make you look great.

 

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