Growing up in the fashion industry of Manhattan, Kim Wadsworth, a national makeup artist based in Norfolk, Virginia since 1983 continues her life long relationship with beauty and style. Kim has been a fashion and beauty journalist for 15 years and is the founding editor of VOW, Skirt!, and F.A.B Magazines. Her two companies, Wadsworth Style and BridesMade, embrace the many aspects of makeup and fashion in all of their manifestations.
BEAUTY CONVERSATION WITH KIM WADSWORTH
(from mayacouture.blogspot.com)
Q: What are the benefits of hiring a professional makeup artist versus a bride doing her own makeup?
A: Today’s wedding is a well-documented event. Between photography and videography, brides are immortalized on film. The importance of wearing correctly matched foundation pigments paired with eye and lip colors that not only complement the bride, but portray her in an iconic and timeless way require the eye of a beauty expert. A professional understands the timing of the day and knows exactly how long it will take to achieve a bridal look. When brides take beauty into their own hands on a day as important as this, they run the risk of not accomplishing what they hoped to achieve due to the distractions and demands of a wedding.
Q: When should a bride start to consider what her “Wedding Day Look” will be and what is the process for hiring a professional makeup artist?
A: As soon as a bride chooses her gown and veil; commits to the colors and flowers of her wedding; and chooses the time of day and venue, then defining the look of her day will unfold. So many variables influence how a bride will wear her hair and makeup. For example, a beach wedding requires a completely different look then a black tie affair at a museum. Beauty experts will help interpret what will work for the time and place of a wedding event. That is why it is important to get recommended pros lined up early. Recommendations from friends, who are already married; from wedding planners or others in the bridal business tend to be reliable sources. Remember: the bridal months of May and June and then September and October book up quickly.
Q: Does the time of day a bride is getting married and the type of wedding she is having factor into her wedding day makeup?
A: Absolutely! Morning brides want a fresh, dewy, wide-awake look that is naturally interpreted with soft tones and subtle sparkle. They seek a sheer look that photographs beautifully while conveying a barely-there makeup presence. The afternoon bride takes it one step further, while still embracing a fresh luminance. She might opt for a slightly smoky eye that will take her into the evening. Often, she wants eyelash clusters called flairs that give just a little pop to her look. Her liner is usually more prominent and her lip color might be a striking hue. Her hair may go partially up or, if it is a hot day, into an updo. The evening bride wants to bring on the glam! She likes false lashes, smoky smoldering eyes, sparkly cheek color and strong brows. Naturally, so much of how a look is interpreted will depend on where she is getting married and what type of wedding she is having. There are no hard and fast rules and ultimately, a professional should be sensitive to the comfort level of the bride and those in her party having their makeup done. Smoky eyes and lashes aren’t for everyone!
Q: What are some of the trends in wedding day makeup?
A: At BridesMade, we are careful not to do any look that conveys a “trendy” look. Brides forget that their look will be immortalized so it is essential that they love it, not just on the day of the wedding, but 30 years from now. As a beauty guide for over 20 years, I can actually look into the crystal ball of their day and envision how the entire look will come together. There is only a small window of time to get to know a bride; to visualize her gown; her hair; and the theme of the day. Channeling that information into a beautifully made up face requires numerous questions and an innate sense of wedding style.
Q: What are some of the techniques you use to ensure a brides’ makeup will last all day long and into the night?
A: It definitely helps when a bride arrives on her big day looking and feeling rested. Without a doubt, brides who exercise, watch their diet and don’t overindulge in alcohol and partying the nights before the wedding always have a “canvas” that is easier to “paint!” Our makeup mainstays are primers and everything waterproof. We live in a humid part of the country so using waterproof concealers and liners with primers for face and lid as backups really ensures that the makeup will make it through an emotionally packed day of joy, tears, kisses, eating and toasting!
To contact Kim for your wedding day beauty visit http://www.kimwadsworth.com/ or e-mail kim@kimwadsworth.com
With High Times, the aim is to help couples with as much or as little with the biggest day of their lives as they need!
