Making it Natural

Makeup.

I thought of it as "make stress", personally. Like other Bees around these parts, I'm not big on makeup. I pretty much rock the natural look...the bulk of my morning "beauty" routine is spent on my hair. My daily makeup application goes like this: some mascara, a little eyeliner (shadow if I'm feeling particularly ambitious), a brush of blush, swipe of lip gloss and out the door. 

OK - if I'm being really honest, there are days when I mix it up with concealer or bronzer.

Anyhow, the truth is, I never feel like I have too little makeup on...but I have definitely had times where I feel like I have too much. So, when seeking a makeup artist for the wedding, I really focused on those who had good reviews by brides who wanted to look "natural".

I know, I know..."natural" is a total buzzword in the wedding world (goes with "classic", "traditional", etc) and my "natural" could be very different from your "natural". 

For reference, here's my makeup "spectrum": sans makeup (rocking the specs), daily wear and with "fancy" makeup (at a wedding - did it myself). 

I know - the difference is minimal 

I consider each of these pictures to be natural in their own way - clearly the right being most appropriate for a formal event - if you must choose from the selection above.

I came upon Cheekadee when reading the Best of Philly issue of Philadelphia Magazine - they were voted best makeup application. Intrigued, I checked out their website and found some fabulous testimonials that went something like this:

"I never liked having my make-up done because people always over-do me and I'm used to a natural look. Emily was able to achieve exactly what I wanted. I felt great all night long." - Kim M.

"I told Tricia that I liked my make up very natural but wanted it to look like I was wearing something and also loved dramatic eyes. She did just that and I loved it! My skin looked flawless in the photos and my makeup looked natural, but I didn't look all plain jane either...Tricia ROCKS!" - Linette F. 

The second quote nailed what I was hoping for...not "Plain Jane", but not a clown either. Since they had our date available and could do makeup for 8 (me, 6 bridesmaids, mom), I decided to put down a deposit and try them out for our engagement session. This seemed to be the best option for the trial since I would be able to see how everything looked in photographs.

Before the trial, they asked me to come prepared with photos of what I was looking for (since "natural means different things to different people" - it's not just my opinion). I did a lot of browsing, but, to be honest, I really struggled and my selections aren't worth sharing. Have any of you found good "natural" inspiration photos?

When the day came, I arrived with my pathetic photos and butterflies in my stomach. However, the mood quickly changed, as the Cheekadee team was incredibly friendly and upbeat. Nina broke the ice by asking me about some of the details of our wedding (the dress, colors, venue, etc) before she got to work. And work she did...

Nina at work

It felt like I was there forever. I remember thinking "Oh no! I am going to have WAY TOO MUCH makeup on." It felt like there was no possible way it could take that long to look "natural". And, in the spirit of full disclosure, when she finished, I felt like it was too much.

Perhaps I felt very made up since my hair was gross
Full disclosure, I had my hair blown out for our engagement photos - didn't trust myself

My mom saw me starting to protest the amount of makeup and (thankfully) talked me off the ledge, encouraging more lip stain and reminding me that photographs would dull the effect. Well, what do you know...she was right!

Amazes me how different this photo looks from the one above!
Engagement session photos by Philip Gabriel

I have to say, despite my nerves beforehand, the makeup experience was fantastic. And, seriously, ladies, if you can have something to help reinforce the result for you - like engagement pics or external compliments if you wear it out to a formal event - I highly recommend it.  After seeing the pictures in print, I felt totally comfortable and know I'm in great hands with Nina. No clown face for this bride!

In fact...and I almost cringe to type this...I think I can probably go even a bit MORE dramatic for the wedding. Not sure how it would manifest itself exactly - false eyelashes, more blush, extra drama for the eyes - but I think I'll be a little less "gun shy" on the wedding day.

How was your makeup trial? Anyone else nervous about not looking like themselves?