PRODUCT REVIEW: Bridal Favourites

One of the key qualities to look for in bridal products is staying power. It is important to use products that not only make you look beautiful but also take you from day-to night with minimal touch-ups. Between the tea ceremony, flowers, photographers, reception décor, out of town guests and speeches, etc there are tons of things to be thinking of on your wedding day. With the right products, your makeup can easily be check-marked off your to-do list!
As a makeup artist, I’m constantly on the look-out for great new products to add to the repertoire. Here are my current faves for weddings.

Here are a few of my picks. Starting in order of application.

Primer:
Smashbox Photofinish Primer 
$44 CDN Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Smashbox counters
This gel-based formula blends effortlessly into your skin and leaves it looking flawless!  Fights shine and keep your foundation fresh, not caking, all day.

Eyeshadow Base
Benefit Fy-EYE
$27 CDN Available at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, Benefit counters
Absolutely essential to keep eye makeup from smudging and creasing.  The nude colour based goes well with any eye makeup look. 

Eyeshadows
MAC Eyeshadows

$17 Available at MAC Stores, Bay Stores
You really can't beat MAC's colour selection and texture variety (ie. matte, sparkle, pearl or satin - my favourite).  Great quality, and colour pigment for the price-point.


Concealer
MAC Studio Select SPF 15
$18 Available at MAC Stores, Bay Stores



Foundation
MAC Studio Sculpt
$33 Available at MAC Stores, Bay Stores

Foundation Powder
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish
$33 Available at MAC Stores, Bay Stores
To finish off, I like to use a big brush with this foundation to set the makeup (although most people like to use transluscent powder). It has a nice fine texture and small reflecting minerals.




Blush
NARS Orgasm Blush
$27 CDN Available at Sephora, NARS counters at The Bay

I've been using this blush for years and it is the most flattering ever. It has gold undertones and a peachy colour that gives you a natural flush. It's also great for every day as an instant pick-me-up.

LipstickLaura Mercier
$31 CDN Available at Holt Renfrew stores

Girls really love this because it leaves your lips feeling so soft and moisturized. Plus it stays put all day long!

Lipgloss

$33 Available at Holt Renfrew stores across Canada
Chanel Glossimer

They blend really well, and the colours are the most elegant and feminine.  Makes it easy to pick out your bridal look. Plus, they offer a Bridal Palette with the most wedding appropriate colours, making 1-stop shop. 

EyelinerL'Oreal Lineur Intense
$10.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart stores or $8.99 at Walmart!

I have been using this for years, and every time i try to switch, i always come back. Nothing beats its staying power and flawless precision which you achieve with this brush. This stuff does not budge, and yet comes off effortlessly at the end of the day with your makeup cleanser.