Happy Friday Lovelies! those of you that follow the RMW Facebook page may already have your questions at the ready for Mariam Jensen and her Make-up Masterclass but for those that don’t Mariam is going to be around all morning to answer any queries you may have regarding your W-day cosmetics or skincare, be it application techniques or just what products to buy. I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am to see your queries and the response – I may learn a fair few things myself!
Mariam Jensen: A few years back I was in your shoes. I remember buying all the magazines, going to the shows, studying The Knot as if it was the bible. I was a little overwhelmed with all that had to be booked and still stressed over the one thing most people expect me to do myself – my makeup!
As a makeup artist I toyed with doing my own, but then there was a big part of me that wanted to have the whole pampered wedding experience. A very good MUA friend of mine offered to do my makeup and my bridal party, so it was a no-brainer. It was so nice to sit back, sip a glass of champagne and even do a few of my bridesmaids’ makeup to cut the nerves! In the end everyone felt and looked amazing, which really showed in our pictures.
Makeup is really important for ensuring a bride and her bridal party look and feel great! The makeup looks should be harmonious, complementing the bride and bridesmaids, bringing out their best features.
Not everyone’s budget will allow for a makeup artist so I recommend brides do a little research about products, looks and colours that will look good on them for their wedding day. The best way a bride on a budget can learn is through private makeup lessons, consultations at makeup counters and even research on the net. Keep in mind too that good makeup doesn’t have to break the bank, most makeup artists use and recommend products that vary in price from inexpensive to those that are a bit of a splurge!
Some makeup artists offer private lessons and tutoring, this is a really cost-effective way of learning how to do makeup, but also pick up the professional hints and tricks for ensuring your makeup looks it’s best on your most important of days. A lot of my clients who are getting married overseas choose this option as sometimes there is no budget for flying out their makeup artist.
If you do have a budget for hair and makeup, that’s great! This will alleviate the stress of concealing imperfections and applying your false eyelashes on your big day! It’s also great to have a pro on hand to apply a flawless base, but also bring out your best features – making you feel and look like a million dollars!
I highly recommend researching for the right makeup artist for you. Check out recommendations from friends and vendors, the artist’s websites/portfolio, their work in the press, and check out their credentials to see if they fit the bill. Chances are there is an artist or two that would be appealing to you so I would get in touch and perhaps have a chat with them to see if you think they might be a person to have a trial with.
Some really important things to consider when it comes to makeup for your wedding day is:
Is this product waterproof?
Will my foundation last throughout the day?
Does the foundation transfer (not good with a white dress!)?
Do I feel comfortable in the makeup?
How does the makeup photograph?
Do I feel comfortable with my makeup artist?
Do I feel like I am able to do my makeup well myself?
Keep in mind you will need to emphasize your makeup a little more than usual to have it looking its best on your wedding day. The makeup look you go for should not be a stark contrast to how you usually wear your makeup. For example, if you have never worn red lipstick before, your wedding day probably wouldn’t be the best time to experiment with a new look. The same goes with dark, smokey eyes – there is a good chance that you will feel overdone is you have never worn this look before.
When I sit down with a client to design a makeup look for their wedding, I always look at the dress and hair for inspiration for the makeup. This is the same creative process that I go through in my professional work, whether you are working with a model, celebrity, or bride. If the dress and hair has a more bohemian, distressed feel I almost always recommend a soft, sultry eye with gorgeous flawless skin. Then again with a more classic dress and hairstyle, liquid eyeliner and a more defined lip will usually look great. The best things about this process is no two brides are the same and even though some looks have common-threads, they are always bespoke.
To get your skin looking it’s best, I recommend:
Drinking at least two litres of water a day to flush out your system
Get facials at least once a month, doing your last one no later than 10 days before your wedding (to prevent breakouts).
Keep caffeine consumption at reasonable levels, too much is not good for the skin.
I am a huge fan of Kim Snyder’s Beauty Detox book and drink her Glowing Green Smoothie nearly every day, I kid you not, you will feel great and your skin will glow!
If you have skin concerns such as acne, try seeing a dermatologist early on to tackle future breakouts and to ensure your skin looks its best for the wedding.
Get into the habit of a good skincare routine for day and night. Not only will this make your skin look and feel better, you will also be protecting your skin – helping to keep it looking its best. Skincare doesn’t need to be expensive to be good, just get into the habit of properly cleansing (not makeup wipes), toning, treat (if needed), and moisturizing. As Shu Uemura said, “Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin.”
Please feel free to ask me absolutely anything about make-up and skincare, I look forward to your questions!
You can see more of Mariam’s stunning work on her website www.mariamjensen.com
Hi Mariam, thanks for the above information it was really interesting-particularly the part about skincare it’s got me all motivated to take better care of my skin! I just wondered about under eye dark areas and how to stop them looking as bad!? I have freckles and want them to be seen on the day, therefore don’t want to wear a heavy foundation- however it seems that my dark under eyes are then not covered! Any advice you could give would be fab! Thanks x
Good morning Mariam and thanks so much for all the guidance – goodness knows I need it! I’m planning on doing my own make-up on the day, despite my minimal experience.
I’ve got Mediterranean skin and brown eyes and hair (is that what they call olive skin?) and I’m finding it really difficult to find photos of looks with models that have a similar skin tone to mine (though the first photo in your post is so close!), so I don’t have a clear idea of what sort of colours would suit my skin tone.
I don’t normally wear any make-up unless I go out in the evening, when I skip all the primers, foundation, blush and lipstick and just prettify my eyes as best I can. The colours I normally go for are pinks, browns, coppers, and good ol’ trusty black.
Thanks again, Mariam!
Fantastic! I fear I will be asking questions all day as I think of them. I’m getting married abroad so am hugely debating between trying a local and doing myself. Oh to have a chum who is a make up artist….
First slightly non make up question – what are your thoughts on eyelash extensions – rather than try and faff with false lashes myself was toying with the idea?
Thank you!
Cx
This is a great post-was really good to read through all the tips! I have a couple of (maybe silly) questions… Firstly – what’s he benefit of toner? I’ve always wondered and just never asked! Secondly I’m lucky enough that my mum is paying for us all the have our make up done on the day-however what do you suggest for evening touch ups? I am dreadful at touching my face and make up never stays on long! Other than not doing this on the day
! What should I have in my bag for touch up essentials? Thanks! X
Good Morning Ladies and thanks for your questions!
Carrie: Feel free to ask away on here! Depending on where you are getting married and budget, I would either find a trusted artist who travels internationally for clients (I do ; ) ), research for a local artist who you can communicate well with and book a session with them to have a trial before the wedding, or do lessons here to perfect your makeup yourself. I personally have no had lash extensions done, I have heard mixed reviews saying some love them others don’t. I have seen lash extensions that look lovely, soft, and natural – then some that look long, uneven, and not staying. My best advice is to try them long before the wedding day. You might prefer extensions to false eyelashes or you might not. Good luck! x
This post could not come at a greater time. I already know that I will be finding a MUA for the big day, as I am absolutely useless. One of the reasons I am useless is because I have fairly bad acne and am terrified to put anything over it which a)looks caked on, or b) makes it worse.
I know I need to improve my skin but clearasil, prescriptions and Clinique have helped little.I have given up dairy, I eat healthily and train for two sports teams so am physically fit. I notice you recommend seeing a dermatologist? Could you tell me how to go about finding one, or recommend any? I am actually at a complete loss with my skin and will try anything! Thank you
Morning Christina!
You sound like you have a lovely olive skin tone. With olive skintones, you can wear so many different colours, it just boils down to preference and what you feel comfortable with. I would steel clear of cool tones and try honey tones, golden shades, and gorgeous plums (do you have brown eyes?). I would also try beautiful warm plum shades on lips to add colour, this doesn’t have to be dark, it can be a sheer gloss.
I would definitely book a lesson with an artist to go over colours, application, and technique especially since you don’t wear very much makeup. A lot of brides don’t understand how lighting and photography work, so a lesson will help you understand what products you will need to look flawless, defined, and radiant.
I hope this helps! x
Hi there
x
I too am getting married abroad… We will be out there for a week before WDay … & I have the kind of skin which goes deep dark brown. (phew) … But my questions are, do I need foundation to get that flawless look for photos? Or will a primer/tinted moisturiser do the job? -(I don’t usually wear anything other than bronzer on my skin, but notice in the hear it doesn’t last more than a couple of hours)
Also are there any products out there to block out unsightly sweating?!? – I don’t fancy a wet top lip when exchanging vows with Mr.G
Thanks GG 2b
Sarah26: Hi Sarah! Toner is great for using after a cleanse. It refreshes and helps pick up any residue that was left behind from cleansing. I love Neal’s Yard Toners, they are gorgeous and effective without stripping the delicate balance of the skin. For touch ups I would recommend blot papers (to remove excess oil), blotting powder or pressed power (I love Cover FX Matte FX Powder at Harvey Nics), lipstick or lipgloss for touch ups, glue for your eyelashes in case they lift. I would get your makeup artist to use a water resistant product for your foundation, this should stay on all day. Hope this helps! x
Hi Laura,
I too have suffered with acne and understand what it’s like to try every product under the sun and sometimes that can actually aggravate the skin more. Yes, see a doctor, as the break outs could be from so many things and sometimes self-treating makes it worse. I would speak to your GP and see if they can get you a referral to a Derm, if not do some research online to see what kind of doctors are in your area.
I recommend finding a makeup artist who airbrush, I love this technique because there is no brush contact with the skin. The product is finely misted onto the skin giving you a light application, with fantastic coverage. Lots of my clients have suffered with acne and eczema, yet we were able to get a flawless finish with light texture on their wedding day. Thanks x
Hello! I have a million questions… I am doing my make up myself, and would really like to wear eyeliner underneath my eyes. I have chosen a specific colour, but it is a khol pencil and not waterproof. Do you think a decent eye primer will hold it in place all day? Also, I was hoping to wear false lashes, will they work with pencil liner? Any tips for applying them? I can never get them quite close enough! Also – last question, I promise – can you recommend a not too glossy lip gloss, in a pinky shade, that isn’t too sticky? Thank you so much
Gemma: Hi there! Sounds like you have a fab wedding planned, I would definately were a waterproof primer and base product. I am LOVING Hourglass Cosmetics at the moment, they are only available in London at Liberty in the UK. They make a gorgeous waterproof primer and tinted moisturizer that is GREAT! These two would provide a nice finish to your skin for your photos, I would perhaps try buying a nice blush like NARS Orgasm to use on the apples of your cheeks, this would look really pretty with a tan, but not too overdone. Keep blot papers and tissues on hand to blot face if it is super hot and humid. Have your makeup done very near to your ceremony time in an air conditioned room. Also invest in products like MAC Paint Pots for eyeshadow base, they are waterproof and will last through out the day. I used to live in Hawaii, so I was the waterproof makeup queen where I was there! Make sure you invest in a good SPF for your face and body, you don’t want to sun burn at all before the wedding. x
Gemma: Also get a tube of MAC Matte Texture, this will help hinder sweat and can be used selectively on the skin. Its a great product, your hubby to be can use it too as it’s clear with no colour! x
Hello brilliant tips especially about getting into a routine early on something I am trying to do. Could you give some recommendations though I have dry very dry in some places skin and have tried every cleanse tone moisturise product out there have you got any suggestions?
Also (this is my last one as well I promise!) do you have any good recommendations for a primer under foundations are these worth it? I have heard such mixed review so am confused!
Thanks so much! I love love these posts so great when you get to speak to the experts!
xx
Sarah: Hi there! I would get a water-proof eyeliner, I love Jemma Kidd’s Define Stay-Put Eyeliner, they last all day and come in tones of colours with a smudge on one end. This will stay put all day and you can even keep it in your bag if you want to touch up througout the day. Kohls are smudgey and I wouldn’t recommend this for yoru wedding, chances are you might cry, tear up, be dancing so will need something much more heavy duty. Yes, false eye lashes can be worn with pencil liner. Shu Uemura makes a handy lash applicator that makes application so easy, it’s a little bit of a splurge, but great to have on hand! I recommend buying a few pairs of lashes and getting lots of practice. There are also lots of fantastic demos on you tube demonstrating this. I have been wearing Cover Fx Mint Tint in Pink Copper and it is so pretty, not sticky, and super hydrating. I also love MAC Lustreglass for non-sticky gloss. x
Hi!
Some brilliant tips, thanks! I am a make-up addict and am doing my own make-up on the day. I am fine with application but struggle making my make-up last all day. Any tips to help with this? In particular, eyeshadow creasing and shiny skin – do primers combat this? There are so many, it’s very confusing which to choose!
Thank you
Freckled: I would try a fuller coverage concealer, MAC has a wonderful range of colours for fairer complexions. I would try the Select Cover-Up formulation and if that is too sheer, try Studio Finish. x
Maddi: Hi, good morning! If you are super dry and have skin that needs extra TLC I recommend two products one is definately a splurge, but it’s wonderful – Crem de la Mer. The other is great too, not as rich, but I love it and use it a lot and that’s Dr. Haushka Rose Day Cream. Yes, I cannot emphasize the importance of a primer, it’s important to find one that suits the needs of your skin and your skin concernes, since you are very dry I recommend Jemma Kidd Pro Skin Rescue Bio Complex Veil SPF15 to be used on top of your moisturizer. For days that you don’t fancy foundation this is great, as it has a little colour in it. For the wedding it will be the perfect, hydrating base for your makeup. x
Fantastic !!!!
I was already thinking of booking in at MAC for a wedding MU lesson … So I’ll get on to that ! & will look on the net for the hourglass cosmetics too!
Thank you do much for the advise … Glad there are products Available to help me not to be a sweaty Betty bride
(I’ll arm my bridesmaids with blotting paper & mini fans)!
Hi Joanna: Thanks! I am happy that you are enjoying the tips. Yes, primers will keep your makeup on all day and I recommend trying one for your face and one for your eyes. I have seen amazing results from Urban Decay’s Primer Potion on the eyes, I also love MAC Prep and Prim Eye Primer as an eyeshadow base. This will prevent creasing and fading away. Illamasqua has a fantastic Matt Primer that I have used before and highly recommend for combatting shiny complexions. x
Hi Mariam
I’m planning on doing my make-up myself, with the help of a friend, and so am going to go to a make-up counter in advance to get them to apply a look and give me some advice, then I’ll buy a few of their products that I like and need. The only thing is is that there are clearly so many make-up brands and you recommend products from so many of them, how should I pick which make-up counter to go to? I don’t want to risk buying a product that I haven’t tried and so would hope to buy everything I need from the make-up counter session.
I hope I’ve explained myself properly! Thanks!
x
Ooh thanks so much! I will definitely be trying these. I am a big fan of Illamasqua products, can’t believe I haven’t tried the primer! x
Thank you so much for your help!
Mariam Jensen – Thank thank you! I will try these. I do actually have another question if you don’t mind!! As I do have very dry skin my eyes get sore easily whats the best eyecream?
thank you again! this is a brilliant way to start friday although not for my credit card! cc
Jen: Hi there : ) I totally understand your concern with going to a makeup counter and choosing. It is tough because once you buy all the necessities everything can add up to hundreds of pounds (brushes, foundation, primers, lashes, lash curler, eye shadows, eye liners, brow kits, and so on). It’s difficult too because I never use all one brand’s products for a makeup and find it hard to find everything I need at one counter. I love so many brands, but use a lot of Shu Uemura, NARS, Jemma Kidd, and MAC in my kit. x
Hi Miriam,
Thanks for all the great tips, I will definitley be trying to smoothie!
I really struggle with my skin, as a teenager I had acne and now at 25 it just won’t seem to go (despite trips to my GP). I also have quite combination skin, really dry in some places and oily in others with lots of red patches as well! I was wondering if you could recommend any good products to use to build up a skincare routine, there are so many to chose from! Also, and this probably sounds a bit daft, but I’ve always been a bit confused how, when and in what order to use products such as cleansers, toners, moisturiser, primers etc.
Thanks very much x
Maddi: It sounds like you might have sensitive skin, sometimes eyes get dry and sore from allergies, so keep an eye on your skin when using cosmetics or new skincare. I would try more natural based products, like REN, Weleda, and Dr. Haushka. For super dry areas you can also dab a little of Lucas’ Papaw Ointment. x
Morning Mariam
I am doing my own make up on the day and could really use some tips for keeping my base in place all day. I use Urban Decay foundation (I have both a liquid and a powder) and I understand that they have a primer and a stay put spray. Are these kind of things a good investment?
My skin is fairly greasy which is why I struggle
(
Hi Tabitha, the smoothies are amazing, I am actually having mine now! I stuggled with acne and eventually went on Accutane which was the only thing that really helped me. This was back in the 90′s and know there are so many advanced treatments today, so I would see a doctor again if you can. I have had friends and clients have great results from Proactive, I think you can order it online here in the UK. I also like Dermalogica’s skincare a lot for acne prone skin. The order for skincare I do is 1)Remove Makeup (night) 2) Cleanse 3)Tone 4)Treat (Serum-I do at night) 5)Hydrate 6)Primer. Good luck with it all! x
Affienia: Hi there! I love Urban Decay, they have such a great range and the products are really reasonably priced. I have not tried their face primer or fixing spray, what I might recommend is seeing if they have a sample of the primer that you could try or go clean faced to the counter and try the primer with your products and wear for the day, so how it all holds up. The Illamsaqua Matt Primer is great on oily complexions, too! x
Thanks so much Miriam, I will definitley give them a go!
Still 17 months till the Big Day so hopefully by then I will have lovely clear skin, fingers crossed anyway!
Xx
Hi Mariam
Please could you recommend a foundation that will stay on all day? I never look like I am wearing make up at the end of the day and want to ensure coverage for all the wedding photos.
My skin is usually very good (currently got sore red patches but I have contacted a dermatologist today) and not shiny or dry.
Thanks!
Jemma
Jemma: Sounds like your have nice skin, so do not need tons of coverage. As mentioned to another reader, I am really loving Hourglass Cosmetics at the moment. They have a gorgeous tinted moisturiser that has really nice coverage, much more than many tinted moisturisers on the market that I have tried. It’s waterproof, ant-ageing, and give the skin a gorgeous glow (Hourglass Cosmetics Illusion). This will stay on all day, I recommend using it on top of their primer which is also waterproof. x
Hi Mariam,
I would love some help with tips to keep make-up on all day when getting married in Antigua. I’m most worried about my foundation looking odd colour after a few days tan and my eyeliner (which i usually have quite a bit on) smudging. Thank you.
Hi Miriam
I definitely want red lips (not, I know, a traditional bridal choice but peach lipgloss would make my fair skin look washed out. And I LIKE lipstick!). My question is how do I prevent it coming off on my groom in all the kissing photos (and just generally)? I tried lipcote in the late 80s and my lips came up in lots of little bumps.
Thanks in anticipation!
I’ve seen above you recommend an airbrush foundation for problem skin. I was thinking of doing this, my concern is the fine lines around my eyes. I find a lot of creamy foundations/concealers accentuate these. What products do you find best for this concern and would an airbrush technique be suitable? I’ve heard about silicone based products, any good?
Kay: Hi Kay, any room in your luggage to pack me with you! ; ) Waterproof is really important when you are in hot and humid climates. There are so many products that really do last and stay on all day. I would recommend buying a waterproof primer, as I mentioned in a few posts I am loving Hourglass Cosmetics Waterproof products (primer, tinted moisturizer), I would also recommend to you their waterproof bronzer which will not sweat off and you can use it to give your complexion a bronzed, sun-kissed glow that will last all day. If your foundation is really pale, I would try a new warmer shade (1-2 shades darker if you plan on tanning). I love MAC Fluidline for flawless waterproof defined eyes or Jemma Kidd Define Stay-Put Eyeliners, both are long-wearing and won’t smudge! x
Also can you help with grooms? My lovely groom is a mechanic and finds it really hard to get a deep clean using normal or exfoliating face wash which causes spots and blackheads, he is better than me at his cleansing and moisturising routine but can’t seem to find anything that gives a deep clean. thanks,
Oh thank you Mariam! If I could pack you I would! I’ve never tried a primer before so will give it a go and I agree a bronzer will be a must for me! Only 4 months to go so I will be taking a trip make-up shopping soon and will look out for your suggestions! x
Kay: I would treat you H2B to a men’s facial somewhere (not somewhere girly, but a place that caters to men and mens grooming) so he could get his blackheads sorted and a good deep cleanse. I love Keihls’ Mens Skincare Range and have my husband using it. They also do a good spot treatment that you H2B can use on spots. Keihls is also really good about sampling products, so he can try before you by to see if he likes textures, scents, etc. Keep in mind if does take a few weeks to see results from a skincare regime. Hope this helps. x
Hi Mariam, loving the great advice!
Instead of using a fake tan on my body, I was thinking of using a body foundation to even out my skin tone, have you got any tips on which brand to turn to for this?
I honestly would not recommend using a body foundation because it might transfer on your dress. If you have a makeup artist who can airbrush they can use a transfer-resistent product like Airbase to even out the complexion. x
Thank you again really helpful advice I do get allergies and have to take stuff every now and then for it. Will definitely be purchasing some of these – who I am kidding all of it really! x
Hi Mariam!
Thanks for all the top advice. This has really reassured me about daring to do my own makeup. Normally I absolutely love doing it and it relaxes me, but I’m starting to worry that doing it ‘on the day’ might be a risk too far…
I have one main question: makeup artists always insist that they use makeup appropriate for photos….and I have no idea what they mean by this. You’ve already mentioned making it more defined so it stands out in photos – but what else is important? Best to avoid shiny products (highlighters, illuminator) or best to use them? Shimmery eyeshadow best or matte ok?
Thank you! x x
Thanks Mariam. I’m planning on going to my local UD counter and having a trial
) Also there is a tiny Illamsaqua store opened so I might go see if I can get a sample of their primer. Is it ok to ask for samples?
Hi Mariam. I wear bronzer every day of the year as I am quite pale. I think I would look odd if I didn’t have any on on my WD; how does bronzer work with foundation? Will it stay on, and when should I put it on? Am thinking about doing my own MU on the day but not sure I have the courage! Thanks!
Hi Mariam
Wow alot of good advice already.
A couple of things:
Any recommendations for reasonably priced skincare? My skin is combination to oily. Also I cannot afford monthly facials in the run up, so any recommendations for at home facials?
Also, I have tried Smashbox primer, and although good, I dont find that my makeup lasts all day with this… Any other suggestions?
And as someone else commented, what would you recommend for photo ready makeup that also looks light enough in person?
I have a MAC appointment booked to have a lesson, but would love some simple tips and tricks for non-professionals.
Hello I am getting married in Italy in June and would live some advice on what would be the best foundation for me. My skin is quite sensitive and can be dry, I would like something with a light coverage but lasts the day. I hope you can help. Thanks x
Menina: Hi, thanks for your question. If you can budget to have a MUA on the day, I recommend it. Not only is it relaxing for you and your bridal party, but if you hire the right one they will ensure your makeup is flawless, long-wearing, and perfect – all whilst you are sitting back enjoying the time with your bridal party and family. You can use illuminators and shimmers for wedding makeup that are photography friendly, but you need to be strategic about where it is placed and the products that are used, as some can appear glittery and too shiny. When I do eyes I mix textures (matte, statin, metallic) most of the time, as I clients often want some sheen on the eye, however sheen and shimmer all over is too much. I hope this helps! x
Affiena: I have never had a problem asking for a sample, most brands often have them and if they don’t they are usually happy to demonstrate the product on you. x
Emma: Hi there, if you normally wear bronzer every day, I would wear bronzer on your wedding. If you don’t have your normal complexion you might feel and look really pale in your wedding images. If you aren’t confident in doing your own makeup, then don’t. Remember you are investing so much into the perfect day and last thing you would want is to not be happy with the way you look in your pictures. To answer your other question, powdered bronzer work really nicely on top of foundation, need to know where to apply it though, as bronzer is not a setting powder. It needs to be used selectively on the skin to give a gorgeous sun-kissed golden glow. One of my favourite to try is NARS Laguna Bronzer, I always have at least 2 in the house at all time! x
Hi Miriam
I definitely want red lips (not, I know, a traditional bridal choice but peach lipgloss would make my fair skin look washed out. And I LIKE lipstick!). My question is how do I prevent it coming off on my groom in all the kissing photos (and just generally)? I tried lipcote in the late 80s and my lips came up in lots of little bumps.
Thanks in anticipation
Abi: For reasonable facial I would check out local beauty colleges by your home, as often they run special prices for facials and beauty treatments that are carried out by the students. I would also recommend checking out sites like Wahanda and Groupon as they often have facials on there for as little as £19! For reasonably priced skincare, I really like Organic Surge’s products, I believe you can find them in John Lewis and Waitrose (I order mine on Ocado). They have a fab face wash that I use, it’s really gentle and under a fiver. I haven’t tried their creams, but have heard they are fantastic.
See my recommendations for primers in the various posts above, there have been lots of recommendations. Photo ready is a flawless, natural base – that when zoomed in by camera looks natural and untraceable. When you go for your makeup lesson the artist should be able to explain this in further detail and also show you all the products and tools that you need to achieve a flawless, gorgeous finish. x
LoubyLou: I love the CoverFx range which was formulated by a doctor for people with skin conditions and ailments. The range has sheer to full-coverage products and has the best range of colour I have ever seen at the makeup counter! The makeup is also water resistant, I would pop into one of their counters to check out the products, they are really good! x
LoubyLou: I also love Airbase Makeup airbrushed for a light finish, the sillicone base sits nicely on the driest complexion and never looks heavy or thick. It also wears for about 14 hours… I use this on many of my clients. x
Peridot: I love that you want to wear red lips! There are a lot of new products on the market that are long wearing and designed to last, I really love Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars, they are so long wearing and VERY pigmented. They will transfer a little when you kiss, but will last much better than a traditional lipstick. Keep in mind you need to have clean, unbalmed lips underneath the product. Check out my review here http://blog.mariamjensen.com/post/3177959353/obsessive-compulsive-cosmetics-lip-tars-review
Thank you so much I will have a look into both of them.
x
Mariam, could I ask what your favourite foundations are for oily skin?
Everything I try seems to slide off….
And how do you feel about the pink toned/yellow toned foundation debate? I’ve been told that pink toned foundations just aren’t flaterring but I worry that yellow toned are too yellow on me!
Foundation advice would be much appreciated!
Lizzie xx
Hi Mariam,
Amazing post!! I have a quick question. I sometimes suffer with mild eczema, which usually occurs when I’m stressed but always pops up around my chin lower cheek area! I do have a cream for it which makes it go eventually however if it appears on w day I’m in trouble as I am yet to find a technique/foundation that will keep it covered. It’s less about the (rough) skin showing and more about keeping the red down? I always moisturise it and use a moisturising foundation? But any extra help would be much appreciated!! xx
Lizzie: Oily skin care needs a lot of attention and prep. First of all I recommend an oil controling moisturizer, I love MAC’s Oil Control Lotion. Then I would use a primer, like Illamasqua Matt or Laura Mercier Oil-Free to help prolong the wear of your makeup. The water-proof hour glass one is amazing, too. Sounds like you are a mixure of tones, when I have a client with a skintone like youself I do a custom blend for them mixing yellow-based with pink-based. I would try a few products at various makeup counters to try and get a good match, if it’s not perfect you may need to buy two and mix to get the perfect shade. I hope this helps! x
Lovely thank you very much for your help
Hi Mariam!
I’m really enjoying your answers on here today, so informative! I’ll definitely be off to Liberty to check out the Hourglass range.
I’ve been trying to find a recommended place for facials in London, is there anywhere you can suggest?
The state of my skin is one of my biggest worries, and I’ve previously avoided facials as I suffer from breakouts, but I think now may be the time to give them a go!
Thanks!
Emma: I have had many clients that suffered with eczema and I have to say that the airbrush makeup technique is FANTASTIC in covering the eczema. If you can hire an artist, I would as they will really be able to get your skin looking flawless. Another benefit of airbrush is that there is no direct contact with the skin, so your skin is not irritated by brushes, sponges, etc. Another product I recommend for high colour and redness is the Make Up For Ever HD Green Primer, which neutralises out the red and creates the perfect base for the makeup. Hope this helps! x
Thanks Mariam!
Are there any foundations for oily skin that you rate in particular?
x
You’re a star, thank you!! x
Charlotte: Thank you so much for your feedback, so happy to hear!! I have to be completely honest, I am not faithful to any one facialist, I have had so many in London. I really like Dermalogica Facials though. I have a lady I go to in LA who does fab Yonka and I had a few of them before my wedding (with microdermabrasion). x
Thank you! I will book in for a Dermalogica facial then.
Also, are there any specific Dermalogica products you can recommend for problem skin?
Thanks again
)
Oops that was meant to be a smile
Lip tar ordered (in reverb – hopefully a good colour for a pale redhead!). Will put it through its paces (someone warn my fiance!)
Charlotte: They have quite a big range, but offer face mapping to find the best products for your skin type. I would have this done to they can best prescribe the correct products for your skin type. : )
Hi Mariam
Great post – thanks!
quick question – i have some blue veins around my eyes and really struggle to cover them, any ideas? and any where i could get rid of them??
Thanks
Kelly: I would try Cover Fx Total Coverage Cream Foundation SPF 30 to cover them, this highly pigmented product can cover anything – even tattoos! I also recommend Airbase Makeup airbrushed on the skin, which is light-weight and also full-coverage. x
Peridot: Oooh, excited for you to get it! Let me know how you get on with it.
Ladies, feel free to follow me on Twitter or Facebook, too!
@MariamJensen or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mariam-Jensen-Makeup-Artist/139885339407557
I try to answer questions there whenever I can! I hope you’ve enjoyed today, I sure have! I am still available to answer questions, so feel free to keep them coming!
Thank you x
Hi Mariam
I was wondering what advice you had to find a good makeup artist in the local area? I live in Manchester – and have asked my photographers for their recommendations, and also gone to MAC counters in Manchester to trial out make up looks (and artists) but it’s difficult to find someone to try when make up trials are so expensive.
Any ideas?
Kimberley: Feel free to email me, my details are on my website and I can help you.