Norman Sands reveals a few well-guarded secrets to the perfect wedding makeup!

***This is another great post from a celebrity makeup artist giving you step-by-step instructions on makeup application. Norman Sands has taken runway trends and has delivered them in an easy way for everyday women!***

A lot of women are NOT going to hire the services of a professional makeup artist for their 2009 weddings because so many of us are trying to be more conservative with our money during these difficult times. When celebrity makeup artist Norman Sands, one of my favourite makeup artists and the makeup stylist and trainer for NARS Cosmetics, offered to give some wedding makeup tips to my readers, I jumped at the occasion because it doesn’t matter if you’re getting married in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s … you still want to look glamorous and outrageously beautiful on your big day.

Not that I’m into name-dropping, but let’s face it Norman worked with some pretty big Hollywood names. He’s worked with Leighton Meester (“Gossip Girl”), on the set of “Entourage” and he worked during the September 2008 New York Fashion Week shows (for the Spring 2009 collections) for designers like Chris Benz, Max Azria, Marchesa.

Norman has also worked in the past with Cyndi Lauper, Alice Cooper, Elaine Irwin Mellencamp, Catt Sadler (of E! Network), Dario Franchitti and Sandi Patty.

You can see why I’m always so extremely excited when Norman is willing to pass on his wisdom and experience!!!

>> Here are some much-needed makeup tips on wedding makeup from celebrity makeup artist Norman Sands:

* The biggest trend that brides can take from the runway this season is illuminated skin.

* Perfecting the complexion with an ethereal glow is timeless (a glow that makes you look youthful).  The best way to achieve this look is by using a lightweight moisturizer with a pearlescent finish that adds luminosity to the skin. And NARS Brightening Serum would be my recommendation of choice.

* Think of words like “fresh”, “soft focus” and “luminous” when choosing makeup for your wedding day.  Remember that it’s about looking timeless and sophisticated more than trendy or sun-kissed (aka don’t wear too much bronzer).

* As professional makeup artists, we tend to focus on the complexion when creating a makeup look for special occasions, the red carpet or a wedding.

“Skin is 50 per cent of the makeup” — Francois Nars

* To keep your makeup fresh and modern you should always prep your skin.  A makeup primer creates longer lasting natural looking foundation.  NARS Makeup Primer is both oil and silicone-free with soothing botanicals including Echinacea, green tea and lavender extract (a quick note to my readers, it’s because NARS’ primer doesn’t contain oil or silicone that I like it so much!).

* The right foundation is critical when preparing for your special day.  I recommend NARS Firming Foundation as it gives the complexion a flawless finish without being heavy or mask-like.   The technology behind this foundation is very sophisticated and helps the skin appear more radiant and youthful.

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“Apply foundation with the fingertips to create an undetectable finish and always set foundation with a loose powder … a makeup artist’s best friend.”

* With bridal makeup it’s all about the cheeks.  Every bride needs an ethereal glow.  The right blush is key!  I love to use the Nars Multiples and set with a beautiful powder blush. The Multiple is a unique cream to powder makeup stick for the eyes, cheeks or lips.

* I love Maldives Multiple (a shimmering pink champagne) applied with the fingertips to the cheeks upward set with Luster or Super Orgasm Blush to the apples of the cheeks.

Blush should always look like a natural flush or lightly pinched.

* Bridal makeup is about luminous skin, bright eyes and a beautiful lip color.  It’s about enhancing your features and not seeing makeup.

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“By layering a cream then powder on the cheeks and eyes your instantly add depth, dimension and wearability.”

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“I always recommend a trial run if you are using a makeup artist, and take a few photos to see how the makeup will look in photos.  Most brides will need a little extra blush against the white dress and camera flashes.  Wear a white or light colored top close to the shade of your dress when trying on wedding makeup.”

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“Instead of touching up with a lot of layers of powder carry oil absorbing sheets and lightly dust the center of the face with a soft focus matte powder (NARS Perfecting Powdered Sheets and Nico Blush).”

* You should try individual or a set of false eyelashes to add drama and definition to the eyes.  It creates a beautiful baby doll eye and is one of Hollywood ‘s biggest secrets.  It will make a huge difference in the way you (and your photos) will look.

* Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are perfect for brides because they give long lasting lip color. They are enhanced with silicones and vitamin E to moisturize and plump lips. Try NARS’ Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Pencil and Niagara or Mitzi Lipstick.

* As a rule, gold and bronze tones work best on the eyes while pink and peach tones work for the cheeks and lips.  These tones tend to be universally flattering and timeless.

*If you want a vintage look, nothing says retro like the classic red lip.

Wedding makeup insider’s tip from Norman Sands:

“You should keep lip gloss to a minimum on your wedding day.  Finish off any lip look by applying a dot of gloss to the center of the bottom lip and press together.  Too much gloss can cause lip colour to fade or feather and makes grooms unhappy.”

Remember ladies, your wedding day is about creating your own personal “red carpet” moment.  After all, once you walk in that church/room/temple/synagogue all eyes are on you: the bride!  You need to look luminous and polished but more than anything, you NEED to look like yourself!!!

>>>>Ladies, if you’ve found these tips from Norman Sands useful, don’t forget to leave us your comments below. We’d love to hear from you and we’d love to pass on your comments to Norman!<<<

The Bridal Image by Greg Perez Photography

Photo of Norman Sands and model by Kurtis Bowerstock Photography