Kori Mahoney has been working with Soirée brides for over a decade and we’re so happy to welcome her to the Bon Bon Blog as our Beauty Editor. Kori is the regional makeup artist for Trish McEvoy, and loves being on site at special occasions with her “magic box,” making the beautiful women of Charleston just a little brighter. Today, Kori is giving six tips on getting the “Soirée look” and we’re so happy to share them with you here:

Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin which equals less foundation in general on the day of your big event. Exfoliation and hydration are so important. I always recommend Trish McEvoy’s Professional Strength Peel (8) and her Beauty Booster Serum (9) to achieve maximum glow. Primer, as all artists know, is essential in our climate, so I incorporate an eye base (3) and lip primer as well. I lock it all in place with a translucent powder (2) on a velour puff, which I recommend having with you that day for touch ups.

Here are some tips for recreating your own ‘Soiree’ look :

1. Never underestimate the power of beautiful skin; invest in products that give you results (4). When you see an attractive woman, more often than not, her skin is flawless.

2. Brows are key players. Find a brow guru and be loyal. Makeup looks infinitely more professionally applied when brows are in shape.

3. A properly lined eye (11) is the blowout of the makeup industry. Tight line the eye and blend everything including eyeshadow more than you think you need. Brightening the underside of the eye is critical. I adore Trish McEvoy’s Instant Eye Lift (12); it is life changing. I almost always apply clusters of individual lashes (10), they add glamour and femininity.

4. Beware of brown bronzer and where you place it. A golden toned bronzer (1) should only be used to delicately add warmth and definition; couple it with a pop of peach or pink on the apples of the cheek (5) to balance it out.

6. I generally steer away from a bold lip unless, of course, it is the bride’s signature look. I gravitate toward a slightly brighter version of the lip tone with subtle shine (6), which photographs lovely. This too (7), you will want to have with you that day.

Having said all this, you might find it contradictory that I am known in the cosmetic industry as an artist that can create a ‘natural’ look. Just keep in mind that ‘natural’ does not mean that it isn’t there. It means that the correct products are properly applied and blended to become part of the skin. It is also all about proportions- slightly larger makeup + more dramatic hair+ fantastic gown= perfection.