Tag Archives: makeup

Sep 04, 2014

Your wedding day is about making the ultimate commitment to your partner, but you might find that during the planning process, you also make some great new friendships with the people helping to put your dream wedding together. Your hair and makeup team is crucial to a seamless walk down the aisle, and you need to be able to rely on them completely to help you feel your best on your big day. So in a sea of stylists, how do you find the ones that are right for you? Luckily our beauty editor Kori Mahoney is here to share some tips on the process! (image source)

Ask your wedding planner for recommendations. They have generally been planning weddings in your location for quite some time, and offer a wealth of knowledge and one of the best little black books in town.
If you have a hairstylist that you see on a regular basis, or someone who glams you up at the makeup counter before a big night out, ask them if they frequently do weddings or offer onsite services. Since you already trust them and they know your style, it would be an easy transition.
That said, make sure you see examples of their work for more formal occasions since something that looks great for the office or a night out doesn’t always translate into the polished wedding style you’re going for.
Don’t forget to ask them about their availability the day of your wedding and for any trial runs scheduled before. If they will be doing your bridesmaids’ hair and makeup as well, ask them if they have a team to help or what kind of time you should allow for if they are doing it individually.
Make sure to find out about the cost for their services, especially if it includes traveling to the wedding location, or styling your bridesmaids as well. Since wedding budgets can easily add up, you won’t want to be surprised when you get the final bill.
Last but not least, make sure your beauty team works well together and that your hair and makeup create one cohesive look. You might ask your hair stylist if she has a makeup artist she could recommend and vice versa to make sure they have the same style and vision. Doing a trial run will also make sure everything works well together. Pay attention to not only the overall look they provide, but also the chemistry you have with them to ensure a fun and glamorous wedding day!

9.04.14 | TARA GUÉRARD
Beauty, Bridal | 2 Comments

Aug 11, 2014

The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Makeup

We’re so happy to have our resident beauty editor Kori Mahoney back on the Bon Bon Blog to talk about the dos and don’ts of wedding makeup. Of course you want to look extra special on your wedding day, but it’s important to keep some key guidelines in mind so you don’t make mistakes that will haunt you for years to come. Nobody wants an Oompa Loompa in their wedding photos…

1. Whites, creams, ecrus can leave a bride feeling washed out. DO consider a subtle spray tan. If you are a porcelain goddess, DON’T dial it up to bahama bronze; moderation is key here. (Photo by Liz Banfield of a Soirée bride)

2. The look of lash extensions can be amazing. DO your research and check out examples of the makeup artist’s work. DON’T opt for pricey and distracting spider legs. Again, it’s all about moderation. (image source)

3. Brides, a tattoo shoutout! DO alert your artist if your intention is to have it fully covered. This will require additional time that day and special product that may or may not have a permanent home in your makeup artist’s kit. (image source)

4. DON’T crash diet. As we age and lose weight rapidly, our face loses volume and looks (gasp!) older. DO have dessert! (Photo of Soirée bridesmaids)

5. DO schedule a run through with the hair and makeup team and trust them. DON’T base opinions solely on a Google search. Personal connection is super important. (image source)

6. DO schedule waxings, facials, and haircuts (based of course on your stylist’s recommendation at run through) two weeks prior to the wedding to avoid breakouts, redness, overwaxing or other mishaps. DON’T rush into radical change. (image source)

Have fun with your makeup and don’t be afraid to experiment with your look on this very special day, but to prevent a beauty blunder, keep these guidelines in mind!

8.11.14 | TARA GUÉRARD
Beauty, Bridal, Bridal Style | 1 Comment

Jul 16, 2014

Quick Guide to the “Soirée Look”

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.

7.16.14 | TARA GUÉRARD
Beauty | 1 Comment