Master the Look: Breezy Bride to Be 101

I had the pleasure of doing makeup for a family member's bridal shower and here are some things I used that day ( and that I use frequently on brides to be!)

1. Glowing Skin- The key to this (besides having the luxury of living a beautiful and sunny city everyday)is using a sheered foundation only where you need it. I used Kevyn Aucoin's Sensual Skin Enhancer, a very little of it goes a long way. Next I dusted a bit of Laura Mercier's Loose Mineral Powder in Warm Bronze, and last a bit of a highlighter in Albatross, from NARS.



2. The simple daytime smokey - The key to this is a nice primer, soft browns, and waterproof eyeliner! I first used eyeshadow primer from Too Faced "Shadow Insurance". Next I lined the eye with Fluidline from MAC in "Blitz and Glitz" ( a black with flecks of gold) on the lashline and in the water line, very lightly. The Essential Eye Shadow Palette #1 is what was used to create the light smoke. Lastly I coated the lashes with Christian Dior's Iconic Mascara.

3. Nude lip- Korres Lip butter in Guava to hydrate & Korres wild Cherry Lip Gloss in Nude #33 ( or even Natural Purple #25) of course the best base is a lip liner in your natural lip shade!

3. Tools- For the eyes I used the Stila eye brush #15, MAC small angled eyeliner brush #266 and MAC tapered blending #224. For the face the Stila foundation brush & Blush brush #24

Beauty Building Blocks

Maven Says: Its always better to take care of the root of a concern, rather then covering it up.

What does this mean? GET A SKINCARE ROUTINE PEOPLE! Before you can get that air brushed flawless look there are a few things you can do, no matter your skin type.

STEP ONE: Weekly exfoliation
You always want to exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week (normal to combination) No more than 3 times a week for a dry skin type. Over exfoliation can happen! Think about it, your rubbing granules across the surface of your skin! If you don't want to use anything beaded, all skin types could benefit from an enzymatic facial scrub (like the one by OLE HENRIKSEN pictured below) This is full of fruit acids that will help to lift toxins out of the skin.



STEP TWO: Vitamin C!
Look I live in a very polluted city, New York. You have to go out everyday with something on to protect your skin from damage! Vitamin C helps to lessen the appearance of sun spots and reverse them ( given you're good about wearing sunscreen!!)Try Maven favorite, Korres Wild Rose Brigthening Serum. Its less than $40 and does WONDERS!!! You can also use it under the eye area ( So it will brighten everything up)If youre not into serums try the moisturizer form of the serum, Wild Rose Moisturizer. Both will help you BLT ( no not the sandwich)... BRIGHTEN, LIGHTEN, and TIGHTEN ... Your skin will be glowing and beautiful with regular 2 times a day use!

STEP 3: ALWAYS USE and REAPPLY SUNSCREEN .... At least a 15 (20-30 is best though)