The wedding dress is the most important part of the bride’s ensemble, of course, but the style in which the bride wears her hair and makeup plays an important role in how the whole image is combined. This season, brides are going for sophisticated, elegant beauty with timeless appeal. Here are some of the key bridal beauty trends for fall and winter weddings.
Updos are back in fashion for brides this fall and winter. Brides have moved away from the beachy, bohemian look in favor of hairstyles that complement this season’s sophisticated trumpet dresses and 1950s-inspired feminine styles. Hairstyles are polished and neat, exuding sophisticated confidence. Brides are not afraid to look older this fall. A classic bun, low bun, or side swept asymmetric knot are among the best hairstyles for fall and winter brides. If you want to create more visual interest, sections of the hair can be braided first before being placed in the bun or knot. When hair goes up, earrings tend to elongate, so look for crystal or pearl chandelier earrings to wear with these hairstyles.
Bridal hair jewelry is equally sophisticated for this season. The bride who wants a headdress that is visible from the front should opt for an elegant headband with rhinestones. The headband can add as much sparkle as a tiara, but the snug fit to the head is more regal than princess. Feathers are still a very popular wedding trend, and a group of white or black feathers looks fabulous tucked into one side of a braided knot. Crystal chandelier earrings will complement this elegant headdress. A beautiful and understated type of bridal hair jewelry is a set of crystal or pearl hairpins. The best thing about forks is their incredible versatility. They can be laid in a neat row along one edge of a twist, bundled like a clasp next to a side-swept knot, or delicately scattered around a low bun. Hairpins look fantastic for bridesmaids too, by the way.
Naturally, everyone will be looking at the radiant face of the bride during the wedding. Make sure yours is ready to be admired by creating a good foundation. Go for a clean, polished look, which can be created by layering light products. Start with a foundation foundation, which ensures that foundation glides smoothly over face for a flawless look. A fairly sheer foundation will even out skin tone without looking artificial (tip: if your makeup covers your freckles, it’s too heavy and won’t look natural). The next steps to create a flawless face are concealer around the eyes, lids, sides of the nose, and blemishes. Cover with a clear powder to set makeup. If shine appears during the day, use smooth blotting papers instead of reapplying layer upon layer of powder. A little highlighting powder or cream can be applied to the top of the cheekbones and just below the eyebrows, but be careful not to overdo it.
Then it is time to choose the colors of your makeup. For the eyes, warm shades like browns, soft purples, bronze, and gold look beautiful for fall and winter. Satin or matte colors will tend to look better than sparkly eyeshadows, although a light coating of a golden sheen over the colors can be lovely. A couple coats of waterproof and flake-proof mascara and a light application of dark brown eyeliner will help define the eyes. A sheer cream blush enhances the natural glow of the bride and lasts well. The lipstick will last longer than the lip gloss. A satin formula is less harsh than a true matte and less sticky than a glossy lipstick. Go for a fairly medium shade or go dramatic with classic red lips.
As for nail polish, a big trend for winter brides is short nails painted in a dark purplish color. That works wonderfully with a face done in warm, neutral colors. If you’ve opted to make a statement with dramatic red lipstick, stick with a light neutral color for your nails. Very artificial airbrushed French manicure is not in fashion this season. If you like the look of a Frenchman, go to a salon where it will be hand painted for a subtle, natural look. With bridal hair, makeup, and hair jewelry in place, you’ll be ready to shine on your wedding day!