Beauty & the Brush: Bridal beauty

December is upon us. In other words, with the culmination of Muharram in a few weeks, the shaadi invitations will begin pouring in. In theory, you’ll attend to wish the newlyweds well, but in reality you and your friends will be evaluating the bride. Did she get her jora made by India’s Tarun Tahiliani or did she go with Pakistani designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin? What kind of jewelry set is she wearing, is it authentic polki or is it kundun? And finally, who created her look - Tariq Amin or a no name?

When it comes to bridal makeup in Pakistan, the results can truly be hit or miss - you can appear stunning at one event and frightful at the next. We don’t want you walking into your bridal appointment oblivious. Hence, here is our gift to you - the first in a series of bridal “how-to’s” with Beauty and the Brush.

We advise you consult with your artist in advance. Be sure to choose someone you feel confident will listen to your needs - you are paying them, not the other way around. Keep in mind, however, that your concerns should be discussed during the consultation, not while the artist is dolling you up on your wedding day. After all, you wouldn’t want to be schooled on how to do your job, so don’t criticise your artist while they are doing theirs - or they may just walk out on you.

To ensure long lasting results, the base of any bridal makeup should be well-primed skin. Avoid a moisturiser with SPF at all costs, as it will give you a gray cast in photos and may even change the shade of your foundation.  If you have oily skin, ignore the instinct to use a mattifying lotion, as it will make it harder for your foundation to glide onto your face. Instead, use a lightweight oil-free moisturiser along with a mattifying silicon primer.

The next step is choosing a foundation colour. Be careful - this could make or break your entire look. We believe a bride should use a shade that she has tried and tested beforehand. Why put yourself at risk by experimenting with colours the day of your wedding? We say you should stick with what you know.

Many artists recommend that brides should avoid creamy/luminous foundations. While they look great, they rub off quickly. And, since Pakistani weddings last forever it’s important that our makeup stays fresh. Unless you have extremely dry skin, stick to a semi-matte (or matte for very oily skins) formulation.

It may be true that brides should wear heavier makeup at their events than they do on a daily basis. However, this applies to your features - not your foundation. Allow your natural skin to radiate through. Those with clear skin should stick to sheer/medium coverage products. Apply a light coat to create a base for other colours and to prevent yourself from looking washed out under the camera flash.

Problematic skin? Don’t apply layer after layer of foundation that cakes up your entire face. Use a base that has medium/buildable coverage; a good foundation will cover the blemishes without needing too much product. Harder to hide problem areas can also be covered with concealer of the same colour.

Consult with your artist beforehand about the colour you have chosen. If they feel it is not appropriate for the bright lights, they may recommend something else for you to try. Whatever you choose, make sure you feel comfortable and aren’t being bullied into using something you don’t like. If you approach your artist diplomatically, they should accommodate your concerns - we’re sure they don’t want the bad press!

Maria Saadat is author of the popular desi beauty site Lipstick Masala.

QUESTION TIME

Do you have a question about make-up? Can’t figure out a hairstyle for an upcoming wedding? Do your attempts at smoky eye make-up leave you looking like a raccoon? Have no fear! E-mail your questions and issues to [e-mail] and Maria Saadat will respond to them in an upcoming column.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2010.