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Antonia McDowall
Antonia is a freelance make-up artist based in Surrey
Visit www.fantasticbrides.co.uk for more details about her services. |
Antonia McDowall answers all your Beauty related questions |
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Eye catching
Q. My bridesmaids have told me to wear some eyeshadow on my wedding day but I don't normally wear much make-up and I'm nervous I'll get it wrong. What can I do to have defined eyes, but still look natural?
A. Antonia McDowall says: A touch of eyeshadow in the right shade for your skin tone won't look over-the-top; subtle colours will enhance your eyes but still look natural. Firstly, I would use a make-up base over your eyelid to keep the colour smooth and make it last longer - try either a sweep of foundation sealed with powder, or a special eye make-up foundation.
Invest in a good quality eyeshadow palette which contains a selection of complementary colours. Natural browns look great on every skin tone and can be built up for heavier coverage, if you feel you want it.
You can use eyeshadow alone to define your eyes, but to finish the look choose an eye pencil that's not too heavy or dark. If you're feeling more daring, try a liquid or gel line along the upper lashes. Finish off with some mascara (stick to dark brown rather than black if you want to keep it really natural), and have fun practising - after all, make-up application should be enjoyable.
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Going vintage
Q. I am wearing a retro 1950s-style wedding dress for my big day. I was wondering should I have retro hair and make-up to match, or will that be '50s overkill?
A. Antonia McDowall says: I think you have to be quite careful with going for a very strong theme for your look. Occasionally a bride really pulls this off, but for the retro look to work, your entire day has to be geared towards your theme - or else you could end up looking a little out of place at your own wedding. If the 1950s style is one you are known for and is an extension of your personality then go for it, but maybe you are just getting carried away in the moment because of the shape of your dress.
To use the 1950s as an example, brides then such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn wore classic looks of the time - and as a result they didn't look dated, they looked chic, elegant and beautiful. A 1950s style dress, in my opinion, would look best with simple, glowing make-up and hair that is slightly more modern and softer than the very coiffed looks worn then. This will complement your dress and make your hair and make-up more about you than about a theme.
If you want to compromise, try using a sweep of black liquid liner or false eyelashes - but stay away from baby-pink cheeks and lips, or a rock 'n' roll ponytail. I actually love a bit of retro beauty but I think classic is best for a bride - both on the day itself, and because you don't want to look back at your wedding photos in years to come and cringe.
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Trial and Error
Q. When planning the timings for getting ready on the morning of my wedding, should I have my hair or make-up done first?
A. Antonia McDowall says: Generally it's better to have your hair done first and most hairdressers will be happy to do this before a make-up artist gets to work. This is because if any heated appliances are used - whether that's rollers, curlers or just a hair dryer - your skin is likely to get flushed. By the time your hair stylist has finished, your skin colouring should be back to normal and ready for make-up.
If several women in your party are having their hair and make-up done, the hairdresser and make-up artist can work together to save time. The make-up artist will usually start off with the bridesmaids or the mother-of-the-bride and will leave the bride until last.
Conversely a hair stylist will usually work with the others once the bride is finished. Make sure that you discuss the timings beforehand with anyone you are relying on, as that way everyone is clear about what's happening and when.
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