Weddings have always come in a whole variety of shapes and sizes, but 2021 is set to be a year like no other, with lots of brides planning multiple events or something totally different to what they’d originally thought. Whether you’re going for a chic city ceremony, a relaxed day-time event, or a luxe after-party, one thing remains the same - you’ll want a killer beauty look and outfit to match. This week, our go-to queen of beauty, London-based make-up artist and industry expert Quelle Bester is back to tell us how to nail three incredible beauty looks for three different styles of wedding.
CHIC CITY CEREMONY // FRENCH STYLE RED LIP
“The key to keeping this look less L.A. glam and more low-key French is to keep eye makeup to a minimum for this makeup.” says Quelle. “Define your brows using Boy de Chanel Brow Pencil and skip any eyeshadow. If you can forgo mascara - all the better! However, if you feel as if you just need a little extra definition try a brown mascara if you’re blonde or a black mascara if you have darker hair to extend lashes. Getting the lipstick right is paramount to pulling this makeup look off - it needs to be bold.
“Exfoliate lips using Kiko’s Exfoliating Wipes to get rid of any flaking texture and then apply a generous amount of Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream. Let it sit for five minutes before using a tissue to press away any excess product. For Fair to Medium skin tones, Lisa Eldridge’s Velvet Ribbon is the perfect pop of red with a matte finish lipstick that never feels dry. For deep tan to dark skin tones, try NARS’s Satin Lip Pencil Majella a deeper Bordeaux red which glides on comfortably with maximum pigment. Finish everything off with a touch of Chanel’s Baume Essential over cheekbones and a very light dab over your eyelids to add a dewy glow to your skin.”
And what to wear? Our STYLE 023 1930s bias cut gown in warm ivory has to be our favourite look for a chic city ceremony. Vintage-inspired but with a contemporary twist and cut from a liquid silk satin, this piece makes a statement but in a very cool, understated way - especially when paired with this make-up look.
RELAXED DAY-TIME CELEBRATIONS // FLUSHED CHEEKS
“A great look for both summer and winter, rosy and flushed cheeks are the perfect way to lift your complexion without feeling like you no longer recognise yourself in the mirror.” Quelle explains, “I quite like to pare back skin with something like Code8 Beauty’s Radiate Beauty Balm which provides a wonderfully light amount of coverage as well as an SPF15.
"After concealing, I then buff a little cream blusher by Elf Cosmetics over the pillows of the cheeks, building colour up until I’m happy with the effect. If ever I feel I’ve gone overboard, I just buff a little away with the foundation I had previously used to dim the colour down again. To complete the look, I swipe a touch of Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk onto lips, curl lashes and add mascara.”
And what to wear? We love the relaxed, romantic pairing of our signature STYLE 002 spaghetti strap slip with STYLE 032 organza overtop for a day-time affair. If you do plan to party into the night (which we would always recommend!) take off the organza overtop and wear just the slip for a slinky evening look.
THE LUXE AFTER-PARTY // RADIANT SKIN
When it comes to the perfect after-party glow, Quelle says, “creating a radiant skin finish is key, and will go with absolutely any dress or attire. Start off by moisturising skin with an illuminating primer such as Fresh Glow by Burberry. Continue with Dior’s Face + Body Foundation which is a demi-matte product you can layer for coverage where needed. This is a great product if you have any marked texture in your skin from blemishes brought on from the stress of 2020. I particularly love this foundation when it comes to deep tan skin tones and darker, as the colours are fantastic.
“Sculpt skin with a cream product like Westman Atelier’s Face Trace and then highlight skin MAC Cosmetics Cream Colour Base in Hush for radiance without appearing wet on the skin. To define eyes, use the same technique and wash Face Trace over the eyelid and towards the brow and then tap little bit of Hush over the eyelid, finishing the look by curling lashes and using Chantecaille’s Faux Cils Mascara for a full and fluttery lash-line. If you want to really play up the eyes you can add your favourite falsies - I’ve really been enjoying Ardell’s Naked Lashes as they have an invisible lash band and never look overly done. To finish, add a swipe of Beauty Pie’s Luxe Shine Future Lipstick in Nude Blush and you are ready!”
And what to wear? For pure Studio 54 vibes, go for our sleek STYLE 025 jumpsuit or for even more of a statement, try our shimmering sequin mini, STYLE 024.
We hope you enjoy these looks as much as we do, for more info on Quelle or to book her for one of your wedding events check out her instagram @abridaledit or visit www.quellebester.com
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