New wedding-worthy beauty products for fall (including Kim Kardashian’s lipstick!). Photographs (left to right) courtesy of Cartier, Lancome, and Kate Somerville
When it comes to bridal makeup, it typically pays to shoot for a timeless look rather than a ferociously trendy one. Otherwise that retro, Mad Men look you’re currently sporting might not look so hot 20 years down the line, when you’re going through your wedding album and cursing “creative” color palettes. Don’t believe us? Just ask Eighties Bride.
That said, there are ways to incorporate beauty trends into your wedding look, particularly when it comes to preparation. We got a preview of new fall products at Neiman Marcus last week, and picked some of our favorite items, trends, and tips for fashion-conscious fall brides.
Paint Your Ring Finger a Different Color
It might sound whimsical, but we’ve yet to find a better way to draw attention to your newest piece of jewelry. What started as a cute trend has now been fully embraced by beauty companies, including Yves Saint Laurent, whose Manucure Couture collection of polishes is sold in pairs ($30). Subtlety might be key here: YSL’s #139 (Gold, $20) goes nicely with #140 (Rose Gold, $20) without distracting too much from your bouquet. Look out for Le Metier de Beauté at Neiman Marcus, which recently introduced adorable miniature bottles of polish ($10)—perfect for a color you’ll only use on one finger.
Troubleshoot in Advance
No bride wants panda eyes, which is why waterproof makeup is key. Try Dior’s Long-Wear Waterproof Eyeliner ($29), or Waterproof High-Intensity Lash Curling Mascara ($28) for a smudge-free look. Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eyeliner ($19.50) is another option—it’s so durable not even the multiple cleansers we sampled could shift it.
Lipstick
Yes, lipstick. In recent years it’s apparently fallen out of favor; a victim of prettily packaged glosses and tinted lip balms. But for a truly big event, nothing compares to the solid color and photography-friendly qualities of lipstick. Just ask America’s most famous bride, Kim Kardashian, who wore Lancome’s L’Absolu Nu lipstick (photo 2, $29) in Coral Sand at her August wedding.
Smokey Eyes (But Not Too Smokey)
When Dior’s Travis McQuoid does bridal makeup, he tries to gently shoo brides away from smokey eye makeup, which isn’t always the most appropriate match for a Vera Wang gown. He prefers “soft smokey,” which complements (but doesn’t distract from) your overall classic look. Dior’s 5-Colours Eyeshadow palettes ($59-$60) offer a range of colors for creative shading—try the soft pinks and duskier purples of #970 (Stylish Move), or the blush and brown tones of #842 (Lifting Rose). For DIY brides, dior.com has a handy how-to section on using all five shades to create your own look.
Think Ahead
Around three months before your big day, it’s worth indulging in a few high-end products to prep your skin ahead of time. Try Le Metier de Beauté’s Daily Renew Cleanser ($50), with rounded exfoliating grains to refresh skin, and Vitamin C to renew it. We’re also big fans of Amore Pacific’s Rejuvenating Serum ($100), which uses natural botanicals to stimulate cell regeneration and reduce fine lines. For killer lashes, try Kate Somerville’s True Lash Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover (photo 3, $35), which boosts lash growth while removing makeup (any kind of double-duty product is perfect for time and sleep-deprived brides, and this one even works with other lash-enhancing products, such as Latisse).
Go Romantic
Not that you’ll need the help, but Cartier’s new Baiser Volé perfume (photo 1, $100 to $145) is one of the prettiest we’ve tried this year. Its scent is based almost entirely on lilies, with fresh, floral overtones and a lasting (but not overpowering) fragrance. And the charming name (Stolen Kiss in English) and pretty pink packaging doesn’t hurt either.
All products listed are available at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, or on neimanmarcus.com. Don’t forget to visit the store during Beauty Week (September 8 through 18) for special deals and samples of new fall products.
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