Can you truly have great skin and wear makeup? Yes, you can and we’ll show you how!

I get it, nothing is more satisfying than a good ‘beauty beat.’ Lashes. Camera-ready foundation that just won’t budge. Good highlighting and contouring that shows off the old cheekbones—yes, please! Being in full movie star glam is truly a magical experience, but at what cost…that is what you have to consider.

Brides more than anyone else also want to look absolutely gorgeous, not only on their wedding day, but for all the big events leading up to it. Think about it, brides are constantly being photographed and their images are plastered all over social media—unfortunately, always open to critique. From their engagement photos to their final wedding images, it is not unusual for wedding photographers to charge additional retouching fees to remove those unflattering under-eye circles, prevalent dark spots, or that one persistent, pesky pimple. Sometimes, it may feel as if brides have to show up as “perfect” as possible or it will cost them more in the long run. No pressure, right?!

Oftentimes, brides are put under an unusual amount of scrutiny to look perfect on their big day. Sometimes it may even take several months to successfully complete the full regime of waxing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and make-up trials to reach their beauty goals—all while their men, literally wash their face with a bar of deodorant soap, shave, and show up needing zero photo editing. It’s not fair, but unfortunately sometimes that’s just the way it goes.

MY OWN SKINCARE/MAKE-UP JOURNEY

On a personal note, I admit to (at one time or another) being caught up in a “love triangle” with skincare and make-up. More specifically, I have always had a love/hate relationship with both. I’ve often asked myself, ‘do I want to look great right now when I go out in public’ or ‘do I want to preserve all this cuteness for when I’m old and gray’? Do I really want to be the most plain girl in town right now or be the foxiest old lady in the nursing home with REALLY great skin? I know it’s an exaggeration of two extremes, but I have always seemed to take the “right now” approach to my appearance. Give me my make-up now while I still care!

Trust me, I’ve heard from all you “naturalistas” out there who ‘don’t need make-up to cover up your natural beauty’— good for you, but that ain’t me! Even if it’s just a shaped brow and a smudge of under-eye concealer, you will very rarely see Miss Tai out and about without a little something, something. And before you say it, trust me, I’m not shallow or insecure or even ashamed of what I look like when I wake up, I just love the transformative quality of make-up. It’s fun, playful, colorful and how I like to express myself.

Fortunately, around the same time that I began my love affair with make-up, I also began my OBSESSION with skincare. I started out like most teen girls [at the time] with trusted grocery store brands like Noxzema, Sea Breeze, Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, and St. Ives. Eventually, I would graduate to department store brands like Clarins, Aveda, Dermalogica, and Image. All of these products were great, but the real game changer for me was when I was introduced to the world of professional facials, skin treatments, medical-grade products and the magical people behind them–estheticians [aestheticians].

WHAT IS AN ESTHETICIAN/AESTHETICIAN?

Dermatologists vs Estheticians/Aestheticians

Simply put, aesthetics is the practice of skincare for cosmetic purposes. While you may go to a dermatologist for a rash or medical conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and/or for prescriptions for things like severe acne, an aesthetician/esthetician specializes in the external beautification of the skin’s surface.

A dermatologist is a doctor who focuses on the overall health of the skin (as well as the hair, nails, and mucous membranes) and can diagnose and treat more than 3,000 conditions. In addition to their basic medical provisions, dermatologists can also perform more complex cosmetic procedures like adding fillers and injectables. Most estheticians, however, cannot provide these invasive services unless under very rare circumstances and under the direct supervision of a licensed dermatologist.

Dermatologists will have at least 12 years of education and training before practicing. An esthetician [although this may vary by state] is typically licensed to practice after about 600 hours of training and 250-1000 hours of coursework. Think of it this way, when you see a dermatologist, you’re “going to the doctor” for a medical condition that will usually be treated with some sort of topical or oral medication and/or surgery. When seeing an esthetician, you are typically going (1) for frequent “tune-ups” and maintenance in between doctor visits, (2) if your skin issue is not severe enough to see a dermatologist, and/or (3) if your skin needs routine, specialized custom treatments without medication—with the pricing usually being much lower to see an esthetician than a dermatologist.

For my own skincare needs, I have personally had far better success receiving regular care from an esthetician than a dermatologist; however, I have had colleagues who have also achieved their desired results under the care of a dermatologist who has prescribed oral acne medications such as Accutane. So what’s right for you—it really just depends on your needs and preferences.

Dermatologist vs Esthetician/Aesthetician Tools

Estheticians vs Aestheticians

While estheticians are not medical professionals, they often work in medical spas and/or alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons in medical practices. Why—because their services often compliment more complicated procedures done by those same dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Oftentimes, when estheticians work in more clinical settings, they are often referred to as aestheticians (with an “A”) or medical estheticians. Aestheticians (or medical estheticians) can often perform services like laser hair removal, tattoo removal, and post-surgical care. For the purpose of this blog, going forward we will be using the term esthetician.

“TEAM SKINCARE” VS “TEAM MAKE-UP”

Make-up and Your Wedding Day

Although some may look at wedding day make-up application services as a frivolous ‘one-and-done’ experience, trust me, it is not. Good [and unfortunately bad] make-up or the lack thereof will FOREVER be immortalized in both professional wedding photos and amateur cell phone footage from guests. Remember, forever is a mighty long time, but I’m here to tell you, there’s someone who can help—a professional make-up artist.

I find that wearing professionally applied, long-wearing make-up on your wedding day often provides an enormous sense of confidence for the bride and her entire bridal party. For starters, skilled make-up artists (MUAs) match and apply colors to the skin in proper lighting settings. They also remove excess oil and glare from your skin and blur out any imperfections that you don’t want to be amplified via photo or video. MUAs also know the best ways to accentuate your best features from every possible angle so that no matter who is taking your photo (or from where), you will always look [and feel] your best.

From a planner’s perspective, I also recommend professional make-up application services because they make sure that there is one less thing to worry about on an already stress-filled day. A typical wedding day can last anywhere between 12-16 hours and a highly trained, professional MUA can prevent the need for constant touch-ups throughout the day and night — often overpowering oil/shine flare-ups, sweat, and even tears. Even if you are not a regular make-up wearer, you may want to make an exception for your wedding day. Keep in mind that make-up does not have to be heavy, nor do you need to look like a completely different person. A great make-up artist is skilled enough to provide looks that range from natural and barely there to a full glam ‘beat’ complete with lashes, contouring, and highlighting. It’s really up to you.

The Great MUA and Esthetician Partnership

My experience has been that most people are either make-up enthusiasts or skincare junkies, but not both. So why am I pairing two seemingly opposing perspectives — covering up the skin for temporary benefit versus working with the skin in its natural state to provide long-term results? Here’s why— I want you to shift your thinking. If done properly, skincare and make-up wear do not have to be diametrically opposed to one another. Wearing make-up while simultaneously working on the condition of your skin can actually provide both temporary and permanent benefits.

Let’s dive into how wearing make-up while receiving skincare treatments can impact a bride on her wedding day.

Esthetician, *Keshia Jones* (L) and Makeup Artist, *Shawntel Webster* (R)

There are two common questions that brides often ask. The first is ‘do I really need an esthetician if I’m planning to wear make-up on my big day?’ The second is ‘won’t make-up cover up anything on my skin that I don’t want to be seen?’ The short answers are ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Yes, you should have an esthetician on call at all times to prep your skin for the easy application of make-up, but no, make-up cannot cover up every unwanted skin condition.

Instead of treating skincare and make-up like bitter rivals, from this point onward, we will be talking about your bridal make-up application and skincare routines as an alliance, a partnership that will give you the highest probability of success.

We have reached out to two of our industry friends to get the inside scoop on whether good skincare can peacefully coexist with occasional [and even regular] make-up wear.

ASK A MAKE-UP ARTIST

Shawntel Webster has been in the beauty biz for almost two decades. With resume credits that include working for major beauty brands like Charlotte Tilbury and MAC Cosmetics, Shawntel has truly done it all. Her work has been featured in fashion shows, beauty pageants, and styled shoots with literally thousands of faces in her portfolio. She has also served as a mentor and coach to many up-and-coming artists because of her extensive educational background and love of teaching.

As the owner, stylist, and head make-up artist at Beauty Topix Mobile Glam Salon, Shawntel’s services include make-up application, hairstyling, bridal styling, one-on-one make-up lessons and group classes.

I was first introduced to Beauty Topix Mobile Glam Salon about two years ago and was immediately impressed with the concept— a shuttle that could deliver full hair and make-up application services to clients either at the most remote, non-ideal photo shoot and set locations or at the most convenient location of all, at the client’s own home. Clients are literally able to step outside their front door and into an air conditioned luxury spa, get glammed, and immediately step back into the logistics of their everyday life. I immediately saw this as a win-win for my bridal clients!

The Mobile Beauty Bus

With Shawntel’s keen eye for color matching, an average of 30+ bridal group clients per year, and numerous years of experience with some of the biggest names in cosmetics, I thought she’d be the perfect go-to person for this blog.

Below you will find three Q&A sections in which Shawntel has been kind enough to share her expertise:

Great Expectations

The “Blank Canvas”

Make-up Removal and Skin Maintenance

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: WHAT A MAKE-UP ARTIST CAN AND CANNOT DO

Q: Typically, what types of skin conditions can easily be covered or masked with make-up?

A: With the proper application techniques, redness and broken capillaries can easily be remedied with make-up.

Q: What types of skin conditions cannot be covered by make-up?

A: Make-up can definitely give us confidence and improve our appearance by masking any discoloration in the skin; however, it can’t change the texture of the skin. Common skin texture issues that are more difficult to work with include wrinkles or any sort of skin issue where the skin has lost firmness or tightness.

Q: How do you want your wedding clients to feel once you’ve completed their make-up application?

A: I want to make sure that they leave my chair feeling like the most beautiful versions of themselves. While all clients want a beautiful, polished look, which I can always deliver, I think that it’s also important for them to understand that social media filters are not real life and should not be the end goal.

I really like to explain what is possible to my clients before I begin because I want them to have realistic expectations about their transformations. My ultimate goal is to enhance the client’s own natural beauty and for them to be 100% satisfied with their end results.

Q: How long is your make-up application intended to last?

A: My make-up application is intended to last for anywhere between 16-18 hours of wear.

For scheduling purposes, I typically, recommend that the bride’s make-up is completed at least 2 hours before the ceremony start time to allow for pre-event photos.

Q: What should clients expect with airbrush make-up applications?

A: Airbrush make-up can be a great option for some; however, it is not ideal for aged, wrinkled, or sagging skin because the product will not “lay well” on the surface of the skin.

Additionally, dry skin should be properly hydrated and oily skin should be primed to allow for long wear. If you are considering the use of airbrush make-up, I would highly recommend a trial service so that you can determine well in advance if this is right for you and your skin type.

THE “BLANK CANVAS”

Q: The “blank canvas” refers to prepped, natural skin before make-up has been applied. In your own words, what is the best state for a “blank canvas” to which make-up can be applied?

A: Ideally, it’s best for a client to have a fresh, clean face with minimal product. Additionally, it is imperative that stubborn leftover cosmetics like mascara and other waterproof cosmetics are completely removed.

Q: How long before a make-up application should clients wash their face? What should their skin prep routine be?

A: Clients can cleanse their skin up to 15 minutes prior to the make-up application. My priority is always on the cleanliness of the skin and the lack of things like mascara residue and layers of heavy moisturizers, serums, and primers. Not having a fresh, clean face causes significant delays in starting the actual make-up application process, ultimately interfering with the client’s total application time and the overall event day schedule.

In terms of the exact skin prep routine, I highly advise my clients to consult with their esthetician on the best products and treatments specific to their skin type.

Q: What types of products should clients avoid applying to their skin right before a make-up application?

A: Any oils; however, a pea sized amount of moisturizer is fine.

Q: What foods, drinks, and/or habits should brides avoid before applying make-up to get the best results?

A: I’ve noticed that clients who eat junk food or drink alcohol the night before the wedding have the most difficulties. Doing so can cause dehydration and bloating which is not ideal for make-up application. So my best advice (even though it may be hard to do) is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water before a big event.

Careful with your alcohol consumption right before your big day

MAKE-UP REMOVAL AND SKIN MAINTENANCE

Q: Are your make-up application services meant to be worn or ”repurposed” for multiple days of use?

A: NEVER! I do not recommend sleeping in make-up, EVER!

Q: What are some of the best practices for minimizing breakouts after a make-up application?

A: Properly cleansing the skin is essential to preventing breakouts. My preferred method is a “double cleanse” method in which a balm or oil is first used to break down mascara and other waterproof makeup before using a cleanser.

While we all know that sleep is essential to the skin’s natural regenerative process, how you sleep is also a factor. Of course you should never sleep in your makeup, but you should also make sure that all makeup is completely removed before applying nightly skincare productions. Additionally, pillowcases should be changed at least twice a week to prevent cross contamination and silk pillowcases should be used to allow for the proper absorption of your nighttime skincare products that are working and repairing your skin while you sleep.

Q: What is the best way for clients to remove your make-up after an application?

A: First, start with removing lashes by pulling from the outside of the eye to the inner corner. Then remove the top layer of makeup by using a makeup wipe. Follow up with an oil or balm to break down the waterproof products. Lastly, use a facial cleanser followed up with a toner, serum, and moisturizer.

Q: How does sunblock factor into your make-up application and maintenance processes?

A: While every day sunblock use is preferred, it can be somewhat tricky when combined with make-up application and the final outcome for photos and videos. The preference is to use a foundation with an SPF that does not cause a white cast or “flashback.” Additionally, there are products designed for application after make-up has already been completed. These are typically aerosol sprays that, when used properly, will not disturb the make-up.

Q: How important is “leaving the skin in a better state than you found it” after a make-up application to you?

A: I really try to take the time to explain how to properly remove makeup to my clients. I also emphasize the importance of a good skincare routine. This includes being under the care of a skilled esthetician and receiving monthly facials.

ASK AN ESTHETICIAN

We’ve talked to our make-up artist about what skin states are most conducive to a flawless make-up application, now it’s time to shift our focus to the skincare routines that make it possible.

As the sole esthetician at a popular massage salon chain, Keshia Jones became frustrated with providing basic “fluff” facials. She wanted more—that’s when she decided to moonlight as a medical aesthetician at a med spa. This was the ultimate game changer which inspired Keshia to apply the relaxation techniques learned from the massage salon to the sometimes sterile/clinical environment of the results-driven treatment center of the med spa. This led to the creation of her Northwest Houston area spa, Atomic Skin, in January of 2020.

Keshia describes Atomic Skin as a “multicultural acne and skincare specialist center” where clients (both male and female) seek her expertise on a multitude of skincare issues. The conditions and focused treatments range from acne and hyperpigmentation, to skin texture and tightening issues, to enlarged pores and ingrown hair treatments, and much more. If she had to describe her ideal client, she would describe them as consistent, patient, and studious men and women who are willing to (1) receive regular in-spa treatments, (2) learn how to properly care for their specific skin type, and (3) do the work at home by consistently using the suggested products and adhering to the recommendations for possible changes in lifestyle and diet.

Keshia has provided answers in the four following Q&A sections to help answer some of your most pressing questions:

Common Skin Concerns

Services Provided

Make-up and Skincare

Preventive Measures and At-Home Care

COMMON SKIN CONCERNS

Q: How long does it typically take to get your skin “into shape” or fully transformed?

A: It really just depends on the specific skin issue along with these four common factors (1) the client’s lifestyle, (2) the client’s dedication to at-home care, (3) consistency with in-clinic treatment appointments, and (4) the client’s own personal goals, i.e. what type of results are they expecting, completely gone, much improved, etc.

Hyperpigmentation and anti-aging issues could take up to 6 months+ to correct; however, please note that anti-aging treatments focus on minimizing and reducing the problem, but they can not completely erase it.

When specifically dealing with acne, it really just depends. Because acne is referenced by “grades” [or stages], depending on the grade/stage of acne (1-4), it could be corrected in 3 months+.

Q: What causes acne? What are the essential steps for treating it?

A: Acne is a genetic disorder that is caused by overactive sebaceous glands. The key to treating acne is for each client to know what their triggers are and then having the client commit to constant in-clinic treatments and at-home care.

Q: What causes hyperpigmentation?

A: Hyperpigmentation is caused by sun damage. The purpose of the melanin in our skin is to protect our skin from sun exposure— the more melanin in our skin, the more protection you have. However, unfortunately, that same melanin causes melanocyte cells to “work in overdrive” when trauma is experienced from such things as acne activity or scratches to the skin. After the skin is damaged, more melanin is produced and the affected area is then overwhelmed with melanin causing the discoloration of the skin.

Q: What causes wrinkles? What are the essential steps for treating it?

A: Wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen and elastin in the skin during the natural aging process. While the wrinkling of the skin can not be completely avoided, the process can be slowed down with proper care to lessen the appearance.

Anti-aging products are most effective if utilized in a preventative capacity where treatments are done before you begin seeing signs.

Collagen and elastin in skin at different life stages

Q: What causes skin drooping or sagging? What are the essential steps for treating it?

A: Similarly to wrinkles, skin drooping or sagging is caused by a decrease in collagen and elastin. The use of products with ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help rebuild and strengthen these components— allowing your skin to look and ‘act’ in a more youthful manner.

Q: What are enlarged pores? Can pore sizes be altered?

A: Pore size is purely genetic. Although they may appear larger when you’re hot or smaller when you’re cold, the pores do not actually shrink or enlarge, although a lot of products claim to do this. We can reduce the appearance of the pores, but not the actual pores themselves.

Q: Is having clogged pores the same thing as having oily skin?

A: No, clogged pores can occur in both oily and dry skin. The buildup of dirt, bacteria, and sebum results in clogged pores or blackheads. While many may associate clogged pores with oily skin, dry skin can become clogged as well due to a lack of exfoliation and/or an excess of dead skin cells.

Q: What causes skin texture issues like rough patches and pitting?

A: Picking and popping acne can leave pits in the skin that resemble enlarged pores. Additionally, skin texture can also be altered by the lack of “skin turnover” from skin that has a build up of hard, dry skin.

Q: For clients dealing with multiple skin issues, is there a particular order that these problems should be addressed?

A: More specifically for clients dealing with hyperpigmentation and acne, you always want to treat and remedy the acne issue first. Otherwise, if you treat the hyperpigmentation issue first, you won’t see the desired results because you will continue to experience breakouts that will result in more pigmentation issues, acne scarring, and texture issues.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Q: What types of services does Atomic Skin provide?

A: The broad range of services provided by Atomic Skin can be divided into 3 main categories: Consultations, Maintenance Facials, and Advanced Treatments.

Consultations

Our consultations can be provided virtually or in-person. Virtual consultations are best suited for clients who are wholeheartedly committed to at-home care. Oftentimes, these clients may no longer live in our service area but would still like to receive guidance on their skincare journey. More specifically for our Virtual Acne Bootcamp clients, we recommend products, identify triggers, and suggest lifestyle changes for the best results. For our in-person consultations, we properly analyze the current state of the skin and discuss goals, concerns, current home care, and reasonable expectations before creating a custom treatment plan.

Another service that we provide that is very rare within the industry, is that we allow clients to receive a consultation with or without service. This means that if after the consultation the client wishes to proceed with the treatment plan they are able to receive the service immediately without booking a separate appointment. On the other hand if the client needs some time to sleep on it, they also have the option of just receiving the consultation with no further services while we “get to know one another.”

Maintenance Facials

Maintenance facials or our Atomic Facials are what we call our “basic facials” that focus on maintaining your skincare results. They are not intended to correct major skin issues, but do include a personal skin analysis, a customized treatment plan that includes at-home product recommendations, and an in-person session that includes cleansing, steaming, extractions, and more. Our maintenance facials can also be targeted to teens (with issues connected to playing sports, hormonal changes, and diet) and even men. The Atomic Facials are also available with our membership program where clients can receive a free maintenance facial, an add-on, plus 5% off all retail products for your at-home care.

Advanced Skincare Treatments

Our Advanced Skincare Treatments include treatments that are results-driven and/or correcting treatments for things like advanced acne, hyperpigmentation, scarring, skin tightening and resurfacing, fine lines and wrinkles, collagen production, blackheads and clogged pores, ingrown hairs and more. Many of these services can at any time be “add-ons” to existing maintenance facials and/or combined as treatments with other advanced skincare treatment services. Services within this category include, but are not limited to:

Q: What treatments are best suited for skin issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles?

A: Many of our skin treatments provide multiple benefits for various skin concerns. Which treatment approach is best for your skin type can be evaluated during a consultation; however, here is a quick list of what treatments typically work well for various skin issues.

MAKE-UP AND SKINCARE

Q: How do cosmetics typically affect the state of your skin?

A: Unfortunately, some cosmetics can often include some pore clogging ingredients that the average person may not be aware of. This is where good cleansing practices come into play. Similarly to the make-up artist’s recommendations above, I highly recommend a pre-cleanse routine for my clients who regularly wear make-up. This includes using an oil based cleanser or balm to remove the make-up first so that your actual cleanser and products go directly into the skin, instead of being piled up on top of make-up that was left behind.

Sample Pre-cleansing Balm, *Farmacy Green Clean*

Q: What are the most appropriate ways to control oily skin and shine underneath make-up?

A: While primers are great for temporarily giving the skin an optimal appearance for make-up application, “pre-game” prep actually provides the most benefit. Making sure that you and your skin are properly hydrated, moisturized, and exfoliated as a part of a regular skincare routine are the best ways to combat oily skin underneath make-up.

Q: What is the longest time you should wear makeup?

A: Ideally, 8 hours is what I would recommend for a normal day’s wear; however, I understand that this is virtually impossible for a wedding day. In the case of a wedding, I know that there has to be an exception. As long as a bride does not sleep in her makeup overnight, preps with a good hydration treatment before an extended long wear day and resumes her recommended skincare routine immediately after the event, I’m good with that.

Q: What are the disadvantages of sleeping in your make-up?

A: Sleeping in make-up not only clogs pores, but it causes premature aging. Good nighttime skincare is vital to the health and appearance of the skin because our skin replenishes while we sleep. Having a layer of make-up on your face a night “smothers” and denies the skin of the hydration and oxygen it needs to thrive. Just don’t do it, EVER!

PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND AT-HOME CARE

Q: Do darker skin tones need to wear sunblock? Why or why not?

A: Absolutely! Darker skin can still burn and still needs protection from the UV rays that can cause cancer and premature aging. Sunblock is my non-negotiable for ALL clients and ideally, two finger lengths of sunblock should be applied every 3 hours. I understand that a lot of people may not either have the time to do this and/or are concerned about clogging their pores; however, the benefits outweigh the risks. Additionally, when shopping for sunscreen I always recommend reading the labels to make sure that the product is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.

Sample Daily SPF, *Face Reality Skincare Lotion*

Q: Ideally, how often should clients be receiving professional skincare services from a professional esthetician/aesthetician?

A: The best results and the maintenance of healthy skin requires treatments every 3-6 weeks.

Q: How important is at-home care in between professional facials and skin treatments?

A: In my opinion, at-home care is just as important, if not more so, than professional treatments. Professional treatments will only work if your skin is properly prepped at home. Additionally, proper home care ensures that your treatments are “protected” and long-lasting. I equate home skincare and pro treatments to working out and eating right— they go hand in hand. You can work out everyday, but you won’t see the results that you desire without changing your diet as well. The same principle applies to skincare.

Q: What types of at-home skincare products do you recommend and sell to your clients?

A: I get quite a few requests from brands who want me to test and promote their products; however, I am big on only promoting the products that I actually know work. If a product can pass my trial run, I will post them on my social media pages, but if they don’t, I will not.

In general, I mostly stick with the FaceReality and Glymed brands because they produce the best results for myself and my clients.

Q: As much as you may try to get your clients to use your preferred product brands for their at-home care, old habits die hard and I’m sure you encounter some sort of resistance along the way. If you had to make a list of your top “drug store staple offenders” what would they be and why?

A: I do not recommend products like bar soap, African black soap, or witch hazel. Additionally, I do not recommend the use of popular brands like St. Ives and Neutrogena and any sort of raw lemons or raw foods on the skin. The reason being is that all of these items will typically strip the moisture barrier of your skin and cause premature aging, skin sensitivity, and breakouts. If you want the best results, stick with professional grade products.

FINAL THOUGHTS FROM AISLE RUNNERS

Hopefully this blog post has provided you with the information you need to straddle the proper balance between wearing event make-up while fostering a healthy skincare regimen.

The major takeaways?

Makeup should be viewed as an enhancement and not a cure all.
You should never go to sleep in your make-up.
You should always prep your skin for the best possible make-up application.
You shouldn’t be afraid to seek professional help when dealing with your skincare concerns and beauty goals. There are a lot of great professionals who would love to help you look your absolute best on your big day!

Special thanks to Beauty Topix Mobile Glam Salon for all the wonderful makeup tips, Atomic Skin for all the expert skincare advice, Nhoo Matthews Atelier for the beautiful animated beauty sketch, and Victoria Garcia Studios for all of the great images from our fun day!

Please be sure to reach out to Shawntel Webster of Beauty Topix Mobile Glam Salon for her full list of bridal and special occasion services.

Additionally, if you’re looking to whip your skin into shape before your big day, start today by booking your treatments now with Keshia Jones of Atomic Skin.