Photo: Lia's Photography
If there’s one piece of advice I could give when planning a wedding, it’s this – include the moms in the makeup schedule, too. With over 10 years of experience in the wedding industry, I’ve come across both situations: where moms had their makeup done and where they didn’t. When I say they didn’t have their makeup done, I’m not referring to those who chose not to. Some simply prefer not to wear makeup, and we should never force them.
However, I’ve been in the room with bridal parties getting all glammed up, while moms looked on, sometimes even mentioning that they wished they had been included. Frankly, it broke my heart. So, even if you don’t have a bridal party, ask the moms if they’d like to get dolled up for the event. And most importantly – don’t offer this to one mom while neglecting the other. It’s a great way to build a positive relationship with your soon-to-be mother-in-law from the start, and I’m sure she would appreciate it. Maybe moms were not pampered on their own wedding day, or if they were, the style was probably different. So why not treat them both to something special?
One common hesitation I’ve noticed among mothers is that they’re afraid their makeup will look too thick. I’ve heard so many times, “I don’t want to look like a clown.” In my mind, I think they’ve either seen other women with poorly applied makeup or, unfortunately, experienced it themselves. Some have even mentioned having not-so-great experiences in the past. I’ve had situations where, after watching me work, they told me they’d trust my expertise for future events.
That’s why it’s important to look for an artist who is familiar and comfortable working with clients of all ages. Almost every time someone calls me, after chatting for a bit, they mention their age. So in my mind, I know what that means—they’re still a little hesitant.
What are some makeup tips for the mother of the bride or groom? I’m happy to share, so keep reading.
It all starts with prepping the skin. The fewer products, the better. I like to use products that both moisturize and prime. Using too many products can get overwhelming, leading to questions or confusion. I’m not there to sell, so I don’t use five different products at once. Don’t get me wrong – on an everyday basis, I do recommend more than one product, as each serves a purpose for the skin. However, on the wedding day, it’s not necessary because you won’t see immediate results from skincare. That said, I’m happy to share the products I used or recommend if anyone is interested.
After skincare and any necessary color correction, I like to apply a lightweight foundation. Most moms prefer their skin to look natural, though some may want full coverage. But here’s the truth – sorry, I can’t hide wrinkles! Keep this in mind: the more makeup you apply, the more texture will show.
Next, I usually apply powder on each client, but I recommend using a very fine product that won’t accentuate lines. Blush can be applied in either cream or powder form. If you opt for a cream formula, it needs to be applied before powder, or else it will look cakey.
Eyebrows play an important role on a more mature face, as they can create a lifting effect and frame the eyes. However, they need to be applied carefully – never go overboard, as that can completely change the overall appearance. For eye makeup, soft eyeshadows and subtle eyeliner are recommended. Avoid heavy eyeliner or overly dark shades, because they can look too harsh. Of course, I always have a mini consultation with each of my ladies to get a sense of the makeup style, if there is one. This helps me determine what’s too much or what’s just right.
For the lips, I like to use a lip liner to define them and prevent feathering. If the eyes are the focal point, I keep the lips more neutral and vice versa. This balance helps avoid an overly done look.
And ta-da! Here come the happy moms!