I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

I am so thrilled to announce our first guest blogger, Cathi Singh. She is a makeup artist who has worked in the industry for several years and has sent me so many great ideas, I’m bubbling over right now. I asked her to start off with a little about herself so you can get the full scoop. Without further ado, here’s Cathi:

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Hello grey readers!

I am so honored and excited to share one of my passions with you- makeup! I have been in the industry for several years- after college, I started out as a wardrobe stylist but was fascinated with what the makeup artists were doing and fell in love with makeup. I am a freelance artist with Smashbox Cosmetics and work all over Southern California doing print, bridal and, most recently, film. I was trained by celebrity makeup artist Tricia Sawyer, who does Sharon Stone, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, etc… From the girly girl and retro diva, to the minimalist who just loves chapstick, I hope to give you insight and helpful ideas to achieve your unique bridal look.

I thought I’d start off with basics, so today, I’ve got some tips for finding your look. First, there are a few key elements to determine the appropriate look for your big day:

: : Location : : Is it going to be indoor/outdoor- on a farm, or in a cathedral? You want to be dressed and made up to match your venue. If it’s on the beach, a bronzed glow with a peachy coral cheek and lip would be ideal.

: : Time : : Is the wedding in the afternoon or at sunset, going late into the evening? If it’s earlier in the day, you will want to keep to the lighter colors- peach, pink, lilac, honey and gold, so you show up in pictures, not just your makeup. If it’s an evening wedding, you can definitely use some darker colors, but focus on one part of your face to emphasize- eyes or lips.

: : Season : : The time of year and where you live will likely determine the location, given the weather. If you’ve always dreamt of a winter white wonderland wedding, you can get away with darker colors. But don’t ask for a bronzed, golden glow- you will clash with everything! Think burgundy, eggplant colors for lips, accented by a hint of warm honey tones and earthy browns for the eyes. Or you can play up your eyes with a subtle smokey eye using cooler hues like grey and pearl, complimented by a soft, light pink lip.

: : Style&Theme : : This goes hand in hand with location and the style of your wedding decor. If you are doin’ it up with a retro vintage flare, go ahead and spring for that cat eye with black eyeliner- but remember, you still want to look like you- not a movie character or your favorite pin-up.

: : Grandchildren : : I know, I’m jumping ahead a few steps, but thinking about your future 40 years from now is vital. Do you want to open up your wedding album and explain why blue eyeshadow and hot pink frosted lipstick were “so “in” back in our day”? You want something that is timeless and will always look classic and beautiful.

In honor of the Oscars, here are some beautiful looks from this year’s red carpet that are totally wedding worthy:

: : Ann Hathaway : : Classic, timeless old Hollywood feel. Very matte- no shimmer needed.

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: : Jessica Biel : : Natural, playful look with light rose pink lip, light bronze eyes

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: : Sarah Jessica Parker : : Evening, formal look. Heavy, dramatic eye, light pink lip.

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: : Freida Pinto : : Very subtle smokey eye, nautral palette- warm, earthy tones

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: :Jennifer Aniston : : Perfect example of glowing, beachy outdoor afternoon look

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As the big day approaches, here are a few more tips to take you from
finding the right look, to accomplishing the right look.

  • Once you have narrowed it down and are starting to envision your look, find a makeup artist that you can trust. Always schedule a consultation to meet with your artist, discuss likes and dislikes, and try out one or two looks until you are happy. Makeup artists love to see pictures of what you want- so don’t be afraid to go through your magazines and blogs!
  • It’s always great to have family and/or your maid of honor there for input, but too many cooks spoil the broth- don’t make it a party. It will be too distracting for you and your artist.
  • Many brides book their hair consultation on the same day so they can see the looks put together. Get your hair done first. Make sure to take pictures at this time as well- not only will you have a reference point on the big day, it also helps if you are still picking out jewelry.
  • While your wedding makeup will most likely be more than you wear on a daily basis, it doesn’t mean you have to paint on a new face! Just enhance your natural beauty – that’s what he fell in love with

For more questions about makeup, or to reach Cathi, email {grey} at greylikesweddings [at] gmail [dot] com.