Bridal makeup with Brittany Gray

Makeup can tie your entire bridal look together and help you look and feel beautiful on your special day in your stunning destination. Whether you’re enlisting the help of a glam squad or doing your own bridal makeup, it’s important to choose a look that suits your personal style.

To help you put your best face forward on your wedding day, we reached out to Brittany Gray, one of Canada’s top makeup artists and beauty experts. Brittany is the founder and CEO of Fancy Face, a first-class hair and makeup team and nationwide beauty company that brings the glamour to you. Read on for Brittany’s expert makeup and beauty advice, from tips for long-lasting makeup for your destination wedding to her holy grail beauty products.

Lipgloss, lipstick and perfume bottle Photo: August Media

What are some new bridal makeup trends that you’ve been noticing?

I’ve noticed recently that many brides are leaning towards using champagne and rosy toned eye makeup. Also, many brides are sticking to a skincare routine before their big day to ensure they have fresh, glowing skin on the day of their wedding. I personally recommend microdermabrasion and hydra-facials prior to tying the knot.

Do you recommend that brides do a trial run for their makeup before their big day?

Yes! I always recommend that brides do a trial run with their makeup artist before their wedding day. Knowing exactly how your look will turn out helps to make the getting ready process stress-free. If you’re having your makeup done by a local artist, schedule a trial run a couple of months before your wedding.

Makeup artist applying makeup to a bride Photo: August Media

How much time should brides allot for makeup application on their wedding day?

I always allot an hour for bridesmaids and an hour and a half for brides. The makeup application process is the same for brides and bridesmaids, however, we just love to make sure that the bride feels extra special and well taken care of on her big day.

Can you recommend any beauty hacks for making your makeup look picture-perfect throughout your entire wedding day?

All picture-perfect makeup looks starts with healthy skin, so I recommend sticking to a good skincare routine, especially in the months leading up to your wedding. It helps to get regular facials prior to your wedding day. For a destination wedding, if the budget allows for it, I would suggest having your makeup artist on-site to ensure your makeup lasts in the heat.

Fake eyelashes Photo: August Media

What are some of your all-time favourite bridal makeup trends?

Wispy voluminous eyelashes! False lashes enhance your overall look and help ensure your eyes pop in photos.

Can you share any tips for hiring a makeup artist?

When hiring a makeup artist, it’s always helpful to see examples of their work. Many makeup artists will share photos of their work on social media which can help you get inspiration for your own bridal look and find an artist whose style is compatible with yours. This advice applies whether you’re hiring a makeup artist at home or in destination

Two women applying makeup Photo: Morning Light Photography

What do you recommend that brides wear during their makeup application?

It’s best to wear a robe while you’re getting your hair and makeup done for your destination wedding. Not only will your robe look adorable in your ‘getting ready’ photos, you also won’t have to worry about ruining your look when it’s time to get dressed.

What’s your number one destination wedding beauty tip?

Since destination weddings typically take place in warm climates, I recommend using an airbrush foundation and finishing your makeup with a translucent powder or a setting spray. These products will help ensure your makeup lasts and look fresh even on hot sunny days.

Makeup on a table Photo: August Media

What are some of your holy grail products?

Lately, I cannot live without MAC Strobe cream. It’s an illuminating cream that brightens, moisturizes and primes your face for an instant glow. For bronzer, I rely on our Fancy Face Ballerina Bronzer which comes with a pink blush for a sun-kissed finish. I also love our Fancy Face Vinyl Lip Lacquer in the shade ‘Love Note’ because it’s highly pigmented, hydrating and in my opinion, the perfect pink.

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