Decoding Common Wedding Hair and Makeup Terms

Introduction to Bridal Beauty Terminology

Your wedding day is a canvas, and your hair and makeup are the artistry that bring your bridal vision to life. But as you delve into the world of bridal beauty, you might encounter terms that leave you more perplexed than pampered. Fear not, beautiful brides-to-be! We’re here to demystify these common beauty terms, ensuring you’re well-informed and ready to communicate your desires to your glam squad.

Common Wedding Hair and Makeup Terms

 

1. Airbrush Makeup: Flawless Finish for Your Big Day

A technique using a small makeup air compressor to apply foundation, airbrush makeup is beloved for its durability and seamless finish. It’s ideal for brides looking for a picture-perfect look that combats shine and lasts through the “I dos” to the final dance.

2. Contouring: Sculpt and Define Your Best Features

This makeup method uses darker and lighter shades to sculpt the face, enhancing your natural bone structure. Contouring can accentuate your cheekbones, slim your face, and give you that coveted bridal glow.

 

3. Highlights and Lowlights: Dimension in Your Bridal ‘Do

This refers to hair coloring techniques that create depth. Highlights add lighter strands to your hair, while lowlights involve darker shades, both contributing to a multi-dimensional look that shines beautifully under wedding day lights. Both are great to have if you are choosing an updo, so that your hair has dimension.

4. Updos and Downdos: The Pinnacle of Bridal Hairstyles

An updo gathers the hair off the neck in a chic style, perfect for showcasing your dress’s neckline. A downdo leaves your hair flowing freely, offering a more relaxed and romantic vibe. Both are quintessential bridal choices, dependent on personal style and wedding theme.

 

5. Trial Run: Practice Makes Perfect

A trial run is your test drive for wedding hair and makeup. It’s a critical step in ensuring your vision aligns with your stylist’s execution. This is the time to experiment with different looks and make decisions without the wedding day pressure.

6. Waterproof Makeup: Cry-Proof Your Wedding Look

Waterproof makeup is designed to resist tears of joy, sweat, and even a little rain. From mascaras to sealers, these products ensure your makeup stays intact, letting you focus on the magic of your day.

7. Matte vs. Dewy: A Tale of Two Finishes

Matte makeup offers a velvety finish that minimizes shine, ideal for oily skin types or outdoor weddings in warm climates. A dewy finish, on the other hand, gives a radiant, moist sheen, suggesting youthful vibrance. This is the most common choice for evening affairs.

 

Pro tip: If your makeup gets shiny, use blotting pads (like these) to absorb the oils on your skin without removing your makeup 

 

8. Lash Extensions vs. Falsies: Eye-Catching Options

Lash extensions are individual lashes adhered to your natural lashes for a fuller look, lasting weeks beyond the wedding. False lashes (falsies) are a one-day commitment, providing dramatic flair for your bridal beauty look.

9. HD Makeup: High Definition for High Emotions

HD makeup includes products that stand up to the scrutinizing lens of high-definition cameras, ensuring a smooth and visible complexion. It’s made to reduce the appearance of imperfections without looking heavy.

 

10. Balayage: Sun-Kissed Strokes for the Aisle

A hair coloring technique where highlights are hand-painted for a natural, sun-kissed look. Balayage offers a low-maintenance route to radiant hair that won’t need a touch-up immediately after the honeymoon.

11. Primer: The Secret to Long-Lasting Beauty

Makeup primer is the first step in your application process. It smooths the skin, ensuring an even application, and increases the longevity of your makeup – a must for enduring a day filled with hugs, kisses, and photographs.

 

Pro tip: A good setting spray (we love this one) will help ensure your makeup lasts all day and remains fresh 

Say goodbye to makeup melt, and sweat ruining your makeup!

 

Conclusion: Speak Fluent Beauty on Your Wedding Day

Arming yourself with the knowledge of these terms will enhance your communication with your wedding hair and makeup artists. At Elwynn + Cass, we pride ourselves on crafting personalized beauty experiences that translate your dreams into stunning reality. We invite you to speak the language of bridal beauty with us as we create a look that’s as unforgettable as your love story.