Interview: Kim Wadsworth, BridesMade
Wedster is always trying to bring brides the information they need to make their wedding day beautiful! Today we are chatting with national makeup artist Kim Wadsworth of Wadsworth Style and BridesMade. Kim has been a fashion journalist for over 15 years and is founding editor of VOW Bride and F.A.B. magazines.
Image courtesy of David Schwartz Photography
Wedster: Kim, what are the trends in bridal makeup?
Kim: In covering the bridal collections in New York each fall and winter for Vow Bride magazine, I get an idea of the overall look that designers envision for brides. Two looks stood out prominently for Spring 2008. The return to glamour with 40's styling- dark eyes, lashes, full deeper lip, hair down and wavy. Or the continuation of a pretty young look, again with hair down (very few updo's although they don't understand the humidity that Virginian brides must deal with!) Soft palettes for eye shadows, light glossy lips, fresh face with a touch of shimmer. Again, lashes made a strong presence, be they full lashes or flairs (individual.)
Wedster: How do you arrive at ‘the look’ for each bride?
Kim: There is no template for bridal beauty. A dialogue must be established and it is up to us to draw as much as we can about the bride, her style, her daily makeup usage vs. special event application. We insist on making our brides be mindful that this is THE dressiest day of their life. Their guests EXPECT them to look different- meaning, that they have makeup that balances the elegance of their gown. It's their big day to shine and we make sure they are radiant yet as "natural" as one can be when wearing makeup. The meaning of makeup has changed so much in the last five years. The challenge is to break them out of a mindset that they will look unrecognizable. That is NOT what bridal makeup is all about. It is about drawing out the strongest features, documenting their wedding day beauty with sophistication and subtle allure with regard to application.
Wedster: Is it better to try a glam new look or something more natural?
Kim: Experimentation with your bridal beauty is a personal choice. We recommend taking steps beyond the day makeup you are use to. If it is an evening wedding (after five), then something more glam will look appropriate, no doubt. A morning or afternoon wedding signifies something classic but we have many brides who want to go for it, meaning they are ready to make their look memorable and glamorous. They DON'T want the same old look- that's why they hire us!
Wedster: Would you recommend a trial run? If so, when?
Kim: Trial runs are MANDATORY. They should also be with hair. We all desire that "dress rehearsal" to get all the unknowns known. This is the ideal time to discuss the look a bride wants, get an idea of the feel of the day, see photos of the dress and then know what direction to guide a bride. We always encourage brides to do the trial when they are attending a party or shower. Or, schedule a trial with their hair stylist, then come for makeup, and then get their gown fitting. It's the perfect way to "peek" at how the whole look will come together!
Wedster: That is a great suggestion! Do you recommend the bride begin a skin care regimen prior to the wedding?
Kim: Brides are stressed and have the usual breakouts. Therefore, skin care should start 6 months prior to the wedding. Facials, waxing, hydration all play a key role in how your complexion will look. Brides fall apart over a blemish and we tell them every time, "this is why you hire the professionals." There are outstanding products that conceal and once the makeup is done, no one will know about that blemish but the bride- and us!
Wedster: I know that you get very busy with media work. How soon should a bride book your services?
Kim: I am booked 6-10 months ahead. There is the usual list of important things that need to be booked- the location, the coordinator, the photographer, the florist and the caterer. But surprisingly, brides put beauty (meaning makeup and hair) near the bottom and then they are disappointed when they can't get with the beauty makers they want. Gratefully, I have three associates who have been with me for 10 years. We are all trained to cater to the needs of our brides and on certain dates, each of us has our own bride and bridal party to make up. If I am already booked, my girls as just as capable and experienced. We love brides.
Wedster: Wow, that's good to know! Tell our readers about the VOW bridal show.
Kim: The Vow Bride Event is Sunday January 27, 2008 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Because the show is in tandem with Vow Bride Magazine, we ensure that brides are meeting with various vendors, as any show would provide, but we also feature guest speakers, designers and workshops to make the content of the magazine come to life. This year we have Heidi Elnora, a bridal gown designer who was on Project Runway and Mandy Greenan of Tigerlilly Tiaras and Jewelry. They will be there to meet brides and chat with them. They flew in their designs to us and we will feature them in the fashion show. I think it will be very exciting! All the proceeds at the door ($10.) will be donated to The Samaritan House, our local shelter for battered women. We are thrilled to be partnering with them!
Wedster: That is a very worthy organization. Thanks Kim!
Kim Wadsworth is the founding editor of Vow Bride magazine, available at specialty bridal stores and at Barnes & Noble. Her bridal makeup company, BridesMade, was started in 1990. Visit Kim at www.kimwadsworth.com and click BridesMade for bridal packages and pricing.