Image by Lavender & Fern Photography. Makeup by Erin Guenter Beauty.

Wedding Makeup vocabulary

Have you ever wondered what your makeup artist is talking about when you ask them about their services for your wedding? Sure, most of us are familiar with everyday products like mascara and lipstick but just like every job there are many terms and words used to describe certain looks or parts of the job that only the experts use regularly to communicate their services. We’ve consulted with Erin Guenter Beauty to translate a few things and give you some extra insight into the world of makeup artistry as it applies to your wedding day look!

Wedding Make-up Terms

Natural or Neutral
Natural makeup refers to a makeup look that subtly enhances one's features and is like a second skin. natural makeup is great for those who don’t usually wear makeup and prefer to be “un-made up”. Neutral, on the other hand, refers to the color palette chosen and can be muted shades with varying textures from matte to metallic. Neutral makeup doesn’t necessarily mean soft or light and can be lightly applied for a more subtle look or be more dramatic.

Top: Images by Corynn Fowler Photography.
Bottom: Image by Willow & Wolf. Makeup by Erin Guenter Beauty in all images.

Glam or Classic
A glam makeup look refers to a style of application that is more intensified. This look is great for someone who doesn’t shy away from makeup and wants to stand out. Classic is a look that is timeless...skin is perfected, eyes are enhanced, lashes are full and lips are blushed. A classic makeup look does not necessarily incorporate any trend and will never go out of style.

Top: Images by Purple Tree Photography.
Bottom: Image by Tara Lilly Photography. Makeup by Erin Guenter Beauty in all images.

Skin Finish
Skin finish refers to how the skin will look when the makeup is complete. Matte, glowy, or satin are three finishes that are commonly referred to when an artist is consulting on complexion. A matte finish has no shine, shimmer, or glitter and is great for those with oily skin or texture irregularities. A glowy finish is skin that is lit from within, looks healthy and hydrated, and reflects light in all of the right places! A satin finish is universally flattering and is neither matte nor glowy but lies perfectly between the two. The skin looks real, reflects enough light to enhance the overall complexion, and never looks heavy.

Makeup by Erin Guenter Beauty. Image by Purple Tree Photography.

Flashback
Under flash photography some makeup that contains light reflective particles can create a white cast on the skin and makeup or skin care that contains physical sunscreen such as zinc oxide can also cause this undesirable glare.
Processing Time
A great bridal makeup artist also has great time management! Creating a timeline for the “Getting Ready” portion of the wedding day is very important to the flow and can set the tone for the day. The “Processing Time” refers to the amount of time needed by the artist to complete the amount of faces booked for services the day of.