Truth time: Sometimes we get these engagement sessions and straight-up envy the charmed Instagram-worthy lives the couples seem to live. And Kaitlin and Allan’s shots could do just that. But....
The Look: Saying “I Do” in a classic setting—like on the grounds of a Lowcountry plantation—calls for an equally classic look. To get there, aim for glowing, even skin, bright (but subtly so) cheeks, and warm eyes accented with soft neutrals. Start by massaging a light moisturizer onto your face and neck. Use a wedge sponge to conceal problem areas with a light cream foundation. Next, dust a bronzer along the bottom of your cheekbones, and apply a warm blush shade on the apples of your cheeks, blending it back toward your hairline. Add a subtle shimmer above your cheekbones and on your brow bone. Brush a trio of shadows on your eyes before lining them—top and bottom—with dampened eye shadow in a deep neutral. Finish with a natural, understated lipstick.
To mimic this casually elegant updo, work a series of braids into a traditional low bun. Start by parting straightened hair on the side and then section off two inches along the front hairline on both sides of the part. French braid these two portions from the part toward the nape of the neck and join with a hair elastic. Gather remaining hair into a ponytail, pin curling and braiding various loose pieces into a casual bun.
Gown by Lazaro from Jean’s of Mount Pleasant. 18K gold earrings by Roberto Coin from Paulo Geiss Jewelers.
Face
Dove Deep Moisture Facial Cream SPF 15
MUD Cream foundation
MAC Vanilla Pigment
La Bella Donna Café au Lait
Cargo Siena blush
Eyes
Lids: MAC eye shadows, Shroom (base), Orange (layered over base), Corduroy (crease), Liner: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Twice Baked
Lashes: Maybelline Great Lash mascara
Brows: MUD Espresso eye shadow
Lips
La Della Donna lip pencil in Natural
MUD lipsticks in Just Peachy and Sandy
Hair
Big Sexy Hair spray
The Look: Fresh faces rule the beach—even on Big Days—so opt for a natural look that complements your skin. Follow the same base directions on page 65, but use your fingertips (instead of a makeup sponge) to apply foundation and make sure your beauty products are SPF-enhanced. Then, wet a neutral eye shadow and use it as liner on upper lash line only before covering lids with a wash of dark brown. Just remember to keep it light. Last, line lips and apply sheer lip color.
To get this effortless, trailing locks hairstyle, wash and towel dry hair, and then use a round brush to dry it as smoothly as possible. Keep out humidity (and potential frizz) by applying a thermal setting spray. Make sure hair is completely dry, then section hair and curl it with a 1 ½-inch barreled iron, working from back to front. Gather loose pieces that frame the face and pin them at the crown.
Gown by Dessy from Jean’s of Mount Pleasant. 18K white and rose gold necklace with .26 total ct. diamonds by Roberto Coin from Paulo Geiss Jewelers.
Face
Dove Deep Moisture Facial Cream SPF 15
MUD Cream foundation
MAC Vanilla Pigment
La Bella Donna Café au Lait
Cargo Siena blush
Eyes
Lids: MAC Eyeshadows, Orb (browbone), Texture (crease), Sketch (base, liner)
Lashes: Maybelline Great Lash mascara
Brows: MUD Espresso eye shadow
Lips
MAC lip pencil in Spice
La Bella Donna Crystal Lip Sheer
Hair
Redkin Spray Starch 15
TRESsemme No Frizz Shine Spray
The Look: If you crave some serious glamour, define your features but let either your eyes or lips play the starring role. To start, create a matte base by applying cream foundation evenly with a wedge sponge, then set the foundation by
applying a layer of translucent powder with a large fluff brush. Next, frame your eyes by filling in brows with a brow pencil one shade lighter than your brows and complete with matching powder. Finally, contour your cheekbones by applying blush underneath them, moving back towards hairline. For a fierce, smoky eye, apply faux lashes (follow directions on the box) and a trio of shadows, including a bit at the outer corners, before applying two coats of mascara.
To create this side-swept up-do, begin with straightened hair. Brush hair into a ponytail and bind it about two inches behind one ear with a hair elastic. Section the ponytail and smooth and spritz each portion with hair spray before pinning it into a curl that covers the elastic.
Gown by Lazaro from Jean’s of Mount Pleasant. 18K gold earrings with 1.91 total ct. diamonds by Michael Werdiger from Paulo Geiss Jewelers.
Face
Dove Deep Moisture Facial Cream SPF 15
MUD Cream foundation
MAC Vanilla Pigment
La Bella Donna Café au Lait
Cargo Siena blush
Eyes
Lids: MAC Eye shadow in Mylar (base), MUD Eye shadow in Apricot (crease), Urban Decay Oil Slick (outer corner)
Lashes: Ardell Invisiband Sweeties in black (faux eyelashes), Maybelline Great Lash mascara
Brows: MUD Espresso eye shadow
Lips
N.Y.C. Lipliner no. 953A
MUD Eggplant Sheer Lipstick
La Bella Donna Sterling Rose Lip Sheer
Hair
Big Sexy Hair hairspray
