Blush is a wonder product as it can instantly brighten up the face and it’s definitely the one make-up item I’d like to have with me if I was stranded on a desert island. However, picking the most flattering shade of blusher and applying it correctly can be quite a challenge. Read on for our tips for getting it right and get ready to get cheeky.
1 Go for au naturel
Navigating through hundreds of blusher shades is easy if you bear in mind that your best shade will be similar to the colour you naturally blush. If you are fair, try a soft pink or rosy nude, such as the Revlon Powder Blush in Naughty Nude (R209). Medium or olive skin tones suit corals and bronze hues, such as the Smashbox L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in Venice Beach Bronze and Silver Lake Sunset (R320) while darker complexions look gorgeous with a pop of bright pink or a rich plummy red, such as Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Plum Wine (R99.95).
2 Create a C-shape
The most natural-looking way to apply blush is by sweeping it over the apples of your cheeks and up towards your eyebrows in a ‘C’ motion. Use a large, soft and fluffy brush to apply powder formulas – our choice is the Real Techniques Blush Brush (R169.95). Your fingers work best for cream or stick variants as your body warmth helps to melt and blend in the creamy texture.
Pro tip ‘When you are applying blush, don’t smile, because once you stop, the apples of your cheeks will lower, and suddenly your blush will be hovering right over your mouth instead of the tops of your cheeks,’ advises British make-up artist Wayne Goss.
3 Carve out cheekbones
Did you know that blusher can double up as a contour product? By applying blush onto the apples of the cheeks (as you normally would) and then using your fingertips to blend it up and out towards your ears with patting motions, you’ll define your cheekbones. Finish off with a touch of highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones for a brightening effect. We adore the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Powder in Soft & Gentle (R370).
4 Layer it up
Try this clever formula when you need your blusher to stay put on your big day: first use a cream blush and then apply a powder version in a similar colour over it. You can even tailor-make your own shade by layering a peach and pink blush onto your cheeks. Be sure to blend very well so that there are no visible lines and avoid blushers containing large shimmer particles as these will ruin the illusion of that lit-from-within glow. Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush in Ambre D’or (R134.95) is just the right amount of delicate shimmer and pretty colour.
Pro tip A backstage make-up secret is to rub a little bit of blush on the earlobes of the models to make them look more fresh and awake.
Photography Maybelline, courtesy images
There’s nothing like a few vintage touches to complete your groomsmen’s look. With some attention to detail and few suave styles, they’ll look like the true and very dapper…
In general, when wedding make-up is done right, it’s the perfect balance of soft and natural, and professionally flawless. It’s tricky to hit that sweet spot, as one product too many can tip you over the edge into evening-only, and too little can leave you looking bare-faced. Follow our four rules every bride should know to avoid any make-up mistakes on your big day.
1 Stick to what you know
The one day you shouldn’t step out of your comfort zone is your wedding day. If you usually wear a statement cat-eye or love a bit of pink lippy, don’t opt for the opposite just because your make-up artist suggests a look you aren’t familiar with. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your make-up, as this will affect how you’ll feel for the rest of the day.
2 Liven up the lips
With that being said, today is not the day to shy away from lip colour just because you normally don’t wear it. When in doubt, go for a rose shade on the lips, as this gives the illusion of just-bitten colour and flatters all skin tones. We adore the long-lasting colour of Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Sweet Rose (R270)
3 Get glowing
You should already look radiant considering you are marrying your soul mate, but a little extra glow never hurt. Avoid glittery, overly-shiny products as these tend to enhance any imperfections and will leave you looking like an oil slick.
Mix a few drops of a liquid illuminator such as Yardley Radiant Glo Illuminator (R109.95) with your foundation for a lit-from-within look.
4 Pack the essentials
Try find samples or miniature versions of your favourite products to keep in your clutch bag. A translucent powder like Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder (R154.95) will keep shine at bay without drying out the skin.
Stila Convertible Colour Blush in Lillium (R295) is a great choice for a pretty flush in a flash.
Don’t forget your lipstick as you’ll definitely need to reapply after all that smooching.
Photography Andreas Eiselen/HSMimages.co.za, Courtesy images
I bet we all daydream about a honeymoon suite with all the trimmings you see in the movies: petals strewn across a four-poster bed, Champagne chilling on ice, romantic dinners…
Tasha Seccombe is a wedding and food photographer based in Elgin in the Western Cape. She finds beauty in life’s simplicity and has the gifted skill of capturing the beautiful moments shared between bride and groom. WA were excited to find out more about this talented artist.
How would you describe yourself and your work?
I’m a wedding photographer with an absolute love of happy tears, bear hugs, quiet moments and precious memories. You could say the style of my work is classic, crisp, real and feminine
What do you think separates you from other wedding photographers?
I don’t think I am alone in this, but I really feel that what separates dedicated wedding photographers from ‘I just found myself here’ wedding photographers is a real empathy with the emotions of such of personal day, as well as a happy spirit and approachable working style.art
What do you shoot in? (Film, digital/both?)
I shoot in digital format.
What keeps you inspired?
The potential for beauty in everyday moments, plus I’m a self-confessed idealist.
What do you enjoy about living and working in the Western Cape?
Living in Elgin in the Overberg is a real privilege and I love the Western Cape as a whole for its incredible natural beauty and inexhaustible choice of breathtaking backdrops!
Where’s your dream place to shoot?
At the moment it’s a toss up between Iceland and rural south of France.
A tip for couples who are looking for their wedding photographer?
Make sure you LOVE the work of the photographer you pick and feel it reflects something about your personality, rather than making the choice based on price alone. Go through a lot of portfolios and wait until you get ‘that feeling’.
How has being a wedding photographer made you a stronger photographer over all?
Without a doubt it’s because weddings are so fast paced, no-redos, busy and emotion-packed. It’s like a photography bootcamp every weekend to hone your skills and quick decision making. Plus there are a myriad of skills you need to face a wedding day, including strong documentary work, beautiful portraiture, macro and still life photography, flash work and low light photography – all in one day!
How has witnessing so many weddings impacted your life/work?
Wow, that’s a huge question… It’s hard to describe what an honour it is to share pretty much every single moment of one of the most momentous days in a couple’s life. I think it’s given me a deep appreciation for what a big decision it is to choose your photographer.
Favourite image you’ve taken?
It’s so hard to pick just one – some I love for the image itself while others for what was happening at the time. One of my favourites is of my gorgeous bride Ellie (featured), for its simplicity and softness – and that light.
What are looking forward to most right now?
Apart from the cup of Earl Grey tea I’m about to make? I’m looking forward to an incredibly diverse season ahead with weddings across the Western Cape with all sorts of amazing couples, plus working with other suppliers whose work I love and admire.
To get in touch with Tasha, email her on [email protected]. Visit tashaseccombe.com for more of her beautiful work.
Photographs Tasha Seccombe
Words Camilla Marsh & Josey Miller/BBC Travel If you and your partner share a combined love of food and travel, then these foodie destinations around the world are…
Wilna van der Westhuizen, owner of well known and much loved Sweet Cakes is a qualified chef and baker creating intricate, one-of-a-kind wedding cakes. With clients such as Oprah Winfrey, Charlize Theron, the Presidency of South Africa and foreign dignitaries under her belt, you know you’re in good hands.
Sweet Cakes creates wedding day masterpieces that reflect your style and taste. ‘I’m passionate about everything I do, focussing on tiny details – like a pretty broach or lace from a bride’s dress that she wants to incorporate,’ she says when WA chatted to her. ‘When I meet my clients for the first time and we discuss their wedding cake, it’s as if I’m designing a masterpiece of true form, the ideas just keep flowing.’
Based in the Western Cape, Wilna willingly travels to meet with clients and to deliver wedding cakes at various venues. Having been in the industry for 10 years, she remains inspired and passionate, gaining inspiration from anything from a pretty piece of fabric to a bracelet or ribbon (while Pinterest remains a great bearer of ideas).
For a Sweet Cakes masterpiece, contact Wilna on [email protected]. Visit the website at sweetcakes.co.za.
Photographs: Courtesy Wilna van der Westhuizen