With your dress color and shoes I could definitely see a light pink/peach on your eyelids.

sheesh, my cousin got married in May, and her mother (my 69 year old aunt) wore fake eyelashes. Not extensions, but professionally applied false eyelashes, which more-or-less look the same but only last a day or two.

They looked really, really great. She wanted them to be natural looking, not a 'glam' look. You can be really specific how you want your extensions to look - how long, how full, they can be round or flat, natural or glamorous, etc.

Whoever applied my aunts did an amazing job. She looked great - so yes, I definitely think more mature ladies can carry them off!

It's interesting. When my sister had her MOB makeup done when I first saw her it was a shock since she wears nothing. But in the church and reception, both dim venues, it looked fine and in the pictures still somehow looked perfectly herself. But at first in bright light and normal clothes it was like Who is that? It takes someone who really knows what they are doing, I guess, to do that.

I recently saw a groom in Manhattan who in bright daylight was obviously made up. I wonder what it looked like in church...

Thanks, smh. I will ask for natural but enhancing.

To palimpsest's point, I was happy with my makeup last year, until I saw the photos. I looked washed out and plain, not was I was hoping for. I was afraid of looking like your sister in real life, not considering the venue lighting or pictures. This year the entire wedding will take place after 6pm in a low light venue, so I will go for a little more. Yikes!

Thanks, JoJo. I didn't mean to make this about me. (I admit I am benefitting from the discussion though. :-)

I kind of think of it like you are on stage, it has to be a bit exaggerated to stand up to the dress, the lighting, the event...Its a fine line to look both like yourself and yet better somehow.

If you don't do extensions, someone here was talking about tubing mascara...I got the L'oreal product-- double extend. It's 2-step process but no drying time. It not only makes my lashes long but it's cry proof. I've even napped in it and got up without smudges all over my eyes.

Annie, I'm sure I'll need cry proof!

Would you consider going to a professional makeup artist? While you would have to pay more for her services, you would not be stuck buying all the products she put on your face. I think it is hard for people who are naturally beautiful and wear little makeup to best judge what to wear for an occasion with special lighting and lots of pictures. You want to look and feel like yourself and I think a makeup artist might be able to deliver that for the special circumstances.

Regarding the navy eyeliner - it's true the navy will accent brown eyes. However, I prefer a somewhat natural eye and I cannot do navy liner. It's too apparent. I wear brownish-black or black liner and black mascara (I have black lashes). Wiggle the liner (if it's a pencil/crayon) down into the lash line. It looks more like part of the lashes, while defining the eye. What I will do, when I am a little more "made up" is take a brush/sponge applicator with some navy shadow and "blur" the liner line. That softens the liner and gives me a bit of the color without it being really obvious. You can also do that a bit heavier on the outer corners (upper and lower) - I get alot of compliments on my eyes, especially when I accent the outer eye.

My first thought was fake or lash extensions. I like the photo inspirations with the lighter shadows. ETA: since you have time, I 2nd the idea of having your brows professionally shaped prior to see if that would be something you'd want to do for you wedding. You have nice brows and a good shape, but I think they need to be cleaned up a little.

Would it be horrible if I basically skipped makeup on my wedding? I was in ct this weekend and my sister took a picture of me at a family picnic. No makeup, hair in a loose ponytail. It's one of a very few photos that I actually like. And I think part of the reason I like it is because I'm not wearing any make up. (That and the fact that she is a photographer professionally and knows her way around Photoshop-- I don't want to know if/how much she edited it, LOL )

I showed my fiancé the picture of me with the trial make up and his response was that it was "gilding the Lily. " when I told him I like myself better without make up, he said "me too". I'm glad he has an opinion, but ultimately, it's my choice. So I have to ask, would just wearing mascara and a plain lip gloss (i.e. Blistex) be that horrible?

Jojoco, you should do whatever will make you comfortable on your wedding day. Just remember that the way you look in a photo taken in bright sunlight is quite different from how you look in a photo taken in low light conditions.

Here's the thing.. I would never go to work let alone my wedding without makeup. But that's me.

Your wedding is for you and your fiancé. If you feel your best you without-- then screw the marketers and all of us who shudder at the thought of a photo without makeup. I think the worst thing you could do is look at photos of your very special evening and feel like it isn't YOU.

I think that for your face, just mascara and gloss would be fine. I've always said this, as a makeup wearer myself, some people just don't look right with makeup and actually look better without makeup. Then some people actually need the makeup (ME!) to look better. You have the sort of face that really doesn't need makeup and wouldn't really look right if you had a lot of makeup on. Even the little bit of eyeshadow just doesn't do your face any favors. If anything, you may want to wear a bit of foundation or concealer like to even out your skin and if I were you, a little bit on your nose to take away the redness. So my advice; a little bit of foundation to even up the skin tone, some mascara and a little bit of something on your lips to add a little color.

I remember going to my BIL's wedding and his bride had on a whole lot of makeup. She was a girl that never EVER wore a stitch of makeup. It really didn't look right on her.

Well, that settles that! Jojo, do what makes you feel comfortable. It's your day.

Another decision made and it is yours to make. I wear skin care products but no make-up so you're ahead of me in the make-up department. :)

Something to consider, and I do not wear a bit of make up on a regular basis, is that there is a chance you will not be your normal well rested radiant self on your wedding day. I showed up carrying XL suitcases under my eyes and with breakouts from stress. I never thought a wedding would throw me but mine did.

I think you fell victim to a bad make up artist with too heavy of a hand and I would urge you to at least give one or two other people a try before you give up on the idea. Try to find someone who has their own practice and a portfolio online.

I did my own make up with the help of my stylist and it is too heavy for what you want (I was trying for vintage glam) but I do think it made my pictures turn out better than my haggard, green complected self would've been on the day.

Normal me at the time (but well rested) (note half bald eyebrows, thanks mom for that genetic heritage)

Makeup me on wedding day (don't ask why my photog decided my chin needed centre stage) (but I am proud of my jawline blend) (it was March and I guarantee I was blindingly fishbelly white).

Ditto what Mt. said!

I was going to keep my mouth shut but since Mtn chimed in I will agree with her and say I nearly posted almost the same thing last night. If you were wearing a white peasant dress and getting married on the beach, the no makeup look would be fine. But you are wearing a glamorous dress, your guy an expensive suit or tux and a little polish on your face will not be out of place.

First of all, Robo you look amazing both ways. You absolutely rocked the glam look! And you are all right, I was feeling dejected from the first go-round. I will give it another chance at the Chanel counter. Evidently the woman there is a wizard who also does weddings on the side. I will bring the picture mtn posted. I love that look although maybe not quite so much eyeliner.

Thanks for bearing with me through a mini meltdown. :-)

Just remember, though, we love you no matter what you decide. : )

You may want to google "no make up brides" to find photos to show the artist.

Just remember too that make up counter artists may tend to really slather it on because they want to sell you as many products as possible. So a standalone artist or one affiliated with the salon may be a better bet.

Whatever you decide, I hope you don't feel pressured to do something that doesn't feel "right" to you. I grew up wearing lots of make up and when I decided it was a ridiculous social construct to paint my face, I quit. I would no more put anything on my skin, lips or eyes now, than fly. It didn't affect my marriage, my friendships, my career or my happiness with myself. And I felt free.

So, if you like you without anything artificial on your face, if your beloved loves you that way, too, you are going to look exactly like you, in a glamorous dress, bare faced and all! If you try make up and like that look and the way you feel, then great. It's your day, your life, and just because others can't imagine going bare faced, doesn't mean you have to give it up!

I kept typing and then deleting a second paragraph last night that urged you not to make a decision regarding makeup based on the one artist. I feared it sent a mixed message -- but I do want you to know this.

I will also encourage you to try chanel.. but First, figure out what you liked/didn’t like about the first makeup and photos you look at. What is natural to some of us isn’t the same as it is for others. I, for instance, hate hate hate a foundation that is “dewy” “luminous” or any other code word for what ends up being shiny. For that reason, I only wear matte water-based foundations. If I want a little ever so very light shimmer, I add it with a pearlescent powder. That is very very rare for me though-- the only place I want shine is on my lips and eyes.

I have teeny tiny eyes compared to my other features so I never like anything dark, smoky or brown on my eyes. I know this might make some gasp, but I wear variations on pink, pale yellow, silver, gold on my eyes. These colors work with my natural coloring and the shape/recess of my eyes.

I also dont sway far from a natural lip color -- I know people love their corals and reds but I can't scrub them off fast enough. I do like a coral that leans nude or pale pink but it's a Narrow window.

my point is -- choose your own look and don't let others choose for you. Let them choose products and apply them but make your preferences clear!!

Note: to further illustrate, mtn and I both wear Chanel ... we have similar coloring/hair ... but I don't think we wear a single Chanel product in common!! It's all in preferences!

I have to say I agree with those who said to clean up your brows. Just a bit, nothing too dramatic or skinny. I just had my brows tinted (for the 2nd time in my life) and waxed (just "cleaned up" as I have genetically good-shaped brows) today, and I guarantee no one would notice but me...but I feel like a new woman!

I have brown eyes, and never realized until I visited a makeup counter for the first time (when I was in my late 40s, for the record) that I have a lot of green in with the brown. So the makeup lady suggested plummy eye shadow. What! And it looked amazing. Now I have subtle smokey plum shadow (really hardly ever use it because I'm lazy) and a couple eyeliner pencils in lilac/plum shades, and they really do work well with my eye color. So, if you want to emphasize your eyes -- brown shadow isn't the answer. Maybe try some other shades. I like the one Funky showed us, sort of mauve?

Laura Mercier has an eyeshadow in a sort of crayon form that's easy to use and has a little bit of shimmer. I have a few and they're very subtle.

Finally -- I actually bought the L'Oréal double wear mascara today. I wouldn't say it's life changing, but my lashes do look a little longer. I'd love to try lash extensions but I don't think I want to commit to the maintenance. Maybe for a special occasion someday.

Robo!! So pretty!!

At the risk of seeming like a lunatic, I took before and after pics of my eyes because my friend was asking me to show her how the tinting came out.

(Second pic also includes the new L'Oréal mascara ;-))

...and that is a scary amount of freckles up close. And maybe I need a brow lift? Don't answer that.

I have literally done thousands of makeups on brides and the bridal party. I always talk them out of going natural because you will be photographed with others who do wear makeup and ultimately making you look pale. What I would suggest is a using a nice tone that is very similar to your skin. Leave your eyebrows alone, they look great. I love the Chanel tone for your eyelids in the event that a portrait is done with you looking down, it will look stunning. Here's a link to the one Funkart posted and in the same color. I'd like to see a little stronger lipstick with a glaze over it. If you go for another trial makeup, ask them to line your eye with a white inside the lid, top and bottom and then put a dark brown on the skin. Your eyes will look amazing. That's just me. Of course you can do whatever you like.

I just had my brows threaded for the first time. On our town FB someone had been recommended often so I called her. I drove to the address and realized it was a house. Yes, I had them done in a a little studio in her finished basement. They turned out great but it hurt! My eyes were watering like crazy when she was done. I have never had them waxed so I don't know which one is more painful.

Jojoco, you have beautiful features and can easily go with a natural look. That said, I do agree that some eyebrow treatment would make your beautiful eyes stand out even more. The brown eyeliner detracts from the look you are seeking. Consider seeking another opinion or two, but ultimately trust your gut instinct. You are beautiful and that beauty will radiate on your wedding day.

Re: brows that are missing the outer third. Robo, that can be a sign of an underactive thyroid. It is hereditary, so it might be that both you and your mom have an even slightly underperforming thyroid. ("(note half bald eyebrows, thanks mom for that genetic heritage)."

I am forever trying to find the eye shadow color that Dana Bash wears. It's a matte pink or nude color but I think what set it off so well is the use of liner on the top lid above and below the lashes.

I agree about eyebrow shaping and curling the eyelashes. Those were the first things that came to mind when I saw your picture. I'd also do a light coat of mascara, tad bit of foundation and blush, a very natural lip color with a bit of gloss. Also, I'd lighten the eyelids ever so slightly with a primer and shadow; nothing dramatic...everything very, very subtle.

Bonnie_ann, thanks for that tip! thyroid issues do run in the family but I've been tested so many times. I think I'll eventually end up on medication but for now I'm within the normal range.

A natural look does not mean little makeup, but non colorful makeup. It can still take A LOT of makeup to get the desired natural look. :-)

Bumble, shhhhh! : )

Lol bumble and mtn. I've already known that it takes a lot of make up to look like you're not wearing any. I'm old enough to have watched "all my children" in college. Nobody looks that good when they wake up. LOL.

Also, I ran into my wedding photographer in town today. She is sending me the name of a make up artist. Evidently she achieves great "natural" results. I know that she is a fan of airbrushing.… Yikes

Personally, I would not recommend heavy makeup for you, even for the no-makeup look. Yes, it might maximize the outcome of the photos.

But I think you want to maximize your experience of the event itself, not its recordation!

If you agree, then make sure to tell the makeup person that. She probably has a lot of clients who want to look like supermodels that one day, in photos they can post. I have seen brides with hair extensions, false lashes, you name it. Some of them looked like hookers close up, but in photos, with the right angle, right filter, they were a fantasy version of themselves. They even have filters that give you wider-set eyes and higher cheekbones ... but why/!

After seeing so many comments about brows that needed shaping, I bit the bullet and stopped at a salon today. After a brief consultation and fear assuaging, ( i've never done anything to my eyebrows – – not that so many of you could tell LOL )I let the stylist have at it.

Here is a before shot: (The picture I liked that my sister took last weekend )

And here is the after shot

Thanks ladies!

I love the photo your sister took-- you look absolutely beautiful! I can't see to groom my eyebrows-- and my depth perception issues make it downright dangerous lol-- so I have mine done each time I get my hair done. While I am leaning back in the shampoo chair, she waxes and or plucks for me. It's easy! I also have full healthy brows (read: big ol dark caterpillars) so cleaning up the edges and cutting some length really makes a big difference.

I don't want to overwhelm you with product recommendations etc.. but your complexion is lovely. I agree with Mtn.. stick with the very light foundations. Chanel has a few to choose from (I wear an ultra light matte.. but there are others in different finishes)

You have nice brows to start with so your shaping just makes them look neater.

Brows are one of those things that you really notice if they are scraggly. When done nicely, they just get incorporated into your overall look and attention goes elsewhere on your face.

ETA: Funky and I posted at the same time. I like mine threaded and tweezed for the fine tuning. Waxing pulls off my skin.

Brava!

When you have nice brows and they are not too heavy, you tend to leave them be. I did until i was forty something and let my stylist have at them. I am now a total convert; they are my most important beauty ritual. Once you are into it, you really notice how clean and open it looks.

Welcome to the other side!

ETA - there is so much joie de vivre that shines through in the photo your sister took. I can see why you like it!

Sheesh and others, mydd

26 was married on 7-8-2017, yes, last saturday nite. I am older than you, sheesh, and had false eyelashes applied by our makeup lady and they looked pretty good. They filled in my now sparse lashes.
They were natural lookiing, moderately thick, not especialy long nor spiky. Jo, please forgive the segue. I use and love Loreal double extend mascara.

Walt!! Westsider--married?? You just snuck that one right past us, didn't you? Congratulations to you and your daughter. How about some details? I hope it was a fabulous day.

Mtn, i'm not sure if "Joie de vivre" translates into "she's a wizard at Photoshop" but I do love that photo. It was taken while I was at my summer house which is my happy place.

Thanks Jo. Yes it was a fabulous day. No hijack now. I know that all of you send good wishes.

jojoco, love your shaped eyebrows. They frame your love eyes so well. When you get your wedding make up done, my recommendation concerns the eyeliner. I would not let them extend it and would have them stop just short of your eye corners. To my way of thinking, extending eyeliner to the end of the eyes drags the eyes down and make them look droopy.

Haven't read through this entire thread. It's obvious you're a natural beauty. The dark eye makeup only detracts from that. I say go with your gut and keep it simple.

Jojoco, your eyebrows look so good. Such a subtle change p, but it really is an improvement and opens up your eyes. Well done! Love the 'before' photo too.

I haven't written until now, but will also weigh in again o. The wedding makeup. I still think you should go for a little mascara, light lipstick, and a foundation that will just smooth the color in the skin. And a tiny bit of blush. You can see in the 2 photos how lighting can make a difference. I wouldn't do the airbrush look either.

DD had her makeup & hair done in Savannah by People totally unknown, but recommended to her and she ended up very pleased. She told them nothing heavy handed, and she did have false eyelashes, but she looked great.