Bring On Bridal Beauty

First, we covered your wedding day foundation fundamentals in “Put Your Best Bra Forward.” Now, we’re tackling the to-do’s of getting gorgeous, so you can focus on the most important one (the “I do,” of course!).  Here to ensure that a flawless face follows suit is the expert behind Maya P. Alluring Artistry. The authority of all things makeup dishes on her favorite products and best practices to help Chicago brides master big day beauty.

Photo Courtesy of Maya P. Alluring Artistry

Maya Puentes, owner of Maya P. Alluring Artistry, is a 10 year veteran of the beauty industry as a stylist in boutique salons. Her experience afforded her the opportunity to craft hair and makeup for photo shoots, movies, and fashion shows, including NYC Bridal Fashion Week.  Having always enjoyed primping brides for their special day throughout her career, the beauty artist decided to open her own on-location beauty and spa service brand. “We offer an array of services from makeup to massages, as well as hair and makeup lessons,” Puentes says. “We provide our services for groups and individuals at the location of their choice.” The Maya P. Alluring Artistry team’s reigning mantra? To create long-lasting styles so that brides look and feel confident on their big day.

Photos Courtesy of: Beautezine.com and  Gurumakeupemporium.com

To ensure brides put their best face forward, Puentes emphasizes the importance of a full face application. Her key players include foundation, highlighter, and lashes. “Even if you are not one to wear foundation on a daily basis, it is best to wear it on your wedding day to ensure your skin looks good both in person and in the photos,” she tells Be U Weddings. Puentes explains that by adding a highlighter to your day-of routine, you will create a luminous glow that only enhances your natural bridal radiance. When it comes to lashes, Puentes attests more is more. The longer the extension, the more beautiful every woman feels.

To maximize the staying power of these elements (and to keep your look fresh well past the ceremony!), skin primer is essential to lock makeup in place. Smashbox PhotoFinish Primers are Puente’s “glue” of choice. With a variety of formulas for various skin types, brides battling anything from oily to dry finishes can find a perfect match. She also swears by another setting staple: a translucent or loose powder, such as Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder. “This is a great translucent powder that not only sets the makeup, but also minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections,” Puentes notes. But, a word of caution of our Be U Brides: Use the powder sparingly. As it mattifies, the mixture can alter the texture of your skin, resulting in a caked-on, over-done look.

Photo Courtesy of: The Fancy Face Blog

While most of us are basking and baking in the Chicago heat wave, cooler weather will soon roll in and necessitate a change of face; we asked Puentes to pinpoint products and tips for our fall and winter brides to take on the transition. She emphatically relayed one message — “MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE! MOISTURIZE!” A drop in temperature leads to drier skin, so a superbly hydrating moisturizer is a cold weather must-have. An enormous advocate of Embryolisse’s Moisturizers, Puentes loves its time-saving nature, as the moisturizing wonder contains a built-in primer. Nervous about skin suffering from Chicago’s bitter winter winds? Embryolisse even offers extra strength coverage for extremely dry types.

Photo Courtesy of: Maya P. Alluring Artistry

To aid our Be U Weddings readers in a beautiful (and stress-free!) walk down the aisle, Maya P. Alluring Artistry is pleased to offer our brides these exclusive offers. Just mention Be U Weddings when you book!

$10 off for the bride and bridal party of 2-3 (not including the bride)

$15 off for the bride and bridal party of 4-6 (not including the bride)

$20 off for the bride and bridal party of 6+ (not including the bride)

In addition to exquisite hair and makeup services, the team can also supply an optional masseuse to treat the bride and bridesmaids to head, neck, hand, or foot massages. Or, opt for a pre-wedding pamper party to try out wedding day looks while Puentes doles out her coveted secrets to achieve a professional look on your own.

With Maya’s insider tips and go-to products, we know you’ll turn heads not only on your wedding day, but for many years to come. Have a favorite tool in your beauty arsenal? Leave a comment below – we’d love to hear what you are planning to swipe on for big day brilliance!