You asked the questions and our expert makeup artist, LaVelle Johnson, has the answers. Lets meet our expert.

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Makeup By LaVelle 
Atlanta, GA & Indianapolis, IN
www.MakeupByLaVelle.com
*info@MakeupByLaVelle.com
(574-360-8517

I am a professional makeup artist/skincare specialist and have been in the industry for 15 years. I specialize in airbrush makeup and that is especially important for weddings! I do travel for special events.

There are a lot of trends in makeup that are really extreme and that I think work great with my facial structure, such as a red lip, or smoky eye. However, I have heard that it is best to go with something more natural or timeless. What do you think?
LaVelle: Yes, there are so many trends, but for your wedding day you definitely want something more natural/neutral tones and that will prove to be timeless such as peach/pink tones according to your skin type. You never want to look back ten years later, and wish you would have done something different. It is best to go for a fresh and clean natural look.

What should my daily skin care regimen be in the weeks leading up to the wedding? Is there anything special I should be doing?
LaVelle: You definitely want to have a daily regimen. I recommend skincare that works with your skin type and start 6 months prior to the wedding. Never get a facial a week before as impurities will come to the surface such as blemishes. You will already have stress leading up, so start early, you can avoid these issues.

I've heard a lot of good things about airbrush makeup. Is it really better than regular makeup?
LaVelle:  I specialize in airbrush makeup. I prefer airbrush foundation because it produces a flawless and timeless look for brides. It is great for photographs, it will last you all day, and will not smudge unless you are ready to take off. I highly recommend it!

Just looking for some thoughts and opinions on whether or not I should wear false eyelashes for the wedding. Do they really make a difference?
LaVelle: This is a bride's special day, and false eyelashes would be a great addition and I highly recommend. You will be taking lots of photographs, pick the right classic looking lashes and it will complement your look. You will want lashes that are natural and work with the shape of your eye. They really do make a difference!

I've been reading to stay away from mineral makeup do to its ingredients & the flash of the photography. I never wear makeup but want to look my best. I’m not sure that Ill be able to handle makeup that is wet so I'm leaning toward powder. Any advice?
LaVelle: If you are doing makeup yourself and on a budget, definitely stay away from mineral makeup as it will make your skin appear ghostly on camera. I would go to your local department store and ask the makeup sales associate to show you what is the best flawless makeup is for brides. Ask questions so you feel comfortable about the look and let them show you how to apply. You have many choices of products and you can see what is in your budget if you are not able to hire a professional artist. A great tip, after your foundation is applied complete your look with a translucent powder so it won't alter your foundation color. Since this is your special day, I would highly recommend hiring a professional. You may be able to find someone that fits your budget.

My best friend just asked to be in her wedding and I have a long tattoo going down my spine!! What would be best to cover it up?
LaVelle: I recommend Mehron Tattoo Cover Up, it is inexpensive and it covers the darkest tattoos, birthmarks and other skin discoloration's. It is a waterproof formula that is easy to apply and will conceal any skin flaw.

How can I achieve a rosy/dewy/bronzy cheek that lasts and stands out without seeming too unnatural?
LaVelle: Cremeblend Blush by MAC is a great choice. It brings a natural, softly dewy look to the cheek. It gives great depth and dimension to the cheek. It stays and lasts throughout the day.


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Do you have a question about your wedding day makeup - What’s the best color for your skin tone? Will you need to reapply throughout the day? Ask our panel of experts. They’re here to offer you their professional opinion free of charge! Just submit your question below and the experts will weigh in for our new feature, Advice from the Experts.