Happy Monday! We’re thrilled to kick off the week with an exclusive beauty photo shoot, compliments of Merci New York’s resident beauty expert, Paul Labrecque . As many of you know, Paul Labrecque is one of New York’s most sought-after celebrity stylists. His three Manhattan salons {at the tony CORE: Club , Reebok Club and his freestanding Upper East Side location} are filled with fashionable brides prepping to look their wedding-day best.
Today, Paul crafted three of his favorite wedding makeup looks just for Merci New York readers. He detailed the step-by-step process of each look below and orchestrated an exclusive photo shoot with his amazing makeup artist, Daisy… And oh yes, one other small detail… he’s inviting you to receive a free beauty consultation of your own {merci, Paul!}. See below for details.
Pink and Plum Princess: 
Most brides that come to my salon want to “look natural” or “look like themselves.” The perfect color palette that will look natural and simple yet sexy and picture appropriate are Pinks and Plums. My preference for brides is a foundation application with an airbrush makeup machine. Most bridal makeup artists use airbrush makeup and even though it costs more, it is the way to go. Skin and makeup will look flawless in photos and last through the whole day and night. 
After the foundation applied with the airbrush machine, focus on a plum perfect eye. Pinks and Plum shades are so broad, it is up to you and your makeup artist to match the exact palette for you and skin tone. It can be subtle with more pinks and shimmers or striking with more purples and plums. Finish the look with plump gorgeous lips using Lip Fusion Lip Gloss in Sugar . This specific color not only has a pink mauve hue, but it also has blue undertones that help make your teeth appear whiter. Your whitened smile and plumper lips will show how gloriously happy you are on your big day!
Hollywood Glamour:
One of my favorite eras I pull inspiration from for my brides is the 1940′s Hollywood glamour era. A clean and classic eye with a bold and sexy red lip is an incredible way to make a dramatic Hollywood entrance down the aisle to your leading man.
When I say clean and classic eye, I refer to a natural looking eye with nude and natural colors. I prefer minimal black eye liner for this look. Fake lashes with fabulous black mascara like Cle de Peau’s The Mascara is a must.
A natural pinkish cheek will allow a blushing glow. The focal point for this bridal look must be the fabulous red lips. A wonderful red that works for most skin tones is NARS Christina which is a shimmery Raspberry color. To really be bold, go with NARS Fire Down Below and a hint of clear gloss. The groom won’t be able to handle the wait for “You may now kiss the bride!”
Golden Goddess:
Whether having an elegant black tie wedding or an intimate affair with your closest friends at a local restaurant, wearing a sexy smokey eye is a perfect choice, but break the norm by using gold and browns instead of heavy black and charcoal colors. The look is sexy and glamorous yet softer than the conventional charcoal smokey eye. It particularly suits medium to dark skin tones but can be tried and tested on just about anyone.
The key to keeping eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to kept eyelids oil-free. Start with a primer like NARS Pro-Prime . Next, apply eyeliner above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye. For color on the bottom {a key smokey eye look} you’ll want to use a eyeliner pencil because they’re easiest to smudge. Once the line is drawn, run your finger over it to smudge the line. You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect.
Apply light base color Again, the key to a smokey eye is pairing a lighter base with the darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for my base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your brow bone. Blend in darker color, but keep dark color below the crease. Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it’s time to get the smokey effect. You need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line, blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease. The key here is to blend, blend, blend. 
Finish with several coats of mascara. You’ll want to apply a few coats of mascara so lashes are thick and dark. If you don’t have naturally long, curled lashes, curl them with a lash curler first. Pair your gorgeous golden eye with a neutral gloss like NARS Sandpiper which looks great on everyone. Make sure your maid of honor has extra Sandpiper gloss for you in her purse!
Many thanks to Paul, Daisy, the beautiful models, and the amazing photographers from CLY Creation for developing such a fabulous, informative shoot just for Merci New York’s readers. It was such a pleasure to be on set and see this all-star team work their magic! Read on to learn about all the talented artists and to redeem your free bridal beauty consultation from Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa !
About Daisy: Completely self taught, Daisy began her career as a makeup artist in 2000 and has gone on to successfully work in television, fashion, runway and beauty portraiture. She has worked with the Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa for three years and continues to flourish as an expert makeup artist, brow specialist and air bronze spray tan expert.
The offer: Merci New York readers can contact Event and Wedding Coordinator Beth Cobb to arrange a complimentary bridal beauty consultation. Beth can be reached at beth@paullabrecque.com and 212.988.7816. Please click and print the above graphic, and bring it to your consultation.
About the photographers: CLY Creations was first established in Chelsea, NY, in 2003 by three young photographers who graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA.
After studying commercial photography and receiving their master degrees in fine art, they moved to New York City, impassioned to open their studio.
Each photographer’s background began with fashion, still life and portrait photography, but their expansive digital and graphic technique naturally transcended into wedding photography.
Their work has been published in numerous fashion magazines including Korean Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Bazaar, WWD, Ann Taylor Online, Brides, The Knot, Contemporary Bride, The New York Times, and more.
They have also won the “Top Knots” photo contest held by Photo District News {an industry trade magazine} for three years in a row.
tel: 212-242-2499 | web | blog | email
All photos are courtesy of Cly Creation .
