Beauty and the Beach
A guide to keeping your hair and makeup pristine
By Rebecca Padgett Frett
There’s no denying the appeal of a beachside wedding. But as with any outdoor event in Florida, weather should be a top consideration, especially where beauty is involved.
While Northwest Florida often offers more temperate conditions than the rest of the state, there’s no denying the heat lasting from late spring through early fall. Furthering the problem for hair and makeup is humidity. And while an ocean breeze can offer a welcome relief, it might create a windblown hairstyle you weren’t asking for.
These factors shouldn’t dissuade you from your long-desired beach nuptials. You may not be able to predict the weather, but you can take preventative measures.
When selecting a hairstylist and makeup artist, seek someone with experience servicing clientele at outdoor or beach weddings. They will know the tips and tricks to make your desired look last.
Brittany Sigler, owner of Destin Mobile Makeup Box, and her team offer hair and makeup services for brides and bridal parties. She begins with a face primer that helps bond foundation to the skin. Sigler recommends airbrushed, silicone-based foundation or a high-end liquid makeup, depending on your preference, because these provide the longest wear. She finishes each look with a setting powder and setting spray for added longevity.
The best style to ensure hair stays put is an updo. Sigler loves the versatility of an elegant ponytail because the same style can be both slicked back or brought forward to the shoulder.
If the bride envisions her hair down, half-up-half-down or a tuck behind the ears can offer some stability against the weather. To ensure curls set and stay, Sigler sets her wand to a high heat and then pins the curls. Once the curls have cooled, she lets them fall, resulting in more bounce and longevity.
Whether up, down or somewhere in between, an anti-humidity spray and high-hold hair spray should be on standby. Men may not have to worry about makeup, but to keep their hair looking coiffed, try an extra-firm hold gel or hair spray.
“Make sure you’re getting ready in a well-air-conditioned space, and you stay inside as much as possible before the ceremony to preserve the look,” said Sigler.
If possible, Sigler suggests doing first looks and photos indoors so your bridal beauty isn’t exposed to the elements before the ceremony. For touch-ups, keep a kit with hair spray, oil blotters, your lip color and any other beauty essentials you might need.
During the day, it’s wise to have a bridesmaid on lookout duty to tame any frizz or have lipstick on standby for a touch-up.
If you’re seeking a look that’s sure to stay from welcome party to honeymoon, Amazing Lash Studio offers eyelash extensions, lash lifts, brow tints and brow lamination at locations in Destin, Panama City Beach and Pensacola.
“Lash extensions definitely stay through the happy tears and the outdoor elements and will not run like mascara does,” said Mary-Frances Mullins, owner of Amazing Lash Studio.
As a result of being applied individually by a licensed professional, they will not come off as a whole unit like strip lashes or in clumps like cluster lashes can when exposed to tears, wind or weather.
Remember, plan ahead where you can, but don’t let minor inconveniences like frizz and lipstick detract from the perfection of your big day.
Feature image by Jennifer G Photography
