A while back, I decided I would do my own wedding day makeup. I am not a difficult person, but I do have a lot of OPINIONS, especially when it comes to not looking like a fool. I’ve had my makeup professionally styled a handful of times over my life…and I always hate it. Hate it.
Sooooo…I guess I really am a difficult makeup client, but I digress.
Anyway, Wrigley-T (a Snapdragon bridesmaid) also plans to do her own wedding day makeup, so we joined forces and stormed our local Southport Ave. Benefit store. Wrigley-T and I are both perfectly competent at doing our own makeup, but we needed Fancy Makeup. We made a girlytimes date of it (sans pillow fight).
I know we’re supposed to post some ugly-looking, dire, starving photo of ourselves as a before post, but Wrigley-T and I never look bad. I mean, I looked all through our photos and couldn’t find one. 
So that’s what we look like when left to our own devices getting ready for a night out!
— And yes, I know the collage above is creepy because it’s digitally cut together and it kinda looks like we’re taking this photo together but kinda not. The creepy is what makes it funny. —
The Benefit store is basically candy in a life-sized box. Very pink and girly—so I loved it, of course.
I brought with me a “look” I had seen on the Benefit website: “Eye Gotcha” and I showed it to our new Benefit employee/stylist/friend Lauren.
I told our new friend Lauren what we were up to…”cute but not juvenile” “hot not bridal” “sophisticated but not old” “don’t cover up my freckles” “I don’t want to spend a million dollars” “good luck sister, I always hate it when other people do my makeup, you’ve got your work cut out for you.”
Needless to say, Lauren was a trooper. 
New Friend Lauren got started with me, and Wrigley-T and I got to try out fancy new looks…
Throughout our DIY makeup trial, I got to take a peek at what was working and what didn’t…
Surprise, surprise, a miracle occurred because I loved what Lauren did!
Seriously, guys, I have NEVER liked what a makeup stylist has done with my face, so this is a big deal! I was very happy. The picture makes my cheeks look a little washed out, but in person they were just what I wanted. Success!
Now…it was Wrigley-T’s turn:
Wrigley makes friends wherever she goes! New Friend Lauren did a great job with Wrigs’ makeup trial, too.
Trying not to laugh so that she doesn’t lose an eye. A very delicate part of the operation…
Well lawsy mercy, you done got hit with a perty stick!
Both Wrigley and I bought a number of things from our DIY makeup trial, but these three things are my most favorite Benefit items…
We were super happy with our new fancy looks and are all set to be especially glamorous on Wedding Day.
And then…lunch!
What’s your favorite makeup product? And don’t say you are all natural, all the time—that is a LIE.
Snappy, your makeup looks fantastic! Benefit is my go to for makeup since I was in college – they have the most charming products and know how to make putting on a pretty face so much fun 
I love Benefit’s erase paste– it’s the only thing that gets rid of my under eye circles and makes me look like I actually got some sleep. The eye bright sounds great, I think I’ll have to try it too!
My favorite make up product that I use EVERY SINGLE DAY is Benefit Lemon Aid! It works for everything… I use it on my eyelids to even out the color, I use it on my Rudolph-Red nose and if I get any blemishes. Hands down the best correction cream!
You both look fantastic! I really like Bobbi Brown’s cream eyeshadows (the non-metallic ones). They are super easy to use, which is a huge bonus for me!
Pretty! The only thing I’d really say is wear more makeup than you think you need… because I noticed on some photos you said that the photo didn’t show the makeup properly, but in person it looked good. You want the makeup to show up in photos! (although with your photographers better camera and less harsh lighting, I’m sure your cheeks won’t look washed out!)
If you hadn’t mentioned it I wouldn’t have even noticed you’d cropped together that pic, haha.
You look great after your instore makeup thing, but aren’t you a little concerned your blush won’t show up in your pictures if you do it exactly the same again?
And my favorite new product is definitely the Smashbox primer I got for my birthday (thanks, Mom!). I think its supposed to be for your whole face, but I really just wanted an eyelid primer, so that’s where I use it. I’m only starting to be into makeup (more than a quick sweep of powder blush, eyeliner and mascara) and so I’ve never had an eyeshadow primer before. I LOVE it though, and I will never go without it again. My eyeshadow looks so much better, goes on easier, blends easier and stays longer. Plus the Smashbox promises to smooth out any wrinkles or crows feet, when I eventually get some (thank goodness, I don’t need it for that yet
@Miss Eagle: @lisaelanna: I actually have made an intentional decision not to do my makeup for photographs, but for what looks good in-person. Post on that coming soon!
@lisaelanna: I have Smashbox primer too, and I love it!
You guys are so pretty! I’ve never heard of this store Benefit, wonder if they have one in NYC…
I love the way you both look.
“Sophisticated but not old” Lol, love it.
You both are so brave and talented! I love the look that you came up with, Snappy. Very lovely.
I’ve been on the fence as well about getting my makeup done, but you helped me decide to….at least based on my trial. I think you look fantastic!! I can’t wait to see your wedding day look all pulled together, Snappy!
You both look beautiful! I wish I had a benefit store near me!!
No lie, I do not wear make-up. Maybe for date night or when I’m trying to impress (slash seduce but not really for a good score) an auditor at work, but I go bare otherwise. No foundation, no mascara, no eyeliner, nothing. And is Benefit similar to Sephora or Ulta?
@Future Army Wife: Benefit is a brand of makeup! (like Lancome, Clinique, MAC, Urban Decay, etc) It’s super girly, so I love it.
I’m too scared to have someone do my makeup, I feel like I’m obligated to buy something even if I don’t like how it turns out! :S
I have some of the benefit makeup (like the hilighter, and tints) and I love them but I have to say my all time favorite is probably the Naked palette by Urban Decay, I use it daily. I pretty much love all UD products.
Mrs. Snapdragon, Chicago/Dallas Age and Occupation: 32,Associate Producer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Lighting Designer Blogging Since: November 14, 2008 Engagement Date: January 1, 2011 Wedding Date: March 2012 Venue: Marie Gabrielle About Me: Voracious reader of short stories, Russian literature, National Geographic and Cosmo. I'm a GENIUS at spicing up Weight Watchers recipes and a pathological cheater at board games. I run a slow marathon, but my feet are learning to move faster. Mornings aren't my thing, but I can night owl with the best of them. Don't tempt me with your Cherry Cokes---I'm trying to quit. Tomorrow. Or never.
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