Photo: Getty Images
There's a reason why the Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe will always be on our shortlist of beauty icons: their looks are feminine, universally flattering, and timeless — and isn't that precisely what you want to channel for your wedding? To incorporate a bit of modern elegance into your big-day look, take a few tips from our newest girl crush, Kate Upton. The model-turned-actress totally won us over at the premiere of The Other Woman. Upton paired a vintage, tea-length dress with hair and makeup that looked simultaneously retro and current. Here, the key elements to recreating her flawless beauty look:
Soft, voluminous chignon:
The secret to keeping Upton's pompadour young and modern was maintaining soft, touchable texture. To get the look, try not to use products after the style has been set so it doesn't fall flat or create a helmet-head appearance. Have your hairstylist prep with a root-lifting product before the chignon is secured. PS: Updos with volume at the root, like this one, are super flattering to all faces, especially those with round faces like Upton's. Another takeaway? This hairstyle is perfect for showing off a jaw-dropping pair of chandelier earrings!
Living Proof Full Root Lifting Spray, $26, available at Sephora
See more: Bridal Beauty Buzz: Steal Scarlett Johansson's Wedding-Worthy Look
Cat eyes:
You might say Upton's eye makeup is the pièce de résistence of her look — it's all about liner and lashes! Use liquid eyeliner that has a steady tip for foolproof application, and don't forget to flick it out at the end to give it a dramatic edge. We swear by Lancôme Art Liner. (Seriously, it's dummy proof.) As for eyelashes, if you're a fake lash kind of gal, try individual ones so they blend seamlessly into your real eyelashes. To finish, curl your lashes and apply two coats of mascara to get that wide-eyed, Bambi look.
Lancôme Artliner, $30.50, available at Lancôme; Benefit They're Real! mascara, $23, available at Benefit; Ardell Individuals, $3.99, available at Ulta
See more: The 5 Best Waterproof Mascaras for Your Wedding Day
Porcelain skin:
Once upon a time it was trendy to be pale, and Upton makes a strong case for bringing it back. To mimic a perfect, even complexion, try matte foundation. It will keep oil at bay and stay put throughout all of your wedding festivities. Forgo bronzer and use peach blush on the apples of your cheeks for a natural, healthy glow.
Dolce & Gabbana The Foundation Perfect Finish Powder Foundation, $60, available at Sephora; CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Pretty Peach, $4.99, available at Ulta
Nude lips:
Did Brigitte Bardot ever pair strong eye makeup with a strong lip? We think not. Like Upton and Bardot, keep the focus on your eyes and go for subtle lips. We're obsessed with Hourglass's Femme Nude Lip Stylo because they have six different nudes to choose from, so brides who are pale, dark, and anywhere in between can find shades to flatter their complexions. Plus, it's moisturizing so it will keep your lips supple and hydrated from ceremony to reception.
Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo, $30, available at Hourglass