The Bridal Council

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Oscars 2017 Red Carpet Makeup Looks for Your Wedding Day

as reported by New York-based makeup artist, Elaine Madelon

If there is one red carpet to pay close attention to while considering your wedding, make it the Oscars. Not only do the stars pull out all the stops on every facet of their look, but because of the tremendous reach of the annual awards, almost any vendor you speak to about your wedding vision will understand your references when you mention a star at the Oscars.

While there were many notable dramatic beauty looks on the 2017 Oscar red carpet, notably Ruth Nega, Nicole Kidman, Janelle Monae and Emma Stone, the following are my picks for the most wearable looks that can be easily interpreted from the red carpet to the wedding aisle.  

While there were many notable dramatic beauty looks on the 2017 Oscar red carpet, notably Ruth Nega, Nicole Kidman, Janelle Monae and Emma Stone; the following are my picks for the most wearable looks that can be easily interpreted from the red carpet to your wedding aisle. 

For brides who like a lip with a pop of color, check out Leslie Mann's spectacular magenta lipstick. This color choice is feminine, fresh and looks modern in a sea of bold reds and matte browns. There are no harsh edges to her lipstick, which keeps the effect soft and the rest of her makeup is not overly dramatic. A soft grey eyeshadow is a wonderful balance for the strong color on the lips.

For the femme fatal bride who doesn't want to go overboard, look to Taraji P. Henson for inspiration. The anchor to her makeup is a well-groomed and defined brow, followed by a smokey lash line with the outer corners emphasized and turned up slightly and further diffused with shadow on the corners and a shimmer wash on the lids. This is infinitely more wearable than the sharp cat eyes that have been dominating our Instagram feeds for the past few years, but still has classic Hollywood glamour to spare. 

For the bride wanting a natural-but-better look for their wedding, Scarlett Johansson provides great inspiration. A soft focus effect is created with a targeted highlighter on the cheekbone and a tear duct and cupid's bow of the lip. This is paired with stronger than everyday blush in a medium intensity and slightly deeper than normal lip color. The eye is in keeping with the theme and includes a well-defined brow and lash line, as well as a watercolor wash of a shimmery shadow across the lids.  

The makeup of Oscar winner Viola Davis would look lovely on any bride wanting to go for the glamour. Start with clear matte skin and subtle blush while keeping the focus on the eyes with a simmering silver shadow. Pair that with a smokey thick navy eyeliner on the upper lid only and wonderfully lush lashes with a few individuals to boost the effect even further. Finish the look with an easy-to-maintain shimmer lipstick in a color close to or slightly lighter than your own natural lip color.