Soft, Glowing, Natural Makeup

Photography: https://bykristenmarie.com/

I first met Oliwia at the historic Sheridan Hotel in downtown Telluride, where we spent some time together for her makeup preview the day before her elopement. The preview was such a valuable part of the process—it gave us the chance to get to know each other, learn more about her preferences, and fine-tune the details of the look she had been dreaming of for such a special and intimate day. Together, we found the perfect balance of natural, luminous skin, bronzy cheeks, toasted blush, and softly defined eyes that felt completely like her.

The elopements I take on are often with brides who truly value their beauty team just as much as their photographer, florist, and other vendors. While there may be fewer vendors involved in an elopement, I approach my role with the same level of care, intention, and professionalism that I would bring to a large wedding day. These intimate celebrations deserve just as much attention to detail, and I’m so grateful that my elopement brides appreciate the artistry and experience I bring to such an important part of their day.

Oliwia’s final look was defined by crisp, diffused eyeliner paired with delicate lash clusters applied underneath her natural lashes for a seamless, softly elongated effect. We spent much of our time perfecting her complexion, using an underpainting technique to build warmth, dimension, and structure from beneath the skin rather than layering on heavy coverage. My goal was to create a complexion that felt perfected but still looked like skin—allowing Oliwia’s natural luminosity to shine through the makeup. Her bronzey cheeks and toasted blush brought warmth and depth to the look, while the softly defined eyes and natural lashes kept everything feeling refined, effortless, and completely her.

For her complexion, I used Dior Face & Body Foundation as the base, layered with Hourglass Ambient Lighting palettes and Dior cream highlighter to create a soft, dimensional glow. Chanel Les Beiges added warmth and that beautiful sun-kissed quality we were after, while Armani Eye Tints helped create her softly defined eye look. Her lashes were finished with Dark Swan of Denmark lash clusters, placed underneath her natural lashes for an especially seamless application. The result was warm, luminous, and refined, with just enough definition to photograph beautifully while still feeling completely natural and true to Oliwia.

I take on a limited number of weekday elopements each year so I can give each bride the same level of care, attention, and artistry I bring to a full wedding day. If beauty is a top priority for you and you’re looking for a makeup artist who will be just as invested in your experience as the rest of your wedding team, I’d love to connect. Your elopement may be intimate, but it deserves to feel every bit as special and thoughtfully considered.