Full Glam vs. Soft Glam vs. True-to-you Beauty

One of the first questions I ask brides is "What is your experience with hair and makeup?"

Because while terms like "full glam" and "soft glam" are everywhere on Pinterest and Instagram, I've found that what brides are really searching for isn't a category at all.

They are just searching for themselves!

-Hi there! I'm Olivia and I help brides feel like their best self in the most comfortable way. My hair and makeup style is natural, authentic, and inspired by soft glam. I'm located in Baltimore and Connecticut, and serve the East Coast from Virginia to Massachusetts.

What is Full Glam?

Full glam bridal makeup is exactly what it sounds like-- a more polished, dramatic look with full coverage foundation, defined eyes, heavy contouring, and noticeable lashes and lip color.

For some brides, full glam feels fun, luxurious, and authentic to them. If you regularly wear makeup and enjoy a full face of makeup for special occasions, you may love this style.

The key is that full glam should feel like you; not a version of yourself that is created for photos.

What is Soft Glam?

Soft glam makeup has become one of the more popular styles of makeup over the past several years. Think glowing skin, neutral eyes, soft lashes, and subtle definition. It's glamorous without feeling overly dramatic.

Some brides are drawn to soft glam becuase its a balance between everyday beauty and special occasion makeup. However, it is important to understand that soft glam means different things to different people.

What feels soft and natural to one person may feel like too much makeup to another.

Why I Prefer "True-to-you Beauty"

Beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Some of my brides wear only tinted SPF and mascara everyday. Others love a fuller coverage foundation and lots of blush. Neither approach is better than the other. That's why I prefer to think of wedding makeup through a different lens: what actually feels like you?

The answer is usually somewhere between your everday routine and a more elevated version of the look you wear for special events.

I think one of the biggest mistakes I see is brides choosing a makeup style based solely on trends and not what they feel comfortable with. Just because something is popular doesn't mean it will feel comfortable or authentic to you.

If you normally wear little to no makeup, jumping straight into full glam may leave you feeling not like yourself. And if you love makeup and enjoy a more polished look, you shouldn't feel pressured to tone yourself down for the sake of being "natural."

How to Find Your Bridal Makeup Style

Instead of asking yourself, "Am I a full glam, soft glam, or natural makeup bride?" try asking:

• What does my everyday makeup routine look like?

• When do I feel the most beautiful and confident?

• Which features do I love most about myself?

• Do I want people to notice my makeup-- or simply notice me?

• How do I want to feel when I look back at my photos years from now?

Trust me, these answers will tell you way more about what you're looking for than any Pinterest photo :)

I specialize in natural, true-to-you beauty and At the end of the day, what is most important to me is that you look like yourself and you feel like your most confident, beautiful version.

My past bride, Claira, requested a natural makeup look that was completely "true-to-her." If you'd like to read about her experience, click this link!

If you've taken a look at my work and admire how each one of my brides isn't a copy-paste style, but rather enhanced in their own way, we might be a good fit :) You can inquire using this link! And I look forward to chatting!