Hitchcock-blonde-turned-literal-princess Grace Kelly was the epitome of iconic on her wedding day. And though her look was ‘classic’ as per the 1950s, unexpected pops of color give it such happiness and crisp modernity—it’s timeless for a reason.
“To say Grace Kelly was breathtaking at her wedding is an understatement, she is still one of the most beautiful brides we've ever laid eyes on. More than anything, there really isn't a more classic makeup look we can think of,” said Sage Maitri and Tamah Krinsky of the makeup duo The Makeup Mates.
Brows are just as much of a commitment as your fiancé, but you might want to ease up on ‘til-death-do-you-part with your tweezer. More than just growing them out, maintain a shape that’s clean and enhanced with a slight arch that follows your natural brow shape. “We have had clients see Kristie Streicher, and her brow expertise can honestly change your bone structure for the better. Make an appointment within your price range, but consider it part of your pre-wedding regimen, as much as you would a facial or a good haircut and color,” they said.
Once you’ve got your dream brows, life is pretty simple henceforth—as is the rest of the look. Instead of a predictable beige, Grace’s eyes are shadowed with a lovely violet-gray. The color still acts as a neutral, but livens up the look rather than a shade that matches your skin tone (shades of purple evoke a youth visage, apparently). Go for a cream eyeshadow like Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Leather 24 Hr in Vintage Plum. You’ll get the shadow and depth of a brown or gray but without the heaviness. “A pastel is a great way to keep your eyes looking awake, and it's a great contrast to a dark, precise lash,” The Makeup Mates advised.
And because no one is above shedding a tear at their wedding, curl and coat your lashes with a great waterproof mascara. The benefits of waterproof—besides being tear-proof—is that the formula will hold a curl longer since it’s lighter in texture but built to last. Sage and Tamah recommend Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara in Black up top and Surrat Beauty’s Relevée Mascara in Noir for bottom lashes and to detail and separate lashes.
“Skin for this look should be minimal,” Sage said. “As little coverage as you're comfortable with topped with a bit of powder to set. We are always big fans of the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation, since the formula isn't too dewy.” For cheeks, think “you just ran up a flight of stairs”—flustered but not winded—which for the duo means a light and flattering cream blush in a shade that’s not too bright (they like Tarte Cheek Stains) topped with a soft dusting of Charlotte Tilbury’s Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blush in First Love.
The most exciting element of this look is the candescent red lip. Classic and simple doesn’t have to mean tame. You have a couple options here: For a true, cherry red with a velvety feel and long-lasting power, NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam does the trick; MAC’s Ruby Woo, of course, will outlast all wedded bliss that comes with kisses, cake, and champagne toasts (it’s a little more fuchsia if that flies with you), but for if you’re going for accuracy here, Grace seems to be wearing a red leaning more toward orange—and for that, you can’t go wrong with Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave.
Image via Getty. We see you with that “Where's The Bronzer?” look on your face. Luckily, we covered Bianca Jagger, too.
