Brides across the Twin Cities search for the perfect wedding look, be it a romantic hairpiece or sultry smoky eye to dazzle the groom. Kate Plec of Lustre Artistry, one of the Twin Cities' newest makeup artists, shares her thoughts on helping brides find their inner glow on the biggest day of their lives.

You started out in the industry as a model. How did modeling influence your interest in makeup?

I definitely fell in love with makeup right away. When I started modeling at 10, I wanted to start buying red lipstick, unfortunately for my parents. My mom let me but I could only wear it in the house. I loved watching the makeup artists and seeing their whole kits spread out, all the cool things that they had.

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So that led you to bridal makeup. What are some trends that you see on brides today?

Most of the brides I work with really want something that’s natural, soft, and classic. They want to look beautiful and polished for the day. Especially this time of year, shimmery bronzes and coppers are really beautiful. People really want to be able to see that natural sparkle and glow. Also, lip crayons instead of lipstick because it looks more like a stain, but it’s a lot softer.

Do you ever get to bring out your favorite red lipstick?

Yes I do! Red is always a staple for me. My new favorite red is Bite Beauty’s VIB Rouge. A lot of times I’ll suggest a bride tries something like that because it’s a special day. With a really soft eye and natural face, the bright lips just pop.

In the past you’ve worked with celebrities from Parks & Rec and Mad Men. Who’s still on your celebrity makeover wish list?

I’m sure I could think of a million. Charlotte Tilbury is one of my favorite makeup artists and she does Kate Moss’s makeup. For me, working with Charlotte Tilbury would be the greatest thing in the world, rather than doing makeup on any celebrity.

What inspired you to pick the name Lustre Artistry?

I’ve always had an affinity for French things, so I wanted the French spelling of luster. I wanted this idea of beautiful, glowing, shimmering, brightness that Lustre embodies. I want brides to have that feeling that they are both beautiful and glowing on their day.

You’re also an esthetician. How does that help you prepare brides for their big day?

Yes, I work at a salon and spa as my main job. I love that side of things, too! It would be hard for me to give up the skin care side of it. I think skin care and makeup really go hand-in-hand. When I do their makeup I always exfoliate the bride’s face beforehand because it’s going to make the makeup go on smoother and even, the way it should be.

What advice do you have for brides who want a makeup artist?

Plan your makeup three to six months in advance, and I encourage them to do a trial makeup run. When you do your trial, take some pictures at home in different lighting to see what it looks like. People often tell me they feel like they’re wearing too much makeup, but then they see the pictures and it looks completely natural. It’s important to know that everything in pictures is not going to show up the same as in real life.

What’s the best part of working with brides?

It’s the best day of somebody’s life and I love getting to be a part of that. I enjoy the private moments with friends and family that people don’t often get to see. Plus, everybody’s so happy!

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