Bride Wars Movie Review & Beauty Looks

Bride Wars was released today and stars Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. The plot is pretty self-explanatory from the previews. People pleasing Emma (Anne Hathaway) and her assertive, trendy friend Liv (Kate Hudson) find themselves engaged at the same time and mistakenly booked for the same wedding day. This slip up brings out the Bridezilla in the friends who go to great lengths to sabotage each other's special day. I won't give away the whole story (although my sister called the ending pretty quickly) but I will say if you've seen 27 Dresses, you've pretty much seen Bride Wars. I'd say 27 Dresses was better but Bride Wars shines in its sheer magazine like quality. More than anything, I enjoyed seeing Hudson and Hathaway's stunning outifts, fabulous wedding dresses, and trendy makeup. Overall, I'd give the film 2.5 stars out of 5. It's a worth a rental with friends.

Interestingly enough, despite the fact Bride Wars was filmed before the culmination of the current economic situation, the film reveals a shift in "of the moment" makeup looks. Hudson whose character is an aggressive go-getter is made up in heavy dark liner, bronzed cheeks, and nude lips. Her hair is stick straight, fashioned with blunt bangs. Clearly, this look is very "five months ago," denoting high maintenance, penchants for luxury, and fatter wallets.

Yet Hathaway's character depicts what we'll be seeing in beauty this season. Her skin is clear and luminous, with softly rimmed doe eyes, and full berry lips. Hathway's hair is loose and natural, styled in simple waves. A focus on low-maintenance, simple elegance has returned to beauty with our slimmer pocket books and greater financial burdens. I gather that Hudson's snow bunny meets rock star look will remain in style but stylists will be following Hathaway's lead, in an effort to remain on trend and show some of economic sensibility.

Here's a sample list of budget friendly products that can be used to recreate Hathaway's look:

Face: If you already own a natural liquid foundation and setting powder, you're set. Be sure to choose one that is perfectly matched. The key here is embrace the "my look but better" style. Suggestions for liquid foundation: Revlon ColorStay's Makeup with SoftFlex ($11.69 on Drugstore.com). This liquid foundation comes in a variety of 20 shades and in combination/oily or normal/dry formulas. Contains SPF 6.
Suggestions for setting powder: Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder($8.99 on Drugstore.com). Oil free. Six shades.

Cheeks: You can be pretty versatile with your choice in brush. A light, pale pink powder applied with a light hand would be ideal. However, since skin tones vary, coral might be better for warmer tones. The whole emphasis with the cheeks should be sheer, used to waken up the skin without relying on a "pop" of color.
Suggestions for blush: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc Free Mineral Blush ($10.95 on Drugstore.com). Comes in six natural colors. Oil free. Try Pink Glow for porcelain skin, Rose Glow for medium, and Warming Glow for dark skin tones.

Eyes: Here, you'll want to do a softly rimmed eye with a dark brown or black kohl liner depending on your preference. Be sure to create a thin line by using soft, quick strokes on your lash line. Softly smudge the liner with a q-tip so that the eyes are defined without being harshly lined or smoked. Use an eyelash curler (try heating it up for a few seconds with a hair dryer for a better curl) and apply your favorite lengthening/volumizing mascara. Be sure to separate your lashes and remove any clumps. You want long, soft, feathery lashes.

Suggestions for eye liner: Rimmel's Soft Kohl Kajal Eyepencil in Jet Black or Sable Brown (2.99 at Ulta.com).
Suggestions for mascara: Maybelline's Full & Soft in Soft Black or Brown ($5.99 on Drugstore.com). Clinique's Long Pretty Lashes in Black or Brown ($14.00 on Sephora.com).

Lips: The lips are definitely my favorite part about this look! Start with a soft, waxy lip balm like Lypsl. This product will give your lips enough moisturize to look naturally soft and somewhere in between matte and shine. For your color, use a soft berry lipstick applied fully to the mouth.
Suggestions for balm: Lypsyl Regular Lip Balm ($3.29 on Drugstore.com).
Suggestions for lip color: Cover Girl's Lipslicks in Daring ($3.99 on Drugstore.com). Or their new Outlast Lipstain in Wild Berry Wink or Berry Smooch ($7.49 on Drugstore.com).


Glamorous! A tousled bun would go great with look as Hathaway wears in the film. Enjoy!