INFOCUS

MAE MONROE REINVENTS BRIDAL MAKEUP

BY INVESTING TIME IN PRE-WEDDING SKIN PREPARATION

WRITTEN BY SHANNON E. ROESGEN / PHOTO BY MELISSA & BETH PHOTOGRAPHY

T

he birth of a brilliant idea is almost always followed by the observation Why weren’t we doing this from the start? Everyone wants beautiful, glowing skin on their wedding day, but what is the best way to achieve that desired outcome? Mae Monroe has a brilliant answer to that question: prepping the skin. But what exactly does she mean by prepping?

Monroe believes the secret to creating the perfect makeup look is built on a foundation of great skin preparation. Prepping the skin begins by connecting with Monroe about six months to one year before your wedding. There is an initial two-hour consultation at Monroe’s River Market studio. During this time, the prepping plan is formed.

The prepping may begin with a few questions: What are your skincare goals? Do you prefer shimmer, matte, or natural contour? and Do you have any issues with acne? Brides not only discuss their skin during this consultation. Monroe also wants to hear about the bridal gown, the hairstyle, the color scheme, and the setting of the wedding and reception. “We do this to make sure everything is cohesive,” explains Monroe.

Spiritual Skincare

Monroe differs from other beauty professionals because she approaches skincare in a holistic and spiritual way. Monroe is a master level Reiki healer.

Reiki is an energy healing technique that creates a feeling of relaxation, reduced stress, and reduced anxiety through a gentle touch technique called palm healing. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to the body, improving the flow of energy in the body.

Monroe believes beauty should be authentic and start from within. This happens with self-care and soul healing. “I want to make everything as peaceful as possible for the bride,” she says.

“From the day I began my wedding planning, I knew Mae Monroe was my first choice for both my wedding and my cultural reception.”

Skincare Packages Designed for You

Monroe offers different packages for each bride. These include The Classic package, I’m Perfection package, All About My Skin and Soul to Glow package, A La Carte, and Camera Ready with My Queen package—which is tailored for not only the bride but also the mother of the bride.

It is easy to get swept away by stress during the wedding planning process. This is a special time to slow down, take a deep breath, and relax. Moms and daughters spend some peaceful, joyous, and celebratory time together.

The Camera Ready with My Queen package is a full package of bridal care for the mother and daughter. It includes brows reshaping and tinting, lash lift and tint, three treatment facials (consisting of derma-planing, vitamin C enzyme peel, micro-channeling, red light sculpting therapy, and pore cleaning and minimizing), trial makeup (which can be booked the same day as engagement photos), bridal shower or bachelorette makeup, wedding makeup, lift and sculpting facial for mother of the bride, wedding makeup for mother of the bride, and a bridal gift.

“From the day I began my wedding planning, I knew Mae was my first choice for both my wedding and my cultural reception,” said one of Monroe’s brides. “I’ve had the pleasure to have Mae as my makeup artist for the last three years for all of my medical school proms and have built a beautiful friendship with her. Booking with her was such a breeze. She is responsive and committed to making sure you are both on the same page.”

Monroe believes those “who have invested in their skin have better results when it comes time for makeup application on their big day!” This is a brilliant philosophy. And it begs the question, Why weren’t we always doing bridal makeup this way?

Mae Monroe • 524 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO • 913.369.5446 maemonroe.com • maemonroe.business@gmail.com SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this article and receive a complimentary cacao milk latte and 15-minute scalp massage with your facial!

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