Hair and make-up may be two of the last things you do before you glide down that aisle, but they play a key part in your wedding preparations.
When all eyes will be on you, it’s vital that you not only look amazing, but you feel it too. Especially when all those flashbulbs are popping.
“If you're a bride-to-be, my biggest advice is to go for a makeup look that enhances your features so you look like yourself at your most radiant,” says beauty guru Bobbi Brown.
Don’t be tempted to choose a radical new look for your big day as your husband-to-be wants to see the woman he knows rather than a stranger walking down the aisle.
“Your wedding day is not the time to experiment with makeup!” says Brown.
“You'll be showing off your wedding album for the rest of your life so keep your look timeless. Stay away from anything trendy or complicated and stick to classic shades.”
Get the Basics Right
A flawless complexion is at the top of most women’s beauty wish-lists, especially on the wedding day.
The right foundation is the framework of your make-up, so take time to find the exact match for your skin tone.
“Focus on getting your concealer and foundation perfect because they're the key to smooth, even skin,’ says Brown.
“Choose a shade of concealer that is not too white or too light since it can wash out your face, especially when wearing a white dress. For natural warmth, choose a yellow-toned foundation and face powder that complement your skin tone. Face powder is a must, so set concealer and foundation with powder applied with a powder puff.”
A-list make-up artist, Jemma Kidd, agrees: “Make sure that you keep your look as natural as possible.
“Daylight can be quite unflattering if you pile on the make-up and highlights even the smallest mistake, like foundation that doesn’t match your skin tone or areas where your make-up isn't blended properly. Only wear foundation and concealer only where they are needed and layer coverage for a more natural finish.”
Keep it Natural When it Comes to Colour
Forget trends and stick to what suits you. You may love heavy, metallic smoky eyes and lashings of liner, but is it really suitable for your wedding day?
The colour of your dress will dictate your make-up, says Kidd.
“If you have a white dress then a grey palette of eye shadow looks great and it is easy to glam up for the evening,” she advises..
“Ivory or gold-toned dresses look great with beiges and browns. Opt for colours with a slight shimmer, or once you have applied your matte shadows add a touch of shimmer on top.”
Use false lashes or have eyelash extensions for a wide-eyed effect in photos, and when it comes to mascara, only waterproof formulas will do! Not only will they last the distance, they won’t run when those tears of joy threaten to overflow!
Nothing beats a swirl of blush high on the apples of the cheeks for a pretty, youthful glow. Go for a blush-pink if you’re fair, and rose if you are dark.
You May Kiss the Bride
For lips, choose a formula that will withstand all that smooching!
For staying power, line and fill in lips with a pencil, then apply lipstick with a brush. Blot with tissue, and re-apply the colour. To make your pout pop, dab a touch of gloss on the centre of lips to reflect the light.
“Neutral and pale lip colours look washed out in photographs, so choose a lipstick that’s one to two shades brighter than what you normally wear. Pinks roses, and plums are great choices for brides,” says Brown.
