Beautiful Bride To Be

He popped the question, the venue is booked, the food has been tasted and you have decided you would rather have a live band than a cheesy 80s disco. But....have you thought about your make-up for the day and whether you will do it yourself or hire an expert. If you feel confident enough to do your makeup yourself on the day then go for it! There will be no worries about whether your makeup artist will turn up late, do a botch job or make you look like Jordan’s twin sister. Here are some tips from the top from our inhouse expert Anthea Abela for make-up magic on your special day!

·         Go make-up shopping with a close family member or friend a few months before your wedding to check out new products, brands and experience some counter makeovers. Most makeup counters in department stores offer free makeovers and this is a great way to try before you buy! If you aren’t a dab hand with a makeup brush and don’t know where your eyebrows should start or end.... learn from the makeup counter girls.  Ask lots of questions -watch and learn! See which colours they choose for you, remember the colours which work on one bride may not work for another.  When you have had a makeover and you like the look, step out into natural lighting as store lighting can be harsh. Get your friend to take photos and check out for yourself if you like what you see!

·         Even if you don’t wear makeup a little can go a long way on your wedding day. Foundation can even out your skin tone, mascara can open up your eyes and using blusher or bronzer will brighten up your skin.

·         Practice makes perfect! Have numerous makeup trials including one with your chosen wedding hairstyle to ensure  makeup and hair compliment  each other as well as your dress!

·         On the big day...have one of your bridesmaids  carry a small bag with your beauty essentials and get her to whisk you off every few hours so you stay radiant throughout  the big day and for all the photos! Essentials should include lip gloss, shine blotter papers, concealer for any cover up moments and a miniature fragrance.  Also pop in there some mints (for all the sweet talking to guests!)  and  tissues (ok the odd tear is allowed!)

Your Wedding Makeup Checklist!

1.       Foundation Primer- apply on its own and leave to sink in or mix with foundation for long lasting coverage which will see you through from the vows to the first and last dance! Try Laura Mercier foundation primer £18 www.spacenk.co.uk

2.       A long lasting foundation. Look for one which doesn’t glide off the skin easily, keeps you shine free and contains an SPF. Try Chanel, Lancome, Chantecaille and Prescriptives for long lasting foundations. A foundation brush is a must for a sleek professional finish. Try Lancome, The Body Shop or Bobbi Brown for a great range of brushes. 

 

3.       Soft , Natural eyeshadows which compliment your eye colour and skin tone. Bridal colours range from corals to soft pinks and metallic shades which look fab on darker eyes.  For blue eyes try shades of brown, taupe, gold and peach. Green eyes look amazing with plum and violet or peach shades.  If your eyes have a grey tone try brown and charcoal. Try and stay away from products that are too shimmery especially on eyes and cheeks as your makeup will look shiny in photos- remember it’s your wedding day , not a night on the tiles! Make sure you use an Eye Fix base beforehand to lock in eye colour. I love this palette from Laura Mercier called Silk Road Palette which contains beautiful bridal colours! £37 www.spacenk.co.uk.
 

4.       Eyeliner on the upper lids can look great on a bride. Choosing a powder instead of a liquid can be more effective and open up eyes to reveal a very sexy bride! Try a white kohl pencil on the lower eye rim to make the whites of the eyes appear brighter. 

5.       Water proof mascara is a must and you may want to make sure all the females in your wedding party are wearing waterproof too! MAC, Dior and Clinique do some great ones!

6.       Concealer...choose light reflecting for under the eyes to minimise dark circles and shadows and a thicker concealer for blemishes. Apply with a thin pointed concealer brush and once applied pat the product immediately onto the skin.

7.       Use a transcluscent powder to seal in makeup and stop the deadly appearance of shine- not a good look for brides!  It is light enough to use without giving you that horrid cakey make-up look.

8.       Lip Pencil is a must and use all over the lips for a base not just on the contours of the lips.

9.       Fill the lips with a matching lipstick or similar and finish with a plumping lipgloss (preferably without shimmer!)

10.   Finally wear a fragrance with a matching fragranced body lotion which you know your husband to be adores! Try our favourite by Orla Kiely Eau De Parfum 100ml £55 and the matching Body Cream £29.95. 

Finally smile and then your audience awaits you...in some cases the whole world for a certain Kate Middleton!