Wednesday, February 3, 2010

TOP 8 BRIDAL BEAUTY TIPS FOR THE BIG DAY

1. CHOOSE STAY-PROOF FORMULAS! The last thing you want to be worrying about on your wedding day is your makeup running. To prevent a literal meltdown, ALWAYS use waterproof versions of mascara, eyeliner, and even body makeup to ensure staying power. When you’re ready to remove them, use a tiny drop of pure oil like grape seed, olive, or sweet almond versions.

2. TOO MUCH GLOW! A glowing bride is one thing but too much shine can turn you into an OILY bride. It's important to remember 2 things...light and photography pick up on even the subtlest amount of sheen and, secondly, your skin tends to glow naturally so you really don't need to add more on the face at all (except maybe on eyes and lips). Stay away from oil-based formulas (as they tend to contribute to the shine factor) and instead opt for fresh blush colors that are matte in texture and then powder strategically around the forehead, sides of nose, and around the mouth and chin. What's left are the cheekbones and bridge of your nose; places that always look beautiful when they catch the light. On the body, choose products that don't contain actual glitter pieces or too much luminosity. A little goes a long way!

3. BRIGHT LIGHT AND HEAVY MAKEUP! If you are getting married in the morning or afternoon (especially outdoors), it's imperative to consider the light before choosing a makeup look. Light during this time of day is much brighter and therefore less forgiving so a lighter hand (when applying makeup) is most welcome. Choose more transparent and sheer textures of foundation, eye shadow, and lip colors so you are not weighed down by your makeup. Also, nix the harsh black eyeliner and opt for softer versions like plum, brown, or gray.

4. TAN EVENLY! If having the perfect tan is what you’re after for the big day, be sure to prep skin well and tan EVERYWHERE including arm pits and ears. Just before tanning and in a warm (not hot) shower, treat yourself to a super hydrating exfoliating scrub on your entire body to remove any dry patches that might "grab" color and create an uneven finish (areas like the elbows, knees, and heels). Towel dry but leave some water on the skin. Next, seal in moisture with a pure oil or cream moisturizer that absorb quickly. When you self tan, apply to one area at a time, making sure to blend in evenly and thoroughly. Wash hands thoroughly and wait about 15 minutes before getting dressed.

5. TWEEZ! A bride can have the most beautiful makeup on but if her brows haven't been shaped properly, the end result will be only half way finished. Brows create balance to a face and a frame for your eyes. They should should have a nice clean line and possibly even slightly lightened depending on your personal coloring. If you feel uneasy about doing your own brows, seek out a professional to do them for you. Overall, giving yourself some brow time will prove to be a very worthwhile investment that will most definitely give you an instant eye lift and make you look refreshed and polished.

6. LOOK LIKE YOU! Getting married is such an exciting time for the bride-to-be....it’s their one day to SHINE! It’s very easy to get carried away with your overall vision and end up doing too much. My advice to my clients is to try not to go overboard, choose one thing as your focus, and then downplay everything else. Balance is the key...Ultimately, you should look elegant and like the best version of yourself.

7. AVOID THE MASK! When it comes to selecting a foundation, choose color/textures that match your natural skin tone exactly. Avoid opaque formulas and blend...blend...blend! The result should look seamless and disappear into the skin. Your foundation should NOT be occlusive and sit on top of your skin. The end result you're looking for is that your skin and makeup should look immaculate yet transparent and natural.

8. LAST MINUTE PROCEDURES! Scheduling skin care treatments like facials, lasers, and microdermabrasion, etc. at the last minute are a big NO NO. It's all too common that you'd leave your appointment with the unwanted added bonus of inflammation, redness, and other skin irritations depending on how sensitive you are. So play it safe and give yourself 4 to 5 days of healing time before the big day. That way your skin will exhibit the lasting benefits without any unsightly surprises.