bridal makeup

To capture the perfect look on your wedding day, it is best to keep bridal makeup application simple and close to the style you normally wear. It is not a day to try a new look, because if you do, when you get your wedding pictures, even if the makeup "looks good" it won't look like you.

Steps to Take Prior to the Wedding

Getting that perfect look on your wedding day actually takes more thought than buying the right makeup. It's easy to get caught up in hectic wedding preparations, so if you find yourself putting yourself last, add this small list to your things to your To Do list::

• Facial: While this sounds like a fun, relaxing thing to do don't plan a facial too close to your wedding day. Make sure to schedule it at least 14 days before the big day just in case you have a reaction to products used.
• Drink water: It's important to keep your body hydrated. It helps your skin to look blemish free and refreshed.
• Skin care: Take time to care for your skin. This means cleanse, moisturize and use sun protection in the months leading up to the wedding. For brides who experience regular bouts with breakouts, it's a good idea to visit your dermatologist at least 3 months before the wedding to get his advice.
• Shape your eyebrows: To avoid the chance of little red bumps due to plucking, shape your eyebrows 5 days or so before your wedding.
• Get enough sleep: With so much to get done it is easy for brides to try and burn the candle at both ends. Avoid the temptation if you want to look your best on your big day.
• Practice applying your makeup: Don't wait for your wedding day to apply your makeup for the first time. Practice in the weeks prior to the wedding so you know how the makeup blends, and how it wears. If you've never really used makeup much, you may want to check with a beauty consultant or a bridal makeup artist for advice as to what to buy and how to use it.

Choose Your Makeup

When buying makeup for your wedding day, choose long lasting products that blend well and provide color that complements your dress and skin tone. It's a good idea to take some test photos while wearing the makeup before the big day. Blue-based colors tend to appear darker on film, and while shimmers and glosses are fun and pretty, but sometimes that shine and sparkle detracts in pictures and makes you look like you have greasy skin. Test snapshots are a perfect way to see exactly what your makeup will look like in your wedding photos.

Tips for Perfect Makeup on Your Wedding Day

After applying your makeup these tips will help keep your perfect bridal makeup looking fresh:

• Quick fix kit: To keep your makeup looking fresh, have your bridesmaid or another designated friend keep a quick fix kit handy. This should include any makeup that may be needed for touch ups as well as items like: tissue, safety pins, and hairpins.
• Wear the right clothing: You'll apply your makeup before you slip into your wedding dress. With this in mind wear a blouse or shirt that buttons up the front while applying your makeup. This way you can remove the shirt without worrying about messing up your pretty face.

Tricks to Make Wedding Makeup Last

Applying makeup so that it looks perfect is one thing and getting it to last is another. Here are a few tricks to help your makeup stay perfect for longer.

• Lips: Define your lips with a liner and choose a long lasting lip color such as Lipsense for color that won't let you down. Apply lip color just before you are ready to walk down the aisle to help it last even longer.
• Brows: Coordinate eyebrow color with your hair color. Apply with a firm, angled brush.
• Eyes: Choose a waterproof mascara and an oil based concealer to ensure that tears of joy won't wash your eye makeup away.
• Face: To set your makeup, add a light layer of facial powder.

For summer or beach weddings, if the weather is humid, it is a good idea to spray a sealer over your makeup to help it last.

No matter what kind of wedding you have planned, simple, natural looking makeup is perfect for the bride. Of course, if you plan to get married on the beach under the stars, you'll want to wear darker shades appropriate for evening.