Bridal Beauty Basics

Your wedding day will be one of the most special days in your life  and to look and feel special is the dream of most brides.  There will be more pictures taken of you on your wedding day than any other day of your life. I’ve got the beauty tips you need to look your best on this special day. First keep in mind that how you look on that day begins way before that morning. It’s important to start a good beauty regime ASAP to guarantee smooth clear skin.

The bride’s makeup is about pre-bridal skin and facial care, not just about the makeup you wear fro your wedding. Your skin must be photograph-friendly and so it is a good idea to seek professional help, if your skin is not picture perfect Look in a mirror near a window. This is great light and will pick up any flaws that are just about to erupt. Personally, I  believe that if you have the right products, you  can correct minor skin problems such as too much oil, breakouts, or even dry skin.

Everything is exaggerated once makeup is applied and is especially noticeable in pictures. Now, don’t get worried. All you are trying to do is correct any minor skin issues before your wedding. I know many women get upset if they see one blemish. With proper cleansing and the right products, your skin will look beautiful in just a few days.

Dry or Flaky Skin

Dry and flaky skin is simple to adjust. If you have breakouts only on your chin or forehead you are still normal to dry. Try a moisturizer a little bit more emollient than the one you are using.
Don’t go too heavy until you see how your skin reacts. Choose a cleanser made especially for normal to dry skin. Don’t eliminate toner. This product restores your skin to its natural PH balance and will leave your skin just right. Use morning and evening. Applying a moisturizing masque will do wonders to help with the dryness. Apply it after you have washed your skin, avoiding the eye area, and remove it with a damp washcloth as soon as it dries. Once a week will be enough.

Oily or Blemished Skin

Your skin type is oily if your blemishes are on your cheeks.  Choose a cleanser and an astringent, they are more effective than a toner; use twice daily. A good mud masque once a week will dry out the oil and the blemishes will disappear. It has been my own personal experience that young women can get their skin in good shape by using the right products. So many women have asked me to help after they have consulted a dermatologist or had a facial and used strong products.

When you have a facial, the skin is manipulated and it brings up the oil. The oil continues to come to the surface of the skin. I prefer products that gently dry the oil. It is my very own opinion that nine out of ten women can safely and carefully maintain their own beautiful skin.

Lips

Weeks before the big day, use a cream that heals chapped lips. Chapstick doesn’t get rid of the problem. Even if your lips are a little dry, that dryness will be exaggerated in your photos. A cream with olive oil will heal your lips and lipstick will glide on smooth as silk.

Eyes

Every bride will benefit from using a good night eye cream. It will soften the under eye area and makeup will go on smoothly. This is a must for anyone taking pictures. Olive oil is the most effective ingredient to soften eyes and prevent wrinkles. Use in the evening.

Hair

If you are going to make any major changes before your wedding, such as adding highlights, changing a hairstyle or trying a different haircut, the time to try it is months before. Try different styles. You will want to look beautiful but be true to yourself. Classic is always in style. Avoid any hairstyle that is dramatic or very trendy. When you look back at your pictures, you will want to always love them, rather than wonder, “what was I thinking?” This is priceless advice.

Makeup

A lot of time goes into choosing flowers, your wedding gown and your hairstyle. Don’t let makeup take a back seat. Take the time to go through magazines and cut out pictures of makeup that you like. This is a good way a makeup artist can really see what you like, as well as what you don’t like. If you wear eyeliner, show her a picture of an eye that you like, don’t try to describe it. This will make everything easier. Find a lip color that you like. With a little preparation, you can eliminate a lot of stress. If you have a favorite lipstick, bring it along for the consultation. Once you both know how you would like to look, be sure it is written down. Taking a picture is also very helpful. You will glide through your day with ease.

More Tips

Be sure to have waterproof mascara and a mascara sealer for smudge proof eyes. Also use indelible eye liner, eyeliner sealant and indelible lip liner. Use a soft shimmering cream or soft white eye shadow under your eye brow and in the inner corner of your eyes. This wakes up the eyes and creates a beautiful highlight. Apply a neutral medium shade of taupe or plum under your brow bone. Blend so that the shadow fades well.

Next apply a soft lilac or peach on the lid. Make the most dramatic part of the eye the lashes and eyeliner. This looks best in pictures. Be sure to curl lashes before mascara. Add a soft pink or apricot blush and matching soft lipstick and a touch of gloss. Then, enjoy your well planned beautiful wedding!

Sylvia Hamowy is the owner of Reflections Cosmetics. She is a professional makeup artist, beauty editor, and former radio show host. She is featured in the International Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs.