top of page

BRIDE I DOs AND DON'Ts

 

MAKEUP FOR THE WEDDING

Shimmer
That shimmering bronzer swept over your cheeks and brow bone or shimmering highlighter under your eyebrows looks lovely in person, right? Well in pictures, the light catches it and it reflects back and magnifies those areas, often with overdramatic results. Save the overshine for your shoulders and collarbone, and stick with classic mattes in neutral tones for your face. Find shadows that say "satin" or "sheen" so that it gives just enough shine to give the effect, but not enough to stop traffic.

 

Shine
The difference between a dewy complexion and a greasy complexion is the kind of foundation you use. Recommended are water-based foundations and well-blended cream blushes. Anything else is likely to translate as shiny on camera. The same goes for high-shine lipstick or glass.  Not only is it easily kissed and eaten away, it also can be reflective on camera. Find a matte lip color in a soft rose, fresh pink, or natural nude or a gloss that doesn't have so much sheen.

 

Colors
Because you'll be looking at your wedding album for the rest of your life, I suggest you choose earthy, neutral colors -- at least for your pictures. Stick with taupes, purples, peaches, mauves, and creams while you're taking photos, and when you do eyeliner keep it defined but soft.

 

Lashes
If you follow one piece of wedding-makeup advice, make sure it's that you use waterproof mascara. For extra oomph on camera, add four to six individual false lashes to the outer edges of your upper lids. They look GREAT in pictures and in person.

 

Black and White or Color
There are experts that say your makeup has to be one way for color photos and another for black and white. Well, that's not going to happen. So when you're figuring out your makeup, plan for color photography. You walk around in color, so chances are most of your pictures will be in color. What generally looks great on brides in color looks great on brides in black and white, too. With the camera technology nowadays, it is so easy to change from one setting to another.

 

Making It Last
For your wedding day, your makeup should be applied in layers to make it last longer. Start with a primer for eyes and lips that reduce fading and creasing, and finish with powder overall. And while layering and blending are at the core of a long-lasting look, water-based and matte products help, too.

 

Trendy Looks
Remember, neutral and timeless is always where it's at for brides -- in person, and on camera. If you find blood-red lips, high-gloss lipstick, and dark eyeliner simply impossible to resist, try saving it for the reception.

BRIDE-TO-BE BEAUTY TIMELINE

 

Here is a timeline for you to follow if you are going to do anything from bleaching your teeth to getting a facial., so that your day can go as smooth as possible.

 

6 Months Before

  • Begin your search for a hair stylist and/or makeup artist you like and trust.

  • Have all your haircut and color experiments done now.

  • Begin weekly deep conditioning treatments.

  • Consult a dermatologist for any skin problems or concerns.

  • Research and invest in a skin care regimen.

  • If possible, indulge in a monthly facial.

  • If you have light or bleached hair, limit or avoid contact with heavily chlorinated water.

5 Months Before

  • If your nails are short, begin growing them out or consider acrylic tips or gels.

  • If possible, start monthly manicures and pedicures to get your hands in shape.

3 Months Before

  • Have your hair trimmed every four to six weeks.

  • Make an appointment to preview your wedding hairdo.

  • Make an appointment to have your teeth cleaned the week before your wedding.

2 Months to 6 Weeks Before

  • If you are planning to wear acrylic nails, experiment with lengths now.

  • Research and schedule teeth bleaching.

  • Research and schedule trial makeup sessions with your makeup artist.

  • Research and schedule trial hair sessions with your hair stylist, complete with veil and headpiece.

1 Month Before

  • Have a trial makeup session with your makeup artist.

  • Have a trial hair session with your hair stylist, complete with veil and headpiece.

  • Start drinking plenty of water -- eight glasses a day, at least!

  • If you are coloring or perming your hair for the wedding, do so now.

  • Purchase and test your wedding day skin, hair and makeup products.

2 Weeks Before

  • Have a facial (only if you've had them regularly).

  • Have your hair cut or trimmed.

  • Touch up your hair color or highlights.

1 Week  - Ten Days Before

  • Have your eyebrows shaped and upper lip waxed – if you need to

  • Have a bikini wax (if you are partial to them)

  • Call your hair stylist and find out when you should wash or deep condition your hair. If you do so just before your wedding, your hair may be "too clean" to style, particularly if you are wearing an updo.

  • Have your teeth professionally cleaned by your dentist.

1 Day Before

  • Have a manicure and pedicure.

  • Have a massage.

  • Gently exfoliate or polish your skin, especially your decollete and arms.

  • Apply extra moisturizer --  everywhere!

  • Take a nap each day.

  • Drink two extra glasses of water each day.

  • Prepare a beauty emergency kit containing:  

    •  Lip gloss, translucent powder, dental floss,  Q-tips

    • Makeup remover, moisturizer, eye drops, nail polish, safety pins

    • Bobby pins, hairspray, comb and brush, Breath mints, granola  bars

Your Wedding Day

  • Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

  • Eat nourishing, healthy meals. Have light, healthy, and non-staining snacks on hand for you and your bridesmaids while you get ready.

  • Take plenty of deep breaths.

  • Relax.

  • Smile -- you're getting married!

 

AT YOUR MAKEUP CONSULT

  • Please wear a white top or tank top so that you can see how the makeup will look against white.  This will give you the best idea of how it will look in your dress.

  • Please have a clean face of any makeup.  You can have a moisturizer on if you wish.  Otherwise I will apply one.

  • Allott for 90 minutes - 2 hours for your makeup/hair consult.  I want to make sure that you are happy with the looks that we come up with and have enough time to tweak and experiement with any other looks you may want to try.

  • If you haven't sent me some already, then please bring a couple of pictures of makeup looks that you like.

 

 
bottom of page