Wedding Day Make-up Tips

Your wedding day is one of the most important events in your life. Even if you don’t usually wear make-up, there are reasons for using it to enhance what’s captured through photographs. The proper shades, formula and application can give lasting results for a full day of celebration.

One way to choose what type of make-up fits your personality and style of wedding, is to look through bridal magazines. Bookmark or cut out photos for reference, those you are comfortable with.

Some brides-to-be hire a professional make-up artist and some prefer to do their own. If you choose to have your make-up done professionally, make sure the artist listens and communicates well. You need someone who fully understands what you are striving for.

The shades you use in make-up should be based on whether you’re having an indoor or outdoor wedding and also the specific lighting. For dim-light settings, shades can be more bold. For outdoor weddings, you should aim for a natural look. The intention is to enhance your features without make-up being obvious, while coordinating with your wedding attire.

If you choose to do your own make-up, following are some tips:

* Do a practice run several times before your wedding until you find what you are comfortable
with. Ask friends or family for their opinion.

* Have some photos taken by a friend or family member to see how the make-up looks in
various lighting.

* Use a very light moisturizer to prepare your face for foundation.

* Don’t use heavy foundation. It tends to look cakey in photos. Use lightweight foundation,
but enough coverage to hide blemishes. Matte or dewy, but not oily, foundation works well in
photographs.

* If you need concealer, choose a formula that goes on smooth and coordinates well with your
foundation.

* Add definition to eyes with liner and shadow, but don’t be too bold. You want definition, but
subtle. To get this look, an appropriate shade of brown will work well. Black may be too dark
unless your skin tone and hair are dark. For eyeshadow, stay away from anything too trendy
such as blue, pink, bronze. More natural colors work best.

* Use waterproof mascara to alleviate dark streaks when you shed those tears of joy. You can
also use regular lash-lengthening mascara and then use waterproof mascara for the last coat
to get a more voluminous look.

* Lipstick should be delicate in a shade of pink, rose or mauve. This also depends on your lip
structure. If your lips are thin and small, a lighter shade works best. Those with fuller lips can
use a darker shade. To prevent lipstick from running, first line lips with a pencil in the shade
of your natural lip color. Choose lipstick in a formula that has staying power.

* Blush will help contour your face structure. Cream blush will blend in well with your
foundation and give a beautiful and natural glow.

* To finish the look, brush on loose powder very lightly. This will set your make-up and give
you a polished look.

* Don’t pluck eyebrows on the day of your wedding. Often there is redness after plucking.
Pluck a couple of days before your wedding to prevent this. If needed, use a light touch of
an eyebrow pencil to give more definition to brows, but don’t go too dark.

* Don’t forget to bring your make-up bag the day of the wedding in case you need a few
touch ups.

There is so much variety when choosing make-up, from inexpensive to very expensive. Make-up comes in an abundance of shades and formulas. It’s also important to keep your skin in prime shape months before the ceremony. Do your research, plan ahead and you will look stunning on your wedding day!