Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life; you want to look your best on your special day so make sure you plan your make up carefully, well in advance. Whether you are doing your make up yourself or hiring someone else to do it, try to remember the following:
- Your make up should be an enhancement of what you normally wear. For example, if you usually go for the natural look, stick to natural colours but slightly stronger. Remember your fiancé is marrying you, so he should at least recognize you! You should define your features stronger than what you usually do, so they show up in photographs. You should feel comfortable in the makeup you are wearing; it is not the time to try out anything drastic. On your day you don't want to be worrying about your shade of lipstick whilst saying your vows.
- You want your make up to last all day. There are some fabulous long lasting make up items around, which will ensure that you don't need to “touch up” during the day. Believe me you won't have time to re-apply your make up.
Before the wedding
- Undertake a skin, hair and nail care program at least 6 weeks before the wedding. Go for a facial and manicure and ask your beautician to advise good beauty products as well.
- Stay away from the sun as far as possible. When you go out, do not forget to use a sun-block. Try to avoid extremes of weather, like wind, pounding rain or freezing cold, as well.
- If you have a stressful job, make sure to go for relaxing massage, at least once in a week. Use essential oils in your bath and try to attend at least one aromatherapy session before the wedding.
- Do not compromise on your sleep; otherwise you will be hard-pressed to hide your under-eye circles on the wedding day. At the same time, be happy. Remember, what goes on in your mind reflects on your face as well.
- Make the booking for the make-up artists at least 3-4 months before the wedding. Let him/her see your outfit, so that he/she can plan the exact look. You should also go for a trial session before the wedding. A good idea is to have a dress rehearsal and take photos, so you can then check that it will look good.
Makeup Tips
- It is always advisable to synchronize your makeup with the bridal outfit and jewelry. If they are extremely heavy, then you should prefer to get light makeup done.
- The time of your wedding also has a bearing on the type and amount of makeup. For instance, heavy makeup looks good at night, but will make you seem very odd under the harsh rays of the sun.
- Concealer and foundation. Be careful about the colour foundation you choose. Whilst you should always go for a match as near as your skin, anything too pale will make you look washed out if you are wearing a white/ivory dress. Try to foundation that will bring warmth into your face. Alternatively use bronzing powder to give you a bit of colour – if you are wearing a low cut dress remember to sweep it across the chest area so you don't look "two toned".
- Whilst there are some lovely "shine" products available to give a dewy complexion, again be very careful where you use them. In photographs it will be easy to mistake the “glow” for sweat – not nice. If you are applying a highlighter, stick to brow bones, cheekbones and a dab in the middle of your lips. If you are wearing a low cut dress add a little on your décolletage. Beware of any makeup that is too sparkly, this can look strange in the photos.
- The season you are getting married will also have to be taken into account when planning your makeup. Avoid anything too shiny on your skin if you are getting married in the summer, stick to a coloured lip-gloss but don't wear shine all-over. Light formulas are better as you don't want your makeup melting in the sun. Winter make up can be more dramatic although again it's best to stick to a stronger look of your usual make up.
- Always go for a lip-liner that is the same shade as your lipstick. Otherwise, you might end up with a lip-line that is too noticeable. At the same time, always stick to long-lasting lipsticks, for your wedding.
Remember, you have to balance the eye makeup with lip makeup. In case you want to go for dramatic eyes, go for a light-colour lip shade. If you are using a dark lipstick, it is better to have natural, light eyes.
- Finally remember on your big day to have the following at hand.
- Cotton buds, to wipe away any smudges under the eyes
- Your lipstick, should you need a touch up.
- Some translucent powder to blot away any sweaty patches
- Breath freshener (you will be doing lots of kissing – alcohol breath is not very attractive!)
- Contact lens solution – if you wear them.
- Small phial of your perfume to keep you smelling gorgeous – which you will be!
- And your man of course....:)
By Timi Awoyinka