Bridal hair and makeup tips

Photo Courtsey: thebridetobe.co.uk

You've got the dress sorted; now it's time to think about wedding beauty. We've put together this bridal make-up and hairstyle tips, with a little help from the experts, to make sure you look flawless on your big day.

MAKE-UP:

Make sure to really cleanse and moisturize your skin before you start applying your make-up. Also after you moisturize and before you start applying foundation, make sure to use primer since it is going to make sure that your make-up lasts for a long time.

Use a sponge or a brush to apply your foundation. Don’t use your fingers to apply foundation since it’s going to leave fingerprints. Gently stipple your brush or sponge for an air-brushed and smoother look.

When you smile, the apple of your cheek pops up. Place your blush right there and blend into your temple- this will make it look like your naturally flushing.

Use an eyebrow pencil to fill in your eyebrows. It really frames your eyes and finishes the whole picture. To find the correct shade for your brows, go a shade or two lighter than your natural eyebrow color.

Focus darker eye shadow on the outside of the eyes, moving lighter and brighter as you work in to make your eyes look big, bright and beautiful. Using shimmer powder in the inner corners of your eyes will make your eyes look bright and awake.

Put lip balm on your lips before lipstick so that they’re not dry and flaky. Then fill in your entire lips with a lip pencil which will hold the color longer.

The camera will blow you out in photos. Put on a little bit more makeup than you would apply normally, more than you think you need since the camera and the lights will tone down your make-up.

HAIRSTYLE:

Have a hair trial! The session should allow you enough time for you to try three different hairstyles. Be sure to bring your headpiece (or photo of it) along. Book your stylist four to six months ahead of time, and have your trial four to six weeks prior to the wedding.

Speak up! Explain the style of your wedding and reception to your stylist, and bring a photo or sketch of your gown. Ask him or her to suggest looks that will harmonize with the overall feel of your wedding.

Be open to suggestions. You may think you want a cascade of rolling waves, but don’t pass on the opportunity to try, say, a low, loose chignon, or some clip-on extensions. Go on—it’s only a hair trial, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Take pictures as you go. Bring a friend to your trial, and have her take photos of all your options from every angle. Be sure to capture the front, profile, back, even how your hair looks from above. The goal is to have every side be your “best side,” since you’re sure to be photographed from every angle on the big day.

When scheduling your hair appointments for your actual wedding day, add a cushion of time so no one (you or your bridesmaids) will be “fashionably late.”

Do wear a button-front shirt or dress for your day-of styling. That way, when you change into your wedding dress, there is no pulling of shirts over your finished hairdo.

(Compiled)