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That moment when you put on
your wedding veil. Your first kiss as husband and wife. The wild dance
with your favorite cousin that leaves you breathless and flushed. What do
these magical wedding moments all have in common? They wreak havoc on your
makeup! So what's a savvy bride to do? Relax. We have all the insider tips
you need to keep your powder puffed, your lipstick stuck and your mascara
on your lashes and not running your blush pink cheeks no matter WHAT you
do. So go ahead. It's your party and you can cry if you want to -- and
still look your bridal best.
The Canvas
It all begins with your skin.
We know that you take care of your face, drink plenty of water, and stay
out of the sun. Follow these steps to get your face makeup-ready for the
big day:
●Start using a lip balm or
moisturizer -- color fades unevenly on dry, chapped lips.
●Don't use harsh treatments on oily skin -- you could actually increase
the oil in your skin. Instead, create a skincare routine using cleansers
and balancers that have been customized for your skin type.
●The months before your wedding are the days to experiment with makeup
-- take the time to choose a custom makeup palette that is perfect for
your complexion. Still, make sure you have made your selections at least
one month before your big day, that way you'll avoid any potential
reactions to new products.
●Get your last regular facial a week before the wedding.
If you rarely have facials, don't get one within a month of the wedding.
The Base
You've done your homework. Your
skin glows. What comes first? Foundation? Powder? Concealer? Relax. Try
these tips for a flawless complexion:
●Apply moisturizer twenty
minutes before starting your makeup -- to minimize slide.
●Use concealer under your eyes. If you think you'll be a teary bride,
look for an oil-based concealer.
●If your foundation wears away easily, try a formula with a little oil
-- sounds strange, but it works.
●Finish your foundation with face powder.
The Cheeks
For a blushing bride look that
doesn't dissolve during the ceremony, try these great techniques:
●Use a powder-based blush --
it will last longer than a cream blush.
●Alternatively, try a cheek stain -- just be sure to blend fast. Once
the stain sets, it stays put.
The Eyes
The eyes are the mirror of the
soul and, on this day at least, your eyes will probably be brimming with
joyful tears. Try these tips to keep your eye makeup in place through the
waterworks:
●Prep your eyelids with an
eye shadow base or a little face powder.
●Use waterproof mascara -- allow each coat to dry for a few seconds
before applying the next layer.
●If you expect to cry a lot, leave your lower lashes clean -- this
minimizes smudging.
●Try an eyelash perm -- the French swear by this spa technique. ●Results
last for about nine weeks.
The Lips
Kissing is probably the only thing you'll do
more than crying on your wedding day, so you'll need lip color that lasts,
without constant touchups. Try these steps for a lasting, kissable smile.
Skip your lip moisturizer, or apply it at least an hour before starting
your makeup.
●Prep
your lips with a little foundation -- to give the color a base.
●Using
a lip liner, first outline your lips, then fill them in for an extra
layer of color.
●Apply
your lipstick with a lip brush.
●Apply
one layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue, and apply the second layer.
●For
color that really lasts, try a lip stain. This is a particularly good
choice if you want a bright, high maintenance lip color, like ruby red.
●Moisturize
your lips in the days before the wedding -- lip stain can be rying.
●Apply
lipstain directly to lips -- skip the foundation and lipliner steps.
●Be
sure to have makeup remover ready for mistakes -- lip stain won't just
wipe off.
Test Drive Your Makeup
You should test your makeup at least two weeks
before your wedding, to leave time to make any adjustments. Give your
finished makeup a few minutes to set, then mist your face with water from
a spray bottle. The spray will simulate tears and give you a good idea of
how your makeup will hold up to a good cry. If you pass the waterworks
test, get your fiancé into the act and have him kiss and hug you
repeatedly (we know, this is such hard work). Keep your makeup on through
at least one meal, and see how you look after a few hours. If you're still
picture perfect with just a few minor touch ups, you've got a winning
routine. Now get out there and smile! |
