MasterfileSKIN
Exfoliate
two days prior and drink loads of water the day before the
wedding-hydration is the key to radiant skin. Masks are a great idea,
but don't try anything new that may cause breakouts.
PRIMER
Prescriptives Magic gives you a luminous
glow, without the glitter. It also minimizes the appearance of fine
lines and pores, while holding your makeup in place from morning to
night.
FOUNDATION
Avoid foundations with SPF, says Mona.
The titanium dioxide gives off a blueish tinge that looks ghostly in
photos. Use blotting papers throughout the day to ward off oiliness
without any cakeiness.
CHEEKS
Use a bit of bronzer to warm up your
complexion first. Photography often drowns out the colour, says Mona, so
don't be afraid to add a pop of colour to the apples of your cheeks to
make you look healthy.
EYES
A beige-silver colour from the Bobbi Brown
Stone Wash Palette is an elegant neutral shade to wash over your lid,
without appearing too dark, says Mona. Add shimmer to the centre of your
lid to highlight. To contour, use a deep matte tone on the outer
corners at the crease. A thin line of gel eyeliner at the root of your
upper eyelashes and a few individual faux lashes give further
definition. Of course, no bride would be prepared without waterproof
mascara.
BROWS
Always go a shade lighter than your natural
brow colour and fill them in with a soft eyeshadow, focusing the colour
on the outer corners of the brow. Use an eyebrow brush with firm
bristles to comb through the powder and set it with clear gel mascara so
you don't have to worry about smudging throughout the day.
LIPS
Use a foundation stick to blot out the
colour of your lips. Your lipstick will last longer, and you'll be able
to see the true colour of the lipstick. Sometimes the fresh pink shade
you've selected can appear orangey depending on the undertone of your
lips. A lipliner that matches your lipstick will make your lips stand
out more in pictures.
Are you camera ready?
Bring a camera with you to
your makeup appointment, so you can quickly assess your hot spots. Are
you oily somewhere? Red? Do you feel comfortable? Do you look like
yourself? Do you feel like yourself? Give the makeup artist honest
feedback right away. This is no time to worry about hurt feelings;
they're being paid to make sure you're happy with the results.
A quick tip on bridesmaid makeup:
It's more
important to focus on their individual features to make them look
prettier and feel more confident, than it is to force them all into the
same makeup scheme. Matching makeup to their dresses isn't necessary.
Going with the same palette can work, but it's more important to
consider their eye colour, skin tone-the things that really make them
look their best, come picture time.
For flawless skin:
Book your facial two weeks in
advance to avoid dehydration that results from intensive peels. Plus,
detox facials often bring acne to the surface before giving way to a
flawless complexion. Even so, high stress the week of the wedding can
bring about the doozy you've had nightmares about. If, and when,
disaster strikes, put down the tweezers and see Erit B., spa manager at
Shizen Spa in the Cosmopolitan Hotel, who zapped ours with a special
technique that didn't result in scabs or scars.
For a faux glow:
Hand-held airbrush tanning (vs.
an airbrush tanning booth) gives the most even finish. Get it done three
days before the wedding for the most natural appearance and test-drive
the look one month in advance. We walked out of Concepts Day Spa in
Toronto straight to a cocktail party, makeup still in tact.
For a picture-perfect canvas:
Now is the time to
ditch that foundation you've been using since college. Your skin has
changed, and thankfully, Prescriptives custom-matches your shade and the
finish that's right for your specific needs-no waiting around required.
They'll even supply you with a tote-able sized foundation and powder
that fits into your beaded clutch.
For you-only-gorgeous makeup:
Splurge on a trial
makeup run-it's worth it to look and feel your best. Far too many brides
don't feel like themselves on their wedding day, when their makeup
winds up looking like a mask. Your makeup should look classic, beautiful
and camera-ready, but never too heavy. Find a makeup artist that a
friend has raved about, or visit a department store counter by a brand
that's known for natural, yet stunning makeup, such as Bobbi Brown
Cosmetics at Holt Renfrew.
For mega-volume hair:
If updos have never really
been you, get long, thick extensions that will make you look and feel
like a movie star instead. Justin German at Shagg salon has the down-low
on where to get the goods cheap. Bring them in the morning of to get
them glued in. You can skip the trial run if you come prepared with a
picture, a hair accessory of choice and a plan B.
Read More from Flare.com:
5 Foundation Tips for Flawless Skin
10 New Wedding Updo Ideas
40 Pairs of Stunning Wedding Shoes
10 Ways to Be a Modern Bride
First look: Madonna's new shoe line
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