Bridal Beauty: Bridal Beauty Insider Tips

wedding dress 2012

"More hair spray is not necessarily better. Too much of it can weigh down the hair and give it a dull finish. Sometimes, if hair is too oily, the hair spray can make it look whitish or cloudy."
-- Kristin Ariniello, Makeup and Hair Artist, Portland, OR

"If you’re doing your own makeup, it is a good idea to schedule a makeup lesson with a licensed professional to teach you everything you need to know about bridal makeup and makeup in general. This will give you confidence and knowledge that will last way past your wedding day."
-- Kirsten Brusse, Joli Visage, Providence, RI

"If you’re concealing a tattoo, learn to do it the right way with the right products. Go to a professional makeup artist first and have her teach you the right steps to conceal a tattoo and the correct products to buy for your skin tone."
 -- Lyndsey Yeager, Glossa Professional Makeup Artist, Cincinatti, OH and Covington, KY

"Don’t neglect your eyebrows, but don’t do them yourself. Your brows frame your face, so let a professional take care of your brows. It’s also a good idea to get them done days before so there’s no redness."
 -- MiMi Johnson, P3 Lab, Atlanta, GA

"Avoid makeup overkill. Want Angelina's lips, J. Lo's skin, and Jessica's eyes? Beauty inspirations are wonderful, but make sure all the elements will work together -- there may be a reason you aren't finding all of those accentuated features in one photo!"
-- Jeni Hoover, Jeni Hoover Hair and Make-up, Austin, TX

"Wear the correct shade of foundation. The best way to figure this out is in 'natural' daylight. Never make a decision about foundation unless you’ve applied it to your jawline first and looked at it in daylight. The color should blend and look like it disappeared."
-- Dierdre Mahon, DeeVa Beauty, LLC, Nutley, NJ

"When shimmer is applied just the right way, it adds to the beautiful, natural glow you already have. However, when too much shimmer is used, it can make your face look sweaty or oily -- especially in wedding photographs. To keep it looking natural, apply the shimmer to only one place. Also, just give it a light dust to avoid the sweaty look!"
-- Christy Lavallee, Makeup Artistry by Christy, Sturbridge, MA

"Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof. Many women make the mistake on assuming that they won’t cry on their wedding day when, in actuality, they always do. Use waterproof foundation, primer, eyeliner, and mascara. We don't want makeup running down the face from either tears or too many dances
-- Allison Sammel, Elegant Beauty, Danbury, CT

"Controversial, I know, but I recommend no SPF be worn on the wedding day. Additional sunscreen will cast an ashy or ghostly affect when flash photography is used. I’ve always practiced this, and will until I get further data that says otherwise."
-- Kelly Wisniewski, Make-Up Artist, Phoenix, AZ

"Although it looks beautiful in person, mineral-based makeup is not ideal for photographs. It looks as if your skin is oily on film."
-- Daneene Jensen, Hair and Makeup Artist, Hilltown, PA

Bridal Beauty: 20 Great Makeup Tips

wedding dress 2012

Waterproof It
Choose a mascara that's waterproof; it lasts longer and withstands tears. If you really don't like the look or feel, use one coat of regular mascara, then follow up with a light coat of waterproof mascara.


Bonus Tip: If your veil needs to be removed after the ceremony, make sure your hairdresser shows your mom or maid of honor how to do it without mussing your 'do.
On the Line
Charcoal, navy, or mahogany are your best options for eyeliner. Black or brown may look too severe, especially if your weddinggowns for debut will be held during the daytime and/or outdoors.

Lighten Up
Use a white shadow as a highlighter on your brow bone if you have light skin; a warmer light peach or vanilla shade will suit deeper complexions.

Give Them Shape
Do contour your eyes, but avoid using color that's too dense (it can detract from your eyes themselves).

Shade Your Brows
Define your brows with a pencil or shadow that matches your hair color.

Get the Red Out
Pop an eye drop if your eyes look red or tired, but stick with a brand you've used before to avoid unwelcome surprises (irritation or worse!).

Sweet Cheeks
Don't forget your blush! A pop of color on your cheeks is like an instant facelift. For fairer skin, a pink tone will work; those with deeper skin tones can choose a rosier hue.

Zap a Zit
If you have a blemish or breakout just before your wedding day, keep your hands away from your face -- the spot will heal more neatly if you leave it alone. In the case of a sudden monstrous pimple, see your dermatologist and ask for an cortisone injection that will shrink it instantly.

Blend, Blend, Blend
Blend well all over, especially at the corners of your eyes, since cameras pick up visible makeup lines.

Get a Good View
For your makeup application, natural light is best. If possible, set up an application table near a window. If there's no natural light available, use a superbright lamp -- halogens work best.

Sit Up
If you're getting ready at a hotel, ask for a high bar stool so you can be at eye level with your makeup artist. If you can't get a stool, simply prop yourself up on pillows.

Even It Out
Use bronzing powder on your chest and neck if you need to even out your skin tone -- it will make your skin more luminous and ensure that your face doesn't look too different from your body.

Watch That Gown
Don't, however, use foundation on your decolletage -- it can stain your dress.

Carry Protection
Use a moisturizer that includes SPF 30 or higher, especially if you are getting married outdoors! You may be getting more sun than you think you are, and you will definitely look pinker in pictures.

Brighten Up
Choose a lip color that's a bit bright. Pale nude or brown lip hues can make you appear washed out in photos, particularly since you'll be wearing white. If you normally wear a neutral hue, wear it as your base with a pink or rose color on top. If you normally wear dark lipstick, use that as your base and apply a lighter sheer pink on top to give you a lift.

Keep It With You
Even if you mix various lip colors when applying your makeup, be sure to have one great lipstick to carry with you for touchups.

Greet 'Em With a Grin
You can have the softest lips and the perfect lipstick, but if your teeth are yellow, you won't want to flash a smile. There are lots of safe, reliable over-the-counter teeth-whitening systems, which all whiten teeth by a few shades.

Prepare the Area
When you're getting your hair styled, a low counter with a mirror -- like a vanity table -- will work best. Check to see that your chair has a low back, so your wedding hair stylist will have easy access to your head. And make sure there are electrical outlets nearby for appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, and electric rollers. For extra insurance, bring a few extension cords.

Turn On the Heat
If your wedding is early, or if time is of the essence, plug in your rollers, curling iron, or straightening iron before your stylist arrives to save time.

Refresh Your Tresses
Head to a local spa and have a professional scalp massage (which not only feels good, but stimulates the hair follicles and adds body) and deep conditioning treatment the week before your wedding.