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Wedding make-up can be tricky -- the perfect look requires a
magician's touch with just the right amount of blush, lipstick and eye color.
That traditional ivory, off-white or white dress, with its tendency to wash out
your makeup, doesn't help either. "The trick is not to look overdone, but
to look as natural as possible without being too garish," advises soap
opera's "Guiding Light" Head Makeup Artist Paul Gebbia. Oh, is that
all? Actually, it's not too hard with these five sure-fire steps to a flawless
wedding day face.
1. Waterproof It
Face facts -- you're going to cry. The waterworks may start as
your dear 'ol dad walks you down the aisle or when your beloved first turns to
kiss you after the ceremony, but sooner or later even the most sensible bride
sheds a tear. So waterproof make-up is the only way to go. "Try to avoid
any eye make-up underneath the eyes, except light mascara," suggests
Make-up Artist Christianna Billman. "Tears will cause running and a long
day is a recipe for the raccoon look."
2. Keep It Simple
"Most brides try to look so dramatically different on
their wedding day that it is hard to recognize them. Too much of
everything...hair, makeup, veil, gown," says Robin D. Gaines, a makeup
artist for Oil Of Olay Cosmetics. "The idea is not to go overboard. A
classic look is always going to stand the test of time. If you don't believe me,
just take a look at your prom pictures!"
Also, the fresh-faced bride, decked out in
pretty, neutral colors, is as traditional as the white dress she wears.
According to Billman, this look will also last longer than a heavy-handed
approach. So avoid those dark black, brown and blues…instead try light powder
washes (one color brushed lightly over the entire lid) in colors like cream,
peach and soft pinks (not fuscia). Heavy red lipstick also fades quickly and
tends to crack. Heavy foundations will do the same.
3. Tricks of the Trade
How much makeup should a bride wear? You should wear what
makes you comfortable. If you don't wear makeup, start wearing it a few weeks
before your big day. "Nothing is worse than feeling unlike yourself on such
a special day," says Gaines.
According to Gebbia, the most common mistakes
brides make is they forget to blend their makeup, especially the neck -- which,
by the way, should be the same color as the face. "The foundation should
always be as close to your skin tone as possible," advises Gebbia. "Do
not try to change the color of your skin with makeup."
You'll also want to avoid frosty shadows and
blushes. They'll reflect too much every time that camera flashes. Don't use dark
contrasting liners with your lipstick either -- you will look harsh on film.
4. Retouch Magic
Beauty fades quickly -- so touch up frequently. "A
wedding and reception can last up to 12 hours! Not to mention that your photo is
being taken on a constant basis throughout," said Gaines. "Keep loose
powder, a good mirror, lip color and blush in a small, elegant bag that you have
access to."
Powder is a girl's best friend when
flashbulbs start. A flash emphasizes anything that reflects light, and
translucent powder will prevent you from looking "greasy" in pictures.
5. Get Experiment Happy
You want to test all the products you'll use on your big day
to see how they look and if (God forbid) you have any allergic reactions. Gaines
even suggests starting to get your skin in shape about three months before your
wedding. She recommends indulging in at least two facials, the last being no
less than three weeks before the big day. "It takes that long for a skin
cell to make it from start to finish, so abiding by this time frame should give
you the best face possible," says Gaines. "I tell brides-to-be not to
eat poorly the month before. A good rule is; eat nothing that comes in a
cellophane bag, or an aluminum can. The stress is enough, don't help to create
blemishes."
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