What comes to mind when you think about your wedding day?
The dress, hair and accessories are thefirst few things to come to mind. Your makeup, however, is another important consideration (if not more than anything else). As the bride, you'll be the center of attention. You'll want the guests to admire your natural beauty, as well as look perfect for all the wedding photos.
Fortunately, there are many ways to achieve the best bridal look. But with so many choices, how do you determine which one is the right for you?
Now that you've measured the dress, determined the right ring size and discovered the best bridal hear look, it's time to follow the dos and don'ts of nailing down your wedding look.
Say I Do to These Wedding Look Preps
Take Care of Your Skin
It's better to start early with your bridal beauty prep. One of the best ways to do so is to focus on your skincare routine.
Establish a thorough day and night routine at least three to six months before the wedding. This ensures your skin will be glowing on your special day. It will also help with how the shades look, as well as how the products will stay on your face.
When it comes to the products included in your regimen, you can stick with what you have or visit your dermatologist for recommendations.
Wear a T-Shirt Similar to the Color of Your Dress
If you're scheduled for a makeup consultation in a store, wear a white shirt (or any color similar to your dress) to see how the makeup will look on your wedding day. Also, take a photo of yourself in daylight (without the flash) to see how you look with the makeup on before you buy anything else.
Choose the Right Colors for Your Makeup Look
Rule of thumb: always work with your skin tone. If you have fairer skin, choose lighter shades of makeup, such as peaches, pastels and nudes. If you want to be more adventurous, try darker browns with yellow undertones. These shades will blend beautifully for brides with a paler complexion.
If you have a more olive-colored complexion, your choices are limitless. Your complexion can handle dark reds, pale pinks and more. If you have a darker skin tone, bright berry colors can make your features pop, particularly punchy blush and red lipstick. Buy foundation powders with gold and bronze undertones to emphasize your natural glow.
Match Your Makeup with the Seasons
If you are getting married in the summer or spring, go for bridal looks with pastels such as soft pink, tangerine or shimmery gold. If you're getting married during the winter or fall season, choose deeper jewel makeup tones like deep purples, bronzes or reds.
Also, consider whether your wedding will be an outdoor or indoor affair. If you're having an outdoor wedding during the summer or spring season, avoid caking on the makeup. Once you start perspiring, you'll experience shiny skin or runny foundation.
Have a Makeup Trial a Month or Two Before the Big Day
Hold your makeup trial at least a month (but no more than two months) before your wedding. This gives you more time to consider a potential makeup artist or wedding look. The three-to-five week span also offers more time for other makeup considerations. For example, if you want to have a fake tan at your wedding, have a test run before your makeup trial so your makeup artist can see which makeup shades work well with your tan.
Say I Don't to These Blunders
Let Your Makeup Artist Hijack Your Dream Day Look
Having someone do your makeup is one of the best experiences at your wedding. But just because your makeup artist (MUA) is an expert, it doesn't mean you should take ALL of their advice. Not all MUAs know you well or how you like to look. When a makeup artist recommends too much, always divert them to the best makeup style: a polished version of what you want.
Have Your Makeup Done with Overhead Fluorescent Lighting
Bad lighting can affect your makeup. Instead of risking how you look on your special day, have your makeup done under natural lighting. If you have a professional make-up artist doing your makeup at your home, arrange a time when there is still light outside.
Be Scared of Going Brighter
Brown, neutral and pale lip colors give you a washed-out look, so don't be afraid to use a lipstick that is two shades brighter than what you wear. Your special day is the day everyone's eyes will be on you. Be the most memorable bride ever with the best makeup look.