Beauty Tips for the Bride

Makeup and Skin Care Tips for the Bride

By Anna Lynn Sibal

Brides need to look their best and their most beautiful on their wedding day; that is something that you will read over and over in any article about weddings. She must look radiant as she recites her vows before her groom, she must look divine as she glides across the dance floor during the wedding reception, and she must glow in all the wedding photographs to be taken of her on that day. On that day of days in her life, makeup will be her best friend.

If you are a bride-to-be preparing yourself for your wedding, how should you make your face up on your big day?

It Starts with the Skin

Good makeup, as any beauty expert or dermatologist will tell you, starts with having healthy skin. Of course, foundation and concealer can hide any skin blemishes that you may sport on your wedding day, but why should you have skin blemishes on your wedding day in the first place? Establishing a good skin care regimen as early as six months before your wedding can make your skin healthy and glowing on the big day.

As part of your bridal skin care regimen, you should start seeing a dermatologist for help in whatever problems you may have with your skin, such as allergies, uneven coloring or tendency to break out with pimples. Your dermatologist will prescribe treatment for you to take care of your special problems.

You should also begin having facials regularly at least once a month. A good facial will scrub away the layer of dirt and dead skin on your face, revealing new and healthy skin. It will also make your skin smoother and softer.

Aside from having facials, you should form the habit of taking care of your skin every day. Every morning, wash your face with cleanser that is right for your skin type. Pat your skin dry after washing; never rub it. Dab toner all over your skin and then moisturize it. Repeat this at night, after taking off your daily makeup and before going to sleep.

Other steps to take for healthy glowing skin are a healthy diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep and sunscreen.

Choosing Makeup

Part of the decisions you need to make regarding your makeup would be what products you would use and whether or not to hire a professional makeup artist to do your face for you. One big consideration when choosing makeup products, naturally, is your skin's type, whether it is dry, normal, oily or mixed type. Always opt for products that will not clog your skin pores and will feel comfortable against your skin.

Remember that your wedding day is not the day to experiment with colors. Go for the kind of makeup that you would wear everyday, but make it stronger and bolder. This will help you look stunning on that day and on the pictures.

Please make note of which season your wedding will be when choosing makeup. If you are getting married in summer, choose makeup that will not make your skin look filmy or shiny, or melt on your skin under the heat. In winter, opt for colors that will give your face a warm tinge.

Shiny makeup is also not desirable due to photographic reasons. Your skin would look oily and sweaty on your wedding photographs if you use makeup that will add shine to your skin. Always opt for matte makeup for that gorgeous, photogenic look.

As for whether or not to get your makeup done by a professional, best choose the professional. Not only would he or she know how to make you look beautiful on your wedding day, but hiring a professional will also keep you relaxed. However, schedule a test run with the makeup artist before your wedding day to see how he or she works and if the result would look good on you.

Last Minute Preparations

Now that you have got the skin care regimen and the products to use down pat, as well as hired your makeup artist, what then should you do before your wedding day? A little of these things would help a lot in making you look beautiful for that momentous occasion of your life.

• Getting your eyebrows shaped
• Getting your legs waxed
• Getting a massage

Getting a massage is something you should indulge yourself with a couple of days before your wedding. It will calm you and drive away the stress of preparing for your wedding. Most importantly, it will make you look radiant and beautiful on your big day.