THE BRIDE'S MAIDS

THE BRIDE'S MAIDS

Ideally, a bridesmaid is beautiful but does not upstage the bride. She looks like a polished version of herself, with classic makeup that does not call attention to itself and enhances her features.

A bride may ask her bridesmaids to all have one concise look but that doesn't mean they should all be using the exact same makeup and techniques. Bridesmaids who are doing their own makeup can arm themselves with makeup tips to help them customize their look to both look great and fit with the bridal party.

BRIDAL BEAUTY

BRIDAL BEAUTY: 20 GREAT MAKE UP TIPS FOR THE BRIDE 

• 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.

• On the Line

Charcoal, navy, or mahogany are your best options for eyeliner. Black or brown may look too severe, especially if your wedding 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 super bright 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.

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.


THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE !!!

THE CHIEF BRIDE'S MAID

THE MAID OF HONOR

When you begin to plan a wedding, you may be a little confused about all the terms involved with the wedding party.

 Some wedding parties include simply the bride and groom, but more often than not, wedding parties will have several bridesmaids and groomsmen. The best man is the chief assistant to the groom at a wedding and (along with Maid of Honor) is the third most important in attendance after the Bride and Groom.

The bride's equivalent of the best man is the bridesmaid, or the maid of honor. Traditionally, the maid of honor is the unmarried best friend or sister of the bride. Most brides have at least one maid of honor in their wedding party.

After the Bride who gets the most attention on her day, the bridesmaid ( the closest figure to the bride) is expected to look almost as astonishing as the Bride. Her hair,dress,accessories and most especially her MAKE OVER must be flawless.


Read our next post on BRIDAL BEAUTY.

TIPS FOR THE LIPS

SHAPE YOUR LIPS

Applying lip liner is not only a great way to define and accentuate the shape of your lips, but also to keep your lipstick from feathering.

•  Begin applying lip liner at the center of your natural upper lip line to define the bow then work toward the outer corners to complete the line.
•  Start at one corner of your bottom lip then follow your natural lip line all the way to the other corner.

 Tip: Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick or a flesh tone shade for a soft, natural look.

 Tip: To get plumper, pinker looking lips, do not touch up by drawing a hard lip line; smudge it so lips look fuller! For a more dramatic fullness, choose a lipstick shade with a hint of frost.

 Tip: To avoid lipstick on your teeth, put your index finger in your mouth and then draw it out slowly with your mouth closed. What you see on your finger is what would have ended up on your teeth!

PERFECTING YOUR POUT

• Apply color onto the center of your lips, blending up and out to the lip line working towards the corners.
• For longer lasting color, gently blot with tissue, reapply lipstick and blot again.
• For evening, remember to select a lipstick one or two shades deeper than your daytime color.

 Tip: For a creamy effect, apply a lip balm to lips before applying lipstick.

 Tip: For a matte effect, apply lipstick then blot gently with tissue.

 Tip: For a sheer effect, apply lip balm. Gently dot a small amount of neutral color lipstick across lips, then smooth out.

 Tip: For a glossy effect, apply lipstick then finish with a clear or neutral color gloss coat for a moist, seductive shine. Remember, the more coats you apply, the more shine so turn up the volume!

GETTING SMOOTH, SOFT AND SUPPLE LIPS

 Tip: For smooth, soft lips, take a clean damp washcloth and gently rub lips for 60 seconds before applying lipstick.

 Tip: For touch-ups during the day or night, carry a soft toothbrush in your handbag or makeup kit. Be sure to brush your lips gently.

 Tip: Apply a lip balm or conditioner throughout the day to keep lips hydrated and protected from the sun's harmful rays.

THE PERFECT BROW

THE PERFECT BROW

A perfect brow makes the face...

Follow the steps....GET IT RIGHT!!!

DEFINING THE EYES

DEFINING THE EYES

It always starts off with neatly waxed or tweezed brows, try to work around your own brows, use Sleeks brow pencil 123 or Tara  Orekelewa in Dark Brown, for perfection use Mac Concealer to tidy up the brows underneath and on top, your exact shade on top and two shades lighter beneath brows. Follow suit with a dark color on lower eye contour as best suits you, lighter shade directly beneath your brow line. Apply your Liner, gently highlight eyelashes with Mascara (above and below). Voila!

 Finding it difficult to apply liquid eyeliner...it's easy, here's a quick tip:
1. With your non-drawing hand, hold and pull the side of your eye so that it smooths out your lid.
2. With your other hand, start painting on your liquid eyeliner.
4. For best results, keep your eye half open instead of all the way open or closed.
WALA!
Remember,the eyes are the mirror of the soul. Take care of your eyes with gentleness.

THE AFRICAN BRIDE

THE BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN BRIDE

She's the bride, she 's waited all her life for this day and before this special day, she's been up and about to make sure it is completely perfect. Her major focus is how beautiful she will look. She hires the best Hair Stylist, get's the best Wedding dress,shoes and accessories.

She gets a make-over every other day but her look on this day must be special and different. She calls me up and says "I want a glamorous look on my day". I smiled and told her "This is what i was born to do darling".

The D day finally arrives, Hair made and accessorized, Dress fits, Colors in place, MAKE UP tops it up, flawless and beautiful, Eyes, Brows, Lips, Face. She's excited as she awaits the smile on her groom's face when he sees his beautiful bride to be.

What is a bride without a Make-over?  More posts on Make over tips in a bit.