UNVEILING THE BRIDE

Photo: courtesy Charles Worthington The Complete Book of Hairstyles

Shelley Waugh

here is a special glow that makes every bride beautiful. If the cosmetic business could bottle it, they would. However, cosmetics do help most brides look their best for the wedding day. 

Throughout your engagement, maintain your beauty regime. Keep your face clean, get or give yourself facials once a month, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep.  Stress can make your skin look lifeless.

The style of makeup you choose should bring out the best in your face and enhance your personality. Decide which look you want - glamorous, pretty or natural. If you are planning to hire makeup and/or hair services, remember to include those quotes in your wedding binder to compare prices along the way. 

Face Types

Before you start to create the look you want for your wedding day, it is important to become aware of the shape of your face and the color of your skin. This will help you decide what works for you.

Makeup Tips

If you are going to wear false eyelashes and never have worn them before, practice with them beforehand. Also, carry a spare set and glue. Get your eyebrows shaped a month before your wedding. If you don't like the result, there is time for them to grow back. Wear only waterproof mascara. If the weather is humid, apply extra powder to tone down the shine. Make sure to discuss your makeup with your photographer to help him plan the lighting - natural daylight for day weddings; artificial light for night weddings. If you are using a professional makeup artist, make sure they know the type of photography you are having done. Before you hire a makeup artist, prepare yourself by having them do a free makeup session in advance.

Hair

The bride's crowning glory! As soon as you have selected the headpiece for your dress, shop for a hairstylist. If you have a hairstylist you like and who knows the texture and color of your hair, you will probably be happier having that person do your hair for your wedding. If you are shopping for a new hairstylist, ask what their bridal services policy is for new clients.

Most stylists will take the time to give you a proper consultation to discuss their service packages. Hairpieces and extensions can be added to short or fine hair to create various effects. Wigs are often used on warm days. 

Have your hair done in the salon two or three months before your wedding to make sure you will be happy with the results. Let your hairstylist know if you are planning to take off your headpiece or veil at your reception, so that your hair maintains its style. Go through a mini-rehearsal with your stylist in taking off your headpiece.

Many hairstylists will make house calls before the wedding and meet you at the reception for touch-ups. Remember not to color your hair the day before your wedding in case you need more than 24 hours to fix it. Above all, if you are not all that cosmetics-conscious, rely on professionals. - SW

www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | December 27, 2006