Beauty Tips

On your wedding day, you want to sparkle. You've seen the natural glow of brides, and always wondered how they achieved that special beauty. While much of it comes from just being a bride, there are many additional things you can do to help yourself attain that healthy, radiant look.

A solid regimen of skin, hair, and nail care is the best way to build that "bride-beautiful" appearance. By enhancing your natural good looks, you will lay the foundation upon which you can add the extra details that make a bride an individual.

Good skin care requires adherence to a comprehensive plan at least two months prior to your wedding date. First, choose a gentle skin cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type (dry, oily, or combination).

The second step is one that many women skip, but it is very important. To slough off dead skin cells, choose a toner or astringent that also corresponds to your skin type. Toner helps keep make-up looking fresh for a long time, and is an integral step for the bride who doesn't have a lot of time for touch-ups between the wedding and reception.

The third step is to apply moisturizer. Try to find a product that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores and an oily shine.

Finally, protect your skin from those harmful ultra-violet rays with a good sunscreen — with a SPF of at least 15. A solid regimen of skin, hair, and nail care is the best way to build that "bride-beautiful" appearance. If you must use a blow dryer or curling iron, invest in a heat-activated hair replenisher to repair damaged hair cuticles. Begin your new hair care routine when you begin your facial plan. Start by conditioning each time you shampoo, and limit your use of the heat-styling tools. If you must use a blow dryer or curling iron, invest in a heat-activated hair replenisher to repair damaged hair cuticles


Several weeks before your wedding, go in for a consultation with your hairstylist. Bring along your headpiece, jewelry, and a picture of your dress so that your stylist knows what he or she will work with. Discuss various hairstyles you like, and then come back in for a "dry-run" on the day you are having your picture taken for the newspaper. This allows you to see how well you like your hairstyle and how durable it is. Good nail care begins with realizing that long nails don't grow over night. You will need to take time to cultivate your nails, and the first step is, quit biting them. Use a nail reinforcer daily to protect your nails from drying, splitting, and peeling, and take vitamin E supplements to keep nails growing long and strong.

Now that you have the basics down, you can experiment with make-up choices. A good foundation and powder are essential, even if you don't normally wear much make-up. Choose a foundation that complements your skin tone, and provides a smooth matte finish. This, along with the powder, evens out your skin tone, and provides extra coverage to hide any last-minute blemishes.

Blush should be used to enhance Mother Nature's natural color. While other cultures mark brides-to-be with striking colors and lines of paint, the war-paint look is definitely "out" for the new millenium. The war-paint look is definitely "out". Eye shadow is similarly understated, and should look good with your skin tone before you try to match it to the flowers or decor colors.

Make sure that you purchase waterproof eyeliner and mascara. Even if you are not a sentimental gal, the emotion of the moment could get the best of you, and you don't want to be caught unprepared.

Lipstick can be both understated and feminine or bold and trendy. Choose a color that complements your style, and don't forget the lip liner. One way to make your lipstick last longer is to apply the lip liner, blot, repeat these steps, dust with translucent powder, and apply the final lipstick coat. Add a touch of gloss to the center of your lips for that shine that any groom would love to kiss. Early experimentation is the key when looking for the perfect wedding-day make-up. As long as you build a solid foundation of skin, hair, and nail care, that lovely glow you've seen on so many other brides will be yours.
photo by Hawaii wedding photographer
www.lotustar.com

It is your turn to shine, so consider make-up that complements your features, but doesn't create new ones. Choose to be a naturally beautiful bride, because that is how he fell in love with you.