All about make-up > The bride can never be too pretty!

THE question was asked, you said “Yes!” and now the date is set. The countdown has begun to, what you’ve promised yourself will be, the most wonderful day of your life. Here are a few pointers to help you be at the top of your game for D day… First things first, this is not the time for grand transformations or last-minute experimentations in hair and makeup. Think discrete and natural. This is a time for simplicity, relying first and foremost on the glow of utter joy and happiness.

10 to 15 days before D day
A summer bride with a bronzy glow always steals the show. Between you and me, when the colour of your skin almost blends in to the white of your dress… well, it makes it a bit difficult to sparkle!

Less can still be more:
There are always tanning salons and sunless tanners for quick fixes… but a daily moisturizer containing a self-tanner is a great way to build up a tan that looks healthy and natural. It also makes unfortunate burn or colour mishaps virtually impossible – a definite plus!

1 week before D day
Make arrangements for some professional facial pampering. This will prepare your skin and illuminate your skin tone, giving your wedding day makeup the best canvas possible. If there really is no time, pamper yourself with a light exfoliation and a good facial mask 72 hours before the big day. Doing this the night before is too risky, seeing how the treatment can cause some minor, temporary redness.

D day
On the day of, apply a “brightness” serum or a neutral facial primer to help your foundation and blush stay put.

Nerves prevented you from getting a good night’s sleep? Don’t fret; there are eye contour masks that can take care of any puffiness issues. Let one of these patches work for about 10 minutes and, voilà! Problem solved.

Know that makeup for your wedding day must fulfill some specific requirements: it must look fresh, shine-free and be able to sustain anything. A face primer is useful because it gives your foundation a helping hand. The colour of your foundation, which should ideally be waterproof and oil-free, must be the same as your actual skin tone. Foundations containing oil risk giving you a shiny finish, made even more obvious with flash photography. The colour of your loose powder should also match that of your base makeup. Make sure to sweep away all excess powder with a clean brush. No one wants to see the top of their white dress go… dusty beige. Setting makeup with a light spray of mineral water can work as an added “stay put” guarantee. Don’t forget to complete things by pressing a tissue against your face.

The bride isn’t always 20! You can apply a smoothing mask just before putting on your makeup. It gives an immediate lifting sensation, firms up the contours of the face, smoothes out fine lines, brightens up skin tone and reduces signs of fatigue.

For those wishing to use a foundation, choose one with a matte finish, neither oily nor too thick. Don’t forget about powder; otherwise, the mix of heat and emotions could turn your big day into a shine fest!

F.Y… eye! This is a little makeup secret I discovered at Benefit. Done with eye shadows that smear or fade as if you’d never put anything on. This apricot-coloured base sets shadows while giving a lovely, silky finish – the secret to a flawless look all day long. You don’t believe me? I tried it for a story and, come night time, didn’t have a chance to remove my makeup before falling asleep. The first thing I heard the next morning: “Wow, you had time to put on makeup?”

Do wear eye makeup. If this isn’t something you’re used to doing, a neutral shade, such as a beige, cinnamon or ivory, will do the trick and be quite lovely. Avoid pink shades close to the lash line, as they can give the appearance of red eyes in pictures.
When choosing colours for your eyes, know that you can use your bridal bouquet as inspiration. Had you thought of that?

Don’t forget to use waterproof mascara if you suspect you may be an emotional bride. Come to think of it… use it even if you don’t expect to cry, because – let’s be honest – chances are you will at some point!

Draw out the contour of your lips with a nude lip pencil, or one that matches your lipstick colour. Once again, the goal is to keep things put: you don’t want your lipstick smearing after a few kisses or a glass of champagne. Pick a long wear lip colour (a fairly obvious choice) and consider using one that has a wet look (for a more sensual effect!).

And, last but not least… all our wishes of love and happiness on your big day!