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Leah Jayasanker is a freelance writer who loves all things
fashion and beauty. To learn more about her, visit her website.
 It’s
wedding season! Most likely you know at least one bride-to-be
who is pulling her hair out this Spring. It may even be you
who’s planning to sashay down the aisle in the coming
months.
Either way, most likely you know that in the midst of prepping
and planning for the big day, many brides neglect their bridal
beauty look. We say it’s high time that the bride take
a break from her concerns about the paucity of flowers or
the rehearsal-dinner place-cards to refocus on herself—after
all, this is her day to shine! Whether you’re looking
out for your own sanity, or for that of a friend, read on—these
expert tips will help you achieve that picture-perfect look.
Benefit Cosmetics co-creator Jean Ford knows makeup. “The
natural look is a big focus this year for brides. Soft, blushing
pink cheeks and soft lips are very popular. Dramatic eyes
are fantastic as well.” To make it through the day, Ford
advises that brides “Love your makeup artist. Spend a
lot of time with them before your big day to make sure you
are both on the same page as far as the look you want. Express
yourself. Make sure you are comfortable with what your makeup
artist is using, if you don’t tell them what you want,
they won’t know. Always carry a lip gloss, concealer
and blotting sheets in a small clutch on your day. Everyone
is focused on you, so make sure you touch up throughout the
day. Apply 30 percent more makeup than you usually wear for
your wedding, that way, your makeup doesn’t wear off
as fast.” Lastly Ford notes, “Be comfortable….love
everything about yourself. It’s your day... enjoy it!”
Ford’s preferred picks: Thrrrob, a “turned-on”
face powder ($28), perfect to get your soft flushed cheeks.
Erase Paste ($26) the ultimate concealer. Benetint
($28), lip & cheek stain. She Laq ($28) a makeup
sealant, “this is the perfect product for everyone in
the wedding; it will keep your makeup where it belongs. And
finally, Body So Fine ($28) a shiny body balm that
gives your skin a gorgeous sheen without dealing with glitter!”
For the aforementioned products, shop
here.
For a fantastic face, freelance makeup artist Joanna Almeida
says, “Flawless skin never goes out of style and is timeless.
You want to look like yourself, just a more elegant version
for the big day.” Focusing on lips, Almeida suggests,
“First fill in lips with a lip liner in a color that
matches your natural lip color. Then use a color stay lipstick
such as Revlon ColorStay® Overtime Lipcolor ($9.99,
Drug stores) with a pretty lip gloss applied over. And keep
in mind that lips are the feature that might need the most
touching up throughout the wedding and reception.” For
a touch-up-cart-and-carry product, SexySmile™
($28.50) does the job. It’s a magical wand consisting
of a 3-in-1 tooth whitener, breadth freshener and lip gloss.
Of course, you’ll also want to feel beautiful underneath
all that makeup and hosiery. Richard Anderson, creator/owner
of Per-fekt Beauty, says “Glimmering color minimizes
the appearance of skin imperfections such as redness, dry
skin, chafed rough skin…even stretch marks leaving a
naturally airbrushed, sun kissed glow (without that over-done
fake-orangey self tanner look).” So there’s no need
to gild the lily when you can perfect your body naturally
with Per-fekt
Beauty Body Perfection Gel ($48). It’s the subtle
way to highlight and enhance skin without overdoing a bronze
look. And for a sweat-free zone pre and post wedding stick
with several doses of Lavilin
Deodorant Cream ($15). Just one application daily
for seven days and you’ll be sans residue and unwanted
body odor.
Now brides—it’s time to get moving! But, first,
take another deep breath. You’ll be beautiful no matter
what.
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