10 Tips for Perfect Wedding Make up
This article is written by Hair at Home
So you've chosen your dress, the flowers and the cake, you even chosen the perfect hair style what about your make up?

1. Basic Skin Care
A solid regimen of skin and nail care is the best way to get that 'total look' you are after. Talk to a beautician regarding a skin and nail care plan. This may mean regular facials starting two months before the wedding. Also don't forget your nails. Start having weekly manicures approximately 8 weeks before the wedding. Well kept nails are stronger and more likely not to break.

2. Choosing a make up artist
The skill of the make up artist comes with experience. Talk to the artist about where they trained,.A make up artist should know about highlighting and shading, and how lighting affects the make up and how to apply make up for photography. Ask what they have done in the past and if they have photos of their work to show you.

3. Where to find a make up artist
The best way is by referral, but there is the yellow pages, Internet and bridal magazines. If this fails, try department stores - most of the girls behind the cosmetic counters are trained in make up application as well as many beauticians.

4. What look to go with
What style ultimately depends on your personal preference, but you need to consider:

• The time of the ceremony - is it day or night? Lighter more natural make up is suitable for daytime with more dramatic looks saved for the evening
• Is the ceremony inside or outside? Lighting plays an important part in the choice of the make up application.
• How long do you need the style to last? Will you need someone to touch up your make up, or will it last?

5. At the Trial
Have pictures from magazines to help your make up artist design a look for you. Also have your head bridesmaids with you to give her opinion of the make up. Talk about:

• What make up brands they use?
• Mention if you have any skin problems eg sensitive skin or allergies.
• Colours that you have chosen as the make up should compliment the dress and flowers.
• Warm neutral tones create a natural look which is often advisable.

6. Things to avoid
Bright coloured lipsticks eg. fuchsia, blue-reds and burgundy these colours will appear dark and some times black in photographs.
Frosted eye colours as they can be too reflective and flare at the camera, although modern shimmery looks are okay if applied correctly

7. Things to buy
Things to buy before the day and have ready in case you need to fix your make up include:

• A press powder foundation
• Lipstick
• Waterproof mascara

Your makeup artist will advise on shades and brands.

8. Pre wedding Treatments
I feel it is a nice idea to have a facial a couple of weeks before the wedding. No closer than this because of the toxins which come out during and after the facial may cause pimples, which we don't want on the day. You might also want to consider having a manicure on the day or just before.

9. On the Day
Plan and keep to a schedule. Make sure that you eat and brush your teeth before the make up is applied so not to damage the application. You should allow approximately 30 mins per person. Where possible, the hairstylist and the make up artist should alternate between people to save time.

10. Doing it Yourself
Although I recommend using a professional make up artist, if you decide to do your own make up, I would still suggest having private lessons with a professional. They can give pointers on how to bring out the best in you, and tips on make up applications for the camera. This information will be with you always and is a good investment.

Remember it's all about flattering you, not just what's in fashion.

About Hair at Home
Kerrie is the Creative Director of Hair at Home, a leading mobile hair and beauty business in Sydney. Kerrie is a professional hairdresser and makeup artist with over 10 years experience in the hair and beauty industry.

For further information please contact Hair at Home
Phone 1300 132 533
Website: Hair at Home

This article has been reproduced on Wedding Central Australia with permission
© Hair at Home 2002. All Rights Reserved

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