"I am not showing you my wedding pictures because I look horrible…"
Sounds familiar? Thanks to over make-up, invariably most brides cringe to look at the recorded moments of their wedding ceremony. Sadly, their most precious moments turn into a nightmare. For, the camera often catches unflattering glitter and paleness, making the star of the evening look like a ghost.
Here are some tips that will make you look gorgeous without making you look over made-up. Remember, subtlety is the key. And the look is ‘clean and natural’.
Bridal Make Up
If you are used to make-up, half the problem is solved. Please stick to your routine. Do not go in for any dramatic changes. If you’ve never applied make-up, start weeks before the wedding to get used to the idea. You do not want to appear self-conscious on your wedding day, do you?
Avoid pink tone foundation. It will make your face appear pale in photographs. Also when you apply foundation make sure you apply in all exposed areas your neck, hand and back. If you have oily skin, your best bet would be to choose a matte foundation that is water based. But regardless of the type or colour, the single most important thing for your wedding day make-up is powder! Only powder will 'set ' your make-up giving you that long lasting effect all brides want. Also, the last thing you want to see in your pictures is a ‘shining’ face.
Avoid pale blushers. Warm shades go with Indian complexions and also photographs well. Apply in upward strokes from the apples of the cheeks to the temples. For a more defined look, brush some blush along your jaw line to lend a narrowing effect. Blend it evenly. Control the urge to go heavy.
Lipstick should complement your outfit. Avoid pale colours and flashy colours. As most bridal wear tend to be bright, either of the choices will spoil the overall effect. Do not bite your lips. You’ll end up getting lipstick on your teeth. Outline the tips with the same shade lip pencil. Fill it first with lip pencil and then apply lipstick to prevent ‘ring-around-the-lips’. Blot it with a tissue, brush it with some powder and apply a second coat to last longer.
Make sure you use smudge-proof eye makeup. Wedding ceremonies take a longer time and you might rub the eyes accidentally. Your eye shadow should complement your skin tone and the outfit your wear. Do not use false eyelashes, for it looks odd in real life.
Remember a badly chosen hair ornament will make you look like a Christmas tree. Ask your hair stylist for a rehearsal before your wedding to make sure you do not look too festive. If you are uncomfortable, be frank with your stylist. A heavy bun will result in a stiff neck. Big clips covered by fake flowers or multi coloured elastics are a strict no-no.
Make-up will look flaky, if the skin is not in good condition. So, start your skin care routine, months before your wedding. Every night apply olive oil or almond oil with your fingertips on your face and neck, massaging gently but firmly in circular motion. Leave it for sometime and then scrub your face using a scrub - either over the counter ones or the home made ones. Multhani mitti (fuller's earth) available in any Indian medicine shop, mixed with milk cream (for dry skin) or rose water (for oily skin) dislodges dirt, white heads and black heads effectively. Pat your face dry. And apply moisturiser. You can try applying Vaseline petroleum jelly on your lips for soft and smooth lips. If you have dark circles, start applying avocado pulp under your eyes every other day. You can massage your body with a mixture of yoghurt, egg yolks, honey, powdered almonds and oats powder. The mixture should not be too thin. If it is, add more oats. Let it dry and wash it off with lukewarm water.
While applying make-up, blend it well. There should not be any visible lines. In case you are using translucent powder, for a long-lasting make-up, avoid patting too much. It will make your skin look dry and flaky.
When choosing a fragrance for your wedding day, wear one of your favourites. This is no time for surprises! But if you are determined to wear something new, start experimenting at least a month before the wedding. Layer the perfume to create a magical aura of scented pleasure.
Go on a fruit and vegetable diet, two days before the wedding, to cleanse your body of toxins. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes. Also avoid citrus fruits. Drink a light, herbal tea (Camomile tea with just a teaspoon of honey is supposed to be a great nerve-calmer) and lots of water.
Bridal make up
