Sara Niven shares her top tips for being photograph ready for your big day
Even fans of the natural look benefit from subtly applied make-up for their wedding day to ensure photographs show off shining eyes rather than nose and forehead. For cosmetic novices it can be worth investing in the services of a professional make-up artist who will discuss what you’re aiming for. However many brides prefer to create their wedding day face themselves and invest in products they can use long after the big day is over.
Back to basics
A monthly facial in the run up to the event is a good idea and a daily skincare routine to suit your skin type is a must. This doesn’t have to be costly but if you have ever considered investing serious money on a high-end product a wedding provides the perfect excuse. Crème de la Mer’s new Renewal Oil, £155 (cremedelamer.co.uk) promises to revitalise skin while Ananné (ananne.co.uk) is a new range from Switzerland receiving rave reviews from many beauty journalists, their Nectar Cutis Serum, £115 comes recommended. Whatever your budget, don’t try a new product just before the big day – skin needs time to show the benefits and you don’t want to risk an adverse reaction either.
A firm foundation
Before applying foundation, opt for a light reflecting product for a luminous glow. Try Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, £26.50 (clarins.co.uk) which comes in three shades, or That Gal Brightening Face Primer by Benefit Cosmetics, £22.50, (benefitcosmetics.co.uk), a pink-toned primer to brighten skin.
Follow with a good quality, long lasting foundation. I’m a fan of loose mineral powders but the formulation you choose is a personal preference – visit a beauty counter and try the look and feel of different products on bare skin (remember to check in natural daylight).
Eyes, cheeks and lips
Cheap eye shadow tends to contain less pigment and wears off more quickly – instead choose a versatile palette from a quality range. Jane Iredale’s mineral-based Eye Shadow Kit, £39.95 (janeiredale.co.uk) in nude includes five long lasting subtle shades perfect for brides.
Apply a tear and smudge resistant mascara like Clinique’s High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £17.50 (clinique.co.uk) to curled lashes or if you are prepared to invest the time and money, professionally applied lash extensions are increasingly popular. Have them done well in advance by someone experienced (applied badly they can look more drag queen than beautiful bride) to ensure you like the effect.
Choose a blusher that matches your own skin when it flushes. Clarins Multi Blush in Rose, £18.50 was launched as part of their new Spring Glow collection just last month and is a lightweight cream with a natural effect. For lips, gloss looks great in photos but will need regularly re-applying. Clinique’s Kiss The Bride Collection lipsticks, £17.50 are another option – they have a long lasting formulation and “Honeymoon” is a lovely nude shade if you’re aiming for a natural effect.
Smile please!
Finally don’t forget your smile. A visit to your usual hygienist to remove staining from teeth (or take advice from your dentist on safe teeth whitening treatments if extra help is needed) can really make a difference when you smile – the best beauty boost any bride can have!
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