10 Wedding Make up - 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 e.g. 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 e.g.. 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.

This information has been supplied by Hair at Home they can be contacted by phoning them on 1300 132 5333 or you can email them at michael@hairathome.com.au or visit their web site at www.hairathome.com.au

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