Practice makes perfect
Anxious about taking the DIY beauty route? don’t be – our expert team have spill ed their best big day beauty tips
1Lay the foundation
‘Finish your skincare regimen with a moisturiser. Three minutes later, apply primer followed by foundation,’ says Clinique’s Kristelle Thomsen. ‘This time sequence will eliminate streaks or patches.’
5balancing act
Apply lip and cheek
colour before eye makeup, then use that as a guide to how heavily you should
define the eyes.
16lip service
‘Line the lip with short, light strokes around the cupid’s bow, then, using a sweep-like motion, outline the rest,’ suggests Elizabeth Arden’s Lidean Erasmus. ‘When you’re happy with the shape, fill the lip in.’
6The highlight
‘Before setting foundation with powder, dab highlighter on your cheek and brow bones,’ says Samuel. ‘This gives each “high point” of your face a lift and will further emphasise your bridal glow.’
11Gloss over
‘Don’t overdo lipgloss. A touch in the centre of the lips – over lipstick – is all you need,’ advises Samuel. ‘Lipgloss naturally spreads across lips, so needn’t be applied as heavily as lipstick.’
17smile wide
Once you’ve defined the lip with pencil, layer over the top with a matching lipstick. Blot, then apply a second coat for added longevity and vibrance. Use a lip brush for precise application.
2The art of concealment
‘Apply concealer with a brush to cover blemishes, then set it in place by patting it with your fingertips,’ says Jane Iredale’s Samuel Grove. ‘Set it by tapping a good powder over the concealer.’
7raised brows
‘Before you fill in your brows, comb upwards to reveal visible gaps,’ says MAC’s Amber D. ‘Then, using a thin brow pencil, flick through with short, light strokes. Comb upwards with a brow gel to finish.’
12Shadow show
Precision comes down to your tools. ‘For flawless eyeshadow, there are only two key brushes: one circular shaped to apply shadow, and one more oval for blending,’ says Yves Saint Laurent’s Karen Barlow.
3Bronze beauty
Give your face flattering contours by creating a ‘3’ shape with your bronzer. ‘Start on your forehead, then swirl outwards and back onto your cheekbones then again onto your jawline,’ Clinique’s Kristelle explains.
8get prepped
Natural light is best for makeup application. Set up your makeup station near a window, or a bright lamp and blend well, especially at the corners of the eyes. Cameras pick up visible makeup lines.
13Twinkle in your eye
‘Inner-corner eye shimmer can look super pretty or slightly sci-fi,’ says Bobbi Brown’s Sarah Lee Russell. ‘For the most flattering brightening effect, use a shimmer two or three shades lighter than your skin.’
18Va-va-voom
Maximise mascara’s volumising effects by curling your lashes and using lash primer before you reach for the mascara.
9fake it
The key to bridal beauty is looking like the best version of yourself, so if you use fake lashes Amber suggests going for a half set. They’ll give outer-edge lashes a full – but not over-the-top – look.
14eye do
Before you layer lashings of mascara, makeup artist Leisa Welch recommends having a lash brush on hand. ‘Brush out any lumps as soon as you see them, well before the mascara has a chance to dry.’
19
brush play
‘Coat the top of the lash by pulling the mascara downwards, then apply from the underside, pulling the lashes up,’ says Amber. Wiggling the brush as you bring it up will ensure every lash is well covered.
10Colour my world
Eye pencil or liquid liner? Answer: both! First, apply liner to your upper eyelid. Layer liquid over the top for added intensity.
4
tickled pink
For a dewy flush, apply cream blush to the apples of your cheeks directly under your irises. Layer with a powder blush – which is long lasting – you’ll look every bit the blushing bride all party long.
15headline
‘Top lid liner should always be bolder than bottom liner,’ says Sarah Lee. For a soft eye pencil effect, use light strokes; or smudge upwards with cotton bud or use eyeshadow.’
20all gl ow
The best way to finish a look? With a facial spritz, says Leisa. As well as rehydrating skin, two to three sprays will set foundation after your makeup session or to freshen your look for those pretty portraits.
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