Media Coverage - Digital

Dos and don'ts of bridal makeup

A wedding is an affair that calls for celebration, coming-together of people and of course pictures that make for lifetime memories for the couple.

The blushing bride who is the star of the occasion wishes to look her best on her wedding day. Image Consultant Sheena Agarwal advises the would-be brides to go for a minimalist and subtle makeup- a guaranteed trendsetter this wedding season. Simple beauty tricks like using a gel foundation as base makeup, muted and lighter tones for a radiant look, a suitable hairdo, choosing the right lip brush or avoiding too many coats of mascara can assure an appearance worthy of many compliments.

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For your face:

Do Stick to a classic look. Avoid trends, as they will very soon look dated in pictures.

Do Use a bronzing powder to warm your skin tone.

Do Use a natural bristle brush, lightly apply colour to the areas of the face where the sun would naturally hit: forehead, cheeks and the bridge of the nose. If needed, apply a light dusting on your neck and chest for even all-over colour.

Do Give your foundation staying powder by using a gel foundation primer before you apply your makeup. Add a light dusting of loose powder to prevent any unwanted shine.

Do Select more golden-toned bases and concealers - these translate better for photography whether on video or in pictures.

Do Use more natural, lighter and "cleaner" colours. These flattering shades will not look washed out and the contrast will not be too great with your dress. Your natural radiance should be on display, not bright colour. These more muted tones work best, not only for you, but for the wedding party as well.

Don't Do waxing or facials right before the wedding. The bride should give her face five days off before the big event!

Don't Encourage any 'make-up surprises' on your special day. Schedule a make-up consultation for yourself at least four weeks before the wedding for a trial run.

Don't Bring in a photo of your dress to the "trial" make-up. The makeup artist should take cues from your dress...is it understated and sophisticated, classic in the "Cinderella" tradition, or chic and sensuous?

Don't Over-correct or over-camouflage under eye circles. If the concealer is too light, it's the only thing you will see in the photos.

Don't Use a traditional talc-based powder foundation. After touch-ups, it can oxidize and darken on the face, which can result in a "dirty" look as the day goes on.

Don't Get carried away with shimmer highlights or light-refractive makeup. In photos your shimmer can easily turn into an unflattering and highly reflective shine.

Don't Use a heavy pressed powder to set your foundation. Too much powder can leave your skin looking chalky and lifeless in your wedding photos.

Don't Overdo your make-up or hair - it will upstage you and your dress. Make sure you feel comfortable with your look.

For your eyes:

Do Use a brow powder or gel in a colour one shade deeper than your natural hair colour to keep your brows looking their best. If your brows are scant, lightly fill them in with a brow pencil in a light neutral shade and then, using a brow powder and brush, go over this shape using a stippling technique to create a natural effect.

Do Use neutrals to contour and highlight your eyes. For eyeliners, stick to the classics: black, navy or brown.

Do Get lush lashes by first using an eyelash curler and then applying two coats of lengthening mascara. Waterproof is always a good choice; it's longer lasting and won't run even if you shed a few tears of joy.

Don't Overwhelm your lashes with too many coats of mascara. Clumpy lashes are a no-no when your groom looks deep into your eyes.

Don't Apply false eyelashes for the first time on your wedding day. Practice first.

Don't Get too trendy with your eye makeup. You may think that sparkly eyeliner is a good idea today, but chances are you'll look back on it years from now and cringe.

Don't Use heavy pencils or dark shadows to define your brows. This can leave you looking stern rather than stunning.

For your lips and cheeks:

Do Become a blushing bride by choosing a warm flattering cheek colour in a pinky peach or rose. When applying the colour, focus the blush on the apples of the cheek and blend the excess back and up toward the hairline. For oily skin, a powder blush is the perfect choice, but if your skin tends to be a bit dry, try a cream blush to achieve a dewy natural glow.

Do Create a pretty pout by first applying your lip colour using a lip brush, then using a lip pencil in a complementary colour. Be sure to follow the natural line of your lips. Not only is it easier to define your lips after your lip colour is already applied, it also creates a softer, more natural look.

Do Choose a lip colour in a warm, fairly bright shade. Roses, pinks and reds look great in photos.

Do Apply lip-liner evenly all over the lips, under the lipstick to make it last longer. When lipstick fades, it will fade evenly without leaving the outer lip liner only.

Don't Wear a lipstick that is too neutral or frosted. These colours can leave you looking pale or tired

Don't Use a lip-liner much darker than your lipstick to define your lips. This technique looks harsh and very unnatural in pictures.

Don't Forget to wear blush. Flash photography can leave you looking washed out.

Sheena Agarwal is an image consultant who suggests styling tips and helps with the overall package of yourself that you present to the outer world. She has written extensively on fashion trends for men and women, skin care, and related topics.