1. Bridal make up by its very nature is a unique
requirement and your make up regime for the big
day needs careful thought and consideration. Our
bridal beauty consultant, Lubna Rafiq, of Art Of
Beauty shares some of bridal beauty insights with
you...
Asian flush
2. My personal approach to make-up for brides is one of corrective, subtle
make-up that enhances the bride's best features and makes her look
naturally radiant and beautiful on her big day The first thing people notice
when they look at a bride - is how stunning and radiant she looks, not her
makeup itself In fact make - up that is too obvious can look overdone and
artificial so understated and sophisticated elegance is the name of the game!
When it comes to applying bridal makeup, there is a correct sequence and
technique to follow as well as a preparatory stage to ensure that you will be
looking your absolute best Selection and advice on the best and most
appropriate products, colours and styles is also imperative What works for you
in your day to day use or for other special occasions will not necessarily make
you look your best on your big day! This kind of in depth knowledge can only
come from a beautician experienced in the nuances of bridal makeup Skin
& Eyebrows The first thing to get right is your skin and eyebrowsI would
recommend a series of facials in the run up to your wedding (that is if you
don't already have regular facials) Start a few months before the wedding
as it is common for your skin to break out and get worse before it gets better
after a facial if you haven't had one for a long time (Something to do with
getting all the impurities out) Treat yourself to one a month for four months
before the big dayyour last one should be at least a few days before your
wedding, to give your skin time to settle down Eyebrows should be kept in
shape regularly and shaped the day before the d-day if possible
3. On the morning of your wedding, make sure your skin is well moisturised
about ten minutes before applying your make-up I always recommend that
you have your hair done after your Make-up The next stage is to have your
foundation applies Remember that for the photographs you must take extra
care when using light reflective foundation and concealer A lot of Asian
bride's pile on layers of foundation underneath the eye, in the
misunderstanding that it is a concealer, when actually, it's job is to "put
light" in to dark areas, Don't do it! You may look good to the naked eye,
but it will show up too white in your photos and you could look like you have
puffy eye bags! I'm not saying to steer clear of subtle light reflecting
foundations; in fact they are great for giving the appearance of dewy, youthful
skin Steer very clear of shimmery bronzers and blushers though
4.
5. If you want to use a bronzer, use a matt one and use it very subtly, softly over
your cheeks, bridge of your nose, top on your Asian flush forehead, where you
would naturally catch the sun bear in mind that your neck should not be too
different in colour to your face (Don't be tempted to try putting bronzer all
over your neck
6. you'll just end up staining your lengha!) Eyes For your eyes, you
can't go wrong with matt makeup with slight shimmering shadows I
usually use a combination of colours to compliment the Asian bride's
outfit A soft black eyeliner, (No browns) use black mascara for your wedding
day, even if you're very fair and usually go for brown - it'll show up
better in your photographs, smudged close to the base of you lashes on your
upper lid will make your eyelashes appear thicker and, in conjunction with a
little grey or dark brown eye-shadow applied with a thin brush at the base of
your lower lashes, will subtly define your eyes perfectly for the photos I use
black WATERPROOF mascara on just about every bride that comes to me,
and make sure I curl the lashes before applying it On some occasions I even
consider using false eyelashes as this gives more definition over the eyes and
looks quite stunning in photographs Lips For the bride's lips, I like to
use a colour that will not clash with the bride's eyes and dress and of
course her Bouquet Bearing in mind you have already primed your lips when
you applied your foundation and powder by putting a suitable balm or
moisturiser on them after you have done your base By the time you are ready
for lipstick to be applied, your lips will be in perfect condition-Always leave this
to the very last
7. I use a "Nude" lip pencil over the entire lip before applying the lip colour as it
gives extra staying power, apply lip-colour then blot with a tissue and reapply
lipstick with a touch of gloss or a more shimmering colour to enhance the
shadow of your bottom lip and a slight touch over the top lip And Finally
The most important tip is to allow yourself a good three hours to get ready as
this gives your beautician plenty of time to work her magic and make you look
stunning More importantly it will give you some all-important chill out time
away from your interfering aunties Before you make an entrance, a quick
check and powder before you leave for the ceremony, and your Dulha will be
totally bowled over PLUS you will look fantastic in the photos of your dream
shaadi!
