Whether you’re planning to do it yourself or have a stylist, here are some top tips for getting your all-important hair and makeup right.
1. Long hair
Many brides grow out their hair for their wedding day. Easy, tousled looks create a lovely day look, and goes great with a low-backed gown. If you have bangs with your long hair, gently curl your long locks to soften the look. A glossy, side-swept wave style will give you an elegant, romantic look.
2. Shoulder length hair
Shoulder length hair is probably the most versatile: you can go for an up-do, or elegant curls, or a slinky bob. Retro waves with red lipstick create old Hollywood glamour, ideal for a vintage wedding.
3. Short hair
Short pixie cuts are in vogue right now, à la Emma Watson and Carey Mulligan. Slick back the look to create a classic style or sweep bangs across your forehead to make a statement. Low maintenance and quick to style, simple short hair will make your dress the centre of attention.
4. Up-do
A classic chignon or bun is elegant teamed with drop earrings and a v-cut dress. While French braids add rustic style, and you don’t need lots of long hair, a wrapped braid can be achieved with shoulder length hair and is ideal in the summer to keep your hair out of the way.
5. Hair accessories
Get shopping to find the right bridal hair accessory can really finish off your look! Sparkles of crystal or rhinestone can dress up long, tousled hair. Shorter styles such as straight slick bobs can look great with a short birdcage veil, pill box hat, or fascinator. A feather clip or white flower brings texture to a chin-length hairstyle, while an oversized hair accessory can dress up a short hairstyle. A braided, lace or jewelled headband is simple and sweet.
6. Eyes
Use a concealer to disguise any darkness underneath your eyes. Individual fake eyelashes can make your eyes pop and are more natural than a full strip. Don’t use eye shadow that’s too dark or dense, as your eyes will get lost. Apply eye shadow from the outside in, moving lighter as you go to open up the eye.
8. Lips
Go for a moisture-friendly, satin finish lipstick. If it’s too glossy it won’t last the day, and if it’s too matte your lips will be dry. Apply with numerous thin layers, and blot between each application to ensure it lasts all day and night!
9. Foundation
After moisturizing, add a layer of primer and use a sponge or brush to apply foundation, this will help it to stick and look smoother. Dot and press the foundation on rather than swiping. This will blend the colour better and provide a more natural look. Finish by highlighting your brow bone to make your eyes stand out.
10. Before and on the day
Have a hair and make-up trial at least three weeks before the wedding. Wear a white top so you can see what it’s going to look like against your wedding dress. Do research and take pictures of looks you like, don’t forget to consider your own skin tone when researching makeup looks – not all looks are going to suit you.
Don’t indulge in a look that looks too unnatural. The best wedding hair and make-up should enhance your existing features and show off your best parts. Try to avoid trends especially since you’re going to look at the photos for the rest of your life; fashion doesn’t always look ‘vintage’ in the future.
Waterproof products are great for avoiding make-up runs if there are any tears, or if it’s going to be a hot day. Allow at least 45 minutes for applying make-up and have a bridesmaid armed with a mini make up kit, so you can touch up or have any rescue requirements nearby.
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