Makeup

Makeup is that part of the day that seems temporary, but is a permanent part of the wedding. Photographs and videos will record what you looked like for decades. Being smart up front can be a great help in getting you through the day.

I remember one bride commenting that she'd never put on as much makeup in her life. But it's not about the amount, it's how you apply it.

You want a timeless look, as you'll be showing people your wedding day photos for decades to come. What impression do you want to leave with your granddaughter as she looks at your photos, thinking of her own wedding day?

If it's an outdoor wedding, stay to a natural look that won't be too contrasty under the bright lights. Indoors and especially for large weddings, you want stronger highlights. But stay away from greens if you're spending very much time under fluorescent lights, these lights already have a strong green component.

Here are a few ideas.

1. Keep Facial Blotting Tissues because you will sweat and your face gets shiny
   
2. MAC is a wonderful brand because it's not too heavy and has staying power -- my eye shadow stayed on all afternoon
   
3. Waterproof mascara is a MUST
   
4. Have a couple cotton swabs to clean under lashes or for small touch ups with mascara flakes.   
   
5. Use lip liner on the entire lip and then use vaseline on your teeth and lips, especially during the reception (you'll be talking so much, your lips will quickly dry out).
   
6. Have a mini-bag emergency bag with nail polish (for runs in your hose), nail file, travel hair spray, mouthwash, and make up.
   
7. Schedule a practice appointment ahead of time to discuss colors and what kind of look you like. If you always use soft, neutral colors, you don't want to be stuck with bold colors that will make you uncomfortable on your wedding day.
   
8. Find someone that uses quality make-up that will cover blemishes and red areas, etc. so pictures turn out good.
   
9. Good make-up for pictures does not have to look 'cakey', its all in the make-up and technique.
   
10. Get your hair done, then get dressed, put on an apron, then get your make-up done. If you do your make-up before your hair and have to sit under a drier at the salon, it will ruin your make-up.
    
11. Schedule hair and make-up appointments at the same salon if possible, if not, make sure they are close because the more you travel, the more you risk getting something on your dress or messing up your hair.
    
12. People specialize in bridal and photo-quality make-up - find them. I recommend a make-up artist as opposed to the make-up counters at the mall (they like to experiment sometimes instead of doing what is asked).
    
13. Always purchase the lipstick and lip liner they will be using - this way, when your make-up starts to wear off, you can reapply the same color.
    
14. Bring along a simple bronzer (I recommend Hula from the Benefit counter ONLY)....when foundation starts to thin, gently brush a tiny bit of Hula on your face.
    
15. If you don't tan and have a low cut dress and 'white' or 'light' skin is exposed, dust on a little Hula.