Choosing your look

Whether doing your own make-up or emplying the services of a make-up artist, you will need to decide what look you are hoping to create. We advice to not choose a look you don't normally wear. Most grooms don't like it. Indeed most men like their bride to look natural. Therefore find out what you man likes. Don't go over the top just because it's your wedding day, but at the same time don't under-do it either. Aspire simply to look your best. If you are used to being seen with brightly coloured lipstick and funcky eye shadow then you are likely to be reflecting this in your overall look already. Therefore, don't let us put you off. Similarly, if you are a person who likes to make a statement , make-up is a great way to pull that off. Whatever your personality, however, think of how you like to be seen and how people are used seeing you. You can go the extra mile on your wedding day, but be sure it is still a reflection of you and your personality. You might want a subtle or a glamorous look, or perhaps you want your eye shadow or lipstick to pick out a coulour from your outfit or flowers? Think too about how you will wear your hair; if it is to be swept back, your face will look very different. You will also need to take into consideration the time of day, the time of year and how you'll be wearing the make-up. Are you going from afternoon to dusk and into the evening? Will you be under natural or artificial light, or both? The harsher and more artificial the light the more danger you could look washed-out in the photographs. You'll need to take account of when applying your make-up base.

If you have not got a make-up artist to advise you, consider investing in a make-up lesson. Go to asalon or local make-up artists. Ask for a couple of different looks and compare them. Alternatively, the make-up counters can assist. The risk of seeking advice from commercial make-up counters is that obviously it's their job to sell you make-up, and preferably from their latest colour range. These may not suit you or your colouring. Several of the leading make-up companies employ professional make-up artists at their counters. This is a great way to get affordable and often free advice. But test the products before you buy them. Choose your colours according to your skin type and colouring, your eyes and the colours you will be wearing on the day. If you are purchasing new make-up, carry with you a fabric swatch of your dress so that you can seek advice at the counter.