BRIDES

The goal on your wedding day is to look your most radiant best. You want to accent your best features, but still look like yourself, be able to relax, and celebrate your big day with confidence. And while a bridal consultation with Simply Moore can take care of everything (click here to learn more), we’ve compiled a some simple makeup and preparation tips to consider as your big day approaches.

For a taste of Simply Moore’s bridal makeup handiwork, check out Michael’s 5280 Magazine bridal tutorial video to learn techniques for creating classic, modern, and mountain bridal looks.

• Schedule all waxing and hair removal for about two weeks before the wedding; wax-burnt skin will show up in your pictures.

• Do not use a tanning bed any less than two weeks before the wedding date; you don’t want to look red and blotchy on your big day or, worse yet, be peeling from a burn.

• Have your teeth cleaned by your dentist a couple weeks before the wedding so your pearly whites are, well, pearly and white.

• Keeping yourself nourished and hydrated in the days before your wedding is essential, as is getting plenty of rest (that’s why we call it beauty sleep!). When you feel good, you look good.

• Keep your alcohol intake to a minimum (nothing will make you look tired and create puffy eyes more than alcohol).

• About a week before the wedding, get a soothing full-body massage.

• A pre-wedding facial sounds great, but only if you are an experienced with facials. If it’s your first time, don’t be too aggressive—you want to avoid adverse reactions, such as, say, breaking out like you’re 13 again.

• Never try anything trendy; classic and up-to-date makeup is always the best way to go. Stay away from the fad-oriented colors of that season. Always pick makeup that shows you in your best light and makes you look alive.

• The makeup you wear at your wedding should be an evening application regardless of the time of day, because photography lights will wash you out. But remember, it is your evening makeup, not your mother’s, friend’s, or even the makeup artist’s. The most important thing is for you to be comfortable.

• Waterproof your special day. Tears should be clear, not the color of your eye makeup. Use waterproof eye shadow or shadow base, eyeliner, and, most important, mascara.

• If you want to take the glam-factor up a notch, false eyelashes—when properly applied and when you are comfortable wearing them— can definitely add glamour appeal. Have them professionally applied and practice wearing them ahead of time, If you will be applying lashes yourself……practice, practice, practice!

• Hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day is always a good idea. You deserve to feel like a true princess, and you should look like one also. So, relax and give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Do not rush any element of that day—just enjoy!

• If using a makeup artist and/or a hair stylist for your special day, always do a trial run well before the big day.

• Last but not least, if your makeup artist is not contracted to stay for the entire celebration, keep with you a powder puff, lipstick that you are wearing (reapplying in a different color is never a good idea), and concealer (for when the tears flow!). Who keeps track of all these items if there is no makeup artist there? The lucky maid of honor.

• The perfect makeup base. If your foundation is the correct formulation for your skin, it’ll be longer wearing. The color should match your body color. If deeper color is desired, use a suitable bronzer. A makeup primer will also make your makeup last all day.

• Powder for touchups.

• The lipstick that is on your face to start the day; don’t just borrow someone else’s and layer it over the original color.

• A fresh manicure, no chips allowed. If your nails refuse to cooperate, you might consider having nail tips applied, just for the wedding.

• Waterproof mascara for everyone at the ceremony: bride, bridesmaids, parents.

The items listed below should be packed in their own separate bag to bring along to the wedding site. Remember, the key to troubleshooting is to always come prepared! (Hint: This kit makes an excellent shower gift.)

Aspirin

Band-aids

Bottled water

Blotting papers

Breath mints

Tide stick

Bleach stick

Clear nail polish (Nylon runs)

Cotton swabs

Eye drops

Hair spray

Hairpins

Baby wipes

Hem tape

Mirrored compact

Nail file

Super glue (for broken nails or broken heels)

Safety pins

Tissues

Spray deodorant