Summer Wedding Make Up Tips

By Melissa Barlow on July 24th, 2009

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Let’s face it. Weddings are ridiculously expensive. As a newlywed myself, I know that when planning a wedding you must prioritize, and sometimes that means giving up the luxuries. In today’s economy especially, more and more brides (and bridesmaids) are choosing not to hire expensive make up artists and opting to do their make up themselves in order to stretch that wedding budget. So if you are one of these brides don’t stress over it (I know, you’re stressing over everything) you can do it yourself! Here are a few simple and effective tips to keep in mind so you can be Picture Perfect on your Big Day.

Water is Your New Best Friend

Okay, so this isn’t really make up, but it really does do wonders for your skin. Caffeine, Alcohol and Soda are very dehydrating and can leave the skin looking dull, dry and worst of all, cause puffiness and dark circles around the eyes. However, switching to just H2O for a couple of weeks before your wedding will not only improve the overall texture and tone of your skin, but will give you that wonderful glow that all brides want as well. And hey, water’s free. No beating that.

Make those Eyes Pop

Easy Eye Trick #1: Groom Those Brows

First thing’s first, well groomed eyebrows are essential. If you are not confident in your brow grooming skills it’s best to leave it to a professional, but make sure you have them shaped the weekend BEFORE your wedding and tweeze any stray hairs that appear the night before. As for the day of, spritz a little (and I mean little) hairspray on a brow brush and brush them into place. The spray will keep them groomed and in place all day.

Easy Eye Trick #2: Curl Those Lashes.

Nothing opens up the eye more than curling your lashes. I find that this step gets skipped all the time simply because a lot of women don’t know how to use an eyelash curler. I don’t blame you, it is an intimidating device that could make even a grown man cry if used incorrectly. For that reason, I like to be able to see what I am doing when I curl my lashes and I’ve found that Japonesque makes curlers in all shapes and sizes to allow more visibility and reduce the risk of pinching your eyelid. Just make sure you curl before you apply mascara (waterproof!) and don’t try to curl them afterward if you forget, just let it go. I’m also planning on doing a video on how to curl you eyelashes with a spoon. It really works, I swear. So if you are interested in seeing how that works let me know.

Easy Eye Trick #3: Wake Up Those Eyes

This one is easy. Use a light colored eyeshadow in either White, Champagne or Seashell Pink and dab a little in the inner corner of each eye. You can use a brush if you have one, but the pinky finger works just fine too for getting in the corner. I also like to use one with a little shimmer in it, but a matte color works as well. This technique instantly brightens the eye and makes it look more open and awake. The days leading up to your wedding can be tough on you and your sleeping habits. It seems that in between entertaining family, hashing out all the last minute details, dress fittings and rehearsal dinners you’re supposed to find time to sleep too. With so much to do sleep may be a little low on your priority list, but this trick works to keep your guests from seeing just how exhausted you are. Look up any picture of Jennifer Lopez or Madonna at an event and you will see what I am talking about.

Make Those Lips Kissable

You and your husband are going to be doing a lot of smooching throughout the day, so you want to make sure that your lips are smooth and flake free. The night before your wedding take a clean, damp toothbrush and gently brush your lips to get rid of any dead skin and flakes. But be gentle and don’t overdo it. The stimulation from the brush will enhance the natural color of your lips and you might see a slight but temporary plumping of the lips. Afterward, apply a hydrating lip balm – like Smith’s Rosebud Salve – and continue using until you put your lipstick on the next day. Trust me, your lips and your husband will thank you.

Make Sure You Still Look Like You

It’s tempting, given that this is one of the most important days of your life (that will be immortalized in pictures), to go a little overboard, but remember, your fiancee is marrying you for you not for your make up. Too many brides get talked into wearing more make up than what they would ever wear in real life on their wedding day and end up looking nothing like themselves. Nobody knows your face like you do and if you don’t wear a lot of make up on a daily basis then why pile it on and feel like a painted lady all day? Do what makes you feel pretty and remember to enjoy your day in the spotlight and it will show all over your face.