You want to look picture-perfect on your wedding day. After all, this is a day that will be well documented in photographs and videos. You have selected your gown and have a good idea of what you want your hair to look like. The next consideration is your makeup.

The makeup your wear on your wedding day might be quite different than the makeup your wear on any other day so experimentation is in order for this project. The goal is to look natural while using the various products to accentuate your looks and improve the frame of the face while adding an overall polished look. That may seem like a small order but getting it exactly right will take a little skill.

You might want to lean on the expertise of a professional wedding makeup artist but if you are on a tight budget you can certainly opt do it yourself. A friend experienced and well-versed in makeup can help you experiment for you makeup. Attendants at department store cosmetic counters can also offer tips for making the most out of your makeup.

Regardless of whether you do your makeup yourself or enlist a professional makeup artist, it is critically important to have a practice run before the big day. There are many factors that will contribute to how well your makeup looks, lighting being one of the main considerations. What looks excellent underneath florescent lighting could look washed out in natural lighting.  Make sure you select makeup colors that will compliment your wedding color themes instead of clashing with the color theme.

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photo credit: katclay

After your wedding makeup is applied during the practice session, have a friend photograph you in a variety of lighting settings. If you can access the location where you will be married, take photos there at about the same time of day that you will be married. These photographs will help you decide if you need to go a shade lighter or darker on the lipstick, thicker or thinner on the eyeliner or softer or bolder on the eye shadow.

While putting together your makeup, don’t forget to tend to your eyebrows. Make sure your eyebrows are trimmed, waxed, threaded, or plucked. Shapely brows are the perfect complement to your wedding makeup.

With one or two trial runs, you should have a clear idea of how you will photograph on the day of the wedding. Practice will make your makeup look picture-perfect.

It’s set to be the happiest day of your life – make sure it’s the best wedding hair day, too

You’ve thought about your dress, the venue and the guest list. But have you had time to start thinking about what you’d like your hair to do on your wedding day? Do you want it up, down, curly, long or short? And would you like it to be the star of the show with a va-va-voom do or just a slightly more sophisticated version of your usual style?

Natasha of Mod’s in Ponsonby believes you should start thinking about your wedding hair from the moment you get engaged – especially if you’re dreaming of something different.

‘Growing your hair can take a year but you also need to start thinking about the colour and the condition,’ she advises. ‘You may have hair that’s coloured dark and you want it to be its natural blonde shade. If you’re trying to achieve that two months before your wedding, then your hair is going to suffer.

You should start working with your colourist and lightening it up much earlier if you want it to be in good condition.’.

photo credit: Victor Bezrukov

Ideally you will have decided on your wedding hair colour at least six months before the wedding and you won’t change your mind. It’ll take that long to perfect the colour and the condition. And keep an eye on how quickly your colour tends to fade and how fast the regrowth shows. You may want to have that last pre-wedding colour done anywhere from a fortnight to a week before the ceremony.

Regular use of blow dryers, curling tongs and hair straighteners punishes the hair so it’s important to invest in quality shampoo, conditioner and styling products. Natasha recommends getting your stylist to prescribe the best deep conditioning moisture treatment for your hair type and applying it once a week at home. The darker your hair, the more important that it’s shiny – there’s nothing worse than dull, matte dark hair.

Trends for wedding hair dos are moving away from formal structured wedding hair updos towards Oscar party hair. ‘Brides want the styles they see on the red carpet; says Natasha. ‘Like Catherine Zeta Jones’ shiny, polished hair dried into big curls. Hair that’s pulled back tight and having the bridesmaids all look the same is less popular.

Women want a lightly looser look. For instance there might be a Spanish feeling to the hair but each one is done slightly differently to suit the individual.’

Fresh flowers as wedding hair accessories have fallen out favour mainly because they can bruise and wilt from the head’s heat even if you’ve soaked them overnight in water to extend their life.

Instead, brides are opting for silk flowers or hair jewellery.

‘It’s about weaving beads into the hair or antique brooches and necklaces as opposed to tiaras,’ says Natasha. ‘Perhaps something from your grandmother, something vintage. A sliver of lace behind the brooch can also look very effective.

‘I did one particularly beautiful wedding style recently,’ adds Natasha, ‘where the hair was set in hot rollers ad then I took the curls and pinned them very loosely almost like they were falling out and had crystals hanging in the back.’

Whether you opt for an elaborate style or your everyday hair only better depends on your personality.

If you’re a theatrical person who loves playing with your appearance, then you may want to make a statement with your wedding hair. ‘There’s trend for classic looks but much bigger, like big French rolls,’ says Natasha.

‘But if you want your wedding  hair to be the big thing then you need to opt for a simple gown.’

If you like a more natural look then keep your hair soft. ‘Have it blow dried the way your normally would buy maybe a bit fuller or with some soft curls,’ says Natasha. ‘And if you’ve got short hair, don’t try to pin it up.’

Natasha’s Tips

• If you’ve got a stylist who doesn’t do wedding hair updos, don’t force them into it. Find someone who loves doing it rather than having someone you love do your hair.
• Always have a wedding hair trial and try at least three different options. The style you were dreaming of might not suit you as well as you’d hoped. Consider wearing your chosen style for a few hours to see if it’s comfortable. The last thing you want on your wedding day is a hair headache.
• Remember it’s about the whole look, not only your hair. Make sure you brief your stylist about your wedding style, venue and your dress. Show them a drawing, photo or swatch of the fabric.
• It’s important that your stylist is fun and relaxed. You want to be surrounded by people who will add to the occasion and make you feel good on your big day.

Our Favourite Hair Treats

For hair that’s crying out for moisture

1. Try Mop Extreme Moisture ($31.95). It contains yummy stuff like organic banana and apple juice and has been developed specifically to replenish even the driest hair- we’re talking straw here! Leave on for five or 10 minutes and use once a week for best results.

For maximum protection

2. A leave-in hair treatment will protect your hair through the blow-drying process and prevents damage to the cuticle. We love Giovanni Vitapro Fusion Leave-In hair Treatment ($19.95) because it’s a lightweight yet intensive conditioner full of vitamins and proteins. Spray onto damp hair prior to blow drying.

For ultra-light moisture

3. Our favourite is Redken Clear Moisture Water Rush ($39.95). This is a lightweight cream-gel that provides deep conditioning so it’s perfect for finer hair that needs body.

It’s called grooming for a reason you know! So you get into it and look like a great big spunk on your big day.

Calling all grooms-to-be. You may have noticed your bride spending increasing amounts of time on her hair and beauty regimes. That’s because she wants to look her very best on her wedding day. So don’t just sit there looking bemused, clutching the TV remote and wondering whether to knock the top off another beer. It’s time for our beauty countdown.

Mad straggly brows

Eyebrows are strange things in that they can make a significant difference to our appearance and yet no one really notices them. Take a good look at your brows. Are they overgrown and straggly? Are you perhaps beginning to resemble a mad scientist? Or do you – and this is the ultimate sin – have a mono-brow?

Some men are tempted to shave away their mono-brows but this is risky. You can end up with too large a space between your brows and also it quickly begins to grow back and get stubbly and ugly.

Tweezing is the answer. OK it’s a wee bit painful but it removes the hair by the root and often hairs that are tweezed regularly stop growing back.

• Tweeze immediately after showering or apply a hot flannel to loosen hair-follicles.
• Hold a pencil vertically along the side of the nose. Your eyebrow should start at the outside edge of the pencil.
• Hold a pencil to the outside of the eye. This is where the eyebrow should end.
• Brush brows up to find a natural arch.
• Pluck hairs in the direction of the growth. Tweeze slowly and reassess regularly.

TIP: Long straggly brow hairs can be trimmed. But don’t trim them too short or else the hair will not lie flat.

photo credit: Jesse Kruger

Gorilla nails

Real men do get manicures. But if the idea of it is just too metrosexual for you then follow our guide to taking care of nails at home.

You’ll need nail clippers, a nail file and a cuticle pusher.

• Trim the tips of your nails so they look square.
• Use a file to smooth out rough edges and round the corners of your nails. File in one direction, not back and forth, to ensure a smooth finish.
• Moisturise your hands to soften the cuticle – this is the outermost layer of skin that protrudes a short way above the skin’s surface. Use the rounded end of your cuticle pusher to gently push the cuticle back.
• You can also invest in a buffer and buff your nails up to a glossy sheen but this is not compulsory!

Unhappy hair

These days it’s not only the David Beckhams of the world who are into changing their hair style and colour regularly. Talk to your stylist about your wedding hair.

How you wear it will depend on the look and style of the wedding as well as your own personal preference. If you do nothing else invest in good hair products. For men in a hurry the Clarins Men Total Shampoo ($45) is ideal. It’s designed to cleanse both the hair and the body.

We also love the new American Crew Peppermint Cleanse ($23.95). this is a deep cleansing shampoo that gently removes the build up of styling products.

Skin that needs care

When it comes to skin, men need to take as much care as women, especially since most shave on a daily basis.

Cleansing

For the face, use a soap-free. The Nivea for Men Skin Essentials range includes a great double Action Face Wash ($10.95) that cleanses and conditions your skin as it contains vitamin B5 and E.

It’s also a good idea to use a soap-free body wash in the shower. Try Origins Skin Diver Active Charcoal Body Wash ($50), which is designed to cleanse deeply and draw out the pore-cloggers that cause bumps and break-outs. Plus it smells of manly things like spearmint and rosemary.

Twice a week use the Skin Renovator from L’Oreal Paris Men Expert ($16.99) on your face. This contains micro-crystals to exfoliate the skin. Sloughing off those dead skin cells will improve your skin’s texture no end.

Moisturising

Even oily skin needs to be hydrated so get in the habit of using a moisturiser twice a day. Coming out of winter skin can be particularly damaged and sad looking – especially if you’re outdoorsy – so rescue it with the 24 hour Hydrating Balm from L’Oreal Paris Men Expert range ($14.99). It’s non-greasy and suitable for sensitive skin.

Nivea For Men also has a great Rehydrating Moisturising Lotion ($10.35) with SPF15 sun protection.

A gentle shave

Shaving can lead to skin irritation and breakouts so be kind and gentle with your beard area. Wash the stubble with soap and hot water to remove oil or shower before shaving, allowing stubble to soak. Try to shave only in the direction of hair growth – usually downward. And use a shaving cream to surround the hair with moisture and reduce friction.

Origins Blade Runner Energising Shave Cream ($40) is a real treat. It contains plant protectors to give you a close friction-free shave. This Origins for Men range also includes a pre-shave oil to create a smooth path over cheeks and chin.

Afterwards calm your skin with an after-shave balm. Try the new one from Aramis Always ($98). It smells good, there’s a matching cologne and it comes in a great bottle!

You’re getting married! You feel on top of the world. In your mind you’ve already got a picture of your gown, your hairstyle and even the perfect wedding accessories. But looking fabulous on your wedding day takes more than just picking the perfect outfit. It takes money. So to help you budget, we compiled a range of costs based on what the average bride might spend on her bridal look. As with all things there can be a huge difference in prices depending on designers or stores so it pays to shop around. We’ve compiled a great DIY guide at the end of this article so read on for our top beauty tips.

Use this as a starting point – and get ready to look sensational!

Every bride wants to look radiant on her wedding day. Follow our beauty countdown to ensure you’re a gorgeous, glowing bride!

Six months

• Start an exercise routine so you are trim and toned on your big day.
• Try to maintain a healthy diet and drink lots of water to hydrate your body.
• Start researching by reading magazines and asking advice from counters to decide on the hair and make-up look you want on your wedding day.
• Decide who you want to do your hair and your make-up, and then contact them to see how much notice they will need for consultations and bookings.
• Start having regular facials so your skin is glowing for your wedding day.
• Ensure you have a daily face and body moisturising routine to keep skin hydrated.
• Start using hair treatments as it takes months to repair damaged hair.

Three months

• If you are changing the colour and style of your hair for the wedding do it now, so there’s time to change and grow it before the big day.
• Have a hair and make-up trial and book in future hair and beauty appointments.

Two months

• If you’re thinking about waxing or plucking before your wedding, have a trial now as the skin on your face and body may react to it.
• Trial your hairstyle before the wedding to make sure it’s comfortable and you’re happy with it – the hens party is an ideal night to do this.

One month

• Confirm all of your wedding day hair and beauty appointments.
• Colour and trim your hair a week or two before your wedding day.
• If you want a spray tan, trial it now to ensure your skin becomes a more natural, flattering hue.
• If you are getting acrylic nails get them now so you are used to wearing them – they can be uncomfortable at first.
• Start getting a massage each week until your wedding to relax your body and mind.
• Choose your nail polish colour and buy a spare bottle for the day in case of emergencies.

One week

• Have a facial early in the week as you may break out for a couple of days afterwards.
• Waxing should be done at least two days before the wedding to allow any redness to disperse.
• Exfoliate to remove the top layer of dead skin cells then get your spray tan done.
• Have a manicure and pedicure a couple of days before the wedding so they don’t grow out too much before the wedding.

Fancy a true DIY experience? Make masks, exfoliators and conditioners yourself using natural ingredients.

Exfoliators: Baking soda made into a paste with water, oatmeal, almond meal or finely ground sea salt or sugar granules mixed wit a little vegetable oil are all traditional ingredients used in scrubs or exfoliators. But be careful if your skin is sensitive and be gentle – no rough rubbing motions. Don’t use harsh grains such as apricot or walnut kernals unless they are ground to a fine paste-like consistency, since they can cause tiny tears in your skin. If in any doubt, only use these ingredients on the skin on your body, not your face.

Masks: Mashed banana, cucumber and yoghurt, strawberries and honey, mashed grapes and almond meal are just some of the ingredients you can use to create your own natural face masks.

Conditioners: You can make hair conditioners out of eggs (mixed with oil); almond, avocado, wheat germ, jojoba, sesame and olive oils; fresh avocado; honey; coconut milk; and even mayonnaise. But if you don’t want to end up smelling like a tossed salad, make sure you rinse the ingredients out thoroughly.

DIY Manicure

With all eyes on your hands checking out your gorgeous wedding ring, you want your hands to look their best. Try this easy DIY manicure once a week.

Time Commitment: 20-30 minutes every week.

Tools: Nail file, clippers, pumice stone or foot file, orange stick, moisturiser, cuticle oil, nail polish, top and base coat, and nail polish remover.

Result: Well-cared for hands that people will notice. If you’re not a fan of nail polish or find it too high maintenance, you can still achieve a glossy finish by simply buffing your nails to a high shine. Buffed nails not only look glossy, they radiate health and vitality. But if you like to have fun with colour, go for it. There are few rules: Short nails are currently more fashionable than long: if your nail bed is large and square-shaped, a square nail shape will look better than rounded: petite hands suit rounded nails more than a square finish.

Step 1: File and shape your nails.

Step 2: Gently massage in a cuticle oil, then wash your nails and/or remove any oil or filing debris with nail polish remover.

Step 3: Soak your hands for two or three minutes in warm soapy water. Clean nails while they soak, then massage in your facial exfoliator. Rinse and pat dry.

Step 4: Either buff your nails with a special buffer (available from pharmacies – one that’s labelled ‘very fine grit’ is recommended) to eliminate any ridges, scratches or imperfections, or apply a base coat of nail polish to create shine. But don’t overdo the buffing: if you’re too rough you can damage your nails.

Step 5: Apply nail enamel –  matching toe and fingernail colours is a contemporary approach but ‘light on the fingers, dark on the toes’ is a more traditional look that has stood the test of time. Wait a few minutes before you apply a second coat of polish, then finish with a top coat. Allow to dry for an hour or two. Daily use of top coat will ensure your manicure lasts for up to a week.

DIY Pedicure

For lovely soft, gorgeous feet that will let you dance the night away at your wedding; treat yourself to a DIY pedicure every couple of weeks.

Time Commitment: 45 minutes-plus every two to three weeks.

Tools: Nail file, clippers, pumice stone or foot file, orange stick, moisturiser, nail polish, top and base coat, and nail polish remover.

Result: Feet you’ll be proud to show off.

Want to know the real secret to an at-home pedicure?. Time. It’s no good applying nail polish and then jumping straight into bed, showering or shoving your feet into shoes. Never do a pedicure just before going out, unless you can wear jandals or open-toe sandals. It takes a good hour, maybe more, for nail polish to dry to a stage that you can put on covered shoes or hosiery.

Step 1: Clip and file your nails and soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Totally dry your feet and use a pumice stone or foot file to smooth away rough skin. It’s okay to substitute your facial exfoliant for pumice or a file, but you’ll need to spend a few minutes working the product into the skin to et the best result. It can also be a relatively expensive option.

Step 3: Cover each foot in moisturiser and wrap in a damp towel that’s been warmed in the microwave. Put your feet up for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Remove any cream residue from your nails with nail polish remover, and gently push back cuticles with an orange stick. Use cuticle oil or cream at this stage if your toenail cuticles are very noticeable.

Step 5: Apply a base coat and wait for 2 minutes.

Step 6: Apply two coats of nail polish and a top coat. Wait at least 10 minutes before re-moisturising, but don’t touch your nails or put on shoes for an hour or two.

DIY Facial

The experts will tell you that a regular facial is one of the best gifts you can give your skin. A deep cleanse, soothing mask and thorough exfoliations is not only a treat for the complexion, it’s good for the soul. Allowing yourself a little ‘me time’ is as kind to the spirit as it is to the skin.

But not all of us have the time or budget to fit in a once-a-month salon facial, let alone a manicure or pedicure, all of which seem a luxury rather than a necessity when you’re juggling all sorts of commitments. If you can’t make it to the salon, you could perhaps make it to your bathroom and find the time for a few DIY spa treatments to leave skin and spirit glowing.

Time Commitment: 45 minutes to one hour once a month

Tools: Cleanser, exfoliator, mask, moisturiser, eye cream.

Result: Smooth, glowing skin that requires less day-to-day maintenance.

Naturally, regular salon facials are the most beneficial, since therapists are trained to deal with all sorts of skin types and condition. But never discount the importance of good home maintenance. Skin that’s looked after properly is much more receptive to treatment products such as anti-ageing moisturisers, creams that lighten pigmentation and serums. They penetrate the skin better, meaning you use less and get a better result.

Step 1: Start by removing all traces of dirt and makeup. The best way to do this is to clean your skin as you would normally – twice.

Step 2: Exfoliate, but be gentle. If you’re too enthusiastic you can over-stimulate your sebum glands and cause your skin to break out. Excess exfoliation is also not a good idea if you’re prone to broken capillaries or increased redness.

Step 3: Fill a bowl with hot (not boiling) water, and add a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or eucalyptus, or even a camomile teabag. Hold your face close to the steam and cover your head with a towel for a few minutes to let the steam open your pores (it makes your skin more receptive to the mask that follows).

Step 4: Apply a face mask. Choose one that suits your skin’s requirements. For example, if you’re worried about blemishes, choose one with anti-bacterial properties. If you want your skin to look plumper, chose one that promises intense hydration. Big night out? Pick a mask that offers immediate remedial effects.

Step 5: Using sweeping circular motions, massage in moisturiser, oil (rosehip or wheat germ are good options). Don’t forget your neck and décolletage.

Step 6: Apply eye cream or gel. Gel is recommended if you’re going out because makeup will sit better over gel than over cream. And don’t forget to apply sun block if you’ll be in the sun – thorough exfoliation will make your skin more sensitive to its rays.

DIY Hair Conditioning

Want silky smooth tresses on your wedding day without paying a fortune at a hair salon? Try this quick and easy DIY hair conditioning treatment for results you won’t believe.

Time Commitment: Approximately three minutes once a week.

Tools: Conditioning treatment.

Result: Glossy groomed locks.

It’s no longer true that deep-conditioners need to stay on for at least half an hour, covered by a warm towel. New formulations are designed for the woman in a hurry. Applying them once a week is enough, and there’s often no added benefit in leaving them on for longer than a few minutes. Conditioners work by coating the scales of the hair shaft, which become raised through normal wear and tear. The effect is to smooth the hair down, making it appear smoother and shinier, and feel softer.

Step 1: Choose a deep-conditioner that’s suitable for your hair type and apply according to the instructions. Generally, the ones that come in tubs are thicker and more moisture-intensive than bottled lotions.

Step 2: Using the pads of your fingers, massage your scalp using circular motions. According to most wellbeing philosophies, if you want to feel relaxed use slow, deliberate movements. A steady but vigorous approach is required to boost energy and circulation.

Step 3: Rinse out and style as usual.

Removing Unwanted Hair

In a perfect world, we’d all have plentiful hair where we want it and none where we don’t (and eat whatever, whenever, without gaining weight, but that’s another story). Hair removal is a female rite of passage – we generally start young and spend a good part of the rest of our lives maintaining the growth on our legs, arms, face and more intimate areas.

Shaving, waxing and plucking at home are perhaps the most common ways to groom excess hair, but there are other popular in-salon treatments that are performed by professionals.

Threading

The demand for facial threading is definitely on the rise, many clients convert from waxing to treading as their preferred method of facial hair removal.

Threading gives you defined, clean, elegant eyebrows – framing the face and opening up the eye area.

Spa therapists use cotton thread to twist around individual hairs, lifting them out of the follicle by the root, and unwanted hair becomes finer and sparser over time.

Threading won’t pinch, burn or pull your skin like waxing, which can lead to premature wrinkles in the delicate eye area. Also, for those who cannot wax due to being on retin-A or accutane medication, threading will help remove facial hair without damaging or traumatizing their skin.

Threading can be used by both women and men, and it has a celeb following too – it’s popular with Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and Salma Hayek. The pain is said to be similar to waxing as the hairs are lifted from the root.

Average Price – Starts at $15.

VPL

VPL (variable pulsed light) works by passing a pulsed light through the skin, which is absorbed by the hair pigment (colour) in the hair shaft and follicle. This pulse generates heat, which loosens the hair and disables the hair forming cells.

VPL is the newer generation of laser machines from IPL (intense pulsed light), they both do similar things but the variable settings mean that it can treat the different types of hair found all over the body, from thicker underarm hair to facial hair.

It is said to work well on the face, neck, chest , arms, back, underarms, legs, stomach and bikini line and it isn’t too painful. Most people liken the feel of it to a rubber band flicking the skin.

Post treatment, the area may be a little red, but this subsides quickly. The hair will then fall out for up to three weeks after treatment.

VPL hair removal is safe when performed by trained professionals, and is suitable for most skin types. It’s pricey, but results are permanent. A course of treatment is required, and varies for individuals and the area being treated.

Average Price – Starts at $800.

Waxing

Hot wax is applied with a spatula that is removed directly against the hair, removing it in the process. This is best used for terminal hairs in areas such as bikini and underarms.

The other type of waxing is strip wax, which is applied either with a roller or a spatula and removed with a cloth strip, also against the hair growth. This type of wax is great for larger areas such as legs, arm and backs.

The most commonly waxed areas are legs, bikini line, underarms, arms and brows, with the most popular treatment for women being the Brazilian wax and brow shape. For men it is legs, back and chest.

I won’t lie and say it is painless! However, if performed correctly and regularly the pain definitely diminishes over time as hair grows back sparser and often in some areas finer. Clients can also manage the pain with some simple tips such as taking a couple of Panadol before the treatment, avoiding caffeine or energy drinks, and making sure hair is not too long or short (especially from shaving) beforehand.

Waxing is a long-lasting result compared to many other methods as hair is removed from the root and will not grow back fully for up to six weeks post treatment. Waxing can tackle both small and large areas quickly and effectively. It is also a cost –effective method.

As for post-waxing fallout. There can be some redness, but we use a post wax process to help minimize this and a tea tree soothing solutions to help cam and protect follicles and skin.

The golden rules are for 24 hours following treatment to avoid hot showers, exercise or applying any moisturizers.

A couple of days after your treatment make sure you exfoliate skin to minimize ingrown hairs.

Average price – Legs start from $40, bikini line starts from $30, brows start from $25.

Even though your wedding may be a few months away, you are probably already spending a fair amount of time thinking about ways you can look your best for the big day. Even though you will probably have a professional do your hair and makeup when your wedding day finally rolls around, there are a few things you can do now to make sure you look your best when the time comes.

One thing you should start thinking about is getting your hair in optimal condition. That means laying off on the flat iron, hair dryer, and other heat styling tools that can turn hair crunchy. Try to air dry your hair whenever possible. If you color your hair or would like to for your wedding day, it is a good idea to do this a week or two ahead of the actual date. New hair colors take some time to settle and this will also give you plenty of time to get it re-done if the color doesn’t turn out as you hoped.

Another thing you can start working on now is your skin. If you’re worried that a monster pimple the night before will send you scrambling to find out how to get rid of acne fast, there are some things you can do now to help minimize the chances of a big outbreak. For example, don’t try any new products in the month before your wedding just in case your skin has a reaction. If you plan to get a facial, do it at least one week in advance because it will bring impurities to the surface. One of the best acne tips is to drink a lot of water. If you start drinking a lot of water a few weeks beforehand, your skin will not only be clearer but it will absolutely glow on your big day.

You might also want to think about whitening your teeth. This is particularly true if you plan to wear a white dress as you don’t want there to be a big contrast between your teeth and your dress. If wedding costs have totally dried up your budget, you don’t need to visit your dentist at all. Switch to whitening toothpaste or pick up a whitening mouthwash at the drugstore as early as possible and you’ll see an eventual change in your teeth that is also very gentle.

Your wedding might seem really far away now, but the time will fly as it gets closer. Even if it’s too early to make your seating chart, you can at least get your skin and hair into shape to help improve your appearance for the biggest day of your life.

Fresh, fun or feminine, the fragrance you choose to wear when you walk down the aisle will forever capture the mood of your special day.

Choosing the right bridal fragrance is as important as choosing the right wedding photographer because a fragrance holds the same sentimental value as a photograph. Research shows that the part of your brain that recognises smell is connected to you limbic system, where your deepest memories emotions and desires are stored. When you look back at a photograph, the visual will help you conjure up memories of that special moment; a sniff you your bridal fragrance can also evoke those same vivid memories.

Fragrances are categorised according to their fragrance family. It’s an interesting fact that most of us tend to like fragrances from the same fragrance family, usually because we associate their scent with positive memories from our past. There are five basic fragrance families – Oriental, citrus, floral, green and woody.

Oriental fragrances are described as hypnotic and enchanting, usually containing ingredients such as vanilla, musk, spices and exotic flowers.

Citrus fragrances are clean, tangy and refreshing, like the smell of fresh citrus fruits.

Floral fragrances are described as soft and fresh.

Green fragrances are sharp and can be compared with the smell of freshly cut grass or the scent of crushed leaves.

Woody fragrances are deep and hearty like an old forest, enriched with the aroma of wood, oak, moss or sandalwood.

However, no matter which fragrance family you favour, there’s no such thing as a right or wrong one, just the one that vest reflects you and your occasion. Your bridal fragrance plays a significant role on your wedding day. It’s not just something that you can smell, it’s also an emotion and a state of mind. The fragrance you wear has a great capacity to evoke your most intense feeling and memories, so choose carefully.

But for many of us, shopping for the perfect fragrance can be an overwhelming experience. With such a magnitude of fragrances to choose from, it’s hard to know just where to start.

Here are some tips to help you with selecting your bridal fragrance.

photo credit: Bloomacious

Shopping for you bridal fragrance

• Always shop for your fragrance weeks ahead of the wedding. This allows you to get used to the fragrance so you do not feel uncomfortable or conscious of the way you smell on the day.
• Your sense of smell is usually sharper at the beginning of the day, so try to shop for your fragrance in the morning.
• Make sure that your skin is clean and scent-free before you start shopping. This means no perfume, scented body lotions, perfumed deodorant or soaps.
• To ensure that you have selected a fragrance objectively, never try more than three fragrances on your skin at once. Apply the first fragrance to your wrist, wait a while, then apply the second fragrance to your other wrist and the third fragrance to the inside of your elbow. Now ‘live’ with the fragrances for a day. This way, you will be able to test them individually and get a better idea of how each fragrance develops with time. By wearing a fragrance home, you are also able to get a second opinion form your fiancé or best friend.
• Never buy a fragrance without testing it first. Fragrances will smell different on different people. Just because it smell good on your friend doesn’t mean that it will smell the same on you.
• Once you have decided on a fragrance, why not splash out on the complete range of products? Many fragrances are also available as body lotions, scented powder, body sprays, shower gels, hair sprays and deodorants.

Wearing your bridal fragrance

• You can make your fragrances last longer by layering different products of the same fragrance.
• Instead of spraying half the bottle of perfume on to make it last the whole day, you can start by using a scented body lotion, followed by scented oils and then a spray of your perfume. By using different products, you will enhance the staying power of your fragrance.
• Apply fragrances to your pulse points – your wrists, the hollow in your collarbone and behind your knees. These are the heat centres of your body and will allow the fragrance to defuse throughout the day.
• Always let your fragrance dry first before you get into your wedding dress. Although fragrances don’t usually stain, you should never take that chance!

The key to a picture-perfect wedding day look is to choose simple and fresh-looking makeup that highlights the bride’s natural beauty. During long celebrations, heat and moisture can cause heavy makeup to run and bleed, leaving the bride looking less than lovely in photographs meant to last a lifetime. Smart, modern brides use the right types of cosmetics to create a gorgeous, natural wedding makeup look that lasts all day and enhances her unique features.

A sheer foundation is the best choice to even out the bride’s skin tone, as oily formulas can be shiny in photographs and heavy powders and creams may crease. A cream blush in bright pink can be blended onto the cheeks to give the bride a youthful, sunny look. Lip gloss will give the bride all day wear that easy to maintain while conventional lipstick may run, crack and rub off.

Eyes should be the focus of wedding day makeup. Natural shades such as warm brown, taupe and pink add depth to the eyes without being too distracting. A liquid liner will remain in place longest and is easily applied. As the bride may find herself overcome with emotion throughout the day, a non-clumping and waterproof mascara is among some essential wedding day makeup tips. Of course, eyebrows should be well-groomed by a professional in order to best feature the bride’s eyes.

photo credit: Madalina Lesan Photography

To add glamour to wedding day makeup, a light shimmer can be dusted onto the cheek and collar bones for a special glow. For an indoor or nighttime wedding, shimmer may even be added at the temples and along the hairline to create an otherworldly appearance.

Brides may want to keep a small makeup bag on hand on her wedding day – complete with extras of their favorite makeup products. This way, the bride can be sure to look her best throughout the entire day’s events with quick touch-ups here and there. This will eliminate stress and worries and allow the bride to be happy, relaxed and beautiful while enjoying her special day.

It’s incredible how a well-applied makeup can transform a woman!

Here are some helpful hints on how you can look photo-fantastic on your wedding day.

Always hire a professional makeup artist and hairdresser. Hiring an expert to create your look will reduce your stress levels on the day, and ultimately give you the best photographic results.

Never go for a look that is too trendy or experimental, as you will love to regret it! Your photographs are forever and you don’t want to be looking at a bouffant hairdo and red lipstick for the next 20 years, just because they happened to be fashionable the year you got married. Classic looks last forever and nothing beats the simplicity of sleek elegance – think Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn for timeless style.

If you have a signature style, then work with it on your wedding day. If you are unsure of what suits you, find pictures of what you like and experiment with different looks. Get honest advice from friends and trial your wedding hair and makeup look until you get it right. Focus on details that could influence your makeup palate, like the colour of your flowers.

Having your skin look good is essential and choosing the right foundation is of utmost importance. Always match the colour to your neck and chest. As most brides prefer a sun-kissed look, this could mean choosing a warmer-toned base. Liquid foundation provides a more natural result while still giving a full coverage.

Be careful with shimmer powders and shiny eyeshadows. You will be photographed in all types of light and often with a flash, so you want to avoid a reflective effect. Of you are going for a dewy makeup look then keep the T-zone shine free. Apply shimmer only to the cheek and brow bones for a fresh effect.

Because long-lasting lipsticks can be quite dry, fill your lips in with a lip pencil first, followed by your lipstick and gloss of choice. The best colours are soft roses, berries, browns and buff tones. Avoid frosty orange at all costs! If you choose a red, keep it matte, as it has a tendency to run.

Professionally applied makeup should last all day, but for pre-photo touch-ups have a bridesmaid carry a pressed powder and mirror, lipstick and gloss, plus tissues and cotton buds. Keep an eye on each other for shiny noses and smudged lip gloss!

For hair that looks great in photos, follow these tips:

• Avoid curly tendrils or long wisps of hair, as they can look messy and dated.
• Work with your natural hair texture. If your hair is dead straight or super curly, choose a style that suits it.
• If you are wearing your hair loose, always pull the front pieces back so as not to hide your face.
• Veils can create a ‘drowning’ effect if placed too high on the head – keep them low at the back for a more modern look.
• Create interest at the back of your hair. Stylish chignons look great interwoven with flowers and crystals.
• Always get your hair coloured as close to your wedding as possible. You don’t want re-growth in your photos!

No matter what, the most important thing on your wedding day is that you fell and look a million dollars. Make sure you are 100 per cent happy with your look before hand to avoid stress and indecision on the day.

Getting your hair and makeup done should be the most relaxing part of the day…. Enjoy!