Tuesday, 22 May 2012

nice day for a white wedding!

Whether you're getting married or just on the guest list it's the prime time for a wedding! There's a whole plethora of advice, blogs and websites telling you what to wear, how to do your make up and what music to play for your first dance.

So not to be left out here's a few tips from me because on the big day we all just want to look our very best and you just can't get enough advice.

If you're going to book a makeup artist: 
  • ask for recommendations or check out their website
  • always have a trial, you don't want any surprises on the day
  • tear out examples of make up looks that you like from magazines as a reference
  • tell them what you want, it's your day!
When doing your own make up think about accentuating your best features. Think 'simple' and 'pretty' sometimes Less really is More. 

Don't forget your decolletage, arms and legs if your dress exposes them. Use a light shimmer cream to smooth over those areas that show.

Some make up can reflect in light and look different in photographs, if possible have some photos taken at the trial or when you practice your own make up to check the final photographed look.

Don't have facials too close to your wedding day just in case you bring out a nasty spot. 

Don't pluck your eyebrows on the day (the odd straggler should be OK) as it may make your eye area red or puffy.

If you don't usually wear contact lenses but want to for the wedding, practice wearing them in the weeks or even months leading up.

Drink lots of water, eat lots of fruit and veggies and get some sleep before your big day. This will give you more energy and naturally brighten your skin. 

Make up should last all day, by that, I mean all through the kissing, crying, hugging, laughing, eating and dancing. Here are few product that will really help you keep your make up on for longer.

Wear waterproof mascara, Define -A-Lash is great. Non clogging for a natural finish.



Use a primer or pore smoother. Try Benefit Porefessional, a great skin smoother or Chanel Base Lumiere which is a wonderful primer that also brightens the skin.



Long dark lashes are an essential for definition and look great in photos. Try out applying a few individual false lashes just at the outside corner edge of your eyes. Apply directly on the lash line and use a superior glue like Duo in black, which provides the maximum bond but is easy to take off at the end of the night. 



For a classic bridal make up take lips one or two notches up from natural and add a touch of lighter gloss in the middle of your mouth for a pouty smile. To keep your lippy on for longer, before layering your lipstick and gloss, apply pencil all over and blot with a separated two ply tissue.

A great all rounder pencil is MAC 'Subculture'


Whatever foundation you choose, try to avoid one with an SPF as they don't work too well with flash photography. Stick to one that you know and trust.

The most important thing to remember when doing your own make up for your wedding day is to practice before hand. Don't leave it to the last minute. Find a look you like and try it out, several times if possible because as we all know, practice makes perfect!

Last of all don't forget to take a few essential items in your bag on the day:
  • Pressed powder or blotting papers
  • your lipstick or gloss
  • tissues 
  • spray breath freshener 

If you're thinking about doing your own hair, why not try a modern soft 'up do' like this:

Thursday, 3 May 2012

what i did last week

Last week was a game of two halves.

The first half involved me driving down to leafy Wentworth to be part of a shoot for GRAZIA magazine. It was a good day and a beautiful setting. I got to work with some lovely people including a pair of Brad and Angelina 'look-a-like' models. The only real problem was the weather, which was wet, wet, wet!

The Angelina-a-like got to wear some beautiful designer gowns which I understand are all possible choices for the real Ange. Brad who turned up with ultra short hair, got to wear a wig!

The second half of the week involved my 7 year old falling from a climbing frame and braking her right  arm.

Life sure is colourful...





The happy couple and me



Moshi Monsters are big in our house!