Insider tips for that perfect wedding photo

Like it or not, if you’re the bride, all spotlights are going to be on you for your wedding. If this makes you feel a bit self conscious and camera-shy; don’t worry, there are methods to camouflage what you don’t like and yes…in certain instances there are even ways to fool the camera!

Here are some tips:

Makeup

(1)  Use water-proof makeup - which is made with ingredients that repel water. The first step for face coverage, is to ask your makeup artist for water-proof versions of: primer, concealer, foundation, setting powder and lipsticks or lip stains. Primer helps makeup go on evenly and prevents creasing and caking of your foundation. Waterproof cream-based blushes tend to stay well-pigmented on the skin and last throughout the day. This is in contrast to powder blushes, which may need re-applications.

Wearing waterproof mascara is also essential. It is good for standing up to light perspiration or minimal eye-watering.

Airbrushed makeup and mineral makeup also stand the test of time and heat. They also tend to have a more natural look. An added bonus is that most mineral makeup lines tend to provide both UVA and UVB protection for your skin.

(2)  Touch ups – Always have some pressed powder or oil-blotting papers on hand to freshen up your makeup. A critical area for touch ups are the eyes; since natural oils produced by the eyelids can cause eyeshadows to pool in the creases. 

Posing

(3)  Observe proper posture –Always try to be aware of creating height in photos. When sitting or standing, try to maintain a straight back with relaxed shoulders (this requires some practice!), keep your tummy in and wear your best smile. However, avoid sticking your chest out!

(4)  Use your bouquet effectively - The majority of photographers will recommend that when you pose with your bouquet; you rest your lower arm softly against your hip bones. This avoids the unnatural look of brides trying to angle their hips away from the camera.

Close-up photos may require you to hold your bouquet above your waist; and for full length shots, you can try holding your bouquet below the waist.

(5)  Knowing your “best side” – if you’re self-conscious about your double chin, how a particular side of your face looks or a particular type of angle (for example, a side profile photo) be sure to let your photographer know in advance so that he/she can suggest solutions.   

Timing

(1)  Ask your photographer to shoot during early morning or late afternoon, in order to give your skin a softer and warmer tone.

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The proof is in the make-up!

It’s humid. The temperature is like a furnace inside your bridal gown. Then, the perspiration comes - even though you don’t want it to. Little by little, you feel the beads of foundation trickling down your face. The perspiration drops accelerate and roll into your eyes. You try to wink them away but all you get is a train track of black mascara, eyeliner and blush, all down your face.

Phew…then you wake up. It was only a wedding nightmare after all!

It may seem like a bad dream but the reality is that sometimes even the best makeup doesn’t stand a chance against our tropical climate’s humidity, wind, rain and heat. This is particularly true if you’re having an outdoor or beach wedding. Add bouts of emotion and tears to the humidity factor and you have a recipe for a streaky face and raccoon eyes.

One solution to keep that “blushing bride look,” is to use water-proof makeup - which is made with ingredients that repel water. The first step for face coverage is to ask your makeup artist for water-proof versions of: primer, concealer, foundation, setting powder and lipsticks or lip stains. Primer helps makeup go on evenly and prevents creasing and caking of your foundation.

Waterproof cream-based blushes tend to stay well-pigmented on the skin and last throughout the day. This is in contrast to powder blushes, which may need re-applications.

The eyes are the most critical area, since many brides tend to tear up or be prone to contact lens irritation. Waterproof eyeshadows, gel-based eyeliners and waterproof mascaras are good choices. Be aware though, that not all mascaras are created equal.

“Water-resistant” mascaras may not equal the staying power of water-proof mascaras. Water-resistant mascaras are good for standing up to light perspiration or minimal eye-watering. However, water-proof mascaras can go the distance of lasting throughout a shower or a swim!  If you’re wearing fake eyelash strips, it is also best to use water-proof eyelash glue.

Some make-up artists also recommend using makeup setting sprays. These are products designed to help your make-up become more water and sweat resistant. Liquid sealers are also available and are applied with a wand or brush. They work well to ensure makeup is long-wearing. However, they tend to leave a film or shine and so may not be suitable if you want to use shimmer eyeshadows and blush.

It’s important to note that rubbing can remove almost any type of waterproof makeup. Therefore, it’s best to avoid rubbing your eyes. Your makeup will last longer if you pat your face, especially with blotting papers.

After all, you need a dewy, fresh face and a pretty pucker for your “I do” kiss!

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Bridal Hair & Makeup Trends for 2012

Last year the bridal beauty watchwords were “natural and luminous.”

The emphasis was on the bride showcasing healthy, glowing skin; and there was widespread use of highlighter, bronzer or face shimmer, as well as peachy, coral or pink shades of blush.

This year, the look in bridal makeup is “romantic, feminine and retro,” with a profusion of pink and orange blush tones, pretty pastel eyes and dramatic lips.

Some trends in bridal hair and makeup trends for this year are:

Eyes - The smoky eye with the nude lip combination remains popular, however, this year, pastel eyeshadows in colours such as: lavender, mint green, pink and peach, are in vogue. These demure eye colours are being juxtaposed with false eyelashes or heavy mascara application and/or liquid eyeliner.  Alternatively, the eyes can be kept very neutral with colour enhancing the bride’s face, from a brighter choice of blush and lipstick.

Lip Colour – Many brides are going for a more “retro glam” type of makeup, preferring a neutral eye, in exchange for a deeper lip colour. These vibrant colours are replacing the nude and sheer lips of previous years. Last year’s lip “it” colours were deep mauve, cranberry, red and rose. This year, red will stay but bright pink, coral and orange-toned lips will be popular. There will be a preference of lipsticks versus lip glosses.

Hair – The most popular hairstyle for this year’s modern bride will be the chignon or ballerina bun. An embellished headband or a veil worn away from the face is a perfect complement to this hairstyle. More and more brides are choosing to wear their hair up or away from the face.

Bridal hairstyles with loose waves and soft curls will also be seen. These natural and “easy” hairstyles are a stark contrast to the formal, up-do’s of years gone by.

Brides who still favour a more structured hairstyle can choose the very vintage-like pin curls or a modern take on the “bee hive” hairdo.   

Bridal Hair & Makeup Trends for 2011

None of us can debate that well-done hair and makeup have the power to transform the everyday woman into a glamourous bride!

Recently, on the runways at New York’s Bridal Fashion Week, the overarching look for most of the collections was “natural and luminous” – with an emphasis on the bride showcasing healthy, glowing skin.

There was widespread use of highlighter, bronzer or face shimmer as well as peachy, coral or pink shades of blush.

Some other trends in bridal hair and makeup are:

Eyes - The smoky eye remains popular, however, this year, it is updated in shades of plum, khaki and grey. The use of mascara and eyelash extensions are also trendy, as eyelashes take centre stage.  

Lip Colour – If you’re not after the smoky eye look this year, you can pucker up with bold shades of deep mauve, cranberry, red and rose. These vibrant colours are replacing the nude and sheer lips of previous years.

Hair – Two popular hairstyles for this year’s modern bride are the side bun (an updated version of the chignon or ballerina bun - (*see photo above taken at New York's Bridal Market, April 2011, copyright Trinidad Weddings) accented with a flower or hair jewellery, or open hair with lots of loose waves.

Braided hairstyles (some of which are slightly messy and textural), bangs, centre paths that have an updated 1970’s vibe, low ponytails and long, soft curls are also vogue at the moment. These natural and “easy” hairstyles are a stark contrast to the formal, up-do’s of years gone by.

Brides who still favour a more structured hairstyle can choose the very vintage-like finger curls that hark back to the 1920’s, 1940’s and 1950’s or a modern French twist. Many brides are also opting for clip-in hair extensions, in order to have more hair length and therefore, more versatility of hairstyles to choose from.