A touch of color helps bride shine in photos

By Al Varela

Dear Al: I don’t usually wear makeup other than a little mascara and lipstick. I am getting married and my friends have told me that it is important that I wear makeup for my wedding pictures. Can you please advise me on what I should do?

Your friends are correct. Since your wedding day will come and go very quickly, your best memories will come from the photographs taken on the big day. By following a few steps, you can be sure your makeup will give you a fabulous look for the camera. This is also important for the wedding party and of course, don’t forget your mom.

Before consulting with your makeup artist, you should have an idea about the color and style of your wedding dress and headpiece. You should also know how you will be wearing your hair as this will affect the type of makeup that will be best. The color of the bridesmaid’s dresses will be needed to determine the appropriate makeup colors to achieve the most uniform look as possible.

A trial makeover prior to the wedding day is a good idea so that you can see the results and make changes if necessary. Pick a day when you expect to have photographs taken, such as a shower or party. This way you can see what the makeup will look like and also get feedback from your friends. Remember that they are not used to seeing you in full makeup, and may need some time to get used to your new look.

The first step in your makeover will be to determine which foundation base is suited for your skin tone. Whether you use a liquid oil-free foundation or a powder cream foundation, you should always finish by dusting a translucent powder over the face, throat , neck and decollete to obtain a uniform skin tone.

Define the eyebrows and eye area with soft browns or charcoals and avoid using oranges or bronzes as they can have a glare effect in photographs. Use a range of peach to rose blush colors on the cheek and avoid contouring in this area unless it is absolutely necessary.

Lipstick colors will be determined by the type of photos to be taken. Your makeup artist should know the best colors to be used with black and white or color photography.

Including makeup in your wedding plans can put the finishing touches on one of the most memorable and happy times of your life and provide you with photographs that you will cherish for many years.

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