Saturday, May 16, 2009

Deciding What Makeup Is Best

You probably apply your own makeup every day, and do quite well with it. But what the eye sees and the camera reports are two different things. Visit the cosmetic department of any fine department store, or a specialty makeup boutique, if one is available in your area. Each offers highly trained technicians who will spend an hour or so with you, applying different eye shadows, liners, foundation, blusher, and lipsticks.

How do you pick the right technician? Wait for the one whose own personal makeup you admire the most. (Of course, if there are any male technicians, observe their presentation and personality.) What should you tell them? First of all, your own preference. Do you generally wear little or no makeup by choice? Do you want something slightly exotic, or just a simple enhancement of your own features? You will also want to tell your technician whether your wedding will be during the day or evening. Do you plan on making regular visits to the local tanning salon before the big day? This figures a great deal in your choice of base foundations. And last, but not least, select a lipstick that stands up well to all the kissing you'll have to face on your wedding day.

Afraid you won't be able to apply this makeup in the same way? Is your maid or matron of honor skillful? Or, perhaps one of the bridesmaids? Then bring that person, as well as a camera, with you. Take close-up pictures — one with your eyes open, and one with eyelids closed, but the eyebrows lifted so that the shadow design will show clearly.

No one in the bridal party and/or in your house confident enough to play makeup artist? Call your hair salon. If there aren't any stylists who excel in makeup application, they certainly can refer someone to you!

There are those who are going to tell you that buying "name" cosmetics is a terrible waste of money. Well, they are right to a certain degree. Some technicians do push those "top notch" items while the everyday brands are just as good. As a matter of fact, I have a lot of great everyday cosmetics. But for my wedding, I wanted to pamper myself in the make-up department. And I did, somehow, feel "prettier" because of it. I maintain that visiting a technician teaches or refreshes you on photo basics. You'll learn not to line your eyes (makes you look tired) and when less eyeshadow is more. It's up to you. But it's your day — why not pamper yourself?
he day will come — if it hasn't already — that you realize all J the initial groundwork has been laid for your wedding day. At first you're truly amazed, and then perhaps a little depressed. You look at the months and months that lie ahead of you and sigh. Seems like there's nothing left to do, doesn't it?

Wrong. You see, this is where most brides make their first unfortunate mistake. We all rush out there and get the basics done. And then we think, "Oh, I won't have to finalize that until a week or so before the wedding," and we file it all away for later. The problem with "later" is that there will be so much to think about. And the brides who save it all for later are generally the ones who fold under last-minute pressures, and end up wishing the whole thing was over.
Don't be one of these unhappy brides. Get organized for the future now. After all, wouldn't it be a pleasant surprise to actually enjoy your own wedding?

During the Lull
Never put off 'til tomorrow what can be done today. It's a well-worn adage but all too applicable.

The very first step is to create a schedule of all your future activities. Use a calendar or pin-up lists — whatever organizes you best — and list everything you have to do: deposit deadlines, meetings, fittings, important decision-making days, whom to call and at what number. Remind yourself along the way what it is you should be thinking about. Don't ignore even the tiniest detail. In those last few nerve-racking weeks before your wedding, it is easy to forget even the most obvious of duties.

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