Make up for your big day

Sandra Cormack kindly agreed to be the guest writer this month, Sandra is a very experienced make up artist and hairdresser so if you need someone to help you on the day of your Wedding then you'd not go far wrong with Sandra. Please check out her website at http://www.scmakeupartistry.co.uk/

Here she offers Brides a few helpfull tips for the big day.

I was delighted when Angus invited me to provide a guest blog piece offering tips and advice for your wedding day hair & makeup and hope that this helps in some small way to looking fantastic on one of the most important days of your life.

Whether you do your makeup yourself or hire a professional the most important piece of advice is to cleanse tone and moisturise your skin and exfoliate with a mild exfoliant daily to slough off dead skin cells. I recommend Dermalogica skin care as they are unperfumed and chemical free (always a good thing!) No matter what makeup you apply, without a good skin care routine your makeup will not look as good. There are other less expensive brands available so shop around to find what suits you best.

Finding a hair stylist and make up artist - word of mouth or blog recommendation is always helpful as you can waste time and money on trials that can be less than satisfactory. If someone has a professional site with a good range of examples of their work then that is usually a good indication of their skills and professionalism. Arrange a consultation with them to discuss your ideas and requirements and discover if they can meet your needs.

Cost
You only get what you pay for! If you want to look your best and have the best products around then it is worth paying for. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and an occasion when you want to look like a princess. I have had brides contact me to say that they have had trials elsewhere and they commented that 'makeup felt tight' on their skin and that they 'looked like a clown'. No one wants to feel like that ever, let alone on their wedding day! Ask what cosmetic products they use; as a freelance professional artist I use many brands such as MAC. Dermalogica, Bobbi Brown, Nars, Laura Mercier, Chanel, Benefit (to name a few). They are expensive but their colours are long-lasting and highly pigmented. Charlotte Tilbury's 'My Face' range at Boots are also very good and split into skin types to make it easy-peasy for you.

The Look
Most Brides don't want to look dramatically different; but a flawless, more glamorous version of themselves. What that may be is individual to the Bride herself; some women's everyday makeup may be winged liner and red lips therefore they wouldn't want to look natural on the day. There is no one wedding day style but it is essential that you feel comfortable with your chosen look and not artificial.


Hair
There are lots of styles to choose from and what will suit you will depend on your face shape, dress etc. Don't worry if you feel your hair is too fine or not long enough, track hair extensions add length and volume and 'doughnuts' also add volume (available from 'Sally's' and other hair suppliers). A large number of brides on my site have hair extensions, the trick is to make sure that they don't look like extensions.


Eye Colours
Violet shades suit most eye colours and are very flattering. Soft bronzes and golds look amazing on tanned skins, while silvers and greys combined together look amazing. Layer shadows and different colours as this will create staying power. To finish, waterproof mascara is a must but despite this it's best to not mascara your lower lashes if they are prone to smudging.

Concealer is important but avoid 'Touche Eclat' on your day as you can end up with a 'Reverse Racoon' eye effect in photographs which is never an attractive look! Aim for a colour that is approx 1 to 1.5 shades lighter than your own skin, tapping the concealer under eyes and remember less is more... I love Bobbi Brown's concealers personally and also Benefit Erase Paste.

Sculpted and highlighted cheekbones and jawlines can enhance your face and look amazing in photographs although avoid frosty or too shimmery colours as they don't photograph well.

Having your photograph taken while you are in the throes of hair and makeup is never flattering and can impact on time. A good tip is to ask your photographer to take pictures after it's done and you and your hair/ makeup artist can pose with brushes etc and is much more flattering.

Trials
Always have a trial at least a month before your wedding and bring along any hair pieces, accessories or veils too.

Never be afraid to ask your hair stylist or makeup artist to try a number of different styles on you if you wish and if you are not completely satisfied at your trial then say so. It's your money and special day and you want to look your very best. A good tip is to collect images of hair and makeup styles you like to discuss and ensure you achieve your desired look. Take pictures of your look and combine your trial with a special night out to obtain feedback if possible.

Lastly, remember it's your day so ENJOY it - with a professional hair and makeup artist you are assured of looking fantastic !