[Bride.Beauty]

Eyes are the big beauty focus this season. Whether they're soft and fresh or strongly shaded aka the smoky eye! Well shaped brows and lush lashes create a full on fringe for rocking the bridal runway.

MAC currently has some beautiful eyeshadow quads that are guaranteed to make your eyes dazzle!

• Shadowy Lady eyeshadow x4

• Spiced Chocolate eyeshadow x4

 [Beautiful.Brows]

Start with a great shape. Three steps to the perfect arch.

1. Take an eyeliner pencil and place it vertically against the side of your nose. Your brows should begin where the tip meets the brow.
2. Move the pencil so that it hits the middle of the mouth and the outer edge of the pupil. The pencil and brow meet at your brow's arch.
3.  Place the pencil against your nostril and move it so that the tip hits the outer corner of your eye, this is where the brow should end.
   

[Lush.Lash]

False lashes A full lash strip adds density to the entire lash line. It opens up your eyes and it looks fabulous in pictures. My faves are MAC #7, #3 and #36. Red Cherry 601 and 501
Individual lashes are for the bride that doesn't want the commitment of a full lash strip, they're great for adding a little flare to the eye. For filling in sparse lashes and they look the most natural.

Lash Extensions  These semi permanent, synthetic lashes are glued on individually to your lashes and they last about 6 weeks. It takes  2 hours to apply but it is so worth it, imagine waking up  hot with big beautiful lashes and not having to apply makeup on your honeymoon. (heaven)

[mascara]

If you want to have full and long lashes by using mascara only, than you must try these mascaras:

• Diorshow by Christian Dior 
•  Fatale by Lancome
• Zoom Lash by MAC
• Plush Lash by MAC

[Trial Makeup.Session]

• Bring pictures from magazines to show what makeup looks appeal to you.
• Please let the artist know if you are allergic to any dyes or particular eyeshadow colors.
• Communication is Key!  For both makeup artist and Bride-to-be!
• Makeup can only do so much, the better the skin the better the makeup will look.
• Be prepared!, bring tear sheets, camera or video camera, wear a white/ivory top
  
• It's best to start any skin care treatments or facials 6-8 weeks before the wedding to achieve maximum results.

Bride to be Before

B2B After She is going for a stylized look. Natural tones with sculpted cheeks and a nude lip.

A more natural look for a morning wedding varies greatly from the more dramatic look of an evening ceremony. The way the sunlight changes throughout the day can influence the way your makeup appears in photos. It can also affect the type of lighting your photographer will choose when he photographs you.
Brides are divided into four categories based on the time of day they are getting married:

•    MORNING BRIDE: makeup should appear soft and pretty to match the cool, soft morning light. Mornings are perfect for the natural girl, because it’s the time of day when a bride should wear the least amount of makeup.
• MIDDAY BRIDE: midday sun can cast shadows on your face which can make a difference if your taking outdoor photos. Makeup should be well defined, matte and lashes are a plus.
• LATE AFTERNOON BRIDE: The golden light of the late afternoon is the most beautiful light you can be photographed in. The sun is starting to set in the sky, creating a beautiful warm glow. Since the light is so beautiful and forgiving you can add more drama to your makeup look. Makeup should be richer, shimmery and of course lashes are a must have.

• EVENING BRIDE: If you love to glam it up, an evening wedding allows you to go for a more dramatic look. This is the time of day for the bride who wants to be Ultra-Glam. Remember that every photograph will be taken with a flash, which definitely makes a difference in your choices. The smoky eye is a perfect look.

Daniel and Brandi, engagement photos.Late afternoon Bride to Be. Photo by Kevin Sam

• Book regular manicures, pedicures and facials. Discuss any specific skin-care needs - such as acne, sensitive skin, etc. - with your aesthetician and begin to address any problems.
• Now is the time to begin more aggressive exfoliation - with an exfoliating cream or home microdermabrasion or peel kit, or visit your skin-care specialist.
• Stay out of the sun and begin looking for tanning alternatives, such as self-tanning lotions for face and body. Spray Tans are beautiful.
•  Keep working out (or start); exercise relieves stress and improves skin tone.

• Book a trial makeup session with your makeup artist. Wear your usual makeup to the session so she'll get an idea of your everyday look.
•  Bring pictures from magazines to show what looks appeal to you.
• Alert her to any sensitivity or allergies to makeup.
• Stress tends to decrease natural radiance.
• Some brides find that starting weekly massages at this point helps settle wedding jitters down the line.

[Two weeks before]

• See your dentist for regular cleaning, and possibly a bleaching session.
• Have a facial
•  touch up your hair color.

[Right before the wedding]

• Confirm all makeup, hair and nail appointments for yourself and your bridesmaids.
• If you want to tan, get a spray tan.
  
• Resist the urge to try any new skin-care or makeup products, especially if you have sensitive skin. Stress may make your skin more reactive to ingredients or treatments it hasn't encountered before.

Photography by True Beauty Photography.