Makeup tips for the beautiful bride.

On your wedding day, you aim to be your best. Your finest couture gown, immaculate jewelry, shoes and accessories, everything must be on point. You have followed your beauty regimen and now it’s time for makeup. Many brides tend to get a little confused, should I go with the wedding colors, and should I do dramatic or more demure. Should I try something new, new colors, new makeup, and new style? While you never want to look the same way you do every day on your wedding day I suggest, that you don’t stray too far from your regular makeup routine. If you’re a bride which normally goes for the minimal look, don’t go for too much heavy makeup and a dramatic flair, you may end up being self-conscious and uncomfortable. If you tend to be more dramatic in your everyday wear, this time try to tone it down a little, choose a focal point and make subtle hints.

During your wedding planning, please do remember to include your makeup.

Will you be trying a new makeup artist, or will a close family member or friend be doing your makeup? Will you be trying a new technique (airbrushing) or new makeup?

I generally suggest no later than a month or two in advance for your makeup trial. Many makeup artiste get booked way in advance and you don’t want to be caught looking for someone at the last minute. Look in wedding magazines or on websites for a look that suits you. It’s always good to have at least 2 looks to try for a compare and contrast. Many brides try a dramatic and a subtle look to choose from. Try not to go too dramatic as you don’t want to overpower the elegance of your wedding dress.

Here are a few tips for that perfect wedding day look.

Try you makeup look in the settings of you wedding will it be indoors or outdoors, lots of lighting or a little. Remember to tell your makeup artist the conditions of your wedding.

Contouring & Highlighting: A combination of light and shadows. By applying a dark tone, you create a false shadow, making it appear as if there is depth. The opposite is true for lighter tones; they act as highlights and trick the eye into thinking they stand out. 

Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof, mascara, foundation, primer get everything waterproof. It’s a very emotional day, you’ll be glad you did.

Blend well, blend all you foundation, concealer and powder well as the camera will pick up makeup lines better than the natural eye.

Try bronzing powder on your chest and neck, that there isn’t a stark contrast in your face.

Brighten up on lip color, try not to wear a neutral lip tone as your dress will be white (or close to) and you don’t want to seem washed out.

If possible have your maid of honor carry your lipstick, even if you’ve blended hues, choose one closest to it, that you can touch up as need be.

Setting spray. You’ll be at it all day and much into the night, invest in a setting spray or ask your makeup artist to get one. It keeps your look hours on end.

Enjoy you day, take great pictures and your beautiful you will shine.

Wine Tasting 101

Now that valentine is over and the engagement proposals are made. Now is the time to celebrate. Let me say to all the perspective brides. CONGRATULATIONS to you all.

Grab the wine list with confidence. How to swirl and sip like a pro. “Egad, the wine list” it’s the first thing that goes through my head each time I am handed the book of beverages, at a restaurant, often I cross my perfect bottle, often times I’m unsure of how to talk to the wine steward, I skip the process entirely since I refuse to believe, I’m alone in this behavior. I got some oenophiles (wine experts) to share the art of picking the best bottle for your romantic honeymoon dinner. CHEERS!

Ask the expert:

Unlike “Fight Club” The first rule is to talk about the wine list. Ask you server or sommelier what has her most excited on the menu, says Rajat Parr; wine director for mina group, including Wit & Wisdom restaurants at the four seasons hotel, Baltimore. Let them know what your preference tastes are. Personally I like Reds and bubbles, although not generally together. Parr says, I should lead with that. I also prefer fruity tastes as opposed to smoky wood finishes so that’s another detail. I should share based on that and the dinner selection. The sommelier should be able to recommend a wine to compliment your meal. Also ask why the pairing is recommended.

Speak up:

If the sommelier is tossing around terms that you don’t understand, let them know “a good sommelier should have the ability to put images in your head.” Certain terms are general in the discourse of wine including “Tannic” which refers to a dry lip puckering taste, akin to a strong cup of tea. “Juicy” a rounder taste that feels like a fruit burst in your mouth and “Demi-sec” or (half dry) which can be a bit confusing since it describes sweet sparkling wines. “Body” is another common term that refers to the fullness of the taste. A wine can be light, medium or full bodied.

Go for price:

Don’t feel compelled to buy the most expensive bottle, choose a price point and don’t be ashamed to stick with it. The least expensive is not always the worst there is. Reason it is on the list maybe a great value. When negotiating the wine list you may want to point to your preferred price and ask the sommelier for similar suggestions, they’ll give input on bottles that are in the same range. I tend to go mid-range wines, since I assume they will be more complex that the cheapies and just as yummy as the expensive ones.

Take a sip:

Once you have selected your wine, the server will open a bottle table-side and offer you a small pour to try. The process is to ensure that everything is A-OK with the bottle and that the wine is at its best. While handling the glass, hold it by the stem as your hand temperature may affect the overall taste. Once the wine is poured, tilt the glass and notice the color of the liquid. Is it deep and rich? Healthy reds tend to have a purple ruby and maroon tones to them. Older whites are golden and amber in appearance. Keeping the glass on the table lightly spin the base so that the liquid swirls around the glass and check for any cork or lingering sediments which may indicate the wines isn’t at its prime.

When in doubt go for a Pinot Noir, a red wine with a simple understated taste that goes well with meat and fish. 

Cheers to a wonderful life of marital bliss.