Tips on Bridal makeup

IT'S A cliche but it's true, every girl has dreamt of being a blushing bride on her wedding day. Unfortunately, more often than not girls tend to go overboard on their wedding; whether it's the make-up or the outfit, sadly turning the dream into a garish nightmare. Loud make-up, flashy jewellery, gaudy ensembles and tasteless accessories often leave the bride resembling a vulgar and ostentatious tent, even more so when both have been colour coordinated to suit the 'theme'. If pristine innocence and beauty is the ultimate goal, then it's better to go au naturel rather than shamelessly done up. Let us not forget the groom is making a lifelong commitment to love and protect YOU, not some random girl at the altar that he can hardly recognise.

It's hard to control the excitement, the jitters and that overwhelming knot in the stomach on your D-day, and by all means enjoy that, if you're lucky it's a once in a lifetime experience. However some things, like the way one looks can be controlled so please exercise that right and take charge.

Doll up to woo the love of your life, play Barbie if you have to but stay away from playing gremlin. It's bad enough your friends can't sue you for being bridezilla, you don't want your groom to sue you for deception or give you the third degree on your honeymoon.

"Care is better than cure, the natural look is really in and thus skin care and a healthy complexion is very important."

1. Follow the "Five golden rules": Cleansing, toning, moisturising, sunscreen and weekly facepack. The face pack should be applied in a professional salon according to skin type, as normal face packs can cause dehydration, breakouts and dryness.

2. Monthly facial by a professional is important to remove dry and dead skin and keep the skin glowing. Face massage is a must, as it makes the skin plump, removing stress and stress lines.

3. Professional guidance is better than home remedies. Use tried and tested products. Drink lots of water and eat fruit, including fruit and vegetables rich in vitamin C and E.

4. Eyes: Bold eyebrows create a frame, use a brown pencil instead of black for a soft effect. White liner applied inside the eye makes small eyes look bigger. Bright shadow on the inner corner of eyelids widens out close set eyes. Use shadows like lilac and purple that are soft. Avoid coloured contact lenses.

5. Lips: Apply lots of balm to keep lips moist and plump. Juicy colours are a big hit this season, use colours like orange, citrus and peaches.

6. Face: Use a base that matches your skin tone and that blends well with your skin type. Compact is important to keep the skin non greasy. Foundation should be well blended. Lastly use blush to enhance your bone structure and get that natural flush.

7. Hair: For hair care one should regularly apply oil and conditioners. Also avoid excessive hair treatments. Stick with natural hair colour and don't make any drastic changes like cuts, perm or colour, stick to simple styling.

8. Brides-to-be should ideally opt for trial make-up sessions, so that they can see what suits them and there are no last minute blunders. The complete look should be planned ahead of time, including coordinating the make-up, hair and ensembles. Dress in outfits that are flattering and complimenting, there's no point being skinny and then adding pounds in a thirty kilo lehenga or turning glowing skin into pancake.