LOOKING BIG DAY BEAUTIFUL
Wedding Beauty Advice for the Blushing Bride

Savvy brides-to-be recognize that weddings require managing countless details. Bridal beauty isn't just an after thought, but instead takes time and practice. Looking sensational on your wedding day isn’t just a matter of finding a great dress and getting a gorgeous updo. It comes from mapping out a beauty regimen that not only makes you look the best you can, but makes you feel relaxed and confident as well.

Beauty experts caution that wedding day perfection won't happen without work, which means that you should begin your planning long before you walk down the aisle. So be sure to plan ahead for effortless wedding day beauty. Have those deep conditioning treatments, facials, manicures and trial hair sessions done months before your big day. Brides who plan new beauty regimens along with their ceremonies and receptions can find themselves prepared for not only a beautiful wedding day, but a healthier way of life that lasts long after the honeymoon.

To begin, envision yourself on the big day. What do you see? Something dramatic? Glamorous? Graceful? It’s always helpful to be able to intelligently share style ideas with your beauty professionals.

Before you start ripping your favorite pages out of beauty magazines, look at favorite pictures of yourself. Maybe your eyes or your full lips make you stunning -- or perhaps you loved the rosy glow in your cheeks that day. After you know what it is that you love about yourself, you can then look to others for beauty inspiration.

Afterward, look at the big picture of the wedding itself. Where you're marrying and what time of day will affect the beauty specifics: A wedding on a beach might call for a bronze and dewy look an evening affair always requires more drama against dim lighting. In addition, consider your wedding style. Is it vintage? City sophisticate? For example, if your gown and your details evoke an all-American preppy, striking cat-eyes probably aren't going to work.

Make note of your day-to-day beauty dilemmas, such as mascara on your bottom lashes tends to give you dark circles or lip liner makes your lips dry, and share these concerns with your makeup artist. And don't be afraid to try something new -- as long as you test-drive the look before the wedding. You may find colors or combinations you are afraid of actually look great on you!

Whether you're going for a natural look or for something more lavish, chances are you'll definitely want to put your best face forward on your wedding day. Your hair, makeup and skin have to look picture perfect -- and with a little practice and planning the reward for all your exhaustive work is a smooth event that everyone — especially you — can enjoy.