You’ve found the perfect soul mate, the details of the perfect wedding are planned, but don’t overlook the one detail that will be the centerpiece of your day...your face.
Choosing an Artist
I know a lot of women overlook the importance of experience in this area. They shy away from hiring someone with expertise because they don’t like the “heavy made-up look.”
This day is not like the others in your life. Even the natural look on this day needs the touch of an expert. The right artist will know how to give you the perfect look to suit your taste and the occasion. The skill of the make-up artist comes with experience.
Talk to the artist about where they trained. A make-up artist should know about highlighting and shading, and how lighting affects the make-up and how to apply make-up for photography. Ask what they have done in the past and if they have a portfolio.
What Type of Kit Do They Carry?
Is it clean? Do they sanitize their brushes before using them on you? This is very important, especially if you have any skin problems, e.g., sensitive skin or allergies. Do they come prepared for any circumstance?
Your artist can end up having to repair your dress...are they new to the field or have they built their kit over time? Do they follow trends and carry the latest and greatest?
Basic Skin Care
There are obvious basics that need to be a focal point for any skin care routine. Cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protection with a good sunscreen. A solid regimen of skin and nail care is the best way to get that 'total look' you are after.
Talk to a beautician regarding a skin and nail care plan. This may mean regular facials starting two months before the wedding. Also, don't forget your nails.
Things to Avoid
Too many opinionated people in the room you are getting ready in. Too many opinions about what your artist should do for you.
If you have hired the right professional, you need to trust them to do their job. There is nothing worse than a bride that needs to tell her artist exactly what to do every step of the way. Why pay someone to do that for you?
Remember that you have to spend the rest of your life with the people who are sharing this special day with you. If you are rude, unreasonable, and unhappy...they will remember it for the rest of their lives, and it shows on your face. It always warms my heart to meet relaxed, happy brides on their wedding days...they are unforgettable!
Pre-Wedding Treatments
I feel it is a nice idea to have a facial a couple of weeks before the wedding. No closer than this because of the toxins which come out during and after the facial may cause pimples, which we don't want on the day.
You might also want to consider having a manicure on the day or just before.
I also recommend a facial at least two months before the big event. This allows the face to be cleansed, ridding the skin of impurities such as blackhead and blemishes. This allows the skin to be detoxified overall.
If a bride has very sensitive skin, I recommend a face booster which does not exfoliate but does cleanse the skin. The axiom “Less is More” holds true here. I always tell brides never to do anything they haven¹t done before. You truly do not want to find out on your wedding day that you are allergic to fake nails, facial moisturizer, etc.
The day before the wedding, exfoliate the skin to get rid of dead skin cells. A natural cleanser is better than a chemical-based cleanser. To exfoliate the day before the wedding, put 1 tablespoon of sugar in a cleanser which will then help exfoliate the skin without being to aggressive.
Make-up for Asian Skin Tones
The most popular things my brides like are when I use the Art of Bindi to highlight the face, and Sumita Body Art to accentuate certain bridal features. In addition, instead of Mehndi, a lot of brides prefer glitter Mehndi.
A favorite of mine is to use the Surma pencil to darken the eyes, and the Gel eyeliner on the top lash line, giving the bride a “winged” look.
Ayurveda, Herbal Treatments: In late 2009, I am launching a face pack with nine additives that are Ayurveda-based. This will allow all our clients to experience and maintain a healthy skin regimen.
On the Day
Plan and keep to a schedule. Share this schedule with the rest of the family. Get their buy in. Make sure that you eat and brush your teeth before the make-up is applied so not to damage the application.
Many brides get dehydrated and faint because they forget to drink anything. You should allow approximately 30 minutes.
Where possible, the hairstylist and the make-up artist should alternate between people to save time. Relax, listen to your favorite music and enjoy your special day. Most brides let nerves ruin the most special times for themselves and their closest loved ones.
I have noticed that a lot of Indian brides prefer a light dupatta to cover their head or none at all.
I always say...surround yourself with the right experts and you will find that everything takes care of itself. The vendors that specialize in their respective fields have dealt with every possible situation over time, and can handle anything thrown their way. Don’t forget...what you pay is what you get!