Where to start? A simple guide to help you look GREAT on your Wedding Day.

Preparing for the Big Day:
This is your special day. It should and will be perfect. You've made plenty of check lists, reservations, and decisions. Now, let's go over how your makeup will look.

To Start:
If you need help, hire someone. Most brides hire caterers, floral people, photographer’s…people to do what they cannot. So, if you cannot fully create a timeless image of yourself for your wedding…get some help. You will be grateful that you did.

Plan in advance. Use professional makeup artists if you can. If you are not used to wearing makeup, that's ok, you can be minimal and finished looking for your photographs. The important thing is to look like you with a beautiful glow, soft colors and just pinched cheeks.

Don't go overboard on the makeup. You don't need that much more makeup for the photographs. If you are having your makeup professionally done, have a consultation. Make an appointment for a trial run (the same with your hair). Discuss with the makeup artist how you want to look. Go for a classic beauty makeup instead of something trendy that will be outdated next year. Bring photographs of looks you like with you. Remember individuals can interpret the word “natural” differently. Invite the rest of your bridal party to also follow these rules of thumb. Not to take away from individuality, but the pictures look that much nicer when one particular makeup or hairstyle doesn't overstate another. Men tend to glow too. Before the photography, give your groom and the other male members of the wedding party some oil blotting papers to press into their t-zone area (forehead, nose and cheeks).

3 Months Before:
- make an appointment with your hairdresser to discuss and try out hairstyles. If you're planning a big change such as color or cut this is the time to do it.
- your hands are going to be on show so if your nails aren't looking as good as you'd like them to start having regular manicures.
- if you are a glasses wearer and are either planning to swap frames or change to lenses do it now so you get use to them.
- get your complexion looking it's best with monthly or bimonthly facials depending on your skin type. Don't have a facial during the week leading up to your wedding.

1 Month Ahead:
• If you are thinking of perming your hair, give yourself enough time to "fix" anything that might not turn out, as you wanted.
• Practice good nutrition and exercise for stress relief if you don't already
• this is the time to try out a false tan to see how you like it, how it looks with your dress and how it will affect your make-up. Try Toma’s Tan Perfect (available at Walgreens or Ulta)
• Check out the different bridal magazines or even look to your favorite celebs for ideas on hair and makeup.
• Remember you should look like you only better. So, if you don't wear much make-up don't be tempted to pile it on and if you like your make-up strong don't opt for a soft natural look, you won't feel right.
• If your using a professional make-up artist on the “Big Day” have a trial so you feel confident and comfortable with your look. Now is the time for any fine-tuning..

1- 2 Weeks Ahead:
• Have a facial or use a mask at home
• Use a mask on your hands and nail conditioners. Try Tony & Tina nail mask (available at Eve.com)
• Start using an appropriate mask or scrub every 3 days so your skin glows. Try St. Ives Apricot Scrub (available at Walgreens or Eckerd’s)
• Wax body or facial hair.
• Have your brows arched but not with wax try threading.
• Have your hair colored if needed
• Go to stylist with your veil for a hairstyle trial run.
• Turn up your false tan. Try Toma’s Tan Perfect (available at Walgreens or Ulta)
• Make sure your lips are kissably smooth, use a lip balm regularly.

1 Day Before:
• Get a manicure
• Use a calming or hydrating mask appropriate for your skin type
• Drink some Chamomile tea
• Limit your alcohol, and salt consumption so you're not puffy the next day

On the Day:
- Allow plenty of time to do your hair & make-up, you don't want to feel rushed.
- All you'll need to take with you for touch ups - powder papers to blot up shine and lip color
- Above all enjoy the moment.