The Highlight of Your Wedding Day

Have you ever noticed how some celebrities positively glow in photographs? That's because their makeup artists know a little trick many folks are not privy to. Highlighter! No, not the fluorescent felt-tip pen you used to mark up your college textbooks. The highlighter in question is a light-reflecting powder, cream, or liquid utilized towards the end of your makeup routine to enhance certain areas of your face. Mind you I did not say glitter! Unless you're a fairy, you have no business putting glitter on your face. Illumination is the look you want to achieve.

Highlighters come in a variety of colors, but it's best to choose one that's neutral and close to your skin tone. You don't want to look like a clown for your nuptials, unless of course you're having a circus-themed wedding! To brighten up your peepers, sweep the highlighter over your brow bone and inner corners of your eyes. Next, apply it from the bridge to the tip of your nose, and at the top of your cheekbones above your blush. Blend with a brush. For luscious lips, apply the highlighter to the Cupid's bow before you sweep on your lipstick. You'll be amazed at how gorgeous and ravishing this will make your mouth look!

As with any hair or makeup routine pertaining to your wedding day, do a trial run with the highlighter several weeks before the big event to ensure you like the color and application, and don't have a reaction to the newest cosmetic in your beauty arsenal. Get illuminated!

Shimmer and Glow

Maybe you're not a shiny, sparkly person by nature. That's fine. But this is your wedding we're talking about! The one day of your life when you can, and should, use every trick in the book to look like the pretty princess you get to be for your nuptials. So why not treat your skin to a little shimmer and glow? We're not talking about encrusting yourself with glitter, but a little incandescence never hurt anyone. Not only that, you'll look radiant in the hundreds of photographs that will be taken of you as a bride.

What's the best way to achieve the look of luminosity? First, you need to make sure to keep your skin exfoliated and moisturized. This alone can make it appear more radiant. Next, you need to decide whether you want to have a fake tan or not. Not the kind that makes you look like you should be dangling from a citrus tree, but rather one that gives you that sun-kissed appearance. You can have this sprayed on at a salon or use a tanner purchased from the store. The most natural look can be achieved by using a product that builds color gradually over time. Also, bronzing powder can be lightly and strategically swept over your skin. Consult your make-up artist for his or her expertise on how and what to use to get your glow.

Now that your glow has been established, it's time for the shimmer! You can purchase luminescent lotions or powders to give you a subtle sheen. These come in a variety of colors, but it's best to choose one that closely matches your skin tone. Some are even scented for extra appeal. Apply this to any skin your wedding dress doesn't obscure, but don't overdo it! You don't want to end up transferring your shimmer to everyone and everything around you.

A little extra effort and you can be radiant on this most special occasion!

There is a Universal Blush Color

Did you know there's a universally flattering shade of blush? Is it possible that just one particular color can look great on any woman despite her skin tone? The answer is yes! So, what is this magical hue? Rosey pink. The reason this color can make any blushing bride beautiful is because, more than any other color, it mimics the natural glow your cheeks display when blushing due to embarrassment, or flattery, or being in love! But don't count on the natural flush you'll get on your face when you first spot your waiting groom; sweep some rosey pink blush across your cheeks for a pretty, finished look.

One big mistake many women are guilty of is buying a color of blush they think is pretty, regardless of how it'll look against their skin tone. Sure, sparkly peach is lovely, and who doesn't love a vibrant purple? But putting either of these shades on the wrong face is a faux pas. If you tend to reach for your favorite color of blush at the store, and then regret it once you see in on your face, play it safe and go for rosey pink. Maybe you hate pink as a color, but you don't hate looking gorgeous, right? Forget about your palette preference and be pretty in pink!