Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts

Thursday 7 May 2015

Glamorous Golden Tattoos for Your Wedding Day

There's a huge trend at the moment for golden body art. Personally I wouldn't ever want a tattoo, but these temporary stencils are super-glamorous. They've got the feel of a wild summer holiday, and would look gorgeous on a boho bride. Keep it simple - less is more...... you could always surprise your husband with one stuck on somewhere under your wedding dress! California-based store Creative Swirls Shop will even create a bespoke design for you, but a simple love tattoo set is only £7. London stockists include Karizma and Awsm.Tattoo.


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Friday 19 September 2014

Wedding Beauty Preparation: Do’s and Don’ts

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} Any wedding lead up is stressful. How's yours ticking along? So many things to remember, and I bet you have lists coming out of your ears. That's why this week I thought I'd take one task off your hands and create your very own Wedding Beauty Do's and Don'ts Check List. It's sure to keep you on the straight and narrow as you prepare to walk up the aisle.

{Photo Credit} Julia's make-up brushes!

DO
Have lots of make-up trials at beauty counters. Whether you’re doing your own wedding make-up or hiring a professional, this will freshen up your product knowledge, and help you understand what looks and feels right and wrong. Why not get a trial at MAC, Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder, Lancôme or Laura Mercier? Often you can redeem the cost of your wedding make-over against product purchases.

DON'T
Use products on your wedding morning that you haven't practiced or trialled first. You're risking allergy, colour, and comfort issues on your wedding day.

DO
Get a wedding make-up trial {if you’re going with a professional}, as close to your wedding day as you can. There's no point having a trial a year in advance, as the look won't be fresh in your mind. You want to be able to discuss any last minute changes with your wedding make-up artist with confidence.

DON'T
Try a crazy new make-up look for your wedding day. It's great to experiment, but make sure you feel comfortable with the look you have chosen. On their wedding day, brides should look like a more polished and shiny version of themselves, NOT like someone completely different.

DO
Experiment with professional brow shaping and lash implants two to three months before your big day. This means you'l have time for re-growth or tweaking if anything doesn't go to plan first time.

DON'T
Get a fake tan a few days before for your wedding day. As with brows and lashes – experiment a few months in advance so you know exactly how you look, with fake sun-kissed skin.

{Photo Credit} Wedding Hair & wedding make-up by Julia Bowden Weddings

DO
Leave plenty of time on your wedding morning. Your make-up artist should plan this with you, but if you're doing your own wedding make-up you can never underestimate how quickly time passes on a wedding morning. Allow 2 hours for your hair and make-up, and an hour each for mothers and bridesmaids. This way you are bound to have some contingency time. Always aim to be ready and in your dress 30 minutes before you are meant to leave for the ceremony.

DON'T
Worry if you feel caked in make-up and you're not used to it! No-one is going to be studying your face up close, it's all about the overall look – and you need those extra touches to make you stand out in photos.

DO
Think about the time of year and the setting. Summer or winter, indoor or outdoor – make-up can be tailormade to suit. For example, a candlelit wedding would suit a more dramatic sparkling look, whereas bright summer sunshine requires softer wedding make-up.

DON’T
Squeeze any spots, or go for facials a few days before the wedding. Your wedding make-up artist will be very experienced in covering blemishes, so leave it to the expert. Facials are great but can drag out the impurities, so you may end up making your skin temporarily worse.

DO
Create your very own bridal beauty scrap book. Once you start it'll become addictive, and you’ll soon learn exactly the kind of wedding make-up and wedding hair you like. This will also helpyour wedding make-up artists at the trial stages. Take a look at Pinterest – it's an online scrapbook with thousands of wedding ideas.



{Photo Credit} Funky Photographers

DO
Get a touch up kit for the day - foundation, cover up, powder, anti-shine, mascara, liner, lips and blush – they're an absolute must…just get your bridesmaid to carry it for you on your wedding day!

DO
Analyse your skin a few months before your wedding day so you have time to address any issues you may have. There are plenty of solutions out there, from a brilliant moisturiser to a quick trip to the doctor – whatever it is, get it sorted and under control in advance!

DO
Get a reputable professional on board to do your make-up if you want a wedding make-up artist on the day. Love Hair is a fantastic agency providing an excellent wedding service for bridal hair and make-up. Make sure you take lots of pictures once you are happy with the end result, and ask your stylist for a list of products they used so you can pick them up for your touch up kit. You may end up with me on the day, as I'm one of their wedding make-up artists. Alternatively, you can book me direct - do get in touch.

Good luck! JB x


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Saturday 15 February 2014

Introducing Get Your Bride Body for Your Wedding Look

Nearly every bride I know has wanted to tone up in time for her wedding day, and I was no different. Thanks to a few changes to my diet, and a couple of exercise classes a week, I dropped a dress size, and toned up my arms, bottom and thighs. When it came to my wedding day, I was so glad I made the effort. I felt fabulous in my wedding dress, and super-confident as I walked up the aisle. I can imagine there's nothing worse than standing at the altar, and having the 'does my bum look big in this' thought pass through your mind. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Get Your Bride Body. This fantastic programme invites to you take a 100 Day Challenge to get you looking your best for your wedding, by guiding you through a comprehensive weight loss and fitness programme.


With weekly meal plans {including shopping lists}, an exercise programme tailored to your fitness level, motivational videos and exercise demonstration videos, Get Your Bride Body have taken care of everything. And should your willpower start to slip, you can rely on Bride Body's team of Experts, and their Little Black Book of Weight Loss Secrets, to get you back on track. Just take a look at their real life success stories for inspiration, and read the Get Your Bride Body blog for extra tips. Now all you need is new kit! P.S. Your future husband will love it too!



{Photo Credit} Trembley Photography, more from this wedding on Rustic Wedding Chic

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Friday 14 February 2014

My Top 4 Valentine's Day Beauty Buys

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} You've made it through January detox, given up booze, done the 5:2 diet, and now it's time to eat chocolate, drink red, get romantic and treat yourself! Maybe he'll pop the question tonight - you never know!? So what better time to pull out all the stops and slap on some bright show stopping lip colour. All the catwalk trends for 2014 are swaying towards kaleidoscopic bright lips - a great look for a vintage-style wedding. My advice? Go easy on the eyes when wearing bright lips, and complete your look with a swish of black liquid liner and mascara at the most. Check out my fab 4 faves...


{I want this} Clockwise from Top Left

1. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, £17.50

2. Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera, £23

3.  MAC in Russian Red, £15

4. By Poppy Lipstick in Hot Rose, £20

Enjoy and Happy Valentines Day! xJB

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Tuesday 4 February 2014

The Quickest Way to Pretty Quirky Wedding Nails

Regular readers of this blog will know that no wedding detail is too small! While the uninitiated may think it's enough to choose the perfect wedding flowers, favours, dress and stationery, I'm getting excited about the tiny things, like how to have the best-dressed cutlery, shoe stickers {yes really}, and now.....pretty wedding nails. In some ways, how your hands look is going to be of primary importance. You're going to be given an exciting new ring, you're already wearing a gorgeous engagement ring, you're holding a bouquet, and sooner or later, someone is certain to take a picture of your hands - probably your wedding photographer. So give that man or woman something to admire....just think how many ordinary French manicures they've pictures already....and add these cute nail decals by Stick It Vinyl. My favourites are the dandelions - there's something about making a wish on your wedding day that suits my whimsical nature.



{I want these!} All nail stickers / decals by Stick It Vinyl, from £1.25 per nail

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Monday 16 December 2013

Before the Big Day's Sparkling Beauty Christmas Gift List

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Beauty Editor} What's one of my favourite things about Christmas? Seeing that stocking packed full to the brim with beauty delights! So I thought I'd share my Beauty Gift List with you, and there's tonnes to get you gooey-eyed. You could even be selfless and use these as present ideas - beauty goodies are always fab stocking fillers! Or simply email your other half this list, in hope of getting everything you always wanted {subtlety gets you nowhere!}. Enjoy those products and have a very happy {and pretty} Christmas! Julia x




{I want this!} Clockwise from Top Left 

1. Melvita Nectar Bright Brightening Cream, £36 – This is a great brightening cream that you use to get a luminous complexion. It has a lovely fresh floral scent, and gives your skin a dewy glow.

2. Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Wardrobe Makeup Set, £65 – Even though I'm a make-up artist, I always struggle to create a sleek handbag set. This solves all the problems, with a compact case containing the perfect products for eyes, cheeks and face.

3. Glossy Box Subscription - I was lucky enough to get given one of these at the Wedding Blog Awards. A great way for beauty enthusiasts to keep up to date with new beauty products. You get a selection of products each month for as little as £10 per month.

4. Monu Micro Exfollient, £15.95 – A great little find I discovered in my Glossy Box at the Wedding Blog Awards - this is a great dual-action microdermabrasion cream. It's not too harsh on the skin and smells dreamy

5. Ren Clearcalm 3 Clarity Restoring Mask, £29.95 - I got to meet with Rui Branco, the Global director of Education and Training for REN last month. He’s the REN Skincare guru and such a lovely man. He gave me lots of advice about my spot prone skin, and this is high on my hit list. It reduces visible blemishes and clears the skin – a great way to kick start a clearer skin regime for the New Year.

6. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, £28.50 – For hair so dry you don't know what to do with it. Put it on before shampooing for 10 minutes, and it's like having a new head of hair.

7. Neom Organic Treatment Candle in Rose & Neroli, £39.50 – You can't go wrong with this little treat. Great to light in the bath for pure relaxation

8. James Read BB Gradual Face Tan, £22.50 – As it’s winter even more reason to give your face a little sun kissed glow and best of all you can tie it in with your skincare regime. I met with James Last month and not only is he the nicest man on the planet but his products are brilliant. I can’t sing the praises of this tanning range enough. All it’s products smell great, go on easily without streaking and have outstanding results.

9. ProGenius Nude Treatment Oil, £58 - If like me you also have dry patches {as well as spots – lucky me!} don’t despair. To some, it may feel odd putting oil on the skin, but this ProGenius oil nourishes and protects, and sometimes stops the skin from secreting too much sebum thus counteracting the blemishes. With Omega 6, 7 & 9 – it’s a treat for winter-battered skin.

10.  MAC Nocturnals Pigments & Glitter - Black & Gold, £25.50 – Last but not least we all need a bit of Christmas sparkle in our make –up bag. These 5 stackable jars will dazzle everyone for those special occasions and will last you forever.

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Tuesday 10 December 2013

Possibly the Best Hen Venue in the World

A few months ago, I was lucky enough to get invited to the launch of a rather special London venture. The Cheeky Parlour is the latest brainchild of the boss behind the uber-trendy Soho House Group. Based in Shoreditch, it offers mini-manicures {£10} and blow-dries {£15} at crazy-low prices, in a super-cool setting. As it's local to my flat, you'll find me propping up the incredible breakfast bar every Friday morning, where I nosh happily on muesli and yoghurt before getting beautified for the weekend. I honestly believe a decent blow-dry is even better than cosmetic surgery, and I always leave feeling super-glam, and that little bit cooler! If you're planning a hen weekend in London, I couldn't recommend it more. They've even got a special package aimed at groups, including my new tipple of choice, Babycham!






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Monday 18 November 2013

My Top 5 Beauty Products For Your Wedding Day

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} As a professional make-up artist, I'm always getting asked 'what is the best beauty brand?'. Sadly it's not that simple, because while one brand will make the best lipstick ever, their foundation won't rock my world. You have to pick and choose. Luckily for you, I'm the original product junkie, on a constant quest to find new and exciting lotions and potions. So while I do the testing, you can reap the rewards, and only buy the best for your wedding day. In my wedding beauty features for Before the Big Day I'll be keeping you up-to-date with all the latest hair and beauty innovations, so you can look your best on your wedding day. Follow me on Twitter for all the latest updates or email me here.


{Photo Credit} Julia Bowden's Wedding Hair & Make-up Work

To kick things off this time round, I just wanted to fill you in on the beauty products I can't shake. No matter how hard I try to innovate, I keep coming back to those old faithfuls. Georgia told me to come up with my Top 5 but I’ve got 7 {whoops…sorry Georgia}! Remember, this isn't just about your bridal make-up bag. In my view the following products are staple make-up investments for every girl. Not just for your wedding day, but for life!


1: Laura Mercier foundation Primer – smoothes your skin ready for foundation and makes it last all day {I promise}! I can't wear a full face of make-up without it. I'm officially addicted.
2: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation - light and sheer, looks like real skin but fabulously light reflective with great natural coverage
3: Bobbi Brown: Pot Rouge in Pale Pink - for the original blushing bride look, very natural, lasts all day and breaths life into your face.
4: By Terry Touch Expert Advanced Under Eye Pen - From the lady who designed the famous Touch Eclat for YSL, this is similar in that it’s light reflective, but it also covers dark circles and plumps the skin around the eyes. An all-in-one dark-circle destroyer.
5: Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara – Instant false lash effect, no clogs and great longevity – can't argue with that!
6: Mac Blankety Lip Stick – A lovely nude lip colour that's so flattering and natural – it suits almost everyone.
7: Urban Decay Naked Eye Shadow Palette – A lovely range of shades for creating dramatic or subtle looks – a great all rounder palette you'll use time and time again.

I hope you enjoy them! Till next time xJB

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Thursday 24 October 2013

The Best Products for a Natural Make-up Look on Your Wedding Day

It's been a while since we had a posting from our Hair & Beauty Expert, but Julia Bowden's been ridiculously busy working at weddings all summer {and before that, a film!}, so we're very excited she's finally had time to write us a feature! Don't miss her other blog posts for Before the Big Day, and enjoy her latest offering, after this picture.....



Last week I had lots of fun! As you know, Before the Big Day won the Editor's Pick prize at The Wedding Blogger Awards, and Georgia invited me along as her date. We were hoping Before the Big Day would win, so beforehand I did Georgia's hair and make-up to make sure she was at her glamorous best. The look I was going for was natural, but photo ready - perfect for your big day! So this week I'm turning the tables, and instead of writing about Real Life brides, this blog post is all about Georgia, and how I made her up for the night {sorry Georgia!}.


Georgia isn’t the biggest make-up wearer {I'm trying to change this of course!}, so I wanted to show her, and you, that if you're a little scared of make-up, there are plenty of products that won't feel heavy or look caked-on. If you use a little application know-how, all these goodies can be used on your wedding day, to make you look naturally fab in photos - just like Georgia on the night of the awards. In fact, she looked so fab, that Mark Francis from Made In Chelsea had to grab us for a picture!! Afterwards he said that he’s obsessed with weddings {just like us} …so Mark, if you're reading…we love you!!

If you're looking to do your own make-up on your wedding day, give these products a test run, and ask the girls on the make-up counters to give you a lesson in applying natural-looking make-up. Or you could always get in touch with me!

P.S. On the night I got an amazing beauty goody bag from The Ritz - reviews of my faves to come!




The Look - Blushing Blogger / Bride!

1. Mix wonderfully sheer, natural and corrective Clinique CC cream with a touch of By Terry Or De Rose Elixir Extreme {tinted primer enriched with pink gold}, to give that extra all-over glow, doubled with nourishing staying power

2. Use Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit under the eyes for some correction where it's needed most. This clever duo has a brightening setting powder included.

3. Lightly dab the apples of your cheeks a touch of Stila Cream Blush in Petunia for a dewy hue. I recommend the Mac Duo Fibre 187 brush.

4. On the T-zone only - brush on a very light touch of blot powder. My favourite is Make-up Store’s Blotting Powder.

5. Slick on Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner at the base of the lashes, and smudge with a cotton-bud for a soft definition, that will hint to a thicker lash line. Then pop a touch of any neutral shade over the lids. I like Chanel Stylo Eye Shadow in Pink Lagoon, for a bit of a warm glow to the lids. Then slick on some Eyeko Brow Gel to neaten those brows.

6. Time to put the all-important mascara on your lashes. I love Benefit's 'They're Real' Mascara. Just one lick will be enough, but you can build it up to look more dramatic – two mascaras in one!

7. I love individual false lashes, but for an even more natural look, try curling those beauties with Ted Baker’s Eyelash Curlers.

8. Last but not least, a nice peachy nude lip. I’m obsessed with Hour-Glass’ new Nude Lip Stylos range. I love Nude No.5 and their packaging is to die for!



Hair

9. We were pushed for time - so I sprayed some Percy & Reed Heat Protect Styling Mist on Georgia's hair, and popped in some Nicky Clarke Heated travel rollers. It takes practice, but once mastered this is the best way to add a bit of quick glam, and boost your locks.

10. Smooth over with some Percy & Reed No Oil Oil - which is light and non greasy, and finish up with a puff of classic L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray to hold in place.

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Thursday 18 July 2013

Introducing The Welbeck Clinic for Perfect Wedding Teeth

So I'm going to let you into a bit of a secret. Whenever I'm out at a drinks party, or chatting to someone new at work, I really notice their teeth. It's like my own little fetish. I collect people with good teeth! I had my own teeth whitened before I got married, and it definitely made me feel more confident for my wedding pictures. It made such a difference to my look, that the best man was convinced I'd had something more done....like a nose job! That's one reason why I'm delighted to introduce The Welbeck Clinic for cosmetic dentistry. They're the smile makeover experts in London, and they offer an amazing range of procedures from a complete smile makeover to teeth whitening. If you're considering veneers, they're a very simple, painless procedure, and you can get them done with only a month to go to your wedding day. Dr Joe Oliver has fitted over 20,000 veneers and is very experienced, counting Hollywood royalty like Helena Bonham-Carter among his clients! Take a look at their before and after smile makeovers to get a sense of how good your teeth could look on your wedding day.


{Photo Credit} Ann Kathrin Koch Photography via Rock My Wedding


{Photo Credit} Amy Watson Photography via Something Turquoise


{Photo Credit} Feather & Stone via Inspired By This


{Photo Credit} Lora Grady Photography via Forever Bride

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Thursday 8 November 2012

Wedding Hair Tutorials

On our wedding day, ideally we'd all like to have our hair styled by a professional. But if you can't afford a hair and make-up artist to come to your house, or your normal hairdresser doesn't do chignons, help is at hand! Thanks to the wonders of the wedding blogging world, and Pinterest, I've discovered dozens of amazing hair-styling tutorials. They all look reasonably easy, and with a bit of practice, plus a couple of handy bridesmaids, I'm sure you could DIY-Your-Do. Why not invite your girlfriends over for a bottle of champagne and a trial? Check out my favourite tutorials. P.S. If you're looking for a fabulous hair and makeup expert, I hugely recommend our Blog Beauty Expert, Julia Bowden. Take a look at her Beauty Blog Posts.



♥ Want more wedding hair ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding beauty ideas? ♥
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Thursday 2 August 2012

What Will Be Your Wedding Mood?

So I'm not really that big on beauty products. I tend to stick to my Clarins and add a splash of Jo Malone occasionally, but my make-up bag's been the same for ten years {...unhygynic I know....}. But then I discovered In The Mood polish. It's nail varnish that changes colour according to your mood!!! I don't think I've been this excited since my husband found me a vintage hyper-colour T-shirt in American Apparel. Check out their website here, buy all the colours, and make them rich - they deserve a reward for such a fabulous idea. P.S. For more fabulous beauty ideas, don't miss the posts by our Wedding Blog Beauty Expert, Julia Bowden.


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Thursday 5 July 2012

Making It Last - The Best Primers For Your Wedding Day

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Beauty Expert} I'm willing to bet that nearly all the brides reading this are working super-hard at the moment to make sure every detail of their wedding day looks perfect. But whatever you do, don't forget your make-up. After all, you're going to be in nearly all of your wedding photographs, so it's worth investing in some A star beauty products. As a professional make-up artist, my biggest tip is to make sure you use the correct primer as part of your wedding morning beauty regime. These fantastic products will ensure your make-up stays put all day - as you'll never know when that photographer is going to snap you! Primers smooth imperfections, and give something for the make-up to stick to so that it lasts and lasts. The best primers will also make your skin glow. Scroll on down for my favourites at the moment.



{Photo Credit} Jen Huang Photography

Skin Primer

Chanel Blanc {£30, Selfridges} - This is a clever multi-tasking primer. It adds contours and radiance, and uses a special blend of powders to reduce the appearance of lines, resulting in a flawless finish that makes foundation last all day. A must-have for your wedding day.

Eye Primer
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base {£18, John Lewis} - With its paste-like consistency, this clever little primer smooths on clear, and makes eyeshadows look more intense. It'll also ensure your eye make-up lasts all day without creasing.

Lip Primer
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Lip Fix {£19, Boots} - This brilliant beauty product smooths vertical lines and prevents lipstick from bleeding. It'll seal in moisture and plump up dry lips - making you lipstick ready for the 'You May Now Kiss The Bride' moment. Can be worn alone, or under lipstick to make it last all day.

Enjoy! JB x

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Wednesday 30 May 2012

The Best Cry-Proof Mascaras For Your Wedding Day

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} Weddings are emotional affairs. I bet the thought of you walking down the aisle this summer, surrounded by all your nearest and dearest is making you well up right this minute!? Ok, ok sorry, I'll quit that right now! I can't stop you blubbing on your wedding day but I can save you from looking like a panda bride {check with Georgia but I think pandas are off trend this season!?}. I've been mascara shopping and dunked my face in a lot of water, to find what is this season's Holy Grail of weep-proof mascaras. The latest cutting-edge mascara technology creates a coating that covers your lashes with little waterproof tubes - yes tubes! Genius! Scroll down for my Top 3 Cry-Proof Mascaras for your wedding day.


{Photo Credit} Jackie Wonders

Kevyn Aucoin Curling Mascara £20 from Space NK
It doesn't hugely curl the lashes but it's brilliant.  It never rubs off, it's completely waterproof and removal is easy too. Warm water will easily loosen the mascara tubes as you gently rub them off. Score: 5/5.

Blinc Mascara £15 free P&P
It defines and separates, and doesn't ever smudge or run thanks to the clever tube technology. It goes on easily and dries quickly, and it doesn't come off until you remove it with water and apply some pressure with your finger tips. It's not totally waterproof, so not for swimming. It also doesn't give as much volume as it claims but it's definite cry proof! Score: 4/5

L'Oreal Paris Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara £11.29 from Boots
A slightly cheaper high street version of the above which works a treat! It doesn't extend quite as well as I hoped, but was brilliantly cry-proof! Score: 4/5 but the cheapest!

Enjoy JB x

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Wednesday 9 May 2012

Spring / Summer 2012 Wedding Beauty Trends

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} This week I’ve mostly had my beady eye on the latest spring summer wedding beauty trends. Louis Vuitton and Marc by Marc Jacobs took it down a notch in the make-up stakes and went for doll-like faces, and pastel shades with fluttery lashes – perfect for brides! Here’s a list of the wedding beauty goodies that you'll need to achieve these flattering bridal looks. Make sure you practice before the big day!

{Credits} Louis Vuitton Paris S/S 2012. Makeup by Pat-McGrath. Photo by Makeup4all

1. Cell Food - Kick start the flawless look by slipping this serum into the beauty regime in the run-up to your wedding day, to get your skin in tip-top condition. On the big day, pop some on under your moisturiser before applying your wedding foundation.

2. Liquid Airbrush Foundation by Kevyn Aucoin - I absolutely love this new line by Kevyn Aucoin at Space NK. This foundation is turning out to be one of my faves. Brilliant coverage without being heavy and gives skin a fabulous glow. Check out their brilliant primer too.

3. Butterfly Ball Lipstick {Float} - A luminous nude colour for your on trend pout

4. Jodie Kidd Skin Perfection Kit - This brilliant little palette has everything you need – skin corrector, highlighter and a fresh tint for your cheeks

5. Eylure Eyelashes - An old brand but the best as far as I’m concerned. If you struggle with the glue, get the pre-glued range.

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Friday 13 April 2012

Wedding Beauty Advice - The Best Bridal Brows

{Posting by Julia Bowden, Before the Big Day's Hair & Make-up Expert} It's surprising how the smallest things can make the biggest difference to your wedding day beauty...that's why this post is devoted to getting the best bridal brows. How are yours looking? Mine were a serious bugbear as a teenager, thick and bushy - so I proceeded to pluck the living hell out the poor things! Thankfully mine grew back, but in my work as a professional make-up artist I see all sorts, including some seriously patchy brows. Either way don’t worry - help is at hand to make the very best of what you’ve got for your wedding day. This is a 2-step process. First, call in the experts, and second, make some simple purchases – I promise you won’t look back. It's really worth concentrating on your brows - the right look will give definition to your face, and shave years off your age – a MUST for your wedding day!


{Photo Credit} Chloé Browne of Caught the Light's pictures of Before the Big Day editor Georgia doing her own blusher for her wedding day. {Georgia - As you can see, I should have gone to a brow bar & asked Julia to do my wedding hair and make-up!}.

For fine, patchy or very blonde brows:
* Dying – visit an expert beautician because they'll create the perfect shape for you {you may need to have a patch test 24hrs before}. If you have little or no brows, a beautician can dye the micro-hairs on the skin, with very natural and believable results. The treatment will last a few weeks and you can always top up with a pencil or palette in between. Blink at Selfridges in London offer an excellent service.
* Pencils and eye brow palettes – if you’re a little more confident with DIY-shaping, you can use palettes and pencils to fill in patches and define your arches. For example,  No7 Eyebrow pencils {No. 1} or Smashbox Brow Tech To Go {No. 2} are very good.
**Top tip – drop a little toner into a brown eye shadow and use this wet to colour in the brows. Don’t use a solid line technique, instead paint on the hairs in an upward brushing motion for a more natural look.**


For thick, bushy or shapeless brows which need definition:
* Threading – this ancient Indian art uses twisted cotton to pluck and shape the brow. I can’t recommend this enough! Glow is a brilliant eyebrow bar - fast and professional.
**Top tip: Once you've had it done and you're happy with the result, take a picture and you can show the beautician in future so you get the exact shape that you want. Better still, take the beautician's name. I find getting your brows done is a little bit like having a hair cut!**
* Waxing – this is much quicker, and better if you have sensitive brows that feel the pinch of plucking! It's been around forever and is the more traditional way of shaping eyebrows. Visit any local beautician and enquire within.

My Must-Have Pre-Wedding Purchases
* Clear mascara gel to groom your brows. You don’t have to spend a fortune - Boots Natural Collection {No. 3} do a very good one that comes in a non see-through tube {I prefer this as once you’ve used clear mascara a few times it tends to discolour in the tube and look dirty!}. Start by brushing the brow upwards and then skimming across the top and down to neaten them up – this really makes a difference and makes you look perfectly groomed!
* A decent pair of tweezers – I recommend Tweezerman Slant Tweezers {No.4} to get those strays in between waxing or threading.

Enjoy !
JB x
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Thursday 22 March 2012

Welcome Our New Wedding Beauty & Hair Expert

Now that Before the Big Day is over 2 years old {my baby, so big!}, it's time for this boutique wedding blog to get growing! I'm all about roping in as much wedding expertise as possible, because I want you to be able to plan an exquisite wedding, with tonnes of beautiful details to make it stand out from the crowd. You're also going to want to look your very best on your big day, and I'm the first to admit that wedding beauty and make-up are not my speciality. So that's why I'm thrilled to welcome the lovely Julia Bowden to the Before the Big Day wedding blog team!


{Photo Credit} Julia Bowden's hair & make-up work.

Julia is a professional make-up artist and hair stylist who works on music videos, adverts, fashion shoots, TV and films. She's a serious name in the hair and beauty world, but {thank goodness} she loves working as a bridal make-up artist as well. For brides-in-the-know, she's a secret beauty weapon, and I've heard her name mentioned in hushed tones at many a wedding reception.

If you're on the search for a make-up artist and hair stylist for your wedding, contact Julia or follow her on Twitter, but in the meantime, enjoy her beauty and hair advice for free on Before the Big Day! Click back on the blog tomorrow for her first posting - My Top 5 Wedding Beauty Products Ever.


♥ Want more wedding beauty ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding hair ideas? ♥
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Saturday 24 September 2011

Before the Big Day Beauty Advice - Scent Your Wedding

Brides are always going to want to look their best on their wedding day, and there's a huge beauty and fragrance market out there ready to persuade you that their product is the one for you. On my wedding day I eschewed a professional make-up artist and did my own {very light} make-up with mainly Mac and Chanel products. The only item I bought new was the fabulous Chanel Perfection Lumiere, on the recommendation of my sister. It really made my skin look glowy, and I'd definitely recommend it as an extravagent pre-wedding purchase. If you do want a make-up artist for your wedding, try my friend Julia Bowden, she's a professional, and she'll make you look amazing! A new discovery I've made since my wedding day is Neom Organics. Their luxury products smell divine, and they've recently started a bespoke scenting service for your wedding day. The idea is that a special scent will give your wedding day the ultimate atmospheric touch. You can even have candles made as favours so that your guests can take away the memory of your big day.


If you enjoyed this post, why not sign up for our free newsletter and click for more more wedding beauty ideas. Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.

Sunday 13 February 2011

Rocking Bridal Lashes

As a wedding blogger, I get lots of offers of free stuff because people want me to promote them on the blog. Mostly I turn them down, because I'm too busy with featuring Real Weddings, or because their product just doesn't float my boat. But when Kym from Lash Lab offered me a free set of semi-permanent eye-lash extensions, I knew I had to say yes! I'd already been considering it for my own wedding day, as I'm aiming to do my own make-up, and I'm useless at putting on false eyelashes. So last week, I headed down to her super-glam salon on Brick Lane in East London, and emerged from the treatment 25% prettier. I kid you not - it works that well. Even The Boy noticed something had changed. He wasn't sure what, but he knew 'something' was different. Since then, everyone has commented and said how natural they look. So I can wholeheartedly recommend Kym AND eye-lash extensions, and I'll be keeping them up for my wedding day. Pictured below is me with my new lashes, click here for my before and after shots. The lovely Kym is offering £10 off to anyone who mentions Before the Big Day, so get ready to rock some serious lashes!

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Friday 31 December 2010

Looking Good

With my wedding in May, I'm looking to start the New Year with a brand new health plan, which makes me one of more than 70% of brides-to-be want to svelte-up ahead of saying their vows. If you find dieting on your own difficult, check out nkd diet. They're my secret weapon in the battle against the bulge! They take all the hassle out of dieting by providing all your meals for a month, for only £199. They count the calories and deliver to your door, and on average women lose 2-3 lbs a week. Check them out! ** nkd diet are offering 5% off all 28 day plans to Before the Big Day readers - just add the code bigday at the checkout **

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