Wedding Bells

Makeup like a Pro

Look stylish at all the parties surrounding your wedding thanks to these beauty tips. By Rebecca Essegern

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While it would be nice to have a professional makeup artist style you for your engagement party, showers and rehearsal dinner, that's not realistic for most brides. However, we've compiled some tips to help you achieve that pro look in your own bathroom.

The look you want: Smoky eyes
How to get it: The easiest way to get the smoky eye is to purchase an eyeshadow kit designed for this purpose. Hit the makeup aisle looking for a trio of colours: a dark dramatic shade, a mid-tone shade and a highlight. If you aren't used to doing your own makeup, we recommend using plums or browns until you've had more practice. Start with the darkest shadow first. Using a small compact brush, apply this along the lashline and the outer corner of your eye. Next, choose a softer brush to apply the medium shade on the lid from the lashline up to the crease. It's important to blend the two shadows together. Using a Q-tip, or your finger, apply the highlight shade under the brow bone and in the inner corner of your eye.

The look you want: Red lips
How to get it: Start by choosing the right red. If you have a cool skin tone, pick a pure red lipstick with blue undertones. Brides with warmer skin tones should wear a brick red. It's important to prep your lips first. Using a moist facecloth, rub your lips in a circular motion. This will exfoliate them and remove any dry spots. Line your lips with a nude lip pencil. Apply the red lipstick. Allow the lipstick to set for 30 seconds. Hold a tissue in front of your lips and gently pat them with translucent face powder. The powder will help set the colour and make it last for the whole party.

The look you want: Glowing skin
How to get it: Prepare your face to get gorgeous by washing with a mild cleanser, followed by a lightweight moisturizer. Moisten a sponge makeup applicator with warm water. Squeeze out any excess water. Use the damp sponge to apply liquid foundation. After your makeup application is complete (cheeks and eyes), lightly dust your entire face with translucent powder. Squeeze a tiny amount of moisturizer onto your fingertips. Blend this on the top of your cheekbones. The moisturizer reacts with the translucent powder beneath to give you a romantic glow.

The look you want: Long lashes
How to get it:  Purchase some individual false lashes. These are much easier to apply than an entire strip of falsies. Curl your own lashes, but don't apply mascara. Using tweezers, dip the base of the individual false lash in the glue provided. Firmly place the fakes on the outside corner of your eye, as close to the lashline as you can. Hold for 30 seconds. Once the glue is dry, apply mascara to the entire eye. The mascara helps the false lashes blend in with your own. Apply a thin line of eyeliner to disguise any visible glue.