Q&A Fashion and beauty Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals FINDING THE ONE I’m nervous about my first bridal appointment. What can I expect and what should I take with me? Cathy says: It’s only natural as this is the most special dress you’ll ever wear. We recommend booking your boutique appointment at least eight to 12 months before your wedding. Dresses can take a few months to arrive and then tweak for a perfect fit, so you’ll want to allow enough time to find her. If however, your day is soon and you’re yet to find the one, there are still options in the form of fabulous dresses available off the peg. Our personal appointments last for 90 minutes, you’ll find most boutiques offer similar. Your consultant will start by getting to know you, in our case over a cuppa. You’ll then be invited to choose and try on a beautiful selection of dresses. Remember Goldilocks’ advice... she tried a few, but not too many to find something that’s just right. When you arrive for your appointment you’ll need just three things: an open mind, comfortable light-coloured underwear and the most valuable opinions only. Limit your entourage to just two or three people so you don’t become overwhelmed. To help you throughout the experience your consultant will listen to what you think, working towards exactly what you’re looking for and maybe encourage a wild card to ensure you’ve tried just the right selection before you consider saying “yes” to the dress. We’re a friendly boutique with years of experience and would love to help you on this special journey! FRESH AND FAB We’re having a country garden wedding in the spring, and I’d love to appear fresh-faced and dewy. How do I achieve this? Katie says: For a dewy, fresh-faced make-up look you want to use cream and liquid-based products rather than powder ones. Start by prepping the skin – my favourite primer is Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Then build your coverage on top using a lightweight foundation. My all-time go to is Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder. It’s buildable without being heavy and making you feel caked in make-up. Next, lightly build your cream or liquid bronzer, blush and highlighter and set with a radiant pressed powder such as the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, a firm favourite of mine also. Finally, ensure everything stays in place with a setting spray. You can either opt for a luminous-finish product such as the Iconic London Prep-Set-Glow, or the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. Just try to avoid anything too mattifying. SWITCH IT UP I’m stuck in a rut with my make-up. What would you advise to turn heads on my big day? Jane says: Heading into spring and summer weddings you may be feeling a little uninspired, so why not switch things up, experiment and step out of your comfort zone? My first recommendation is that you get to know yourself. What do you love about your current make-up look and what would you like to change? Being confident will show in your whole demeanour, as your make-up should reflect the very best version of yourself. Don’t get overwhelmed with pictures of edited supermodels with perfect features, we’re not all made that way! Here are some more top tips... ❤ Choose colours to suit your style and season of your wedding. ❤ A new skincare routine will ensure flawless application. ❤ Use a primer. ❤ Match your concealer and foundation to best suit your tone and texture. I adore Jane Iredale or Estée Lauder for longevity. ❤ Declutter your cosmetics bag. ❤ Use your favourite lippy for the ceremony then pop a bolder hue on top later for something new. ❤ Get inspired by a new eyeshadow palette. Urban Decay is my recommendation. ❤ Change your eyeliner colour or apply your favourite shadow using a dampened angled brush for a soft smoky look. ❤ Invest in a new mascara, waterproof of course, and treat yourself to lashes. ❤ Define your brows. This frames and balances the overall look. ❤ Use a peachy- or pinky-toned blush blended on the apple of your cheeks with a hint of bronzer for warmth. Now you’re make-up ready for the big day! CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Cathy Keen, www.14andsixpence.co.uk | Jane Dare, www.eyedomakeup.co.uk | Katie Dowding, https://katiepmakeup.com Image courtesy of 14 & Sixpence 78
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