Your Kent Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 91)

108 Local professionals offer advice on looking your big-day best LASH LOVE I really want luscious lashes on my wedding day to enhance my eyes. What can you recommend? Kristina says: When looking for a lash artist, always make sure you’ve seen pictures of their work. You really do get what you pay for, so if a lash artist is expensive, they’ll be using premium products, have taken many high-level courses, and spent years perfecting their craft. They should invite you in for a complimentary patch test, if they don’t and they say you don’t need one, run a mile! After the test you’ll have a free consultation, this can either be done prior to your lash appointment or at the same time you’re in for your extensions. This is to discuss fully what you want to achieve with your final look. A good lash artist should review the results of your patch test and check if you’ve had any allergic reactions. They should ask if you have any questions or concerns, as well as running through how they’re going to do the treatment. You should expect a set of lashes to take around two hours or more. If you find a lash artist who ticks all of these boxes, you should have perfect lashes for your wedding day. THERE’S A FINE LINE I’m getting married at 40 and have a few fine lines and wrinkles. How can I best conceal these on my wedding day without looking caked in make-up? Lara says: The best way to ensure flawless application of foundation is to prep your skin - moisturising properly is key. One of my favourite moisturisers is Vitamin Enriched Face Base by Bobbi Brown, which also has a primer in it that helps blur lines. A foundation that’s heavy and thick will exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles, plus mature skin tends to be dry, needing maximum hydration. So, look for something dewy such as MAC Face and Body, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, or L’Oreal Paris True Match.  Crow’s feet and dark circles are two common skin concerns, so avoid thick drying concealers as they’ll bring out any fine lines. You need a formula that’ll give you coverage without looking cakey on the under-eye area. I love liquid formulas that reflect light like Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, as well as Giorgio Armani High Precision Retouch. For other areas of your face in need of a touch of concealer, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage and Maybelline New York Age Rewind are ideal. You’ll need powder to complete your look, but use sparingly as it can accentuate problem areas. Look for one that’s silky and doesn’t dry out the skin. Try Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder or Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder. Finally, choose your highlighter very carefully, as anything with sparkle can act as a microscope for fine lines and wrinkles. A small amount will give a youthful, radiant look, but avoid anything too frosty or shimmery. Dabbing a sheer liquid such as Make Up For Ever’s Ultra HD Soft Light Liquid Highlighter on top of cheekbones will bring your complexion to life and add an extra dimension to your foundation. HEATING UP I’m getting married in July and given the soaring summer temperatures in recent years, I’m worried about overheating in my gown. What should I bear in mind when dress shopping? Victoria says : Consider the fabric and weight of the gown. To keep cool, you need a dress that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down with your legs heavily restricted, so look at lighter fabrics such as organza, crepe or a soft tulle. If you wanted to go for a ballgown or A-line silhouette, you could always wear it with a hoop that keeps the dress away from your legs. Dylan by Hayley Paige would be perfect for a summer’s day as it’s crafted from a soft, Italian tulle and the layered skirt gives it a fuller effect with less fabric. Plus, the twinkling details are created with lightweight sequins rather than heavy beading.   Brides often feel that opting for a fitted silhouette is the most sensible choice for a hot wedding day as there’s less dress, but often this isn’t the case. However, if you do have your heart set on this style, perhaps think about how tight it fits around the legs – not only will you want to boogie in the evening, but you’ll also appreciate cool thighs during the day! CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Kristina Shepherd, www.2726beauty.co.uk Lara James, www.larajamesmakeup.co.uk Victoria Walton, www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk Q&A Fashion & Beauty Dylan by Hayley Paige Bridal