TREND SETTER What are the latest wedding hair and make-up trends? Brides-to-be are now opting for more natural-looking skin. This is ideal for those who don’t wear much make-up and can be created by layering products such as oils and serums before applying foundation. Carefully placed highlighter will catch the light in the right places giving your skin a youthful glow. A soft natural hairstyle will complete this look, either soft curls with half pinned up or a low bun with loose tendrils. A sultry eye can help add something a little bit extra to a more natural look. Using soft brown matte eyeshadows with an added touch of shimmer on the lid can make a difference. This could then be finished with a nude lip. Softly contoured make-up can show off your cheekbones. This can still work with a more natural look by keeping the cheeks radiant with a cream rouge and a touch of highlighter. Hollywood glamour is also popular. Beautifully sculptured waves with simple nude eye make-up and a statement lip colour can look incredible. Lashes and brows are still a big focus. Not everyone is blessed with luscious long lashes, so sometimes we need a little help. If you’re planning to have individual lash extensions, it’s a good idea to try them first to make sure you’re happy with the finished look. An alternative option is to have lashes applied on the day by your make-up artist, which you could try out when you have your trial. Nicely groomed brows will help shape your face and make your eyes stand out, so make sure you have them tidied! Any eyebrow shaping or lamination should be done with plenty of time for any skin irritation to calm down. A new trend is the ponytail. When dressed with the right accessories, this can look elegant and effective. Simple, large plaits with loose tendrils, dressed with a hair vine is also becoming more popular for the year ahead. Make sure you use the time before your wedding to experiment with different ideas so that you can approach the day knowing that you are comfortable with the style you’ve chosen. Claire Harmer Hair and make-up artist www.claireharmerbeauty.co.uk Q&A Fashion & Beauty Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best SHOP TILL YOU DROP I’m nervous about my first dress appointment. What should I expect? First of all, please don’t be nervous. You will have the expertise of a bridal consultant who will put you at ease and guide you through the process. Shopping for a wedding gown should be a memorable experience, and we aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible as soon as you come through the door. If you’ve never been dress shopping before, we would advise you to keep an open mind and choose a few silhouettes to try. This might include a soft A-line shape, a ballgown or a fit and flare design. Your consultant will be there to offer advice and guide you to the perfect silhouette for your body shape. We often find our customers will buy a style that they had never even thought about. It’s an exciting process, and all we want is for you to look and feel amazing. You won’t need to wear any special underwear to your appointment as all dresses have built-in corsetry, and we also have sample shoes for you to try underneath. We recommend you leave at least nine to 12 months before the wedding to start shopping for your dress as it can take between 15 and 20 weeks for an order to arrive in store. As the gown will be ordered in standard sizing, it would need to be altered by a seamstress, which can take two to three months. Julie Reilly Owner of Perfections Bridal Studio www.perfectionsbridalstudio.com 88
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