Beauty Hair & Makeup

Wedding makeup and hair should leave you looking flawless, radiant and high on confidence.

Plan Ahead

If you plan to use the services of a professional makeup artist and hairstylist it’s wise to book someone you either know (perhaps your own hairdresser) or have been recommended. And don’t waste time in reserving them; good professional hair and makeup people tend to book up fast.

Great Makeup

Enlist a pro: A trained makeup artist will help you colour match your foundation, select products that suit your complexion and desired look, and create makeup that will last through your entire wedding.

Seek advice: If a makeup artist isn’t possible on the day, talk through your desired look with a makeup artist when you buy your products. If you call ahead, most beauty counters will happily show you how to apply your wedding day makeup. David Jones and Myer have quality brands such as Lancôme, Dior, Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown. You’ll also find sound advice at Mecca Cosmetica, M.A.C, Napoleon Perdis and Gorgeous Cosmetics. You may be required to pay a fee for a full makeup consultation but it’s usually refundable on purchase of product.

Chic Hairstyles

Talk to your hairstylist about your hair type – and the style and cut of your wedding dress.

Updos: From soft and romantic buns to sleek and structured chignons, a classic updo is extremely flattering and can be adjusted to suit many different styles of wedding and gown. A great option for hair that tends to lose its curl quickly and for dresses with statement necklines.

Classic blow-dries: A professional blow-dry is a popular choice amongst brides because it adds volume and shine to hair while keeping a more natural look. Shorter styles should opt for a sleek blow-dry that enhances the natural look of hair, while brides with longer hair can add loose, romantic waves.

Plan Ahead

When doing your wedding planning make sure you allow at least a few months to get your bridesmaids’ dresses, particularly if you’re having dresses made. Ask your wedding couturier to have your bridesmaid dresses completed and delivered a few weeks out from your wedding day. This also applies if you’re buying off the rack too because you may need to allow for time to have adjustments made.

Book-In Trials

Scheduling at least one complete makeup and hair trial a few weeks out from your wedding will give you confidence.

Makeup: Always be very clear with your makeup artist (or yourself if you’re doing your own makeup) about what kind of wedding you’re having. As a rule of thumb, strong colours and boldly lined eyes work best for evening weddings, while a more natural, soft look is better for daytime weddings.

Hair: Always give plenty of information about what you love – clip pictures out of magazines and write down ideas you’ve seen in movies and on television. Also supply your stylist with a picture of your wedding dress to ensure your hair ties in seamlessly and bring any clips, tiaras or flowers you intend to wear.

Good Skin and Hair Practice

Hair: It’s important to keep hair healthy and happy so steer away from radical cuts or colour changes in the months before your wedding. Make sure you receive 4-6 weekly trims, your regular colour appointments and professional deep conditioning treatments. Good quality products at home will also have an effect on the health on your hair so invest in salon-only shampoo, conditioners and styling products from brands such as Kerastase, L’Oreal Professionnel, ghd, Redken and Goldwell.

Skin: Makeup can’t hide poor skin so it’s important to get your complexion looking its best by your wedding day. And it’s best to take the long-term approach.

Eighteen months to a year out is the time to get any cosmetic surgery or other significant procedures completed. It’s also the moment when you need to start up good diet and fitness habits.

With three months to go it’s time to get serious with your skin. Book in a course of deep cleansing facials, peel treatments or microdermabrasion if you require them and make sure you have a good skincare routine in place – that means twice-daily cleansing and toning followed by a quality moisturiser and SPF during the day.

The week before your wedding you should schedule in all hair removal procedures. It’s also a nice time to chill out with a massage to relieve some of the angst. Also make sure you’ve booked ahead for a manicure and pedicure, preferably a day or two before the wedding. On the wedding day, keep hydrated with plenty of water and snack on small, high-energy foods such as nuts and fruits to keep energy levels high, cramping at bay and skin glowing from within.