December 23, 2008

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What could be more important than looking—and feeling—your best on your wedding day? Sometimes, however, the stress of wedding planning can take a lot out of a girl and leave you feeling all sorts of blah rather than beautiful. Luckily, New Jersey Bride has met with the experts and uncovered some key tricks to looking your best on the big day.

Photo by dMdC Photography.

Generally speaking, a six-month countdown is recommended to make sure you look as radiant as possible on your wedding day. If you only have a couple of weeks left, you can use these tips to help achieve that center-of-attention look. The following is your own guide to looking and feeling like a princess.

Grace Caputi, makeup artist for Jonathan Salon in Red Bank (732-212-0024; jonathansalonredbank.com), says the hottest trends in the makeup industry right now are the use of airbrush foundation and eyelash extensions. “Airbrush makeup gives brides that flawless look of porcelain skin, and is ideal for photography,” she says. “Eyelash extensions will make your eyes ‘pop,’ giving them a dramatic look without the hassle of mascara.” The best part about these techniques is that it means less makeup, and if you plan on getting married in the month of August when humidity is at its worst, it is especially nice.

"To keep your skin fresh and clear for your wedding day, a bride should have facials a few months ahead," advises Jane Ruffo of Have a Great Day Spa (973-835-2618). "On the day itself, applying a primer under your foundation makes your makeup last longer."

Lori Dunn of Model Bride in Chatham (973-635-1756; modelbride.com) suggests allowing at least two hours for the bride’s hair and makeup. For each additional bridesmaid, add thirty minutes. She recommends having your hair styled before makeup so that you look fresh when walking out the door.

A Gorgeous Bride, a hair and makeup studio in Manhattan (646-724-7216 or 917-566-8823; gorgeousbrideny.com), suggests using fake eyelashes or a hint of sparkle to give your face a stunning glow: “This is your time to shine so don’t hold back. Also make sure you and your stylist have gone over any special design instructions before the big day.

Most brides cry at their wedding—and some grooms do, too. But even if you don’t think you’re the crying type, with so many waterproof products out there why take a chance? Dunn suggests using an eye shadow base to help prevent creasing of shadow.