by Ifediba Nwokedi

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: August 24, 2010

Your wedding is one of the best days of your life! Your excitement, joy and happiness should radiate from within, fully visible in a beautiful face, whatever you choose to do with the help of make-up. A word of caution though, your make-up should highlight your beauty and not serve as a mask.

Wedding make-up doesn't always have to be light and subtle. I would propose that the best is to be true to yourself. Only you know what your man fell in love with when he first saw you on that serendipitous day that then led to a journey of discovery and love.

Apart from this, girls you all know what your relationship to make-up is. Some of you are the Iman, Halle Berry and Eva Longoria's of the world while others love being the Meg Ryan and Cameron Diaz. The list can go on and the reality is that we all have to find what suits us best and go for it with spontaneity and creativity.

So brides to be, my tips for an effortlessly elegant look are:

1. Healthy skin is the result of a healthy diet and love for oneself. So rehydrate your skin with life's elixir WATER! Treat your skin to a pampering session at home or indulge in some spa treatments before your special day.

2. Make up is very individual and some of you might want to enlist the help of a make-up artist in order to achieve that x-factor and twinkle in your eye as you walk down the aisle. This can mean choosing bold and striking eye make-up or eternally red lips.

3. Another suggestion is to go to any make-up counter in a big department store and ask one of the beauticians to help you find the perfect make up for your big day. You can buy the products and do your make-up yourself on your wedding day. That way you save money and have the right tips to guide you.

4. If you would rather do it yourself and enjoy the natural look, stick with what you know and relax! This look is all about shimmer, rosy lips and lifting the eyes with light shades. Please do not overdo the shimmer the wedding pictures will tell you why?

Ultimately do what makes you feel comfortable and be happy! Happiness is the key to achieving that effortless beauty that make-up can only enhance but never replace.

Always remember that your wedding day is one of the most joyous moments of your life. The best is to give all the responsibility to your maid of honor, and enjoy the process of sharing your inner happiness and natural beauty with the love of your life, your family and friends.

For further advice here are some websites:

http://weddings.ivillage.com/bridalbeauty/makeup/0,9 kqb,00.html

http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/cosmetics/wedding -palette-auditions-laura-mercier-toolbox/

http://www.michellemakeup.com/blog/2007/09/makeup-ar tist-laura-merciers-personal.html

http://www.lauramercier.com/

www.MACcosmetics.co.uk/Foundation

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