Perfect your celebratory look with an arsenal of spring-fresh make-up that will keep intact all the way from the chapel to the reception. By Rita Amartey
Every girl wants her big day to go without a hitch. But with so much to organise and fine details to sift through, from the number of guests to be seated to the size of the bridemaids' shoes, the last thing you want weighing on your mind is how to get your make-up right. To avert disaster, ditch the clogged-up mess harbouring on your dresser and with a few simple tips and the latest products at your aid, maximise your inner beauty with cosmetics that will see you through your special day.
Face
Get your face off to the right start by using a light primer base such as Flawless Face Primer by Prescriptives (£18.60) or MAC's Prep and Prime Skin (£15.66). It is important to have a good base before applying foundation as this will even out your skin tone. For no nonsense, long-lasting coverage try the following; Vichy's Dermablend Corrective Foundation (£13); Superfit Makeup (£19) by Clinique - great for a lightweight, oil-free finish; Afterglow Organic Mineral Foundation (£28) for a natural radiance. GlProtective Liquid Foundation (from £30.50) is a must-have for darker skin shades and comes in three cocoa shades. Mineralise Skinfinish Duo (£18) by MAC is perfect for blending and covering lighter and darker areas or if you prefer foundation in loose powder form then All Skins Mineral Makeup by Prescriptives (£24) is infused with amethyst and the Jane Iredale collection has a range of pressed powders and liquid minerals, prices starting from £35. If you need a more intense coverage to cover up skin blemishes or dark circles, try applying a small amount of concealer underneath your foundation like Studio Sculpt Concealer by MAC (£11.26), Repchage Perfecting Concealer (£19.95), Maybelline's acne busting Pure.Concealer (£5.99) and Hide it by Sleek (£1.99).
Eyes
Have your eyelids stand the test of time with vibrant sunsplashed hues. Whether you choose a selection of colours in an assorted palette or single shades, make your colour count. Indulge your look with Cream Eye Shadow (£16) by Shu Uemura, a make-up line from Japan for fade, crease and water resistant colour. Slatheryour eyelids in dazzling 'Glacier Ice' Long-Wear Eye Palette (£38) or go for high impact shine with 'Sparkling Gold' Eye Studio Mono - the shade complements any black woman. If you're working to a budget try price-busting eyeshadows like Satellite 3's 'Global Poshover' and 'Forbidden Plum' (£25, refills £7.50). 'Beam' Cream Eyeshadow (£11) from Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful carries a rich tone and MAC's Brushed Metal-X (£10) packs a punch. Other great buys are Rollerball Mineral Eye Shimmer (£5) by Barbara Daly and Organic Glam Mineral Eye Jewels (£18) available in four ice pastel shades.
Lashes
Ditch the spider look and go with Clinique's Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula (£12.50) with a petit rounded brush for extra precision. Yves Saint Laurent's Faux Cil Mascara (£21) has a giant wand that extends lashes to the maximum. To create definition, try Define-A-Lash by Maybelline New York (£8.80), Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara from Este Lauder (£17) or No Smudge Mascara by Bobbi Brown for clump free lashes. Exaggerated length is always a winner so go for flexibrushed High Impact Mascara by Barbara Daly (£5). Complete the look with a defining fade resistant liner that battles tears, sweat and flash photography! Quickliner for Eyes by Clinique is a swivel pencil available in six colours or try Clarins' limited edition Ultramarine Eye Pencil (£11.75).
Lips
Colour on the lips instantly dresses up your face but too much will make you look overdone. 'Message From Mars' by Satellite 3 (£15.99, refills £5.99) or Rouge Unlimited (£16.50) by Shu Uemura are subtle red shades that will last all day long. For a wow factor use Cremesheen Glass from MAC (£12.72), 'Glazed Caramel' Max Factor Lipfinity (£7.99) and Here to Stay Colour and Gloss double-ended pen (£5.50) by Barbara Daly in 'Rosebud,' 'Naked' or 'Baroque'. For shimmer on the lips go with Superstay Powergloss from Maybelline New York, available in 12 high gloss shades (£6.99 each).
Blushers
For special occasions use a blush that is slightly brighter than the shade you would use in the day. Raspberry Powder Blush (£20.54) comes in a handy compact and brush. Quick Blush by Clinique (£20.56) is an all in one blush and brush, available in six shades. Other BBH favourites are 'Dahlia' by Sukicolor Pure Cream Stain Lip/Cheek (£32) and Clarin's Champagne & Bronze Shimmer Instant LightComplexion Perfector (£21.05). For a cheaper alternative try 'Soft Mauve' from Blush Minerals by L'Oral Paris (£7.99), NVEY ECO Organic Powder Blush (£13) and Dream Mousse Shimmer (£5.99) by Maybelline New York.
Nails
Unfortunately make-up does not stop from the neck down so keep your talons prim and proper with a gorgeous shade. 'Caught Red Handed' or 'No Comment' from the Leighton Denny Criminal Nail Collection (£10) are fabulous colours and 'Boho Blue' or 'Moulin Rouge' from Attitude (£5.97) will get you noticed. Pretty nails need to be chip free so use Forever Strong Professional Nails from Maybelline New York (£3.99 each), available in 18 shades or Colour Care Nail Varnish (£4.95) for strengthening.
