Your Newspaper - Bride's Guide

Posted on: July 9, 2009

H2No

Your guide to waterproof beauty

By Mirielle Cailles
CTW Features

For every bride, looking the most beautiful on her big day is a definite priority. But with emotions running high, the prospect of smudges and smears may damper the dream. Don’t let tears of joy ruin the most important day of your life—follow these expert tips to be smudge-free.

To start off, Janice Dusina at Prestige Cosmetics, ULTA recommends Amazing Concealer from Amazing Cosmetics. This award-winning waterproof concealer is a favorite of celebrities, she says. “It’s long-lasting so you won’t have to worry about reapplication.”

To keep your makeup looking fresh all day long, Dusina says make-up primers are a must. “Start with Smashbox’s best-selling Photo Finish Foundation Primer,” she says. “It’s oil- and paraben-free so it’s suitable for all skin types and will reduce the appearance of lines and pores for a smooth finish. Next, apply an eye shadow primer with a silicone base to prevent your eye makeup from creasing or flaking.”

Some great options include Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Potion Primer and Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

For your lips, layer a lip primer to fill in lines, Dusina says. Try Lip Magnet Primer from POP Beauty under a long-lasting lip color like Stila’s long-wear lip color.

If you already have a favorite waterproof makeup item, use a makeup sealer to guarantee a fresh look all-day long. Jean and Jane Ford, co-founders of Benefit Cosmetics, recommend their cult favorite She Laq, a makeup sealer for eyes, lips and brows. Also checkout Benefit’s BADgal waterproof mascara and eyeliner.

“A great eyeliner trick is to dot the eyeliner between your lashes instead of drawing a line straight across.” Jean says.

When applying mascara, experts say two to three coats should do the trick. Lash primers will help you avoid reapplication by lengthening eyelashes and protecting mascara. For application, try one of Jane’s favorite tricks. “To get your lashes extra long for your day, apply your mascara on the top side of your lashes, so the brush is closer to your eyelid,” she says. “Now, I know that may sound crazy, but just try it. It will lengthen your lashes so much that people will think that you have fake lashes on.” Jean recommends pressing a credit card against your eyelid to avoid any smudging on the lid.

Summer brides in search of a sun-kissed look should checkout CARGO Cosmetics’ water-resistant bronzer. “It is used on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ so you know it will last well beyond your first dance,” Dusina says.

If you face gets a bit shiny throughout the day, experts say to avoid wiping your face so you won’t worry about smudges. Instead, try blotting papers like Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens. “They’ll absorb excess oil or tears without mussing your makeup,” Dusina says.

And at the end of the day, to remove the makeup that’s been on all day, use an eye makeup remover in addition to your regular cleanser. “Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse is a great option,” Dusina says. “It melts through waterproof makeup and won’t irritate sensitive skin.”

The Ford sisters also recommend Benefit’s You Clean Up Nice. “Use a cotton swab and gently wipe your lashes in a downward motion until the mascara is completely off,” Jean says. “Use a gentle hand,” Jane adds. “Although waterproof is a pain, you don’t want to rub your skin raw. Just use a little patience.”