LOOKING YOUR BEST

Looking one's best is every woman's desire - and every bride's pursuit. For the latter, every element of the bridal ensemble needs to be taken into consideration. We consulted with our self-assembled service provider panel and share with you their specialist knowledge along every beautifying dimension!

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Make-up
We connected with Anneline from Brushstrokes to glean a little guidance on mastering one's personal skill for a superlative look.

For Anneline, "the new look of the decade is understated, fresh and healthy. Even though the make-up looks effortless, you still need to apply the make-up with care and skill."

Do you have any tips for our brides? Tell us about the current trends.

Foundation: Stark, heavy pink looking foundation is out. Yellow toned foundations look more natural, and light-reflecting foundation will give the skin lustre.

Brows: As we age, brows become more sparse and faded. To give more focus, define the brows with a matt eye-shadow. By correctly shaping your brows, it will produce a lifting effect on your eyes and make you look younger instantly.

Lashes: Currently bigger is better! Lash extensions are very popular - ask your local beauty salon.

Blusher: Strong orange looking blusher is aging. Use natural colours to sculpt the cheekbones. Brighten your complexion by using a pop of brighter colour on the apples of your cheeks.

Finish: Harsh lip liners are very old fashioned. Finish with a high shine gloss to lift and freshen up your overall look.

When doing makeup for the evening or for a special event, what do you suggest?

"Smokey" eyes are always in fashion. This can range from very dramatic and dark or subtle and soft depending on your mood or the type of function you are attending. Apply a shimmer or matt shadow in a deeper shade over the entire lid to the socket line and under eyes (see below) - blend the edges of the shadow. Frame the eyes with a dark brown or black pencil to intensify the look. Balance the lips to eyes by using a soft colour lipstick or gloss.

If you were invited to a themed wedding, would you change your makeup accordingly? Rule of thumb is to apply make-up to suit your personal style, skin tone and features. Have fun with your clothing, hair and accessories to match the theme. You may want to adapt the make-up to the theme (1920's Smokey etcetera) but make sure it suits you. Make-up on your wedding day is probably one of the most important aspects - can you offer any tips or recommendations? Make sure that you choose your make-up artist carefully and insist on a trial and consultation before the wedding. If you want a soft natural look, remember that you will be photographed, so it is important to keep make-up strong enough to show up on pictures. When deciding on the "look", take into consideration the style and colour of you dress and your hairstyle. Do not forget about the colour scheme of the bridesmaids, as this will help you in the planning of the overall look.

I always discourage a too trendy look (false eyelashes) as this will date. Instead, I encourage my brides to go for a sophisticated, timeless look. Lash extensions are also better than false lashes as they look more natural and you have less chance of them coming unglued during proceedings! Buy the lipstick/gloss, lip liner and a compact powder to touch up. Use shimmers and bronzing powders on shoulders and cleavage but steer clear of over the top fake tans. Keep the make-up of bridesmaid's uniform and age appropriate.

Most importantly have FUN! Happy weddings!

"Always stay true to yourself - just get better, nicer and more approachable!" - Brushstrokes philosophy

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Tanning
It's that time of the year, where the sun doesn't allow us to lie on the beach for our golden tan. But who said a spray tan can't be applied in winter? I contacted Cari from Tan and Beauty on Cavendish regarding Spray Tanning for the tips and tricks.

What are the preparations that have to be made before going for your spray tan?

- Make sure that all waxing and shaving is done the day before
- Be sure to exfoliate the day before
- Also, make sure to not have any moisturiser or deodorant on your skin
(Note: you can only shower 8-12 hours after the session).

What do you suggest clients wear for their spray tan?

Cari suggests clients bring dark loose fitting clothing to wear after the session. This is to ensure that none of the spray tanning product is visible, in the event that it transfers to clothing.

How long does the process take and how long does it last?

It takes 15-20 minutes to apply the spray, and it lasts between 5 and 10 days."

Do you have any Recommendations for our future Brides?

It is advisable for brides to come for a trial spray about 2 weeks beforehand.
When you come in, someone will be sure to recommend a colour that will suit your skin tone. If you are very pale and want to be very dark, she recommends coming for more than one tan session, otherwise you will run the risk of looking orange!

Give us an idea of cost?

R230 per session. You also have the option of booking 5 sessions for R900.

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Hair
Hair holds its place as the crowning glory of any best look. We put a few questions to Claire from Hair on Wheels.

What are the current trends with regards to Hair?

The asymmetrical up-style is extremely popular amongst brides at the moment.
Most brides are choosing to go for the scruffy, but stylish bun swept to the side, accentuating the style with either one big flower or a number of small ones.
Then we have the longer look where you would still sweep it to the side, but leave the hair long to fall beautifully over the one shoulder and just create a fuller look by pulling some layers up.

Do you have any recommendations with regards to colouring and treatments?

I always recommend that your hair colour should not differ too much from what you would normally wear; you want it to still look as natural as possible. It is always a good idea to follow a course of treatments a few weeks before the big day, especially if your hair is not in a very healthy condition. This will add shine and sleekness to the hair. If you do not want to colour your hair, I would suggest a shine enhancer, or semi-permanent colour which deposits shine and a gentle tone.

What do you suggest: Highlights or no highlights?

Highlights can be beautiful if they are placed according to your style and come across in a natural. way. If done correctly they will accentuate the lines of your up-style, once again, ensure they are natural and that your hair can withstand the chemical treatment.

Is it worth the expense to go to a salon or is home colouring just as good?

Salon colouring definitely has its pro's such as getting your desired shade, with your hair still being in a good condition. Home colouring kits consists of metallic salts, which tend to dry out the hair, making it porous and leaving you with dull, lifeless hair. The strength of the product is not always suited to your personal hair, so unnecessary damage can also be done.

Is there a specific colour to suit a certain face shape? Or does it only count for a specific cut?

Your colour is not really done to suit your face shape, but to compliment your skin tone and eye colour. If you colour to enhance your style, you could look at making certain areas darker of lighter to accentuate the lines of your cut, thus creating width, height, or depth.

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Pamper Parties
Need to glam up for a night on the town? Or maybe you want something tamer, like a group make-over party in the comfort of your own home, or venue of choice, with all your favourite girlfriends? No woman has ever said no to a pamper session, and looking and feeling your best following one of these is a given. We chatted to Lori from Lori-Mari Hair and Make-up about the pamper party concept.

What can one expect from a pamper party?

A full day of pampering for yourself and your favourite girlfriends. It puts the fun right back into getting ready for a girls' night out. You can either arrange for the 'pamper party crew' to come to your home or any venue of your choice, where they will make everybody look gorgeous, taking your outfits and/or mood of the evening into account.

What exactly is included in a pamper party?

The team usually consists of hairstylists, make-up artists and beauty therapists. Ideally, they should be a very talented and specialised team of professionals, working together to give you an overall red carpet glamour look from head to toe. The 'Pamper party crew' is always willing to travel to your home or venue of choice and perform their magic, making everybody look and feel drop dead gorgeous!!

You can be sure that your make-up will be done to the tee, your hair styled to suit your look and mood, manicures and pedicures and even a massage are on the cards if you want that extra touch of relaxation. You can enjoy this with Canapés of your choice and a big glass of bubbly and/or juice!

This is my first time - Who do I invite?

The favourite women in your life, whether it be your mother, best friend or grandmother!

What do I wear - I want to be as relaxed as possible before the night out?

Be sure to put on something comfortable for the Pamper Spa day, but don't forget your sexy little black number to complete your glamorous look for your night out painting the town red!

What venue do you suggest?

It's a personal choice, but I suggest in the comfort of your own home or venue of choice.

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Jewellery
Jewellery represents the indispensable finishing touch to any ensemble. Howard Friedman, the CEO of 'Jack Friedman,' gave us some inside info on current trends, popular choices and ensuring the right size.

Do you favour bulky or fine jewellery? And would you wear a different design on your wedding day?

These days with the price of gold, we notice the shift to dainty jewellery. You should always wear jewellery that compliments you and that you feel comfortable in.

Which medium (material) would you suggest?

Most definitely white gold or platinum! These precious metals are durable. Silver is unfortunate, as it seems to tarnish. Definitely not stainless steel, as the metal has no intrinsic value.

Which wedding ring designs are trendy at the moment?

Individualism is one of the most important considerations of the modern, independent woman. The Edwardian and Art Deco styles seems to be very popular at the moment. The attention to detail shows off the wearers' mindset. They are specifically designed for the woman of today. Also, a classic solitaire ring is and always has been the universal symbol of love.

What, would you suggest as a gift to the wife-to-be on the big day?

Definitely something classic, something she doesn't already have; something that fills that gap in her jewellery collection. Be sure to get something that you can add to over a lifetime of wonderful and precious moments and occasions. Diamond studs are always a very thoughtful gift…that is if she doesn't own a pair already!

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Lingerie
Public appearance is one thing, but what about feeling your best at home? I contacted the staff at Tantalize Lingerie, and they were more than willing to answer my questions.

What are the current trends in the Lingerie industry?

This winter season we are seeing a lot of black with hints of fantastic colour. What has been more of an inspiration is the couture trend to go with sheer. This allows the skin to peep through, making it that more enticing to the male eye.

Do you have any recommendations when choosing your lingerie for the big day?

Traditionally, the first night is accompanied by white corsets, negligees or a two piece. You have the option of having a custom design made of a boudoir or lingerie that can vary from a transparent gown, 5-piece sets, naughty but nice and all in the styles you like. Choose 2 or 3 lingerie outfits that can be colour and fabric coded to make 5 outfits by mixing and matching. Have yourself measured and plan a lingerie wardrobe that will let you remember this amazing time.

That little something extra you can recommend?

Why not have a luxury swim range custom made as well. You should be spending your honeymoon enticing your partner with lingerie, but when you find yourself in an exotic beach location, swimming in the Seychelles, Maldives, Mallorca … you can have your custom made bikini ready.

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That's a wrap on our experts' input. Now see what you can add to create your own unique best look. I leave you with this quote from Mae West, "Look your best - who said love is blind?"

There you have it ladies. If you have any more questions for our experts please feel free to send your questions to jana@saweddings.co.za and I will forward them on.