Images via my Big Day board on Pinterest
In the last few months I’ve been thinking a lot about make-up for my wedding day (and skincare preparations leading up to it). I tend not to go for the natural look much in everyday life – I’ve found that a everyday version of a starlet look (defined eyebrows, big lashes, red lips) works best with my features. With that in mind, I’ve been wondering how exactly to tweak my every day look for my wedding this June.
Obviously I want to look recognisable and not plastered with makeup (sure, radiant, gorgeous and beautiful would be nice too!) so I need to figure out how to take my everyday look up a notch in a way that’s flawless and long-lasting. Since we’re also getting married on the summer solstice, it obviously needs to be a summer appropriate look!
Images via my Big Day board on Pinterest
I’ve been thinking about getting my skin in tip top condition for the big day, as well as fading freckles and dealing with some random bumpy bits on my upper arms. Bio Oil purports to take care of all this and more. I say purports because I didn’t take before and after pictures or anything, but my arms are softer and this stuff just feels so good on your skin. It feels counter-intuititve to use oil on your skin if you have oil-prone skin, but trust me, its amazing!
I’m probably going to get individual lash extensions for the wedding and honeymoon, but I also decided to try out Benefit They’re Real mascara after seeing people rave about it online and over on Benefit’s Instagram. Well, it really is fantastic! It’s very gloopy and a pain to get off, but it makes your lashes so big, long and thick. In December I also picked up Collection’s Supersize mascara which is a brilliant everyday mascara (where They’re Real is more a party/big occasion mascara). It seperates and defines and you look like you’ve got lashes up the wazoo. The only problem is, it is prone to smudging, so keep an eye on your under-eye. But it’s totally worth it!
One of the things I’ve noticed about preparing for the day when people take hundreds of pictures of you (and I marry my intended) is that I’ve started noticing and needing to find solutions to previously unnoticed skincare issues. For example, the size of my pores. Yes, you know you’re truly a WOMAN, in the most cliche sense of the word, when you begin to notice and care about your pores. In my defence, they are objectively HUGE and Benefit Porefessional smooths them out like a magic wand. I’m keeping my newly acquired tube for the wedding and it will not leave my side. I’m hoping to try Maybelline Baby Skin soon in the hope that it’s a more purse-friendly alternative to Porefessional.
For some bridal glow, I also picked up High Beam by Benefit – its pricy, but a little goes a long way for creating a lovely sheen.
Readers who’re married – do you have any tips for things I should be doing in the next five months to get ready? Or any makeup or skincare that you loved on your big day?
x Kerry
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Lucy says
January 31, 2014 at 9:58 amDrink lots of water …. it really helps to clear out your skin. At east 3 litres a day. It sounds like a lot, but it definitely helps
Kerry Cooks says
January 31, 2014 at 7:48 pmThanks Lucy!! I’ll definitely do my best!
Erin says
January 12, 2014 at 9:40 pmI know it’s been said already, but no matter what makeup you wear, you will absolutely be glowing with happiness and will look beautiful! I used high beam on my big day and it was great. I also used ‘Bene tint’ to give a rosy glow. Also found regular yoga in the lead-up to the big day helped me stay serene and enjoy the whole process 🙂
You have such picture perfect porcelain skin, I think your pores must be imaginary. You will look amazing! xx
Kerry Cooks says
January 13, 2014 at 9:45 amAw thanks so much my lovely!!
EFWalt (Supper in the Suburbs) says
January 11, 2014 at 9:21 pmOh Kerry I am SO excited for you!
Much as the other girls have said you’ll look stunning on the day. You always do 🙂
Unfortunately I’m more here to steal all the recommendations than offer them but do let us know what you decide in the end!
Em
Kerry Cooks says
January 11, 2014 at 9:33 pmAw thank you so much Emma! That is so so kind of you! xxx
Samar says
January 11, 2014 at 6:24 pmAll the best with the wedding preparations kerry:) they’re real mascara is a great choice 🙂 laura mercier and bobbi brown concealers are quite a good option too. I tried mayebelline baby skin primer and so far i like it.in terms of skincare i love una brennan superfacialist range in boots.all the best on your big day :))))
Diane @ Life of Di. says
January 10, 2014 at 4:40 pmI’m going to have to pick up some Bio-Oil. I’ve never heard of it but I’m very interested. As for skin tips – I just picked up a tub of Aztec Clay from Whole Foods. I used it last night and it removed most of my black heads – so crazy! I’ve heard if you use it 1-2x/week it can make a huge difference 🙂
Kerry Cooks says
January 10, 2014 at 8:00 pmIt really is great – just check out the reviews 🙂 I think amazon sells it
Katie says
January 8, 2014 at 9:48 pmThis is so exciting, my wedding was the Best. Day. Ever! Got a few practical tips and 1 total cliché:
1. Start taking skin, hair and nail vitamins!
2. Take care of your nails and if you get a manicure, definitely go for gel nails if you’re off on honeymoon straight away.
3. Ideally now, but definitely in the weeks running up to the big day eat lots of fruit and veg and drink lots of water.
4. Figure out how you want your hair now in case you need to grow it out.
.. but the cliché is that none of that matters. You’ll be so happy on the day, you’ll be glowing and you’ll look fabulous. If you’ve got an even half way decent photographer your shots will be so beautiful that you genuinely won’t see your pores – I promise!
Kerry Cooks says
January 8, 2014 at 11:11 pmOoh great advice, thanks Katie! I am taking vitamins and growing my hair as we speak ! Congratulations on your wedding!!
Holly says
January 8, 2014 at 1:57 pmAre you doing your own wedding make-up?
I love High Beam. and I love MAC matte lip sticks for staying power and a matte effect ( 🙂 )
I’ve heard great things about an estee lauder primer, to help it all stick for longer, and i’m also becoming a big BB cream fan for easy everyday, but great as a base 🙂
Kerry Cooks says
January 8, 2014 at 2:42 pmI am indeed!! A good primer is on my list to look into, I’ve heard smashbox do a great one! Although I can make my bridesmaids hold my makeup!
Holly Sizzo says
January 8, 2014 at 1:40 pmHi Kerry, you’ve probably got your foundation sorted but if not, I recently started using Revlon Colourstay – a much cheaper (and better imo) alternative to Estée Lauder Double Wear – with some no 7 translucent loose face powder over the top – I have THE oiliest, hugest pores going and it makes my skin look near perfect. The coverage is amazing and not cakey but it’s best applied with a foundation brush for evenness. It stays on for hours and I’ve not had to blot or reapply any powder which is nothing short of a miracle! If you can, get hold of Guerlain Meterorites Perles for all over face radiance 🙂
Kerry Cooks says
January 8, 2014 at 2:41 pmThanks Holly! I am definitely going to try that foundation and powder!
Emma says
January 8, 2014 at 10:41 amI’m going to be taking tips from you. 🙂 You always look lovely and will look stunning on your wedding day no matter what!
Kerry Cooks says
January 8, 2014 at 2:42 pmAw you’re so sweet! As will you! Xx
Sue says
January 8, 2014 at 9:47 amBio-Oil is brilliant for scars too 🙂
Kerry Cooks says
January 8, 2014 at 2:43 pmSo much multi tasking!