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the secret to flawless skin

i meet so many brides who ask me how they can get a flawless complexion in time for their big day.

our skin reflects all that is happening in our minds and bodies - so if you have some pre-wedding nerves you may notice yourself breaking out in a few pimples.

the best way to deal with wedding nerves is to give yourself time-out from all the preparations. this means taking time to relax and 'switch off'. you've probably been organising your big day for at least a year and you may have started to feel a bit tired and emotional!

ask your partner to get involved a little and get your bridesmaids to organise a few things - this all helps to take the pressure off you.

find time to go to a yoga class, try some meditation or simply go for a stroll. why not treat yourself & your mum to a pamper day at your local beauty salon - it's a great way to relax and also gives you some mother-and-daughter quality time! all of these things will give you a chance to energise and give your mind a break.

on a physical level, try to avoid coffee and alcohol, replacing them with fruit smoothies, iced water or camomile tea.
cleanse your skin with a good exfoliating scrub - this literally sloughs away dead skin cells leaving your skin feeling smooth and vibrant. Use a good moisturiser - it doesn't need to be an expensive one.

use a 30+ sun block when out in the sun - especially on your nose and shoulders, there's nothing worse that red noses or strap marks on your wedding day!

consider having a spray-tan instead of going to a solarium, spray tans have improved immensely in the last few years and won't mark your dress.

these steps will all help to improve your complexion and allow your make-up to enhance your natural beauty. good luck!

Other articles:

* perfect lips


perfect foundation


it's hard to achieve a flawless foundation with only 5 minutes to spare each morning, but when you do get some extra time, try this:

Make-up: Victoria 1. moisturise your skin at least ten minutes beforehand - this gives it time to soak into your skin.

2.if you have oily or combination skin, apply an oil-control gel over the worst areas, ie. nose, chin. to help make your foundation last longer apply a primer like Clarins 'Beauty Flash Balm'*or Laura Mercier 'Foundation Primer'.

3. opt for a foundation that is light in texture such as M.A.C Studio Finish Foundation which gives a very natural finish, or 'Ariane Poole Mineral Tint Foundation'. always check the colour on your jaw line - it should match the natural skin colour of your shoulder.

4.apply evenly with your finger tips or a foundation brush, going lightly around the eye area. for creamier foundations, apply with a round sponge with downward strokes. start from your forehead and work down, leaving your eyes until last. when all the face is covered, use a small brush to do the eyelids.

5. now cover up any dark under-eye circles using concealer - use one that is very slightly lighter than your foundation with yellow tones. i like MAC Studio Concealer as it really covers up those circles!

only apply the concealer to the darkest areas using a small brush and blend gently with your fingertips. use a medicated concealer on spots such as Dermalogica.

6. if you have time, contour your face using a foundation two shades darker than your skin. create depth and shadow in areas such as the cheeks and jaw. use some highlighting creme on the top of your cheek-bones to emphasise their shape. (please see tips below).

7. if you prefer a dewy finish stop here, or create a matt finish by dabbing some cotton wool into loose translucent powder then press onto the face, starting with the eyes. make sure there are no creases in your foundation before you do this.

8. finally, use a large brush to dust off any excess powder.
contouring and highlighting

few of us have a perfect face shape, the most desirable shape usually being oval.

darker foundation or bronzing powder help recede some features while pearly highlighters bring other features out. blusher helps to accentuate and give you a healthy glow.

the following pictures give you a guide to where to shade or highlight your face.
round face

round face

Contour: Sides of jaw, temples and neck

Highlight: Centre of nose, centre of cheeks, chin and forehead
Blush: Just under the cheekbones

heart face

Contour: Temples and chin

Highlight: Lower cheeks on jawline
Blush: On the cheekbones

l
ong face
Contour:
Forehead by hairline, lower cheeks, chin
Highlight: Above cheekbones and temples
Blush: On the cheekbones

o
blong face
Contour: Sides of jaw and temples

Highlight: chin, temples and above cheekbones
Blush:On the cheekbone

pear face

Contour: Sides of jaw
and neck
Highlight: Centre of nose, centre of cheeks, temples
Blush: At the very side of the cheekbones


square face
Contour: Sides of jaw and temples
Highlight: Centre of nose, centre of cheeks and chin
Blush: On the sides of cheekbones

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