BEAUTY Q&A SPECIAL

Q&A Fashion & Beauty

Our local experts answer your worries

COVER GIRL

Q: Although I’m experimental with my make-up choices, I want a classic bridal look that I’ll love in my photos for years to come; what do you suggest? If you are unsure of what bridal look is for you, I’d start off by asking yourself a couple of key questions: • How do I look when I feel my most beautiful? This will help you to build the vision of what you want to look like on the day ‒ or at least elements of it. • What feature do I want to be my focal point: eyes, lips, complexion?

This is also a great place to start because you can easily shift your focus and research into the specifics of building and tailoring your look. Ultimately you want to choose a look that’s going to make you feel incredible on your big day but most importantly something that still feels like you.

Having a moodboard will help, considering things like the venue, floral arrangements and your style of dress, these will also help to influence your look.

You might consider a non-traditional but classic style, like a bold or red lip paired with a simple eye effect which is both timeless yet makes a statement.

If you’re going to experiment with colours on the eye, go for shades that will complement your eye colour so they emphasise your facial features and framework. For example, if you have blue eyes and wanted something non-traditional you may choose tones of copper and peach, or if you have green eyes, a beautiful burgundy statement eyeliner will add an experimental feel but still look classic and clean for photographs. Gemma Wall | Make-up artist @Gemmawall_Makeupartist | gemmawall24@gmail.com

NATURAL BEAUTY

Q: I want my bridal look to be as natural as possible; I don’t want to feel ‘caked’ in make-up. What can I do to achieve this? There are several things you could do to achieve a natural look. Start with having an eyelash lift, this enhances and curls the lash making them look longer. You could follow the lash lift with tinting which makes them look fuller and darker. What’s more, you can also tint your eyebrows to enhance the shape and make them look more defined!

If you don’t want to feel ‘caked’ in make-up, maybe try a CC cream which evens out skintone and enhances it leaving you with a radiant bridal-ready glow. Emma Foley | Beauty therapist 07595 947 169 | www.instagram.com/thehalcyonroom BEAUTIFULLY BESPOKE

Q: I’ve been searching for my dream wedding dress and it doesn’t exist in the shops; I’ve decided to go bespoke but feel a little overwhelmed. What’s involved in the process and what do I need to do? The bespoke process is a wonderful experience that will allow you to bring to life your dream gown while also seeing each step in its creation. The journey to create a bespoke gown starts with an initial consultation where you can sit with our designer to discuss your vision, look at fabrics, try on sample gowns etc. From this initial consultation, we will create bespoke sketches of your dream gown. During the process we will take your personal measurements to create a sample cotton version of your gown for you to wear as part of the first fitting session with our designer. Once you are completely happy with the fit of your dress, we can then craft the first version of your wedding gown in your selected fabrics; we offer various fitting appointments until you are completely satisfied that your dress is perfect. Billy Harrison | Evening and bridalwear designer studio@couturiosity.co.uk | www.couturiosity.co.uk

TURNING HEADS

Q: I wanted a cohesive look with myself and my bridesmaids when it comes to our wedding hair; what style could work across a variety of face shapes and hair-lengths so we look unified in our appearance? When it comes to choosing a bridesmaid hairstyle remember these three things: the overall look of your wedding, the dress style, and everyone’s hair types, colours, lengths and thickness. The best way to unify bridesmaid hair is to add a main theme into the style such as twists or braids of which there are many variations. For your hair, maybe you could have it down and theirs up or vice versa, but if you really want the same style, bear in mind that with different length, thickness and colour, it will never look the same on everyone. Another way to unify the look is to add matching accessories, flowers, flower crown or a pretty hair pin. As much as you want a cohesive look you also want happy bridesmaids, each bridesmaid is different so I always ask if they would like hair around their face or away, and ears showing or not showing, as these are the most common things I get asked when styling. Jennifer Galgey | Hair stylist www.bridalhairbyjennie.co.uk

TAKE A CHANCE ON ME

Q: I’ve found the dress of my dreams, but I have two years before I get married! What do I do? I’m worried I’ll either fall out of love with it, or that it won’t be available nearer the time ‒ help! If you’re a decisive person then go for it! However, if you are a little unsure then wait another six months and revisit the boutique and retry the dress. Dresses do get discontinued, and with very little notice, but I wouldn’t let that rush you into a decision as that’s when mistakes can happen. I would rather a bride take her time and be sure on their choice than panic buy. This is one of the reasons why we advise not to go shopping for a dress until around 12 to 18 months before your wedding. Kelly Hull | Boutique owner 01206 645 005 | www.erinkellybridal.co.uk