Blushing Bride

We all have pictured our dream wedding. Everything is perfect, from the cake to the flowers, and especially the Bride. Enveloped in the gown she had been dreaming about since she was 7 years old- her makeup is flawless, not a single hair out of place, and her skin... glowing.

So how do you get that seraphic radiance that everyone envies? First of all, I have to say, STAY AWAY FROM SHIMMER on your face as much as possible. Shimmer on your eyes is okay, but any on your face will translate into oiliness on camera. The best way to achieve a healthy glow is with primers and highlighters. My favorite wedding day primer is Spotlight Skin Toning Perfector (Estee Lauder, $32). Instead of using this primer the conventional way, I like to mix it in with a

long lasting, matte finish foundation such as Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra (Lancome, $40). Mixing the formulas, I don't have to sacrifice my La Base Pro, and radiance is optimal.

After smoothing your foundation and illuminating primer of your choice over your face (as well as concealer in choice areas), apply a liquid highlighter to the parts of your face that the sun would naturally kiss. Your forehead, cheek apples, nose and chin are the most common areas. I like to add a little to defined jawlines and cheekbones for a softer look. My favorite highlighters are the Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator collection by Clinique ($22.50). These highlighters come in 4 shades; Natural, Blush, Peach, and Bronze. Follow with a matte finish loose powder.

Now that your base color is set, you can proceed with blush, eyes and lips. Minimal shimmer blush in shades of light pinks or corals work best to enhance a natural glow. My favorites are Estee Lauder's Silky Powder Blush in Peach Nuance and Rose Nuance ($26). These variegated pressed powder blushes are shimmer free and have buildable coverage. A soft natural lip and eyeshadow in demure shades of pink and peach give a pretty touch to dewy perfection.