Vain Roxy

I certainly was no different from any other bride, in that I wanted my wedding photographs to turn out absolutely perfect. With the beautiful Salt Lake City backdrop, an impeccably dressed bridal party, and incredibly handsome groom, all that was left to ensure stunning photos was myself. I decided it would be wise to consult not only my make up artist to come up with the perfect look, but my wedding photographer as well; this would enable me to have gorgeous makeup that would enhance the pictures. The following is a compilation of what I learned from both.

Your wedding make up will obviously be slightly different than your normal, daily make up routine. Whether you are doing it yourself or having a professional do it, make sure you use natural lighting, like near a big window with the sun shining. Artificial lighting can give you an inaccurate view and poor lighting, leading to make up lines and the over-application of products.

Prep your face as you normally would: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize before you apply any makeup. If you tend to have oily skin, use oil-free products so you have oil control. To get rid of puffiness around your eyes, press a cold compress to them and then apply Preparation H (I swear this is not just a beauty myth – it does work!).

When it comes to your concealer, you should use a thicker formula than those sheer ones so that you can completely cover any blemishes. The concealer should be a couple shades lighter than your skin tone to ensure full coverage. Do not cover your entire face in foundation, use the thick concealer for blemishes only, and then cover everything with a more sheer light formula or foundation powder is a great option. Make sure you blend from face to chin to neck; this will eliminate any make up lines along the jaw line. Reapply your powder throughout the day and in between photo shots, to create a mat finish look and keep oil and blemishes at bay.

Your eye make up should be only slightly more than you would wear normally. Highlight the brow bones with a light shimmery eyeshadow to create a gorgeous glow. However, avoid anything that is too frosty or bright, it will look shiny in the photographs. Most importantly, this is your big day, so make sure your make up is something you love and reflects your personal style.

Last but not least, my Utah wedding photographer suggested taking wedding photographs in the evening when the sun begins to set (around 5 pm) and the lighting is a bit softer. This softer light makes everyone look better and more radiant and makes for overall better photographs. This should also be the case when taking your engagement photos or bridal pictures.

We have all been there: frustrated dieters desperate to shed those pounds so we can reach our ideal and healthy body weight (not to mention, looking smokin’ hot for our men, right ladies?). Dieting can be a exasperating and disastrous if not approached in an efficient method. Yes, your long-term goal is lose X amount of pounds, but setting smaller, more attainable goals to reach that objective will help you be more successful in losing the weight.

Keep A Daily Log – This one is actually recommended often for individuals trying to lose weight. I would suggest keeping a daily log of both your weight and what you eat. This will allow you monitor your caloric intake and portions and track all your weight loss progress – even the smallest amount can make you feel great

Proclaim that Diet – Being on a diet is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, especially considering how image-oriented society is. In fact, doing so can be beneficial. Telling your close friends and family that you are on a diet can serve as further motivation and accountability.

Diet on Weekdays Only – The weekends are reserved for time off, even when it comes to dieting. If you are trying to lose weight over a substantial amount of time, it will start to really wear on you if you do not take a break from it. You will find yourself depressed, tired, and unmotivated to continue your healthy eating habits. Use the weekends as a time to celebrate and have that tempting piece of cake.

Don’t Forfeit Your Social Life – There will inevitably be times when you will not be able to diet or eat healthy, such as eating out for a business lunch or a friend’s birthday. Don’t avoid such occasions simply because of your diet. If you happen to break your diet, say on Thursday, then swap it for a weekend day so you get five full days of dieting.

Supplements – I only include this option because a weight loss supplement used correctly in conjunction with a proper diet and adequate exercise can really expedite and assist in your weight loss. Do your research and find a diet pill that suits your needs, such as a supplement that will curb your hunger.