Beauty Editor, Marie Joseph, answers some of our readers’ beauty questions. If you would like Marie to tackle your questions  send your questions through to: mariejoseph@irishweddingdiary.ie

 

I want my makeup to look stunning on my wedding day, especially in the photos.  Any Tips on whether I should go for a natural or strong look?
Your photos are the history of your wedding, therefore it’s important to get the look you desire.  The correct makeup can really help you look your best.  Avoid the makeup look of themoment, makeup trends change as quickly as the latest fashion trends.  My advice is to opt for a classical look; however, everything should be stronger and still pretty.  I suggest a slightly deeper and more defined look with the emphasis on contouring and blusher.  Step up your usual application on your eye makeup.  If you are getting your makeup done professionally get the makeup artist to take a photo of the finished look at your trial to see how it looks.
Tips: Avoid too pale a foundation; too much shimmer and bright coloured eyeshadow and lastly don’t overdo the gloss, keep it subtle.

I have a tattoo on my shoulder.  Is it expensive to get it covered on my wedding day and will the camouflage last for the day?
The answer to the latter part of your question is yes, it is possible to cover your tattoo and the camouflage will last the day.  The cost varies according to the colour and size of the tattoo.  If you are having your makeup done professionally on the morning, talk to your makeup artist as she may also provide this service.  If so, I suggest you have it done before your makeup and allow an extra thirty minutes, time wise.  When the tattoo is covered keep your shoulders bare for a while to avoid fabrics rubbing on your shoulder at the early stages.  This allows the camouflage to set and ensures it lasts the whole day.

I have downy hair around my jaw line, when I apply my foundation it tends to show it up a bit.  Any tips on the best way to apply foundation to this area?
Start your application of foundation in the centre of your face, working outwards and downwards using either your fingers or a brush.  This way you will approach your jaw line with the minimum amount of product, too much foundation will highlight the problem.  This is a case when less = more.

False nails for the wedding day, yes or no?
Why not! However, the best advice I can give is this, keep them looking as close to your own nails as possible, that way nobody will be able to tell the difference and if not too long, will be much easier to manage on your big day.
Tip:  If possible go for a natural colour, if it chips it won’t be so noticeable.

I would like to define my cheek bones as my face is round, blusher just doesn’t seem to do it for me.  Any tips on this please?
Use a shade which will help to emphasis the contours of your face. It should be slightly darker than your foundation to recede the area. The one thing you need to do is avoid any product with shimmer in it.  Apply the darker shade along the lower side of the cheekbone, brushing up along the area as you do towards the hairline, this will create the most natural illusion. Next blend the edges of the shade with a clean blush for a natural look.  With a matte highlighter, apply a pale shade over the top of your cheekbone.  This simple exercise will leave your face more defined and sculpted.
 

I love wearing lip gloss, but it doesn’t really last long.  Have you any good tips on how to get the most from my gloss? Kate Dunne, Wexford.
Firstly, it’s important to keep your lips in good condition, so to start, condition lips (my favourite product for this is Clarins Lip Conditioner).  Secondly, outline your lips using a flesh coloured lip liner, one as close to your own tone as possible, and fill in.  Lastly apply your lip gloss.  These three simple steps should keep your lips looking luscious longer.

I am getting married in a few months and currently use mineral foundation; however, it leaves my skin looking a little shiny. I have a regular foundation which looks better but unfortunately after a week my skin reacts.  I don’t want to look shiny in photos, any tips? Lisa O’Brien, Greystones.
Mineral makeup in some cases can give off a shiny appearance.  With sensitive skin the only solution is to go to a number of different makeup counters, ask for samples and test them all out until you find the one that suits.  What I suggest for your wedding is this.  Have a trial done using the regular foundation, if it looks and lasts great for the day, don’t use it again until the big day to avoid a reaction.  After, go back to using the mineral makeup. 
When using mineral makeup, allow your moisturiser and primer absorb into your skin for     about ten minutes before you apply it, this can help reduce the shiny effect.

Please help!  I have been a bit rundown lately, as a result of the build up to my wedding, and have been getting a lot of cold sores.  None of the creams I use seem to work.  What can I do I am getting married in a couple of months. Ciara Murphy, Kildare.
A cold sore is every bride’s worst nightmare. My advice to brides who suffer from cold sores is to keep a packet of Compeed cold sore patches in your purse.  They are a godsend and a necessity. Compeed are invisible patches and highly effect in containing cold sore infections.  Also makeup can be applied over the patches so if one pops up on your ‘big day’ it’s easy to cover.  Also I would advise carrying a spare patch on the day so after eating you could apply a new one and cover up with a small amount of cover in the area.  After a couple of days wearing the patches, the sores tend to clear up.

My skin is feeling very dry and looks quite dull and grey, though I still have an oily t-zone.  Also my pores seem quite wide.  I work long shifts in a lab and I don’t always have time for a skin care though I do try.  Is there anything I can do to combat this? Susan Walsh, Stepaside.
First and foremost the answer to your question is, to recover your complexion you must establish a really good skincare routine.  Buy suitable products for your skin type which by your question I would imagine is dry/combination.  Always ensure you cleanse and tone twice daily morning and evening.  Next step and the most important one is to moisturise, not just in the morning and evening but also throughout the day.  Bring your moisturiser to work and keep it in your locker or handbag and apply it to your skin throughout the day to give it a boost.  Also, I would recommend using a hydrating mask twice a week on the driest areas of your face, avoiding the oily t-zone until your skin begins to improve.  You should definitely notice the different in a matter of weeks.

I am looking to have perfect nails on my wedding day, unfortunately at the moment my nails are very dry and brittle and constantly splitting.  Why is this and is there a remedy.  I love wearing nail polish,  what can I do?  Aine Lowry, Cabinteely.
Prolonged use of nail polish can have a very drying effect on your nails, particularly if you are using acetone (nail enamel remover) to take it off.  The results quite often leave nails looking ridged, split, flaky and dry.  However, all is not lost as there is a very simple way to remedy this problem.  Firstly, avoid nail polish for a few weeks to allow your nails recover.  Secondly it is important to file you nails regularly especially if they are splitting.  File in one direction only and not in a sawing motion as this is what causes them to split.  Thirdly, buff your nails using a nail buffer.  This improves and encourages blood supply to your nails and will improve their condition and help them grow stronger.  Last but not least, invest in a nail conditioner and keep it beside your bed.  Rub the conditioner into your nails and cuticles each night before sleep.  These 4 simple steps will improve your nails and have them looking tip top for your wedding.
 

It never fails does it, a few day’s before a big event, i.e. a wedding a dance etc., up pops a few pimples.  The first thing we girls do is pop it – wrong, if it is just before your wedding day leave it alone.  Squeezing it the day before can cause a scab to form while it is easy to cover; it is more difficult for the concealer to stay put.
To conceal the spots I recommend you use an oil free concealer Laura Mercier has a great one SECRET CAMOUFLAGE  or DERMABLEND you can get this in Makeup Forever.  The best way to apply is using a nylon application brush.  Let the concealer dry first then use powder to set and blend into your skin.

How do I select a good nail care product for me?
Each person’s nails may respond differently to various products for this reason, I suggest that you experiment when it comes to selecting the correct nail product for you. The following tips can be useful.

1. Application of a base coat is essential.
2. Cuticle cream will prevent your cuticles from splitting
3. I advise you use an acetone free nail polish remover, all-natural versions of the product are now available and they won’t dry out your nails like other brands
4. Select a colour of your choice.
5. Finally, to prevent chipping apply a clear topcoat.

I am getting married abroad. Any suggestion as to how to prevent my foundation from melting?
Foundation can be very difficult to keep in place in a hot climate as we perspire more and it tends to melt down or smudge.  To avoid this happening - change your foundation to oil free or mineral foundation, in the heat you can forget about powder to set.  One of the biggest tips I can pass on to you, and this works like a dream, is to invest in a fibre-optic foundation brush.  Halfway through the day to freshen up, you can work the brush over your face.  It evens out the original application and you can then immediately re-apply a little foundation and believe me your makeup will look as good as new.  In addition, have blotting paper to hand, as it will help take of any access perspiration.

My eyes are green can you help me choose the best colour eye shadow to emphasise the colour.
Colours such as forest green Khaki or green- gold by MAC will work well, you can also use bright colours such as purple peach or bronze these shades will really emphasise and bring out the colour in your eyes.

When I get tired and stressed my eyes get very puffy, is there a remedy to hand when this happens.
This question comes up a lot.  We have lymph nodes beneath our eyes that become enlarged with fluids and toxins.  There are a number of triggers one such is too much salt in the diet, try cutting back on salty foods.  To help combat puffy eyes, here are my top five tips.

1. Run a metal spoon under cold water, and then place the cold metal on the puffy area of the eye for about a minute.
2. Place thin slices of cucumber over closed eyes, this helps to alleviate sore and puffy eyes.
3. Hold on to your tea bags after you’ve made a cup of tea.  Place them in the fridge for a while.  Then press over your eyes for about 10 minutes.  This remedy reduces swelling caused by fluid retention.
4. In the morning, using your ring fingers, gently pat the puffiness.  Starting from the outer eye working toward the bridge of the nose.  This helps drain the lymph’s under the eyes thus reducing puffiness.
5. Keeping your head elevated during sleep can prevent fluid from settling around the eye area.