DIY make-up tips from Shoppers Laurelwood's beautyBOUTIQUE

Photos by D&G Photography

In April, the beautyBOUTIQUE at the Laurelwood Shoppers Drug Mart in Waterloo hosted a do-it-yourself seminar for brides who are interested in doing their own make-up on their wedding day and who may not have the same knowledge as a make-up expert.

From pre-wedding, every day skin care to photo ready beauty and the trick to false lashes, Kim Evans, beautyBOUTIQUE Manager, let brides-to-be in on some trade secrets for wedding worthy looks and recommendations for both budget and splurge products that allow you to have it. Here's what she told us...

STEP 1: Skin Care

• Use a moisturizer specifically made for the eye area, face creams can be too heavy for this delicate area.
• Find out your skin type - if you are oily and use products for dry skin, you could be causing more skin issues.
• Products labeled 'serum' are used prior to moisturizing - they are more intensive and penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Hydration is essential! Use a mask or a serum to up your skin hydration levels. Dehydration can cause fine lines on the skin.

TIP: Purchase inexpensive cleanser and toner, but splurge on the moisturizer because it does all the work.

STEP 2: Priming

• Primers are used before your colour cosmetics.
• There are different formulas: gels, lotions and creams.
• For oilier skin, oil free options are available.
• A little bit goes a long way - if you use too much it can "ball" up on your face and be really messy.
• A good primer can smooth fine lines and make pores appear smaller.

TIP: Prime face, eyes and lips to have a lasting, all day, flawless finish.

STEP 3: Foundation & Concealer

• When choosing your foundation, make sure it matches your skin tone.
• Your concealer should match your foundation or be one shade lighter. Set the concealer with a translucent powder.
• Ask a professional for help in matching foundation to your skin tone.

TIP: Set any liquid foundation with a powder.

STEP 4: Blush/Bronzer

• Blush or bronzer should appear as a shimmer-free matte finish on your face.
• Bronzer is a great way to get an all over sun kissed look. Consider the formulas that are available when picking a bronzer - liquid, powder or creams, and which formats work best with your skin. i.e. powders work best with oily skin.

TIP: When applying blush, smile and apply starting from the apples of your cheeks. For bronzer, start at the hairline, curl down to the cheek and into the jaw line.

STEP 5: Brows

• For big events, pluck or wax 2 to 3 days before. Major changes should be done 1 month prior.
• Follow natural shape of the brow using a firm, angled brush and then comb through.
• When using a pencil, you should apply in small, feathered strokes, starting at the inner corner and working outwards.
• Formulas: pencil, powder, liquid.

TIP: Pluck eyebrows before bedtime so any redness will disappear overnight.

STEP 6: Eyes

• Make sure you practice the look you are trying to achieve before the event.
• Use matte shadows to create a natural glam look. Add just a hint of colour. Blending is key - start light and then go darker.
• Liner in your lashes should be soft, feathery strokes - not harsh lines.
• Get the most out of your shadow's pigment with a good primer.
• Avoid using too much make-up under your eyes. Use eye shadow applied with a thin brush instead of eyeliner to avoid shadows and heaviness.

TIP: Ask yourself if the look will be outdated in 5 years looking back on photos. Be timeless!

STEP 7: Lashes

• It's important to remember when using fake eyelashes that they should be accenting the lashes you already have.
• Don't go too dramatic

TIP: Finish off lash application with gel or liquid liners.

STEP 8: Lips

• When using a lip liner, line lips fully and apply before lipstick. Start at the centre of your upper lip, draw a line to each outer corner, following the edge of your natural lip line.
• A dusting of powder or bit of foundation beneath lipstick can maximize its staying power.
• Use a gloss that isn't too shiny and avoid sparkles - it's not photo friendly.

TIP: A lip brush gives you the most precision in applying lipstick.

STEP 9: Body & Hair

• Body: exfoliate 2 times a week and moisturize daily.
• Do any acne treatments 3 months prior to the event.
• Hands and feet: get a manicure and pedicure, exfoliate, moisturize. Add two coats of polish to nails and file nails in one direction only.
• Before using self tanners, exfoliate skin to avoid streaking. Begin the self tanning process 1 month prior to the event.
• When using a fragrance, layer using the body lotion, shower gel and then the fragrance. This will make it last longer.
• Apply a hair mask 1 or 2 weeks prior to your event. Wash your hair the day before and not the day of.

TIP: One of the best ways to nourish your skin is to drink plenty of water.

Extra tips for bride savvy skin and make-up:

• Shimmer and sparkle will show up poorly in photos.
• Not setting your make-up properly will let it melt off.
• Go for a classic look - don't date your photos.
• Sometimes it's good to splurge on really good products like your skincare, foundation and primers and then save money on products like your eye liners, mascara and lipstick.
• Give yourself a lot of prep time before any big event.
• Practice makes perfect - take photos. Ask yourself if you like how it looks and try with and without a flash on the camera.
• Quality brushes will be a great investment and brushes add ease of applications. Quality products should always be applied with a quality brush.
• Ask your beautyBOUTIQUE expert any other questions you have.