| Beauty Tips From Frederic Fekkai 
Celebs such as Brooke Shields, Liv Tyler and Salma Hayek on both coasts all turn to beauty expert Frédéric Fekkai before taking an opening night turn down the red carpet. Now with WeddingChannel.com's exclusive interview with one of Hollywood's makeup and hair gurus, you too can get the scoop on how to look when you take YOUR turn -- down the aisle.
What kind of makeup should a bride wear on her special day? How much is too much?
I always try to discourage brides from going overboard with makeup application. You'll be seeing almost everyone face-to-face at some point during the event, and you'll be photographed at close range. If the wedding is during the day, you'll be in daylight, which is the most unforgiving light for makeup. Instead, concentrate your efforts on perfecting your skin: careful concealer, foundation, powder. Keep eyes as natural as possible, and lips as simple as possible. Blush should be no more or no less than you'd wear on a night out to a restaurant, and mascara should be waterproof.
Specifically, what kind of foundation should a bride wear?
It is important to wear a very sheer foundation that is one tone lighter than your skin color. Fresh colors always look nicer in photos. For a little coverage, use a cream concealer and a cream powder. Always make sure the skin doesn't look too opaque.
Are there tricks to making makeup last?
A supermodel known for her always-perfect skin told me this: once you've done your makeup, smooth a powder puff across a pan of pressed powder, then press it firmly into your skin. A minute later, dip a brush in loose powder, blow off the excess, and dust your face with it. The effect will be as natural as ever, but your makeup will simply not come off. If a bride chooses to have a self-tanner treatment, she should do so a week before and have this process done by a professional.
What essentials should a bride carry with her for touch-ups and possible tears?
Create a little touch-up kit. When you're about to pose for photographs, you'll need extra powder to keep from looking shiny in the pictures. Keep a little compact with you or have one of your Bridesmaids carry it. Do the same thing with sheer, natural-looking lipstick and some concealer.
After you get your pictures taken, should you re-do your makeup for the ceremony?
You can make any touch-ups with your kit before the ceremony if need be.
What are your thoughts on hairstyles and headpieces?
It's very important for the bride to select her hairstyle before she picks out her veil. She should feel comfortable with her hair first and decide if she wants to wear it long or put it into an updo. After she picks out her veil, I like a bridal client to come to the salon so I can see her veil and her dress too. That way I get the mood of the look she is going for and I can play with hairstyles and accessories: pins, barrettes with pearls, a convertible tiara. Your hair and headpieces are two parts of the overall look, so they should complement each other.
What advice do you give your brides about their hairstyle on their wedding day? What style is best for curly hair? Straight hair? Wavy hair?
On your wedding day, you want your hair to look styled, groomed, but you don't want anything that isn't absolutely, completely you. You need to look as though you've made an effort, but haven't gone over the top - and you have to make it last. Don't cut or color your hair at the last minute. Leave enough time to fix anything that might potentially go wrong. Keep in mind that getting used to your new look two or three weeks before the event will help you feel more relaxed at the altar. Remember that squeaky-clean hair has a harder time holding a style. Plan to try several styles with your hairdresser so that you can find the best look for your hair type. Discuss current styles for curly, straight and wavy hair.
How soon before her wedding should a bride "try on" her hairstyle with her veil at the hairdresser's?
If you can, consult your hairdresser six months in advance to discuss whether or not you want to grow your hair for the occasion. Experiment with a few different ideas and plan to try several styles in the months leading up to your wedding.
What should a bride think of in terms of fragrance for her special day?
Wear your favorite fragrance throughout the day so you can always remember it as your wedding scent. To make the scent last, layer it with your fragrance's body lotion. Dab perfume on your pulse points. Carry a purse spray so you can reapply throughout the event.
How do you mask imperfections on your skin? Breakouts? Scars?
Apply concealer with a small stiff brush with repeated touches. Then blend in with a finger. It works wonders -- your face will look almost airbrushed.
Would you recommend that a bride get her makeup done professionally on her BIG day? How do you choose a makeup professional?
To find a qualified makeup artist, ask for recommendations from friends who have had their makeup done for their wedding or from makeup counters or local salons. Ask to see pictures of his/her work beforehand and request that you go through a test run prior to the event to make sure you have no hesitations. Make sure the look is right for you, that you feel comfortable, natural and utterly yourself. If you cannot find someone that suits your needs or if you cannot afford it, go to your local department store and arrange to have a makeup lesson. Practice the look a few times.
What's the biggest piece of beauty advice you can give to our brides?
Make sure you look absolutely, completely you. Don't do anything to stray from looking like yourself. This is a day you will be looking back on for the rest of your life. The bride should not be intimidated by her entourage. She should bring with her to the hairdresser and makeup artist her mother, her best friend -- someone she is absolutely comfortable with; someone she trusts. After all, the way you look in your wedding photos will last the rest of your life.
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