How To Have Kissable Baby Soft Lips...

A good pair of soft baby lips will greatly attribute to that radiant glow on your big day. Here are some good tips to help you prepare your lips a few weeks in advance. Also learn up some makeup tips to help you achieve that kissable lips.

Exfoliating and Lip Care

Apply on your lips generously with Vaseline and let it soak on your lips for full 5 minutes. Purse your lips every minute to speed up the softening.

Gently wipe off the excess Vaseline away from your lips.

Brush your lips gently using a baby toothbrush with a little face wash or face cleanser in small circular motion. This massaging effect will help remove dead skin and stimulate blood circulation to plump them naturally. Remember to massage around the lip line area too. Rince with warm water.

Then, dry your lips and apply a thin layer of Vaseline to keep them moist. This will prevent cracking.

Do this every alternate days to maintain the softness of your lips.

Makeup Tricks to a Plumper Sexy Lips

A moisturized lips is a good canvas to begin with. Follow the steps above for a week or two before your big day. That way, any peelings or bruises should heal by now.

When applying foundation, cover your lip line a little. Powder very lightly over your lips.

Select a lip pencil that is closest to your natural lip color, slightly brighter than your lips. Lightly trace the outline of your lips. when you reach the heart shaped arch at the centre of your lips, instead of drawing a sharp edge, soften the edge with rounder shape. Use Q-tip to lightly soften the line so that it doesn't look harsh and artificial.

Fill your lips with a lip color of your choice, preferably creamy lip color.

Now the tricky part is here. Get a lip color of the same color with 2 shades lighter. Fill up the centre of your lip area, both upper lip and lower lip. Blend the colors well so that you will not see the two separate colors.

Finish off with a high gloss with shimmers to give you the full, plump and juicy lips.

More tips on lip care...

… avoid licking your lips every now and then. Saliva will dry your lips more than it can help you smoothen. Becoming more aware of this habit can help you stop.

… drink lots of water! It helps hydrates the lips (and skin in general, for that matter.)

… to create the appearance of fuller lips, use a teeth whitener to create a dazzling white smile. White makes things look larger and stands out to attract.

… use highlighter lightly brushed at your T-Zone area and cheekbone area, will give the illusion of youthful baby look.

… practice lip pouting in front of mirror, when nobody is looking.

Hiring a Professional Makeup Artist

If the idea of putting on eyeliner makes your hand shake, you may want to hire a pro to do your makeup. Here's how.

If you're not much of a makeup person -- and even if you are -- you should think about hiring a makeup artist for your wedding day. A pro can give you picture-appropriate makeup that stays put. Here are some tips for seeking out someone to help you look big-day beautiful.

Finding One

• Ask your friends. Nothing beats word of mouth when it comes to finding true talent, especially in the world of weddings. Get recommendations from your friends especially those who has just recently got married. If you like her look on her wedding day, you should try to contact her makeup artist.
  
• Check out department stores. Talk to beauty consultants at cosmetics counters and pay attention to how their own makeup looks; let the ones you feel comfortable with give you a makeover (it's free!). Explain that you're shopping for your wedding-day face, and if you're happy with the results, ask if they make house calls or if they'll schedule time for you to come to the store the day of your wedding.
• Search from the net to get names of makeup artists in your area. Or make a list of beauty salons and call around to see if they offer makeup services.
• Ask your photographer. Most photographers have worked with makeup artists and can recommend some good ones.
• Be sure to check out their portfolios and their past credentials. Those with wider experiences are definitely far better than those newcomers in the market (as they tend to take you as a guinea pig while gaining experience).
  

Working With One

• Insist on a trial makeup. Keep in mind that your wedding is not the time to start experimenting. Trial makeups allow you to first test out the makeup artist, second to discuss the idea of look you want for your wedding. The makeup artist may even suggest a few other ideas (from his/her professional perspective) that you may want to try out too.
• Arrange to go for the trial makeup with a girlfriend of yours, so that she can give you an honest opinion.
  
• Collect pictures from magazines to show the makeup artist so he or she can get an idea of the look you're going for.
  
• Schedule trial runs before your prewedding parties or other special events (friends' weddings, class reunions, etc.). Some makeup artists do charge you for these practice sessions -- so find a crowd to wow!
• Take a close look at yourself a few hours after a trial makeover to check how the makeup wears on your skin. Does it last or fade away? Note any color changes or allergic reactions. Report to him/her the next day itself so that the makeup artist will have some time to find solution to your problems.
  
• Find out if the makeup artists charge a higher fee to come to your home. See if they also expect you to pay their travel expenses. Check out other hidden expenses too (don't be shy to ask the makeup artist).
  
• Finally, plan with the makeup artist on the program for your wedding day.
  

Tips : After each makeover, have someone take your picture. What looks great in the mirror doesn't always look right on film, and vice-versa. The photographs will also help you remember what you liked -- and didn't like -- about each application.

Wedding Photo Tips

Weddings provide plenty of opportunities for candid moments. Here are some ways you can get great shots of this special day.

=

Be Creative with a Tilt

Photo by Leslie Patopoff

For this image the photographer tilted the camera to put the focus on the little boy being led by his sister. By not showing much of the sister, Leslie avoided pulling attention from the main subject.

Start Early

Photo by Heather Melzer

Some of the best shots come before an event even starts. For weddings, shooting the bridal party’s preparation, as in this photo, can yield both fun and meaningful photos.

Watch for Unplanned Shots

Photo by Jen Lessinger

Be on the lookout for unexpected moments during an event. Here, the photographer caught interaction between the bride’s and groom’s fathers, who were oblivious to her as they chatted.

Capture Candids

Designed by Christina Schmidhofer

Keep your camera clicking to document the unplanned moments. Guests and kids especially are enjoying the day, and you'll get some extra special shots with minimum effort.

Be In Position


Photo by Greg Scheidemann

Be sure to capture the happy couple as they make their grand entrance. Find out where they will be entering the reception site and position yourself so you can get a clear shot of the smiling couple.

Chinese Tradition of Tea Ceremony

In this modern times, the tea ceremony has become the most significant event everyone (including the old relatives) is looking forward to. The bride and groom are formally introduced to each other's family through the tea ceremony, which is carried through on the wedding day itself.

Normally, tea is boiled with dried longan, lotus seeds, red dates and is lightly sweetened. Lotus seeds and two red dates are used in the tea for two reasons. First, the words “lotus” and “year,” “seed” and “child,” and “date” and “early,” are homophones, i.e. they have the same sound but different meanings in Chinese. Secondly, the ancient Chinese believed that putting these items in the tea would help the newlyweds produce children early in their marriage and every year, which would ensure many grandchildren for their parents. Also, the sweetness of the special tea is a wish for sweet relations between the bride and her new family.

Serving the Tea:

On the wedding day, the bride serves tea (holding the teacup with both hands) to her parents at home before the groom arrives. She does this as a gesture of respect and to thank her parents for raising her. The tea at this time does not need to have the lotus seeds or dates. She pours and serves the tea before the groom arrives. During this time, the parents usually gives her their precious advice preparing her into her new life. Most often, this may get a little emotional.

Traditionally, after picking up the bride from her parents and the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds serve tea (holding the teacups with both hands), inviting the groom's elders to drink tea by addressing them by formal title, e.g. first uncle or third aunt.

The general rule is to have the woman on the left side and the man on the right side. The people being served will sit in chairs, while the bride and groom kneel. For example, when the newlyweds serve tea to the groom’s parents, the bride would kneel in front of her father-in-law, while the groom would kneels in front of his mother.

The newlyweds serve tea in order, starting with the groom’s parents then proceeding from the oldest family members to the youngest, e.g. the groom’s parents, then his paternal grandparents, then his maternal grandparents, then his oldest uncles and aunts, and all the way to his older brother.

For more information about Chinese Traditional Wedding, visit http://www.chinese-wedding-guide.com, a website dedicated to preserving chinese wedding customs and culture.

Something old, Something new, Something borrowed & Something blue...

Ever wonder what does something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue means? It is a tradition back then during the Victorian age, where all well wishers grant the bride good luck and longevity in her marriage. The phrase of the poem goes like this :

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" signifies the transfer of happiness from a happily married woman to the new bride, which is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family. "Something blue" symbolizes love, purity and fidelity.

Here are some thoughts on finding meaningful objects to fulfill this tradition.

For "Something old", get something you treasure before you decide to get married. It could be anything from your old precious diary, your childhood photos with your girlfriends or even your baby boots from your mom's collection. Get "Something new" for yourself that you have intended to wear after your wedding, perhaps a beach wear for your honeymoon or a gift for your new husband to be.

The tricky part is "Something borrowed". This could be an item of jewelry, a hair ornament, a lacy handkerchief or some other suitable accessory. By tradition, a bride borrows an item from a happily married friend, relative or someone you love - ideally, something that the lender wore at her own wedding. Ask them tactfully, make it clear that you aren't expecting to keep the item, that you will take good care of it, and that it would mean a lot to you to be able to wear something connected with the lender on your wedding day. I am sure, she would feel honored to grant you something that you see value in.

Get creative when it comes to "Something blue". To make sure that it doesn't clash with your bridal gown, go for something that reveals a little or perhaps gives a little hint of something blue underneath your bridal gown, such as a lace blue-trimmed garter, a blue lingerie, a blue topaz or rhinestone pin attached to the cleavage of your gown, or you could paint your toenails blue.

Beauty Tip of the Month

Beauty Tip of the Month :

Add some white floral 3D sticker to your newly varnished french manicure. Remember to add some sparkling gemstones. These accessories are inexpensive and easily available at any nail stores.

To learn how to make french manicure, check on Label for the month of June 2009 (Bridal French Manicure).

Another Bridal French Manicure sample :

Click on pictures to get bigger image.

How to put on fake lashes

Fake lashes can help you create an illusion of a bigger and wider eyes. It can glamorize your eyes in an instant. Here are the steps to help you and you will be ready for a big night out on the town!

Getting Ready : Fake lashes of your choice (natural bristles, criss-cross bristles, rainbow colors, feathery lashes, half lashes, etc); eyelash glue (some fake lashes comes with a small tube of glue, probably a cheaper one and won't adhere effectively. I would advise you to get additional glue too if you are doing this for the first time. There may be incidences that you will have to try on a few times to get it right); a toothpick (if your glue doesn't comes with brush); small scissors; eyelash curler; flat angle brush, black powder liner, black gel liner; and mascara.

Now, trim those fake lashes with a small scissors according to the length of your upper eyelash, probably you may want to extend a little bit longer towards the end for an illusion of wider eyes.

Curl your natural lashes with an eyelash curler so that the fake lashes can rest on your natural lash for support while drying.

Spread the glue on the edge of one of the eyelashes. Wait a few seconds for the adhesive to get just a little sticky so it will stick to your eyelid better.

Lay it as close to the lash line as possible like as if it rests on your natural eyelash. Now, use the flat angle brush to pick up black powder liner and press it down to your natural lash. Open your eyes to see if you need some adjustment before the glue dries completely.

Let the glue dry, and then apply a black gel liner to camouflage the line of the fake lashes and then apply your mascara. The mascara will help blend your own lashes with the fake ones, and make your eyes look fuller and larger.

Sign up for personalized step by step makeup lesson, call 010-2002280 or write in to www.makeupbypauline@yahoo.com for enquiry.



Additional Tip : For lash removal, apply some eye make-up remover to your eyes and let it soak in for several seconds to soften up adhesive bond. Take a corner of the lash band and gently pull off the lashes.