Bridal beauty at its best

Last weekend former US 'first daughter' Chelsea Clinton tied the knot in a fairy tale extravaganza that is reported to have cost an eye watering $3 million. It was clear that no expense was spared on the dress - a strapless swirl of jewel excrusted organza, but what hair and beauty finish did the blushing bride plump for?

To balance the candy floss confection that was her haute couture gown, Chelsea opted for an elegant bridal look. Her golden tresses were swept up into a classic chignon and the face was kept pared down with just a soft touch of colour in her berry stained lips and subtley defined eyes.

If you're getting maried a leaf or two can be taken from Chelsea's beauty book. The trick is to keep things understated. On one of the most important days of your life, you'll want immaculate make-up that accentuates your features perfectly. Follow my top tips which will ensure that you look picture perfect from the ceremony until dawn.


A completely flawless base is the key to bridal beauty, so begin by using your favourite moisturiser. Load it on to the skin for hydration and then follow with a long lasting but light foundation, such as Lasting Performance. Apply the creamy all day touch-proof formula in sweeping motions across the face, working it in to the skin with a make up brush.

Follow by applying a generous dab of a light diffusing concealer such as Mastertouch Concealer. Apply under the eyes, around the nose and in any other places where you normally find dark spots or skin discolouration.

Set the face with Max Factor Loose Powder for a perfect matte look.

To introduce just a touch of dewiness back in to the cheeks, use Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Copper to countour under the cheek bones slightly and to create a healthy 'blushing bride' glow.

Now for the eyes. Begin by applying a neutral eyeshadow such as Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Almond across the lids. Follow by wetting a brush and applying a fine line of the same eyeshadow in Burnt Bark as a liner close to the upper lash line. The lower lash line can be subtley defined with a muted smudge of Earth Spirits Eyeshadow in Olive. This mossy suit-all shade will make brown, grey and blue eyes sparkle.

For beautifully framed eyes, finish with two generous coats of Masterpiece Mascara in Black or Brown.

Line the lips with a neutral liner and then carefully apply Colour Collections lipstick in Rosewood - a warm mulberry shade that will perfectly accentuate the lips and off set the rest of your beauty look. Blot and apply again.

Throughout the day, keep some blotting paper or Loose Powder in your bag so that you can rematify the skin if necessary and your trusty Rosewood lipstick which can be reaplied at your leisure.

And there you have it - perfect bridal beauty.