Wedding Beauty

How Do I Wear Color On My Wedding Day?

2010-05-05T16:00:00Z

If the thought of wearing the 'been there, done that' nude and pink color palette on your wedding day makes you want to yawn, try adding a little pop of color to your bridal makeup. We asked celebrity makeup artist and La Prairie Colour Ambassador Raychel Wade how you can freshen up your wedding day makeup with a subtle, yet unique splash of color. Raychel says:

Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage

"Most brides aim for a 'timeless' look so that when they revisit their wedding album in the years to come, there is not the same "what was I thinking?" reaction reserved for the album holding your senior proms pics. While a 'timeless' look is certainly safe and beautiful, it tends to keep women sticking to the same warm, neutral color palette (think brown, bronze, peach, pale pink). When I look back on the hundreds of brides I've made up, however, the ones that subtly impart their personal style stick out the most in my memory (and no doubt in their album as well).

Incorporating your own personal style and a touch of color can be done in an easy way on your eyes or lips. The easiest way to bring color to your eyes is by opting for a brighter eyeliner. Sue Devitt Intensifier Eye Pencil in Black Widow is a gorgeous shimmery violet with a hint of black. Smudge that into upper and lower lash line, and you will give your eyes a pop of real color without changing your entire look. If shimmer isn't your thing, try La Prairie's Luxe Eye Liner Automatique in Bleu Velour, which is a deep navy, flattering on every complexion and helps helps whiten the eyes. I also recommend powder shadow as eyeliner, and my go-to is Thunderball by NARS, a grey/green that is the perfect alternative to black and helps highlight and lighten your natural eye color.

If you are hesitant to experiment on your eyes, try playing with lip color instead. A fool proof way to pick a shade is to look no further than your wedding flower color palette. If your bouquet has bright pinks or even red, try a red cherry lipstain like Laura Mercier in Crimson Tint or a sheer fuchsia lip gloss, like MAC's Flashmode. Remember, you can always use the product sparingly - think more of a stain than a full-on colored pout - and still pack a punch of color.

As for cheeks, I always put a bit of color on the cheeks; my go-to shades are either cotton candy pink or a nice apricot. They are both a surefire way to make your face look bright and radiant, and in turn, make you look younger. The key is application - go sparingly! You can even have a touch of shimmer on the cheeks - the color will look like it's radiating from within.

The truth is very little in life is timeless, and hair and makeup trends are no exception. Try as you might, when you do dust off those albums in the years to come, you might emit a giggle. But the most important part of the day is how you FEEL. And if you feel beautiful, you will look beautiful. So I suggest embracing your individual style, and don't be afraid of a little color. Wear it with confidence, and it will still look modern and fresh for years to come."

About This Wedding Expert: Raychel Wade is a professional makeup artist and official La Prairie Colour Ambassador. She was voted 'Best Makeup Consultant' in New York Magazine's "Best of New York" and has been featured on the pages of Allure, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, Lucky, Self, Fitness, Brides and both New York Magazine's annual Family and Wedding guides.

Budget Bridal Dresses

2010-04-22T14:47:58Z

Vera Wang is to make a collection of budget wedding dresses.

The 60-year-old designer - whose exquisite gowns have been worn by the likes of Victoria Beckham and Mariah Carey on their big days - has teamed up with retailer David's Bridal to create the range of dresses, which will see a starting price of $600.

Robert Huth, president and chief executive of David's Bridal, said: "Vera is the name in bridal. I mean, how many stars do you have, or famous people, who want Vera Wang to design their wedding dress? You look at our customer who's mainstream America, and how many of these woman would say, 'Geez, I'd do anything to have a Vera Wang gown?

"That's the whole premise with Vera: She is the queen. For us, it's going to further validate the value of what we give our consumer."

Commenting on the news, Vera admits plans had been in the pipeline for some time.

She told WWD: "They'd spoken to us over the years, as they have with our competitors."

The dresses will run in sizes zero to 30 in David's Bridal stores throughout the US.

4 Things You Should Know About Veils

2010-04-15T21:26:16Z

For years, you've pictured yourself walking down the aisle in the perfect wedding gown, the one that you've designed and redesigned in your head a million times. But chances are you haven't given nearly as much thought to your veil. "Veils are the number one bridal accessory and you need to give yourself enough time to find a style that complements your gown," says Dawn Mohr, David's Bridal Accessory Style Expert. "It's one of the most important finishing touches to your wedding look." If you've started veil shopping already, you know the process can be daunting, with hundreds of veil styles vying to be your crowning glory. To help make your search easier, follow these tips.

1. Do your homework. Just like you do when shopping for your gown, start researching lengths, styles and colors of veil options. Before you hit the stores, scour your favorite magazines and websites. David's Bridal Headpieces Style Guide helps you find a veil that matches your gown and has a good glossary of veil terms. Rip out tear sheets, print pages of styles you like and take them with you when you shop. But like a gown, you won't know what you really love until you try them on. You may think you want a dramatic Cathedral length veil trailing behind you when actually a shorter, elbow-length style may be more flattering with your dress.

2. Consider your wedding hairstyle. "The same veil can look quite different depending on how you wear your hair on your wedding day," says Mohr. Before you go shopping, come up with a plan for your wedding hairstyle. Even if you don't know exactly how you'll wear it, it will be helpful to tell the salesperson whether you're considering a style that's up, down, or somewhere in between. If you've had a trial run with the hairstylist, bring in a photo as well.

3. Don't forget your face shape. Veils can take on a shape all their own. A Cathedral or Chapel style is long and narrow for example, while a shorter blusher veil looks square. The idea is to create a balance between the veil shape and your face shape. Don't know your face shape? Take our face shape quiz!

4. Think about your venue. No doubt you considered the type of wedding you're having when choosing your gown. Same applies to choosing a veil: different styles convey different levels of formality. Long veils (anywhere from knee-length to trailing behind like a train) are the most formal, perfect for a black-tie evening event, while medium length or shorter are more casual and fun.

What's The Best Timeless Wedding Hairstyle?

2010-04-06T17:58:37Z

Guest editor Paul Labrecque is the owner of three New York City salons and has worked with countless celebrities, including Anne Hathaway, Renée Zellweger, Kelly Ripa, Kristin Chenoweth and Beth Ostrosky-Stern. Here, he shares how to create his favorite wedding hairstyles: sultry flowing waves and an elegant updo.

My favorite thing to do is wedding hair. Why? Bringing beauty to the most important day of a woman's life is so worthwhile and we always have so much fun! Every wedding season boasts a hot new bridal look, but I tend to stay with what always works. I always say, "If it ain't broke, why fix it." Here are two of my favorite looks.

Credit: © Steve Granitz/WireImage

Old Hollywood Waves

The 2010 Oscars brought us gorgeous styles to recreate, such as my favorite, Kate Winslet. Her classic Veronica Lake-esque hair would be perfect under a white veil!

Step 1: Spray volumizer (such as Paul Labrecque Volume Style) at the root and blow dry using a round, thermal brush.

Step 2: Set the hair in pin curls, then brush them out with a finishing spray that provides hold with a soft texture.

Step 3: To complete the look, use a finishing gloss (such as Paul Labrecque Curly Finish) to add shine and sheen to the hair.

Credit: © Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Elegant Chignon

A bride having a black-tie affair will want a chic, yet glamorous updo like that of Shenae Grimes (pictured, right) to turn all the heads in the room. This chignon will surely do the trick!

Step 1: Start by putting the hair into a tight ponytail. Make sure the ponytail is smooth and set it with my Paul Labrecque Volume Finish All day Hair Hold Mist. It's also important to spray the underside of the ponytail to catch all the pesky fly-aways.

Step 2: Then, smooth the top section of hair over and twist it under, leaving one piece of hair free to wrap around the ponytail. You can pin this hair in place with bobby pins and spray one more time for extra hold so it will last all day or night.

Step 3: Flowers are my favorite addition to any chignon or updo for the spring. One large bloom or a few small flowers add the perfect spring accent. Choose similar flowers to those in the bouquet or groom's boutonnière for a consistent look.

Can I wear neon nails for my wedding without looking too trendy?

2009-07-30T04:24:20Z

Jessica Nail Polish in My Cabana Boy.

Even the biggest fashion risk-takers tend to take it down a notch when it comes to their wedding day. Remember, the pictures will last a lifetime and you don't want fashion-victim written all of your bridal look. That said, your bridal style should speak to who you are, and if that means rockin' today's bright nail trend, we went to polish pro Jessica of Jessica Cosmetics, to get her advice on how to pull it off in high style. Jessica says:

"True neon hues are a bit much for a bridal gown but there are bold fuschia and bright pinks that could look beautiful. Also, stick with a cream color instead of going for flashy metallic or shimmer finishes. This is the best way to embrace the trend on your wedding day without screaming 'I'm from the 80s!' I recommend Jessica Nail Color in My Cabana Boy, a bold pink that's very feminine and pretty."

Want to explore some wedding day makeup and hairstyle options to play off your daring neon nails? Head over to our Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert:Known as the "First Lady of Nails," Jessica Vartoughian has been a pioneer in nail care for almost four decades. Her Los Angeles-based Jessica Nail Clinic is frequented by celebrities of film, television, politics and society, counting Jodie Foster, Julia Roberts, Madonna, and Demi Moore among its exclusive clientele. Her product line, Jessica Cosmetics, is sold in 28 countries and showcases the business savvy of this beauty industry pioneer

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

What's the secret to getting skin glowing when you're stressed out?

2009-07-28T18:45:37Z

Bride-to-be Claire Danes has a radiant complexion.
Photo: © Jordan Strauss/WireImage.com

We all know that a bride is supposed to glow on her wedding day, but in reality, stress and lack of sleek can make looking radiant nearly impossible. We asked dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone, MD, for his tips on how to look radiant even when you're anything but relaxed and well-rested. He says:

"Stress causes low-grade inflammation in your skin which alters your blood circulation and results in loss of radiance. There are a few things you can do to counteract this. First, don't smoke because that also reduces blood flow and exacerbates lackluster skin. Also, try not to drink too much alcohol or eat a lot of salty foods, both of which can cause puffiness around the eyes. Reduce the amount of high-sugar and high-starch foods and beverages, but don't go for fat-free foods since the chemical additives in them can dry out your skin. While we're on the subject of dehydration, reduce your intake of caffeine and increase your intake of water--even slight dehydration can cause skin to lose radiance.

Some quick fixes are taking some Omega 3 fish oil capsules which help stimulate your circulation. Also, start drinking green tea which is a powerful anti-oxidant and, along with water, will help flush out toxins. Also, while plenty of sleep and regular exercise are the best ways to increase circulation to the face, if that's just impossible before your wedding, the best alternative is to do a few sets of push-ups and sit-ups every day. That'll take less than five minutes and is enough exercise to reap the rewards.

Finally, use a topical lotion or serum that contains alpha lipoic acid that will increase your skin's production of nitric oxide, a chemical that helps control blood flow and return radiance to your skin. My favorite is Perricone MD Advanced Eye Area Therapy, which reduces dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration."

About This Wedding Expert: Dr. Nicholas V. Perricone, MD, FACN is a board-certified dermatologist and internationally recognized expert on anti-aging skincare. The award-winning inventor founded the hugely successful Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals in 1998 and is also the author of five New York Times Best Sellers, three of which achieved # 1 status including The Wrinkle Cure, The Perricone Prescription, and The Perricone Promise.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

What wedding day eye makeup looks best on medium and darker skin tones?

2009-07-22T19:53:13Z

Mary J. Blige looks glam on the red carpet.
Photo: © Jemal Countess/WireImage.com

We asked celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow to get the latest scoop on how to find the most flattering shades for your skin tone. Tina says:

"When choosing wedding day makeup, most brides want a more glamorous version of their everyday look. Medium skin tones that have a yellow undertone look amazing with earthy browns like terracotta, brick or rust hues. Darker skin can have a red or orange undertone, so use the richest shades possible: purples, copper and deep chocolate browns will look amazing. NARS Eyeshadow Duo in India Song is a great brown/vanilla eyeshadow duo that works on either medium or dark skin tones. Pair that with Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Kenya, a deep chocolate brown pencil.

If you really want your eyes to pop, use gold or copper eye shadows as a highlight on your brow bones. I love NARS Single Eye Shadow in either Goldfinger (a shimmery gold) or California (a molten copper). Avoid silver and pastels - they'll look ashy."

Want to give these gorgeous looks a try before you buy? Head over to our Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert: Tina Turnbow is a celebrity makeup artist with an ever-expanding list of clients, including Claire Danes, Mary Louise Parker, Jessica Szohr, Ivanka Trump, Amanda Peet and Rachel Weisz, among many others. Tina's amazing work has been featured in the pages of Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Town and Country and Nylon. She has been the national spokesperson for Drugstore.com/Beauty.com for the past four years, lending her extraordinary professional insight to their products and brand consulting.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

How do I get melt-proof wedding day makeup for summer?

2009-07-14T11:00:00Z

Emmy Rossum glows with confidence.
Photo: © Sara De Boer / Retna Ltd.

Even though planning a wedding can be stressful, when it comes to your big day you never want them to see you sweat. Heat, nerves and general stress can make for less-than-spectacular makeup on your wedding if you don't know what to use. Want to look as glamorous and confident as red-carpet darling Emmy Rossum? We went to Emmy's own makeup expert, celebrity makeup artist Kerry Malouf, to scoop her best tips on meltproof beauty. Kerry says:

"When selecting a summer wedding day makeup look, you want to choose products that have long-lasting effect but still look natural. The good news is that you can get long wear that won't melt off without using a lot of harsh chemicals on your skin. I recommend starting with the Colorescience Foundation Brush in SPF 20. Its light formula remains light on the surface of your skin, giving it all day staying power with an SPF-rated formula that allows you to glow without risking sunburn.

Colorescience also makes the Blush Brush in Blushing Bride, which is a gorgeous pure mineral formula that leaves sweat-resistant but beautiful color. Lastly, you'll need to top it off with a waterproof mascara and the newest technology is vibrating wands that coat lashes quickly and evenly. I recommend Maybelline Waterproof Vibrating Mascara to get intense, gorgeous lashes that will last through laughter, tears, rain or shine. Follow these tips and you should have a long-lasting, melt-proof wedding day beauty look that will have all eyes on you!"

Feel like exploring some beautiful hair and makeup options to go with your glowing wedding day skin? Head over to our Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert: Kerry Malouf is one of Hollywood's premiere makeup artists. Known for her natural, fresh and colorful looks, she counts Ginnifer Goodwin, Audrey Tatou, Kiera Knightly, Emmy Rossum and Alicia Silverstone among her celebrity clients. Her highly sought-after looks have been featured in publications such as Vanity Fair, W, Vogue and Allure and in advertising campaigns for Mercedes Benz, Banana Republic, Fila, Nike and Hurley. Kerry's eco-chic beauty philosophy rejects animal testing and she relies on products that are organic, natural and green whenever possible.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

How can I look gorgeous in glasses on my wedding day?

2009-07-09T11:00:00Z

To find out how a bride can look sexy in specs, we went to celebrity makeup artist Chad Hayduk. Chad says:

"Many women who wear glasses think they don't need eye makeup because their eyes are hidden behind the frames, but that is simply not true. Since lenses tend to make eyes look smaller, makeup should really be used to make her eyes look bigger, and work with the frames to draw attention to her whole eye area.

First, make sure your eyebrows are well groomed. Then, use concealer a shade lighter than your skin tone under your eyes to cover any dark circles. Glasses cast a shadow under the eyes which can make any dark circles look worse than they actually are.

When selecting eyeshadow, try a shade slightly lighter than your skin tone with a hint of shimmer to make your eyes sparkle. Then, try my Three Custom Color Light Clarifier Pencil on the inner rim of the lower lid to whiten, brighten and make your eyes look big and beautiful. Next, add a dash of eyeliner on the upper lid and then a bit of mascara (too much can cause lashes to hit your lenses) to emphasize your eyes. Finish with a dab of a light-reflecting champagne shimmer eyeshadow right near the tear duct to reduce the shadow on the bridge of your nose. All these tips will ensure you'll be gorgeous in glasses on your wedding day!"

Want to try some gorgeous hairstyles to compliment your new glam-in-glasses wedding beauty look? Head over to our Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert: Chad Hayduk is a beauty industry expert who combined his expertise in makeup artistry and education to launch the now-legendary Three Custom Color Specialists makeup line with business partners Trae Bodge and Scott Catto. Chad has created custom-blended solutions for celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Toni Collette and Hillary Clinton and his work has appeared in magazines, numerous films, and television, in photo shoots and print campaigns for designers like Matthew Williamson and Teri Jon and on the theatre stage.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

How do I get luminous, shiny hair for my wedding day?

2009-07-06T18:24:32Z

Shiny hair is just as important as a glowing complexion to look completely radiant on your wedding day. To get the scoop on how to up the shine factor of your hair, we went to Eva Scrivo, NYC salon owner and celebrity colorist. Eva says:

"Glossy hair is healthy hair and the easiest and best thing you can do to improve your hair health is to brush it regularly. This will stimulate your scalp to produce its own natural oils and when you brush these natural oils through your hair, they make your hair more luminous, less frizzy and permanently improve the texture and structure of your strands. I recommend using a Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Brush.

You should also get a clear glaze done at your favorite salon. This shine-inducing treatment only takes about five minutes and will instantly add a youthful vitality and luminosity to your hair.

One final tip: choose styling products that won't mask the natural shine and color of your hair. For example, L'Oreal Paris Elnett Strong Hold Hairspray is extremely lightweight, translucent, and comes in a fine aerosol mist that disperses a small amount at a time. It gives great hold without dulling your gorgeous hair color.

All of these tips together should ensure glossy, shiny, gorgeous hair for your wedding day hairstyle!"

Want to try some gorgeous hairstyles to highlight your new shiny locks? Head over to our Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert: Eva Scrivo is a highly-acclaimed hair and makeup artist, radio talk show host and television personality. Counting Katie Lee Joel, Martha Stewart, Sally Field, Elisabeth Rohm, and Ellen Barkin among her A-list clients, she also hosts Beauty Talk on Sirius Satellite Radio, and makes frequent appearances on The Martha Stewart Show and Good Day New York. Most recently, Eva's expertise led her behind the scenes of New York Fashion Week as the lead colorist for Wella Professionals at Catherine Malandrino for spring '09 and fall '09. In addition to running her two famous NYC salons, Eva will continue to work with Wella Professionals as its newest spokesperson.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

What is the hottest wedding hairstyle trend for Summer 2009?

2009-07-06T18:00:00Z

Becki Newton side bun is the perfect wedding updo.
Photo: © RD / Dziekan / Retna Digital

Updo, down-do, what do you do when it comes to selecting a current but glamorous wedding hairstyle? We went to one of Tinseltown's "mane" men, celebrity hairstylist Kim Vo, to get his take on today's hottest wedding hairstyles. Kim says:

"Right now, the hottest trend in wedding hairstyles, hands-down, is the side bun. An homage to Greek goddess hair, it's a fabulous mixture of playful and sexy that can really set off a glamorous wedding look.

In order to achieve this wedding updo, start with smooth, blown out hair. Create a strong side part, then pull hair back to a low side ponytail and secure with a clear elastic. Next, use a 1" barrel curling iron to curl the ends of the pony, creating volume and shine. Twist the ponytail into a bun over its base, leaving one long piece loose to wrap around the finished bun. Secure the side bun in place using bobby pins that match your hair color, then wrap the remaining piece of hair around the bun to hide pins, then pin it in place underneath the bun.

The shinier your hair is, the more polished and elegant this side bun hairstyle will look. I suggest a few dabs of Kim Vo Perfect Polish to add a high gloss finish to your gorgeous wedding hairstyle. It's all about being glowing and glamorous on your big day!"

Want to see how you'd look in a side bun? Try one on from our Star-Inspired Wedding Hairstyles Look Book.

About This Wedding Expert: Kim Vo is recognized as a master colorist and celebrity hairstylist to Hollywood's A-list. Counting Teri Hatcher, Kate Hudson and Pamela Anderson among his celebrity clientele, Kim has appeared in hundreds of magazine articles and on ABC's Extreme Makeover, E!'s The Daily 10, and Shear Genius on Bravo. His B2V salons keep Kim close his A-list clients and his Kim Vo product line brings the A-list experience home to millions.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

What should I have in my makeup bag for wedding day touch-ups?

2009-06-15T14:44:00Z

Every bride wants to maintain her gorgeous wedding look throughout the night, but few can pack up an entire makeup bag for touch-ups. We went straight to makeup artist Bobbi Brown for her list of don't-leave-home-without essentials. Bobbi says:

"On the day of your wedding, your touch-up kit should include a yellow-based powder, which is great for evening out skin tone and preventing redness or shine in flash photography. I also suggest a face palette like the Bobbi Brown Face Palette that contains all of your basics (foundation, concealer, corrector, blush and lip balm) because having everything in keeps things simple. You should also pack tissues, blotting paper, mints, cotton swabs, eye drops and, of course, you'll need a bride's best friend: waterproof mascara.

Here are some quick touch-up tips: when applying the yellow-based powder, firs blot it around your nose and mouth, then blend it out to the rest of your face. As for touching up lips, line and fill them in with a lip pencil to prevent your lip color from smearing and fading. Then layer over your lipstick and/or lip gloss."

Looking for the perfect bridal makeup look? Try some on in the Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert: Legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown debuted her line of cosmetics - just 10 brown-based lipsticks - in 1991 at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, launching a beauty empire that now has a devoted following, which includes celebrities like Sara Ramirez, Nelly Furtado and Angie Harmon. Bobbi's beauty empire spans the globe and is a go-to beauty brand for some of New York Fashion Week's hottest shows.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

How can I make short hair look special for my wedding?

2009-06-15T13:00:00Z

Just because you keep your hair short and sassy doesn't mean you can have many elegant wedding hairstyle options to choose from. There are tons of alternatives for those who want to glamorize their shorter style, as seen on Pink, currently on-again with husband Carey Hart. We asked celebrity hairstylist Rodney Cutler how to get the most out your shorter style. Rodney says:

"For shorter wedding hairstyles, I've seen a return to the defined side part, where bangs and the crown are tucked back behind the ears to create a very clean silhouette with a shiny finish. If you go this sleek route, use a shine-enhancing spray like Redken Vinyl Glam Mega Shine Spray to make it really stand out.

If you like more volume, you can always create that 60's retro glam feel. Try Cutler Fly-Away Control Stick to control frizz around the hair line, then use a barrel curling iron on the crown and top of the hair. Toss your hair with your fingers so you maintain the texture and lift, then tease the crown area to add height. Add a side part, then sweep your bangs forward, smooth the style down on the sides and over the teased area, and loosely pin the sides back.

There is also a strong trend of accessorizing with headbands, jeweled bobby pins or broaches, which work especially well with shorter hair to give it a glamorous evening feel."

Want to try some glamorous short wedding hairstyles and makeup looks for your big day? ? Head over to our Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert: Australian-born Rodney Cutler, owner two Cutler Salons in New York City, is on speed dial to celebrities such as Rachael Ray, Jaime King and Jordin Sparks. He and his 30 editorial stylists consistently work on cover shoots, fashion spreads and behind the scenes at Fashion Week. He has also appeared on television programs such as Make Me A Supermodel, The Today Show, and Rachael Ray.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

How do I prevent my wedding shoes from hurting my feet?

2009-06-15T13:00:00Z

Every woman wants to be glamorous from her head to her gorgeous feet on her wedding day and that usually includes red carpet-worthy shoes like the ones worn by recent bride Maggie Gyllenhaal. However, we all know the curse of beautiful shoes is that they often hurt so much all you want to do is find the nearest chair and sit down--which is the last thing you want to do on your wedding day. We asked celebrity stylist Robert Verdi how he keeps his clients comfortable when they're wearing killer shoes. Verdi says:

"The issue with high heels is that you never know where it's going to hurt you: a pair might start off slightly tight in the toe box, but then the pain can move to the side of the toes, the side of the foot, the back of the heel or even inevitably wind up underneath the heel depending on how long you wear them or how you stand and walk in them."

"There are a couple of companies that manufacture invisible gel pads to make those gorgeous shoes more user-friendly. One of my favorites is the Foot Petals Stiletto Stylist Kit, which includes multiple gel pads for everywhere a shoe can possibly hurt. It's worth the investment and will keep you comfortable and happy on your big day."

Want to try on some gorgeous hair and makeup to complete your new confident (and comfortable) wedding look? Head over to our Makeover Studio!

About This Wedding Expert: Robert Verdi is one of the world's most respected fashion stylist and interior design talents. A whirlwind of personality and pop culture, Verdi counts Eva Longoria, Hugh Jackman, and Mariska Hargitay among his A-list clients. The mastermind behind such successful style programming as Full Frontal Fashion, Surprise by Design, and E! Fashion Police, Verdi has appeared on The View, Regis & Kelly, The Today Show, CNN Headline News and VH1's The Fabulous Life. Robert is a judge on She's Got The Look and is working on a forthcoming initiative with Logo.

Have a bridal beauty question? Ask us!

Is Wedding Planning Stressing You Out? Read this.

2009-06-12T18:24:22Z

On your wedding day you want to be at your beautiful best in the eyes of all beholders. Yet in the weeks and months before, the decisions and details can easily be overwhelming. All the must-do's together with the intense emotion and great expectation stir up a stressful brew. The last thing you want is to let stress, worry or lost sleep compromise your special day radiance. Here are a few tips for making sure dark circles, frown lines and pallor don't compromise your gorgeous wedding
day glow.

1. Be aware of stress creeping up on you. Learn to recognize the early signs of stress before upset and tension get out of control. We all have our warning signs such as headaches, stomach cramping or a pounding heart. Don't wait till the signal gets loud. Cultivate awareness and handle the situation right away.

2. Practice saying no, kindly but firmly. Every bride-to-be is over-solicited, even (or especially) by those she loves most. Responding to every request is a sure road to burnout and resentment. Extreme self-care means putting your well being first at this special time. When reminded in a nice ways, most people will understand and support your resolve not to be all things to all people.

3. Set a daily cut-off time for dealing with wedding prep. After perhaps 9 P.M. every evening shift to quiet time. Encourage a good night's sleep by winding down with an aromatic bath or an inspiring book or a brief meditation.

4. Keep good lists and be realistic about how much you can get done in a day.

5. Keep reminding yourself of what really matters most. While details abound, the essential priority is enjoying a wonderful day while celebrating your loving union. Whenever you feel agitated, recalling the essence will give you perspective.

Special Offer For Daily Makeover Brides! Receive 20% off Scentient Beings aromatherapeutic bridal oil blends. Pop an inhaler in your purse on your wedding day and take a few whiffs every time you feel frazzled to calm down your nerves pronto. Scoop up this deal now!