Perfect Match: Stun with Trendy Bridal Beauty Combinations

It’s easy to fall in love this wedding season – with new trends in beauty, that is! If you’re a bride-to-be, then you already know that publications are inundated with new, cutting edge looks that take bridal beauty to the next level of chic. Finding a trend that you like isn’t the problem, but pairing makeup and hair looks that complement each other can be a challenge. Here, bridal beauty expert and founder of Beauty Entourage, Ashley Stone, shares her favorite combinations for maximum impact on your big day.

Romance Undone

The bridal fashion shows for 2013 were sprinkled with one dominant theme: the unstructured ‘do. “While most women opt for styles that have little to no movement because of pictures, a new class of daring and whimsical styles have many future brides thinking twice about tradition,” says Ashley. “A great styling team will be able to craft the look you want and make sure it works for your wedding album, regardless of the style.” What does Ashley think pairs well with this aesthetic? “The new “no-makeup” look is a perfect match for this undone hair trend. The idea is to bring out your own natural features and to create a flawless, minimal face,” says Ashley. Let your natural beauty shine by highlighting your best assets using warm tones in the nude family.

Glamour Redefined

While many brides opt for the ever-popular chignon, this year it seems to have taken a new direction. Ashley explains, “Side chignons are all the rage right now. Because the style is so structured, it allows brides to feel confident that they will not need to adjust their hair throughout the night, and it also provides an essence of glamour that is unmatched. Pair this look with a deep side part so that the style is more exaggerated and elegant.” With hair that screams vintage glam, don’t lose steam when it comes to your makeup look. “The bridal runways this year showcased makeup highlighting one particular feature. Whether you focus on a strong, smoky eye or a sultry bold red lip, you’ll dazzle your guests with your flawless style.” Keep other makeup choices muted so that the focus remains on the feature that you want to shine.

Fearless Fashionista

If you’re always the first of your friends to sport the latest trends from the runways, look no further than this bridal combination. “It should come as no surprise to beauty mavens that volume will continue its appeal into the fall,” says Ashley. “Volumized looks have always been somewhat popular, but with high ponies and teased crowns dominating the red carpet, the trend has garnered added attention.” From modernized beehives to the addition of headband accessories for a flirty, fun look, the volume has solidified its place in bridal. “Pairing a bold makeup look with an unconventional hair choice is the hallmark of a fashionista. Go for the wow factor with a different take on the traditional smoky eye by using color.” Try purples, greens, and blues for a delicate yet hip look.

“Ultimately, your wedding is your day to express your personality and taste. Test out different hair and makeup combinations to see what works best, and leave time for you to change your mind. Don’t be afraid to mix and match and create your own winning look for your day! With the right team behind you, anything you dream can come true,” says Ashley.

Summer Beauty Woes Solved

While summer is the most carefree time of the year, it presents many problems when it comes to the world of beauty. For women, in particular, the summer months can mean retirement for your makeup and surrendering your hair to the elements. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here, celebrity hairstylist, makeup artist and owner of Gocha Salon, Gocha Hawkins, provides tips for how to combat the heat and keep yourself looking flawless on those long summer nights.

The Battle of the Frizz

Getting a good haircut is your best defense against the harsh elements of summer weather. From thunderstorms to humidity, the biggest enemy for your hair is breakage. Gocha explains, “A lot of women forget that regular trims are needed to prevent split ends; when ends become split, it hinders hair health and creates frizz. I recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks.”

While most women consider products for purely styling purposes, there are many that are designed specifically to help combat the heat and aid in preventing split ends, keeping hair smooth. What are the best products to stop frizz from occurring? “Silicone-based anti-frizz serums or sprays are best to combat the humidity. However, most women don’t know that it’s important to apply the cut every time you style in order to ensure that there is a buffer between hair and the heat of the styling tool. Ask your stylist for a recommendation or take note of the product that they use when you get your hair done at a salon to know what’s best for your texture. I would suggest Bumble and Bumble’s Defrizz Serum,” Gocha says.

Even when you don’t think you have the time for it, deep conditioning can be the difference between a silky set of tresses and dry, dull hair. As Gocha puts it, “Deep conditioning is the golden rule when it comes to overall hair health. If you want your hair to look its best, maintain a strict schedule of deep conditioning at least every two weeks. This goes a long way in helping hair maintain its shine and strength, which prevents breakage and eliminates frizz. My favorite is Kerastase Nutritive Nutridefense Masque ($49.95 - $85.95 at Folica).”

Make Your Makeup Work

The old adage “less is more” does not have to apply when it comes to your summer makeup habits, but how can you protect your skin and sport your go-to beauty looks? Gocha explains, “There is always room for sunscreen in your routine. You always need to protect your skin, regardless of your overall look. Prior to applying any makeup, slather on the sunscreen. For touch-ups throughout the day, without ruining your style, try a product like Laura Hutton’s 24/7 SPF 18 Makeup-Friendly Hydrating Mist.”

As far as other products are concerned, ladies need to rely on lightweight, steadfast options. Gocha suggests, “Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($17 - $49 at Sephora) and Revlon’s Colorstay Active Light Makeup give amazing, flawless coverage and alleviate the need for reapplication. I know lots of women who wouldn’t dream of going out without their eye makeup done; for these ladies, I recommend MAC’s Liquid Eyeliner ($18.50 at Nordstrom), which has a waterproof component, and Yves Saint Laurent’s Mascara AquaResistant. Both are smudge-proof and long-lasting.”

What’s the best advice that Gocha can provide when it comes to summer makeup? “When the temperatures are climbing, the reality is that touch-ups will need to take place. Make sure that you’re prepared with Shiseido’s Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper ($18 at Sephora), that way you can feel confident that your face will look flawless all day long.”

Glowing Beauty Through Good Nutrition

With the summer already upon us, you may be scrambling to fit into those teeny bikinis and clamoring to get an appointment with the best hair stylist. But what about your skin? Beauty-savvy women know that great skin is a must. Without it, the hottest hairstyle and the baddest bathing suit out there won’t mask the fact that your skin is suffering. In fact, the other accents will only draw attention to it.

Instead of rushing out to purchase a ton of toner and an applicator the size of a dinner plate to cover your skin this summer, you should perhaps try a better, more natural route that’s safe, effective and much longer lasting. We’re speaking, of course, about nutritional supplements.

If you aren’t aware, your skin is actually a reflection of your overall health. If you’re not up on your vitamins and minerals, the skin, which is just another organ, is going to show the lack of overall nutrition over every square centimeter of surface. And if you want supplements to get healthier while achieving great-looking skin, Puritan’s Pride is the only location around offering a wide range of deals on vitamins, minerals, oils, and even healthy snacks for unbeatable prices on any budget.

For those penny-pinching people out there looking to save even more money on a fantastic deal, you can even use a Puritan’s Pride coupon and receive incredible deals on skin-healing supplements like Vitamin A, or on vitamins that help reduce and even prevent sun damage, like vitamins C and E.

Now, you shouldn’t toss that makeup out. The idea, however, is to start off with great-looking, healthy skin that is highlighted by your beauty products. Don’t mask anything; get a healthy body and enjoy some healthy skin.

Gorgeously Green Tresses with Raw Hair Organics

Synthetic preservatives, detergents, and petroleum derivatives are commonly found in 95 percent of shampoos. Sulfates will also corrode and stunt hair growth. Not only are these damaging ingredients known to strip away sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous gland to keep your hair and skin from drying out, but they can take a toll one one's health. One of those ingredients include 1.4-dioxane, which is found in many shampoos, household products, and bath products - mostly anything that will create suds. High exposure to this ingredient can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, nose, and lungs; vertigo, coughing, drowsiness, and increase your risk for cancer.

A little over a year ago, I mostly stopped using chemical laden hair products (except for heat protectant, but I have recently found a healthy alternative), and I have noticed a significant difference in my hair health - less breakage, shinier, and more apt at retaining moisture. I'll admit that I still have issues with my hair from time to time, but the flat iron is the culprit.

I was introduced to the Magnificent Moisture Shampoo ($21) and Conditioner ($22) by Raw Hair Organics about a month ago. I was sold at the fact that their products are 100% natural, made with organic, and wild crafted ingredients. Ideal for hair that is lacking in moisture, their Magnificent Moisture hair care line has natural moisturizing ingredients that are free of damaging detergents. I love the results that both products provide. It simply takes a dime sized amount of their shampoo to get my hair squeaky clean, and it doesn't strip my hair or leave it in a tangled mess - biggest plus! Their conditioner ensures that my hair retains moisture, while giving it a light, pleasant grapefruit scent.

I normally don't use styling gel in my hair, mostly due to the fact that they dry out my hair, causes flakes, and other hair misadventures. However, I really like their Just Gellin Styling Gel ($20). It doesn't flake or dry out the hair, yet it will ensure that your hair stays in place. I've been mostly using it in my son's hair and really like what it does for his also. I'm definitely going to forgo the expensive trips to the salon, where I normally buy his hair products.

Disclosure: The product(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.