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With the stress of planning a wedding, it is no wonder that a lady's stress can show up on her face. Getting your skin picture perfect for your wedding isn't as hard as it may seem. We're all inundated with information about new-age cleansers, toners, astringents, primers and incredible variations of "age-friendly" makeup; however, in the midst of a whirlwind of products and advertisements there are a couple tips that have stood the test of time. On a daily basis we are all battling breakouts, dryness, irritation, sun damage and most of us are even attempting to slow the aging process on our skin. Shannon Caldwell, of Shannon Caldwell/Something-You Makeup Artistry, and Miss Bliss swear by their Clarisonic (as used in moderation under an aesthetician's or dermatologist's care) while others swear by salicylic-acid treatments. Whatever the case, it is important to know that every person's skin is different, our skin cells are constantly shedding and being rejuvenated by omitting free radicals. So steer clear of being seen with a face in distress on your wedding day. Shannon Caldwell and Miss Bliss can ease your frusterations with valuable tips on how to start taking care of your skin, now.

THE PROPOSAL

An Assessment:

A well-advised makeup artist analyzes her client's skin thorughly before proposing any makeup recomendations. If you investigate and contractually book a make-up artist early enough, it will give both parties ample time to work with and prepare your skin come wedding day. A scanned assessment of the skin is a great way for the artist to become familiar with any facial areas that are of concern. It is also an ideal way to establish a rapport with your artist so that he/she can know what your problem areas are under stressful situations. Some women break out frequently, while others tend to have problems only when they are stressed out or under high-pressure situations; having your artist understand the nature of your skin beforehand can better prepare them for any abrupt breakouts they may have to work with come wedding day. During the consultation stage, artists have a better understanding of your skin and the lifestyle you lead that causes it. Talking about your daily skin-care regimen and your daily activities are ways an artist can see if your regimen or makeup is the source of a skin problem. If it is established that you are not taking enough care, an artist can refer you to their elite list of venerated dermatologists and aestheticians so that your skin is taken care of before your wedding day and everyday thereafter.

"Stress is inevitable when the bride is in preparation for her wedding- that is just a fact," says Caldwell, "Through the planning process, take a break once a month to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Take a yoga class and book a spa day- the way you care for your mind and body reflects highly on your skin."

THE ENGAGEMENT

Active Steps to Preperation:

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All of the annoying memories you had of your mother reiterating to you to drink water and exercise in an effort to clean your skin are about to come flooding back. There are multipe routines that a bride must start engaging in to better their mind and body so that it can reflect wonderfully on their skin. Relieving stress is one of the most important things you can do.

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Being physically active at the gym, leaning out with Pilates, stretching out with yoga, perspiring in a sauna, experiencing facials and anything else to open up your pores and refresh your skin are perfect activities to release toxins from your body that would otherwise show up on your skin.

Internal Cleansing:

Greasy food and chocolate does not cause acne.

"Food does not cause a zit," says Caldwell, "The mood you were in when you were eating that food- does."

By eating unhealthy choices and failing to relieve stress, this can cause your body to store a lot of residual fat and damaging toxins only to cast out its negative side effects on your skin. We are all guilty of eating fast food when we are on-the-go but it is important to remember that it is not safe to eat it everyday. Once it becomes routine, you will see it wreak havoc on your face.

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By slowly omitting greasy foods and soft drinks from your diet, you'll be tackling two factors- your weight and your skin. You will not only have better skin but you will lose weight as well! A trick-of-the-trade that Caldwell swears by and even uses it herself is Dr. Perricone's 3-Day Face-lift Diet. This is in no way a one-time quick fix, but it is an excellent tip to do a week before your wedding, or photoshoot, to gleam with result only if you have been taking adequate care of yourself beforehand.

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External Cleansing:

It's vital to be aware that everyone's skin reacts to treatments and regimens differently so it is always safe, and encouraged, to speak to a licensed dermatologist and/or aesthetitian of your choice. In a multi-billion dollar beauty industry, there are an insane amount of products out there that we buy and have no idea if they are what's best for your skin or not. Acne-prone skin should use a foam or gel-based cleanser to not add on residual oil from excessively oily cleansers. For dry skin, be cognizant of over-exfoliated or over-washing. The skin naturally fights back to retain its moisture after cleansing so if you consistently overwash your skin, it can become incredibly taught, uncomfortable and highly sensitive.

WEDDING DAY:

Celebrate Your Show-Stopping Skin

Upon your wedding day, you should have gleaming skin that has been refreshed and prepared for your special day. Your make-up artist will advise you with all the steps he/she are taking in applying your makeup. Usually, as they are applying, the artist will disclose tricks-of-trade letting you know the best primers or foundation for your skin type. Since the intial assessment has been made the artist has a tailored view on your skin, so the application process becomes customized, informative and more personal.

• PRIMER:

Although Caldwell specializes in airbrush makeup artistry, a foundation primer that she holds in high-regard for everyday wear is super light-weight Laura Mercier Mineral Primer. Eye shadow primer is another key ingredient in laying out the groundwork before the makeup application. Some eye shadow primers Caldwell recommends come from Too Faced and Urban Decay; be sure to play around Sephora or Ulta and play around with primers that best acclimate to your skin type.

(Caldwell Applying Airbrush Makeup)

• MAKEUP

Caldwell is a renouned artist in airbrushing and is a strong advocate for it. Airburshing sits directly on top of the skin (won't clog your pores as bad- PLUS!) so it looks and feels very lightweight but it can easily be builded on (adding multiple layers to best fit your skin type). Airbrush makeup translates seamlessly and wonderfully with photography.

The absolute worst makeup you could ever use on your wedding day is mineral makeup! Shockingly enough, although it's great for everyday wear, it is the worst to use during a photo shoot because it reflects light away from the camera- leaving your skin to look incredibly shiny.

Shannon Caldwell principal artist of ShannonCaldwell/Something-You Makeup Artistry is one of the most sought-after airbrush makeup professionals in the DFW area. Trained by experts from Bobbi Brown, NARS, Shiseido, MACPro, Laura Mercier, MUFE and Trish McEvoy, she has carefully developed her technique for people who are in the public eye and photographed frequently. She uses the airbrush foundation technique as well as other HD make up techniques to ensure that your photos are flawless. Her choice of products and tools reflects years of research and dedicated experience. Be sure to vote for her on the Dallas' A-List! For further inquiries on makeup application, feel at liberty to email her at shannon AT something-you DOT com. Although she is not a licensed dermatologist or aesthetician, she has some fascinating tips on skincare and makeup.

• Miss Bliss's blog