Category: Bridal Beauty Advice

Tarte Cosmetics is one company that has mastered creating products that aren’t tested on animals, are paraben-free (very, very important), and contain botanical nutrients. The makeup comes in attractive, fuss-free packaging, and most importantly, they make you, the wearer, look good. You might have read about Tarte’s world-famous cheek stains in InStyle, Cosmo, and Self magazines. I myself am a fan of the “flush” and “blushing bride” shades.

I admit it—at heart, I’m an old-fashioned girl. Add to that a hopeless romantic and a bit of an Anglophile, and it’s no wonder that I was a huge fan of the magazine classic, Victoria. Lest you cool chicks think that’s the sort of rag read only by grandmas, take note: Besides a healthy dose of lace and roses, Victoria also profiles chic boutiques, insider travel destinations (it’s never too early to fantasize about your honeymoon!), innovative recipes, and plenty of tips for creative entertaining. And as a bride, you’ll be doing plenty of that, girlfriend!

As you may have already realized, finding a flattering wedding hairstyle is almost always easier said than done. My own wedding hair search involved me spending hours at my salon having my hair twisted, tugged, and curled into countless “almost perfect but not quite” styles. I’m not sure, but I may have even seen my stylist wield a crimping iron at one point (considering it was 2002, this was more than a little disturbing!). By the end of the day, both my hair and nerves were a bit fried. Sure, I found a style, but I also had to spend the next few days “resting” my hair and deep conditioning with pricey products.

As you begin your own personal makeover in preparation for your wedding day, you can choose products that are both good for the planet and your close-up. That’s why I want to share with you the news about makeup leader Mineralogie. These purveyors of health-conscious beauty products have taken “natural” up a notch by undertaking an ambitious corporate initiative to make their entire company eco-friendly. Steps include switching to eco-chic packaging, changing to a green energy provider, converting to enviro-friendly shipping materials—company owner Mary Van even rides her bike to work.

Recently I attended a benefit concert by music legend Jackson Browne, and scored a pass to the VIP after-party. While downing a margarita (to help me get up the guts to introduce myself to the soulful songster himself!), I was discreetly pulled aside by a woman I didn’t know. Usually when something like this happens, it’s either because a) She wants me to know that I have lettuce in my teeth; b) She wants me to know I have toilet paper stuck to my shoe; c) She wants to know if my husband has a brother who is single.

The gotta-have beauty innovation of the season is Lush Lashes by Thi Cosmetics. This individually applied eye accessory lends natural sex appeal in person, and packs a punch for those once-in-a-lifetime photos.