Whether you’re a blushing bride-to-be or a distinguished guest, choosing your dress for an important event isn’t the hardest decision you’ll have to make. Namely, it’s the kind of makeup should you go for. No, I don’t just mean choosing what shade of lipstick or eyeshadow to wear. More like—should you take the classic, traditional route or splurge a little extra for some fancy, airbrush makeup magic? If you can’t make up your mind (it’s tough, I know!), here’s the low down on both types to help you deal with that mental dispute:

The biggest advantage of sticking with tradition is that you can do your makeup in the comfort of your own home. If you’re already a regular makeup wearer, this should be a piece of cake for you. Just stick on a pair of falsies, swipe on a luscious shade of lipstick, and you’re good to go. But if you’re not so confident with your makeup skills, you’ll likely need a professional MUA to help out. Traditional makeup can easily look cakey, overdone, and downright unflattering if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, so a good MUA is key. Unlike airbrush makeup that tends to look good throughout the day, traditional makeup might still need occasional touch-ups and probably won’t look as great hours later. If you’re on a budget though, going traditional is best. Whether you’re DIY-ing your #MOTD (Makeup Of The Day) or hiring a MUA, you’ll save significantly more.

Helpful tip: whichever one you go for, just always remember to keep BEE in mind: Budget, Event, and Expertise!

Written By:

Ari Yupangco

BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

Ari has been blogging since 2012 about all things beauty with a sprinkle of different topics here and there. She loves makeup just as much as she loves almost anything nerdy like video games and comic books, and is big on Japanese culture.

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Planning about your entire bridal beauty look must include your fragrance. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time greeting guests. Not to mention, facing the love of your life and vowing to spend eternity with him. Surely such a momentous occasion deserves careful thought and planning.

If you are deciding on whether to go with a favorite scent, a completely new one, or a perfume your husband-to-be absolutely loves on you, let these real brides and their own experiences help you decide.

Chrina Cuna-Henson, Managing Director and Producer – Married 4 Years Scent: Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede

I chose it for my wedding day because it’s an elegant scent that’s appropriate from day-to-night. I loved the romantic full floral notes layered with the softness of blush suede and a fresh top note. I find that it’s a unique scent that is not overpowering but is still extremely long-lasting.

I distinctly remember spritzing myself with perfume and feeling like it was the final touch to my bridal look. The scent made me feel very feminine and confident—the way I always feel in Peony & Blush Suede. After all, I really just wanted to smell like myself and didn’t want to show up on my wedding in a brand new, unfamiliar scent.

Eliza Constantino-del Rosario, Reading Clinican – Married 1 and 1/2 years Scent: Versace Bright Crystal

I wore it because it was the scent I was loving during that time. It was also a plus that pink is my favorite color and it helped that it was in a pretty bottle, so it also looked great in photos.

I didn’t have to worry knowing that the scent I chose was something I used every day because I was confident that it is tried-and-tested.

Zild Ansay-Aquino, Hotelier – Married 2 Months Scent: Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey and Versace Bright Crystal

My main perfume was Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey. I used this during the ceremony.  I searched literally everywhere for my wedding scent. Jo Malone really matched my personality. I knew it was the one. Love at first sniff.

I wanted to use it as well for the reception but one of my husband’s Titas gave me a Versace Bright Crystal as her bridal gift. I wanted her to know that I appreciated her gift, which is why I wore it during the reception.

I didn’t want to use my usual favorite, which is Lancôme La Vie Est Belle. I really wanted to pin that memory to a new scent so that when I smelled it in the future, I would remember my wedding day and nothing more. I used it also during my honeymoon! So that perfume really reminds me of the best days of my life.

Meira Furuki-Chua, Pastoral Administration Assistant – Married 7 Months Scent: TOCCA Eau de Parfum in Florence

Around a year before our wedding, I wore this fragrance one day and my then-fiancé-now-husband, absolutely loved it! We have always struggled with finding the “right scent” for me that we both loved. My husband is a fan of citrus, clean scents, while I much prefer to lean towards the floral side. So when I got a favorable reaction from him, I decided to cease using it in the meantime and save it for our wedding day!

There were barely any flowers around since our wedding was during the tail-end of winter in Japan, but the elegant floral scent was a piece of warmth amidst the chilly day. Picking the right fragrance for me definitely completed my overall look. Every time I smell it, I am reminded of our wedding day and I always find myself smiling from ear to ear.

Ronna Capili-Bonifacio, Writer – Married 7 Years Scent: Dolce & Gabbana La Roue de La Fortune

In spite of being a beauty writer for many years, including the year I was preparing for my wedding, I was not able to give my perfume choice a lot of thought. I had a couple of scents I rotated and Dolce & Gabbana La Roue de La Fortune was a newly opened bottle. At first, it was the name that captured my interest—it is translated as wheel of fortune in English—it felt like an appropriate name for the big leap I was about to take. Once I sniffed it, I knew it was perfect for the occasion. It was unlike the usual clean and citrusy or floral scents I gravitate toward. It was a bit more mature and sensual, perhaps because of the patchouli and vanilla base notes. I still love spraying it to this day when we go on dates because the scent reminds me of us.

Written By: 

Ronna Bonifacio

BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

Ronna Capili Bonifacio is a writer, editor, and columnist covering beauty and lifestyle for over a decade. She now also tries to humorously write about motherhood as a mom of two. Apart from skin care and cosmetics, Ronna’s true weakness are books and coffee. You can follow her on Instagram @ronnabonifacio and her blog: www.ronnabonifacio.com.

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SOLEIL ET LUNE BRIGITTE EAU DE TOILETTE, P380 – P1,180

Hair up during the ceremony, and down during the reception. This is the usual style brides opt for and it’s a fail-proof plan. The updo complements the solemn ceremony and timeless portraits, while the kick ass party you planned is just begging you to let your hair down, literally and figuratively.

But after deciding on an updo, just what kind should you get? There are endless ways to pull up your hair, soon to be missus. Here’s a short list to help you pin down your bridal look.

1. Romantic Updo

Pulling up all the curled hair into a loose updo is a surefire romantic look. You can put a flower crown, hairband braid, or even a fishtail as an accent. This look would complement a lace gown well, or an outdoor garden wedding. Don’t forget to leave face-framing layers to really turn up that romantic bride vibe.

2. Low, Easy Bun

3. The Side Bun

When partnered with a deep side part, the side bun is one of the most classic looks you can’t go wrong with. Ladies who prefer clean silhouettes, Sabrina necklines, and A-line gowns would love this updo. Allowing your bangs or hair to frame your face can also help with giving you a smaller face shape.

4. Top-Knot

5. That Meghan Markle Updo

We bet it’s the updo everyone’s going to be asking for in the next few years. The Duchess of Sussex has cemented the messy updo with a center part as her signature hairstyle and it gives off such an approachable vibe. Do it like Meghan and juxtapose it with stiffer fabrics or let it work with your laidback wedding style. The finishing touch to do ala-Meghan Wear jewelry with restraint.

Written By: 

Ronna Bonifacio

BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

Ronna Capili Bonifacio is a writer, editor, and columnist covering beauty and lifestyle for over a decade. She now also tries to humorously write about motherhood as a mom of two. Apart from skin care and cosmetics, Ronna's true weakness are books and coffee. You can follow her on Instagram @ronnabonifacio and her blog: www.ronnabonifacio.com.

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1. Exmouth

Possibly the closest match to the classic wedding font of yonder (it probably would very closely match the first thought bubble that comes to your head when someone says “wedding font”), this font is brimming with elegance and class.

Download link: https://www.dafont.com/exmouth.font

2. Better Together

3. Champagne & Limousines

If you want to veer away from the traditional swirly script that makes up most wedding invites, go for minimalism and opt for this sleek, clean font that is simple but very classy.

Download link: https://www.dafont.com/champagne-limousines.font

4. Sweet Hipster

5. Beyond Wonderland

If you want something old-fashioned and rustic, look no further than this very medieval-looking font (think Lancelot and Guinevere). You can even write this on scrolls to nail the theme, if you wish.

Download link: http://www.1001fonts.com/beyond-wonderland-font.html

Text by: Yasha Barretto

These are the three items you must bring on your honeymoon.

I’ve often wondered, if I were to get stuck on an island, which three beauty items would I want—or need to have with me? I think the same goes for travel or going on a romantic getaway. Which three things would I absolutely need to have with me 24/7 in order to look and feel good?

SPF

I think that it goes without saying that the top product would be SPF. Skin cancer is such a reality these days that the most important thing to consider would be protection from the harsh rays of the sun. This would guarantee safety as well as comfort in knowing that I won’t be seeing premature wrinkled or unsightly sunspots anytime soon.

Pond’s Age Miracle BB Cream SPF 30, P499

“We love that this lightweight BB cream hides flaws and protects your skin at the same time.“

Dry Shampoo

Another item that I think should always be with you is a dry shampoo. Hair is so major that it really does make a difference when it looks good. You may not have time to wash your hair as often as you’d like to while traveling so this keeps it fresh, and provides volume sans a blow dry. Another plus? If your hair is colored, it’s better to use a dry shampoo over a conventional shampoo where you have to wet your hair and all, because it keeps your hair color from fading and turning brassy.

Toni & Guy Sky High Volume Dry Shampoo, P990

“We love the fragrance and volumizing wonders of this easy-to-use hair rescue product.”

Lip and Cheek Tint

Lastly, a lip and cheek tint product should do the trick, makeup wise. A little color always helps, and a monotone look is enough to make one look fresh. Go for tried and tested multi-functional makeup products that blend easily, and don’t steak or crease. Also, remember—you can use the same color on your lids!

Pink Sugar Sugartint Lip & Cheek Tint, P349

“These blend in effortlessly, and the pigment payoff is amazing!“

Text by: Agoo Bengzon