It’s happening. Another literary work turns film, turns pop culture phenomenon. With the release of The Hunger Games this past weekend all things “Games”  inspired are coming to social media outlets near you. From Cinna’s gold eye make-up, to the couture styles of Effie Trinket, fans are “catching the fashion fire.” One signature look from the film and story is Katniss’ braid. Once considered a bohemian hair style and the “I don’t have time to do my hair” look, braids are making their way to chic up-do status. 

Beauty details from Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2012 Bridal and Valentino’s Spring 2012 RTW, had gorgeous models prancing down the runways with braided numbers atop their heads. Braids aren’t going away…ever. Whether you wear it like a crown and lose curls as Jane Aldrige from Sea of Shoes does or as an asymmetrical look with flowers; a braided hairstyle offers up the dreamy, romantic vision of a bride.

While runway-inspired beauty trends are tremendously motivating for every day make-up, beauty for a wedding is an entirely different entity altogether. Between the dress, hairstyle, and accessories, make-up can play a rather significant role in creating the perfect balance. Choosing the right make-up style is absolutely key to completing your wedding-day look. Emerging from the Spring 2012 runways however are extremely wearable beauty trends ideal for the sophisticated, modern bride. The standout look of the season is chic and minimal, consisting mainly of a glowingly polished complexion punctuated with well-defined eyebrows and soft, barely-there color on lips and cheeks.

Re-creating this clean approach to beauty can be rather simple, but to really perfect the look, start with a thoroughly cleansed and hydrated complexion. Establishing a good skin care regimen is best to set in motion a few months prior to your wedding so that skin is radiant and glowing. Princess Theodora is the perfect skincare solution for pre-wedding skin pampering. Based on ancient royal beauty secrets and formulated with the finest essential oils and active botanicals, this highly effective range of products provides an incredibly refreshing beauty experience. You will see a difference in your skin tone and texture almost immediately, with visible results that will continue to improve with regular use.

After skincare has been properly absorbed into the skin, apply a small amount of Kevyn Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Primer to ensure flawless, long-lasting coverage. Following primer, use Beauty Blender to apply Kevyn Aucoin’s Liquid Airbrush Foundation, which creates a natural-looking finish with amazing coverage. For any lingering dark circles, blemishes, or imperfections, touch up with Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer.

Once base makeup has set, brush up brows and enhance shape and color with Kevyn Aucoin’s Precision Brow Pencil (Expert tip: Mixing two similar pencil shades will create more depth and texture). Sweep upper lashes with a good coat of Aucoin’s The Mascara for a softly lifted eye. Keep eyelids neutral using the lighter shades of Aucoin’s Essential Eye Shadow Palettes. Sculpt cheeks with a soft pink shade of Creamy Glow cream blush, and then create the perfect lip shade using the new Lip Palette – featuring a vibrant range of pinks and corals. Lacquer the lips, et voilà! You’re ready to walk down The Aisle, runway style.

By Geoffrey Rodriguez

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The best of the Paris runways, in our humble, bridal-infused opinion.

The Haute Couture always provides fantastical inspiration for what’s to come in the next season, but nothing gets our engines going quite like La Mariée - “The Bride” in Couture Speak - at the finale of many presentations. Here are some of our faves. Tell us yours in the notes…