DelectablyChic! is excited to present its 3^rd Annual Summer Bridal feature, this time a four part series on Wedding Prep, Make Up & Beauty Must-Haves for the 2012 Summer Bride, The Wedding Day, as well as Wedding Related Ideas.  Last week, we begin with Wedding Prep and today we move on to the Make Up & Beauty Must-Haves for the 2012 Summer Bride.

Ever since Kate Middleton did her own bridal make-up on her wedding day, more and more brides are choosing to do their own looks.  If you are planning to go this route, here are some great insider secrets for a flawless finish and a wow look.

If you have a clear complexion and prefer no-fuss make-up, Smashbox is ideal for your wedding day.  Their Photo Finish Hydrating foundation primer, Sheer Focus tinted moisturizer and Halo Hydrating Perfecting Power And Brush Set (travel size so perfect for inbetween ceremony and reception touch-ups) literally make your skin glow.  Maybe not quite an Edward Cullens diamond effect, but instead, a very natural, summery, special highlight that brings out the best in all that is naturally you.

For something a bit more formal, nothing tops The Body Shop’s Lily Cole collection, possibly one of the best make-up collections currently out, by any brand.  The colours contain just the right amount of shimmer, innovation and to-die-for packaging.  We particularly fell in love with the Lip & Cheek Dome, Puff on Radiance (little blush mini balls) and Pearl Radiance Primer.  However, even the Liquid Eyeliner and Shimmer Cubes Palette are long-lasting, easily fit in your purse and slide on effortlessly.

If you prefer something with more depth, Elizabeth Arden has some fabulous products out.  In particularly, we loved her Pure Finish Highlighter, Ceramide Ultra Lipstick (perfect for a long-lasting bridal day)in Rose and Beautiful Color eye shadow duo in Precious Metals.  Their finish was fantastic and gave a chic, sophisticated look.

Bridal Blush

Vasanti’s Sun Peached Glow brightening mineral powder is also a great way to add a delicate flushed look to your cheeks and is perfect for a summertime bride.  As it’s a peach base, it goes very well with most skin tones.

Bridal Eye Shadow

For eye shadow, we love MAC Cosmetics’ Earthly from the Heavenly Creature collection.  This celestial style mineral eye shadow is a swirly combo of beige, peach and cool brown mélange.  So gorgeous to look at, it really gives a dramatic depth to your eyes and goes on wet or dry and transitions effortless from ceremony to reception, morning through evening.

Bridal Lips

For lipstick, MAC Cosmetics’ Love Long Distance from the Beth Ditto Collection is tailor made for brides.  It’s a soft pink shade, long lasting and extremely feminine, especially if you are going to have a dramatic eye look.

Bridal Nails

No bridal look is complete without princess nails.  OPI has a stunning oyster pink You Callin’ Me a Lyre? Nail laquer as well as a classic white Don’t Touch My Tutu? – both from their NYC Ballet Collection – that are ideal for brides.  They also pair very well for a French manicure.  For a bride who wants a little more depth to the colour while still sticking with a classical look, Pedal Faster Suzi! is a very sexy, shimmery, cotton candy pink.

If you are in a funky mood, however, and prefer stick on nails, Kiss Nail Dress (Fashion That Sticks) is uber trendy and comes in all different designs from wild leopard to Dolce & Gabbana style over the top.  Just peel them on your tips and file. They easily last 10 days and no drying time.

Bridal Fragrance:

Taylor Swift’s Wonderstruck perfume is sweet yet sexy and has some razzle dazzle to it.  Even the packaging is deep bluish-purple with gold charms that make a sound every time you move the bottle.  This is a great scent — made from Freesia, Green Tea, Apple Blossom, Raspberry, Dewberry – that transitions effortlessly from wedding to reception to honeymoon.

Another handy trick for your wedding day is to use a body mist.  Especially with the extreme heat conditions we’ve been having lately, a body mist ensures that you will walk down the aisle with the best possible fragrance surrounding you.  The Body Shop makes a particularly nice one which comes in Strawberry, Vanilla and Pink Grapefruit scents. The Vanilla, in particular, is soft, subtle and sexy; perfect for a bride.