PUT ON A GOOD FACE
You already know that to keep your skin flawless, you need to follow a daily skincare routine. However, for your wedding day, you might want to take an extra step to making your skin look its very best. Consider the benefits of seeing a local dermatologist, especially if you have a skin condition that you would like to correct. Treating a skin condition can take time, so book an appointment as soon as you get engaged (or at least four months in advance). The dermatologist can put together a regimented skin-care routine, using solutions you can’t get on your own, such as prescription acne products (like extra-strength topical salicylic acid) and laser treatments. Persistent problems you might want a doc to take a look at could include wrinkles, acne, scars, tattoo removal, hair removal, stretch marks, and more.
More and more frequently, ides (and idesmaids!) are trying cosmetic injections and dermal fillers before the wedding, especially mature or second-time ides. Botox injections relax the facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, particularly crow’s feet or forehead furrow, while collagen (and other dermal fillers) gives your skin a smoother and plumper look. There are many types of injectables and fillers, so speak with the doctor to figure out which is best for you. For Botox injections, schedule an appointment for at least four months in advance, as you never know how your body will react to the injection. If everything goes according to plan, schedule the last injection for two weeks before the wedding.
If you don’t feel like you need medical help, another option is receiving a facial several times before the wedding. Aim to get a facial at least once a month in the months leading up to the wedding, but do not schedule one the week of the wedding. A facial will allow your skin to experience a deeper cleansing than your usual facial routine offers. This treatment allows for the skin to be stimulated and increase circulation, in addition to exfoliating and improving your complexion. And the best part is that it’s relaxing—something you’ll need a lot of before the big day!
At home, take a look at the skin-care products you’ve been using. Shoot for products that are all-natural or organic—if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, then they probably aren’t something you want to be using on your skin. And we know you’ve heard it before—take that extra minute to remove your makeup before bed. When you sleep with makeup on, it can clog pores and lead to eakouts, or dry out the very delicate skin that surrounds your eyes.
A final skin-care note you might not consider: Drinking alcohol in excess can dehydrate the skin and dilate blood vessels, leaving your face flaky or blotchy. Stick to just one or two drinks at your rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, and drink plenty of water to wake up with wedding-worthy skin.
Of course, what’s a pretty face without a gorgeous smile? Today, you’re in luck if you’re considering dental restoration. There’s a myriad of options available to enhance your smile via dental and orthodontic programs and procedures. Consulting your dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible is an advisable first step toward achieving the smile of your dreams, in time for your wedding day. Programs, from traditional aces to Invisalign Express, can take anywhere from 36 months for major tooth and bite correction to only 3 months for minor oral adjustments. Additional smile correction options to consider include dental veneers, crowns, implants, dentures, tooth whitening, and even maxillofacial surgery.r
ALL MADE UP
One of the keys to looking your best on your wedding day is selecting the right makeup. Prior to the big day, go in for a makeup consultation, where a professional where help you pick the right products and colors for your skin tone.
If you decide to have your makeup professionally done, go in for a makeup consultation prior to the wedding day. Discuss which products and colors work best for you so there aren't any makeup-mishaps on the big day. However, before you do a trial run, owse online for pictures and try to find one that is similar to what you want—it's always easier to work from example. Think about how you envision yourself on your wedding day—do you see smoky, dramatic eyes? Shimmery shadows? A bold, red lip? Makeup artists are often getting requests for period makeup, such as winged eyeliner and a rich red lip color.
You can take a cue from the season of your wedding. During the fall months, draw from a soft own, burgundy, and plum color palate, and request a subtle smoky eye using those colors. While a smoky eye using gray and black works for some women with darker coloring, the trend of a very dark eye is waning. Finally, consider splurging on false lashes for the day of the wedding. While you might worry that it won't look natural, be too much, or irritate your eyes, false lashes really make your eyes stand out. It always helps accentuate the eyes shadow. Talk to your makeup artist about your concerns and she can help you find the right lash length and thickness for you.
ON THE TOP
When choosing the right hairstyle for your wedding, the options may seem endless. Narrow it down by thinking of what would look best with the neckline and cut of your dress, as well as with the shape of your face. An up-do offers a classic, neat, and elegant hairstyle, and it's nice to have your hair pulled away from your face so that it's out of the way. Think of how the wind can whip near the water—a hair styled by wind doesn't make for beautiful wedding photos. An up-do looks great with a strapless, one-shoulder, or high-neck dress.
Wearing your hair down, however, gives you the trendy option of having it straightened, for a dramatic look, or curling it, for a softer, sexy, beach-waves style. Dresses with sweetheart necklines are complimented nicely with a down-style hairdo.
Professional stylists are seeing a lot of beach-style up-dos this season. Many ides are choosing a low, messy bun (especially those who have a waterfront wedding), complete with a big flower.
Braids are a trendy look, whether it's a singular aid that frames the face with the rest of your hair down in loose curls or aids on each side of the head, leading back to a low up-do.
For hair accessories, flowers are still popular for both ides and idesmaids. Some ides choose fresh flowers, but a silk floral clip-on is guaranteed to last throughout the entire day—plus, you can wear them over and over after the wedding! Choose a flower color that complements your bouquet, but stands out next to your hair color. Blondes should choose a ight, jewel-toned flower, while unettes can stick to white, ivory, or another color.
Of course, veils are always in style, as they complete the idal ensemble. Birdcage veils, which reached the height of their popularity in the past year, are starting to die down in trendiness, while blusher and elbow-length veils are still going strong. Some ultra-traditional ides might still select a cathedral-length veil, but it's really only appropriate with a larger, dramatic gown and a church or very formal wedding ceremony setting.
Select your hair accessories before you go meet with your stylist for a hair trial. She can figure out how to incorporate the accessories into the style you have chosen. If you're thinking about skipping the hair trial—don't. You might have selected a gorgeous look, but everyone's hair is different. Therefore, the style you chose might not work as well on your hair as you would think. Schedule your trial for an afternoon before you go out on the town, because then you can see how the style holds up to the weather, sweat, wind, and any other elements that might cause it to self-destruct.
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HEALTHY HAIR
Keep your hair trimmed and healthy, using hair-care products that don't damage your luscious locks. Look at sulfate-free options for shampoo and conditioner. “Sulfate-free” means that the product doesn't contain the widely-used Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which can damage the hair with its acid-like components, causing irritation and possibly even leading to hair-loss. Try to choose all-natural and organic products that will keep your hair healthy with volume and shine. These products may be more expensive than your average grocery-store and shampoo and conditioner, but keeping your hair beautiful for longer is worth the extra money.
It might seem impossible to combine all aspects of idal beauty preparation and come out looking and feeling great without completely losing your mind from trying to keep it all together. But remember that the more effort you put into staying healthy, the happier you will feel, and the more motivation there will be to prepare for the big day!
