Your wedding is a month away. Here, beauty experts chime in on how to look and feel your best on the big day.
By: Kayla Hayes
4 Weeks to Go
Meet with your makeup artist: She was booked 6-8 months ago but it’s time to get better acquainted so you feel really comfortable with her, says Ashlee Glazer, director of makeup artistry for Pucker. Having more than one trial is important—make sure you factor this into the original agreement. “Bridal showers and rehearsal dinners are great opportunities to test your wedding look.”
Rejuvenate your skin: To ensure your skin is looking its best Dr. Bradley S. Bloom, New York board-certified dermatologist, suggests two PICO Genesis laser treatments at four and two weeks before the wedding. PICO Genesis is about a 15-minute treatment with minimal down- time that removes uneven sun pigmentation and damage for a brighter complexion.
3 Weeks to Go
Sweat it out: Be sure to stick to your routine in the weeks before the wedding. “Daily exercise is important: It not only tones your body and boosts your confidence, but it also helps flush toxins, improve circulation and relieve stress,” says Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist and New York Times best-selling author of the Beauty Detox series and Radical Beauty.
Test out the tan: "Before your big day you should do a trial run for every service (hair, makeup and skincare),” says Marlena Orlowska, makeup artist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa. If you want the look of a tan, that also includes your bronzing treatment. Consult with your artist about how tan you want to be and the timing of your wedding. Do a trial and see if the application is too light or dark.
2 Weeks to Go
Clean up your brows: It’s best to get those brows in shape two weeks prior and then touch up a couple days before the ceremony to ensure less irritation, says Melanie Coba, European Wax Center’s national brand ambassador.
Cut out dairy and processed foods: These can cause bloating and digestive issues, while refined sugars accelerate aging, free-radical damage and stiffening of collagen, Snyder says.
Trade in beer for wine: Cut back on dehydrating and vitamin-depleting alcohol, Snyder suggests. If celebrating, stick to red wine. Reds tend to be high in antioxidants, not as hard on the liver as other alcohols and don't induce bloating.
1 Week to Go
Have your last facial: "Stay away from 'trending' facials," says Alicia Yoon, licensed esthetician, CEO and founder of Peach & Lily. "Consult with your esthetician in advance so she can determine a treatment specifically tailored to your needs. Stick to super-hydrating and soothing spa facials from a professional salon or use at- home products like the K-Beauty Bridal Radiance Regiment to avoid irritation.”
Book an exfoliating face and body scrub: Sloughing off dead skin will not only aid in getting an even spray tan and smoother wax results, but also allows for better makeup application.
Whiten your teeth: For a brighter smile, Dr. Bijan Gohari, DMD prosthodontist, suggests using Supersmile 6 Minutes To A Whiter Smile Kit twice a day.
2 Days to Go
Schedule your eyebrow and bikini wax: If opting to remove any unwanted hair on your face or body, go two to three days before so any post-treatment redness disappears, Coba suggests.
Get glossy: “For optimal color get a gloss treatment as close to the big day as you can,” says Bb.colorist Robert Mefford, “It’s the best way to have your hair color looking picture-perfect.”
Get glowing: Spray tans offer a healthy glow without compromising your skin's well-being. Go two days before to ensure your faux glow has time to develop.
Rinse off: Wait eight to ten hours before showering post appointment.
1 Day to Go
Get your final manicure and pedicure: Glazer suggests a gel polish, which will last through the honeymoon. Try LeChat Perfect Match set, which comes with a gel polish and perfectly matched lacquer for touch ups and has a range of over 200 shades to choose from.
Don't stress: Last minute breakout? Yoon suggests Peach Slice Acne Spot Dots, which can help reduce blemishes within hours and can be worn under makeup, as they are transparent.
Keep calm: Drink lots of water to keep inflammation at bay,” says Yoon. “Before snoozing, use a sheet mask like Peach Slices Aqua Glow Masks." Take the time to Zen out before bed and turn down your big-day nerves. Be sure to get quality beauty sleep by heading to bed early.
Day Of
Start smart with a light, healthy breakfast: To begin the day, Snyder suggests drinking hot water with lemon and her signature Glowing Green Smoothie, which includes spinach, apples and bananas. Eat lighter foods, such as fruits, first and then follow with heavier proteins and starches—“following this prin- ciple will reduce bloating on the big day.”
Allow for at least 3 hours to get ready: Avoid being stressed and pressed for time — you’ll want to enjoy every moment. Wear a robe or button- down shirt that can be easily removed after your hair and makeup are done.
Enjoy!
Gown by Kitty Chen. Sunglasses by Stella & Dot. Earrings by Carolee. Set of crossover rings by Swarovski. Solitaire ring by Ritani. Journal by Graphic Image.
