As soon as you’re engaged, you should start doing some serious grooming. Right now you have snow-white skin, short hair and you bite your nails. Don’t panic! You just need some time and a little guidance.
Skincare
If you want your skin to be flawless on your wedding day, you need to cleanse, tone and moisturise daily. In the countdown to your wedding it’s a good idea to invest in regular facials. If you can’t afford a professional one, buy some home spa products and give yourself a pampering session. The rest of your body can also benefit from daily moisturising and regular exfoliation. Also think about tanning… start experimenting now to avoid any last minute disasters. Drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep!
Wedding weight loss and exercise
Most brides want to lose some weight before the wedding and the way to do it is not by eating lettuce leaves for a month! Instead, follow a healthy eating and exercise plan throughout your engagement. Weight loss will be steady and lasting and more importantly, you will be healthier and have more energy – which will come in handy over the next few hectic months!
Pre-wedding Hair care
For luscious locks on your wedding day, start caring for your hair now.
– Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner
– Give your hair regular treatments if you suffer from dry hair or scalp conditions.
– Be sure to visit your hairdresser for regular trims, even if you want to grow your hair for your wedding, so that your hair will look healthy on the day.
– Don’t make any radical changes to your hair just before your wedding. If you’re just perfecting your regular style, go ahead; but if it’s a new look you’re trying… start experimenting now!
Nail Care
If you want impressive, natural nails for your wedding, start a nail care program at least three months before to ensure they are long and strong.
– Use a quality hand and nail cream, spending time massaging it into the skin and around the nails.
– Use a nail strengthener every other day.
– File in one direction and cut any excess before shaping the nail.
– Wear gloves when doing the dishes, etc.
– Budget for a professional manicure two weeks before and then the day before the wedding.
You should have a professional manicure the day before the wedding. Try to arrange one for as late in the day as possible so that you can then go home and take it easy to reduce the risk of damaging one of your expertly polished talons! “¨If you feel your natural nails just aren’t up to scratch, nail enhancements are a great way to have beautiful looking nails. Your nail technician will be able to advise you on which type of nail enhancements would be best for you
Wedding Makeup
Even if you don’t usually wear make-up, you should definitely do so for your wedding day. Every woman looks better with expertly applied, natural-looking make-up. But remember – the idea is to look like a gorgeous you, not an artificial painted doll.
Hiring a make-up artist
– Choose a professional artist based on recommendation.
– Look through magazines such as Modern Wedding or check out bridal makeup on our pinterest.
– When you visit potential makeup artists, look through their portfolios to see whether their style is in line with your wishes.
– Get everything in writing: the cost, the date, the address where he or she is to attend, the time and who is to have their makeup done. (Many brides book the makeup artist to do the bridesmaids’ and mothers’ makeup too.)
– Have a trial makeup session with your make-up artist around four to six weeks before the wedding.
– Very natural looking makeup is the best choice for brides. You should aim for soft, dewy looking skin with more dramatic eyes and natural looking lips.
Other Beauty Treatments
There are many other beauty treatments to consider in the lead up to your wedding day: hair removal, eyelash or eyebrow tinting, eyebrow shaping, exfoliation, cellulite treatments and more. Also visit your dentist – there’s nothing quite as dazzling as strong, white, healthy teeth. You’ll be smiling for most of your wedding day so you’ll want to make sure your pearly whites look their absolute best.
Wedding Hair
Your wedding day is the perfect occasion for that “do” you’ve always dreamed of. Long, cascading waves, a sculpted Audrey up-style, fresh feathery curls or an intricately rolled set – there are so many beautiful looks to chose from. Browse our gallery or pick up the latest Modern Hair & Beauty magazine for some inspiration.
Some questions to ask yourself:
– Which bridal hairstyle will frame your cheekbones, flatter your neck, and make your eyes look amazing? It’s a good idea to get your hairdresser’s advice.
– Will the cut of your dress dictate your hairstyle? You don’t want stray locks caught in your beading – ouch!
– Are you going to wear a veil? Decide this before you choose a hairstyle. Most veils attach to the hair itself with pins or combs, but if your hair is fine a headband will keep your veil equally secure.
– Are you going to wear hair flowers? Flowers in the hair look stunning, especially on a shorter style. Pin them all over your hair or insert them here and there into your hairstyle.
– For a dazzlingly glamorous look, try wedding hair accessories with jewels in all different colours, shapes and sizes. Whether they are on combs, clips or pins, these are easy to rearrange and can be worn again after the wedding. Hair accessories add that extra sparkle to an evening wedding.
– Have a pre-wedding trial session to make sure that you’re happy with your chosen style. Take along your veil, headpiece, flowers, hair jewels and hair accessories so that you and your hairstylist can come up with the perfect look together.
Fragrance
It’s a good idea to choose a fragrance at least two to three weeks before the wedding. Think about the season and time of day of your wedding, as well as your overall look – dreamy, feminine bride or sexy femme fatale? “¨Your groom, too, should choose a special fragrance for his wedding day. Just ensure beforehand that it doesn’t clash with yours.
Keep Looking Fabulous…
On your wedding day you’ll want to be looking fabulous from your groom’s first gasp of amazement right up until you reach your first night destination. Ask one of your attendants to keep a little emergency kit on hand for you so that you can look fresh, radiant and impeccably groomed at all times.”¨So you don’t forget anything essential, we’ve compiled a checklist. Many of the items can be bought in mini travel sizes – perfect for fitting into a little make-up bag.
Image: Clarissa Grace