1. DON’T DO ANYTHING TOO DRASTIC (LIKE DYE YOUR HAIR A NEW COLOR)
The day before your nuptials probably isn’t the best time to start experimenting with your hair color. “I never recommend a major color change right before a big event,” says Clairol Color Director Marie Robinson. “You want to look and feel like yourself on your wedding day.” If you do get the itch to dye your tresses though, select a shade that’s one to two shades from your current color, and do it a few days in advance so you have time to adjust, she says.
2. DO SPRAY TAN A FEW DAYS BEFORE
Of course you want to look bronzed in all your photos, but getting a spray tan the day of your wedding is a big no-no. Dr. Michael Gold, founder and medical director of Gold Skincare Center in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends spray tanning a couple days in advance. This will allow time for the extra bronzer to wash off and to get rid of any aroma left on the body. “Always remember to exfoliate well prior to tanning,” he adds, “to achieve even coverage.”
3. DON’T GET A RANDOM FACIAL
A facial may sound like a fab idea leading up to your wedding, but if you’re not used to the products being used in the treatment, it could result in rashes or acne, says board certified dermatologist and clinical professor at UCLA Tanya Kormeili. You definitely don’t want to wake up with a red face or pimples the day you say, “I do.”
It’s better to anticipate a few tears at the altar, than to not be prepared, right? Laura Pepper, author of Wow! Glowing Bride in 30 Days, recommends wearing waterproof everything, not just mascara. “Sweat and tears will mean that all of your makeup is more vulnerable than usual. Use waterproof foundation and eyeliner, and set your makeup with a translucent powder.”
5. DON’T SKIMP ON YOUR FACE
If you’re booking a makeup artist, do some research and price around—don’t book someone strictly on price, advises makeup artist Faith Brinkley. “A mediocre makeup job can’t even be fixed by great photography, and you’re sure to be disappointed with your pictures. You should love the way you look on this day, more than any other day.” She also adds not to wait until the last minute to book someone either. “Within 2-3 months can still be considered last minute,” she notes, “because busy makeup artists book well in advance.”
6. DO CARRY THE ESSENTIALS
To ensure your photos turn out gorgeous, carry some pressed powder and lip color with you (or have a bridesmaid do it), says hair extension maven/stylist Tiffany Lahn. “Blot your forehead, nose and chin to take away any shine a flash can create on your face. Also, throw some fashion tape and hair pins into your clutch in case a small dress or hair mishap occurs.”
7. DON’T GIVE IN TO ALCOHOL OR SALT
No bride wants to feel bloated on her big day. To avoid that issue, just say no to any alcohol and salt a week before your wedding, advises Sarah Dakar, Beauty Director of celeb coveted beauty brand, Sonya Dakar Skincare. “This can cause puffiness in the face. Instead, opt for clean, naturally diuretic foods like cucumbers and leafy greens.”
Senior Planner and Owner of The Wedding Studio, Patricia Ann, adds that drinking alcohol before your ceremony will dehydrate an already stressed body. This can cause skin to react and make makeup hard to stick.
8. DO SCHEDULE A BRIDAL BEAUTY TRIAL
You don’t want to get stuck with hair and makeup you hate, so schedule a trial run a couple of months in advance, offers celebrity and bridal makeup artist Lauren Lazaro. “Be sure to go over your best, and less than best, features and figure out how to work with them. Also, take notice of how the makeup wears on your skin. Everyone is different and some skin absorbs makeup quicker than others,” notes Lauren. You want to ensure that you’ll look fresh and flawless all day long.
“Your eyebrows provide the frame for your beautiful face, and their shape is very important, but a natural brow is by far more youthful and flattering than a thin, heavily plucked one,” notes professional makeup artist and beauty blogger Liz Washer. Your best bet is to get a professional brow shaping from an esthetician, and then maintain their shape. “Before you pluck out any hairs, brush your brows straight up and carefully trim the tips that reach above your brow,” she says. “You may find that you don’t have to pluck as many as you previously thought. This will keep your brows from becoming too sparse.”
10. DO CHOOSE A FLATTERING HAIRSTYLE
Just because a hairstyle looks great on another bride, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to work for you. “Choose a style that’s flattering to your face shape and profile, and that looks good with your veil if you’re wearing one,” recommends Cyndi Smith from the Isis Beauty Team. And remember, look like yourself! “You want your groom to recognize the woman he fell in love with!”
images: laurenlazaro.com; Chrissy Costigan and Shannon Grant, bridalbyliz.com
