Guide To A Beautiful Face On Your Wedding Day

All brides are beautiful. The glow of love and the excitement of this special day combine to insure that.

But there's a lot more to it! Let's not forget the hairdresser, the makeup artist, the perfect shade of "wedding day" lipstick, the manicure, the massage and the facials . . . well, you get the idea. Today's brides go all out in their efforts to make their wedding day absolutely perfect. How you appear both in photographs and in the memories of those in attendance should never be underestimated. Many eyes will be upon you. It goes without saying that you'll want to look radiant as you take your vows. When you view your photographs, and show them in years to come, the beauty of those moments will live on forever.

The last thing you want is to be nervous or worried about your personal look as you walk down the aisle. That should be the least of your concerns as you bask in the glow of all the attention. That is why you should think about all of the important details, beforehand. Good makeup
artists and hair stylists book early, sometimes up to a year in advance, so don't delay confirming this all-important element of your perfectly planned day. Some brides choose to use the services of a salon, while many prefer to find hair and makeup artists who will come to them. I recommend taking the time to create a Beauty Plan for the months preceding your wedding.

GUIDE TO A BEAUTIFUL FACE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

First of all, create a Beauty Schedule and stick to it. It will pay off immensely! After you've gotten engaged and set the date, it's time to make all of your arrangements, including plans for your hair and makeup. Run, don't walk to your chosen hairdresser. The average engagement period is 10 months to a year long, and that's how much time you may need to get your hair to the right length in time for your wedding. If you let it grow, you will have more options as to how you can style it, and you can always cut it later.

Now is also the time to begin a skincare routine. Find a good product line and stick to it.

Makeup artists can be Fairy God Mothers when it comes to improving your appearance, but having great skin will make the application even better! A good skincare routine will really pay off and you may even want to consider scheduling regular facials. Also,begin to implement a
regular manicure program. Everyone will be looking at your fabulous ring and your hands!

You should also begin an exercise program, which can help reduce stress.

Within a few months, you will have chosen a dress and headpiece. Be sure to show your hairdresser sketches or photos so that you both can start planning exactly how you will wear your hair. See your hairdresser once a month for a trim or conditioning treatment. This will keep hair shiny and healthy, and allow you build a good rapport with your stylist.

Three to six months before the wedding, interview and book a makeup artist and have a practice consultation. There is a cost for their time and expertise, but will be worth it in the long run. Any questions that you have at will be answered at that time to alleviate your concerns.

Discuss whether or not you will be tanning. Everything changes with a tan and it is not always recommended. Some brides began tanning a few weeks before the big event only to regret it. Beware! I have seen major skin eruptions as a result of this. You would be much better off allowing a makeup artist to give you a “faux” tan from her “magic bag!” No one will know the difference and your skin will be safe and sound.

Two months before, the most important thing to do is to concentrate on your skin. If you have a tendency to break out over stress or lack of sleep, continue with your facial program, and try eliminating coffee. Drinking eight glasses of water a day for the next two months will
do wonders for your complexion and your overall health.

Schedule a trial appointment with your hairdresser and bring along your veil or any hair accessories that you will be wearing.

One month before the big day, schedule another appointment, this time with both your hairdresser and your makeup artist together. Have your photographer or a member of your bridal party take pictures. Photographs will tell a different story than your mirror will, and
will help you to visualize the final outcome of how you will look.

Two weeks before If you color your hair, now is the time to color. This will give you plenty of time for corrections, should you need them. Have your last trim now or at the beginning of next week. Nothing major should be done to your hair, but do try to fit in a deep conditioning
treatment. Also: have your last facial.

The week of your wedding:

Monday: Confirm appointments with your hairstylist and makeup artist. Buy any cosmetics or skin care products that you will need for your honeymoon.

Tuesday: Have all of your waxing done: eyebrows, bikini line, lip line and legs.

Wednesday: Have your deep conditioning treatment done to your hair.

Thursday: Relax at a Day Spa with a massage or exfoliating salt rub.

Friday: Schedule your manicure (pale pink or French) and pedicure. Be sure to purchase the polish you will be wearing for touch ups. Why take a chance?

Night Before: Stick to your regular skincare routine. Don't try any last minute beauty masks right now - you could break out. Another massage would be heavenly if you can fit it in. Why not? You are totally worth it! Most of all...get a really good night's sleep!

Wedding Day: Sleep as late as you can and eat a good lunch packed with protein and carbs. Many brides don't really eat much at the wedding.

If you condition your hair, it might be too limp to work with. Check with your hairdresser for any last minute hair care instructions.

In the event that you shed a few tears of happiness, subdue puffiness and redness with an icepack or washcloth soaked in cold milk. Schedule your hair and makeup team to arrive at the same time, about 2pm for a 7 o'clock wedding, with photographs at 5pm.

Your hair should be done first but the makeup artist could start on your face if/when your hair is in rollers. If you're having photographs taken before the ceremony, make sure to leave time for freshening up before you walk down the aisle.

Special Makeup Do & Don'ts for the Bride To Be

A modern bride should look like herself, but can appear slightly more glamorous with sophisticated makeup. There are wonderful products on the market that will give you
that “special glow” when applied expertly. You don't want to pile on lots of makeup on your wedding day, nor will you want to go "au natural"!

Remember the photos! It takes professional expertise to achieve a look that is right for the camera and for you. You may spend thousands of dollars on a dress and all the accoutrements for your wedding, but remember, the all important focal point is you! So remember how
important your hair and makeup will be.

• An absolute must is a compact oil-control powder. When you are anxious, even dry skin can produce sebum (oil) and shine will show up terribly in your photos.


• Romantic pastel shades are best for a bride wearing ivory or white, but many brides make the mistake of wearing a shade of lipstick that is too pale. If a photographer or makeup artist advises you that your lipstick is too dark, or too light, you must trust their advice. They truly mean well and want you to be at your best. When you look great, it makes them look good as well! You may be used to a certain shade of lipstick, but allow the experts to guide you and you will not be disappointed with the results.


• Waterproof mascara is key! Never apply mascara to the lower lashes. Apply more mascara in the middle and less at the ends on top lashes. Dab at tears gently and quickly so as to not to smear mascara or concealer.


• Makeup should be applied in light layers, buffing the layers together to become one smooth surface. This will make for a flawless look. Quality brushes will work best for blending and your makeup will last well into the night!

If you choose to handle your own makeup we surely hope that these tips and instructions will be of help to you. Keep in mind that no matter how talented you are with your daily makeup routine, it will be different on your wedding day. A makeup professional has the experience
to make you look your best, and to take the pressure off of you! So, Cinderella, I hope that you've enjoyed this advice. May all of your wishes come true!