Who doesn’t envy those radiant brides who walk down the aisle and seem to cast, and even share, their glow everywhere they look? Some say that months, even years, of preparation and sacrifice go into that refreshed look; others point to the brilliance of makeup artists and the advanced technology that goes into today’s makeup.
Not every bride has the luxury of years to prepare for their wedding day. That’s why WE’ve compiled a simplified checklist of beauty routines for a six-month countdown to the big day for you!
5-6 MONTHS TO GO
- Begin hydration now! If you haven’t already,start drinking 8-10 glasses of water. Makeup is only as good as its canvas, and dry skin is the worst kind to work with.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. If you’re thinking a way to get away with it, the answer is NO. Salads are not the only way to have veggies. Start small; add vegetables you like (not French fries!) to your favorite dishes or substitute fruits for your desserts. . If you can’t take vegetables or fruits whole, try a juice smoothie or soup. Think of it this way: you really are what you eat, and eating a healthy, balanced diet helps you achieve that natural glow both for your skin and hair.
- Exercise! Yes, it’s traditional for brides to try and lose weight for their weddings, but top designers prefer that you don’t do this. The key is to exercise daily. And exercise isn’t confined to going to the gym! A little creativity goes a long way: Why not walk your dog or jog with your partner?
- Enhance Skincare Regimen. Cleanse. Tone. Moisturize. Repeat. Never sleep with makeup on your face and exfoliate you face and body once a week. If you have skin problems, it’s time to consult a dermatologist.
3-4 MONTHS TO GO
- Focus on your smile. Give your dentist a visit. If you need your teeth to be whitened, now is the time to begin. You can also ask for a safe at-home maintenance program using an over-the-counter whitening system.
- Schedule a trial for your hair and makeup. Work with your hairstylist and makeup by giving them pegs of what you want. Listen to their suggestions as well; test-run your hair and makeup by wearing them to an event: will they hold up under heat? Do they look good in photos? Now is the time to find out about any problems with your hairstyle and makeup, not after the wedding, in the wedding photos!
1-2 MONTHS TO GO
- Pamper yourself ( or let the groom tag along) Now is the time to schedule facials, massages and foot scrubs. Make it a weekly thing, if your budget permits. Any kind of pampering or “me-time” can instantly lower stress levels, and who deserves it more at this point than you?
- Have your brows professionally groomed. Never ever underestimate what perfectly shaped brows can do to frame your face right. Invest in the services of a good eyebrow grooming specialist who can shape your brows to your best advantage.
- Go for a trim. Experiment with new hairstyles; you don’t want to have to wear a wig to hide the damage should something go wrong. Ask a good stylist to shape your current hairstyle or refine its current layers. Otherwise, just get a trim to get rid of split ends.
2 WEEKS TO GO
- Add a Pop of Color. Hair color looks best in the first two weeks after coloring. This is also the ideal time for root touch ups or for adding highlights and lowlights. You shouldn’t be making drastic color changes now, though.
1 WEEK TO GO
- Remove all unwanted hair. Go to the nearest waxing salon. You can also go for a final eyebrow grooming.
- Get a final facial. You do not want to do this a day before the wedding since your skin needs to recuperate from the facial. or can do it at home using face masks made from natural ingredients like oatmeal.
1 DAY BEFORE
Do not experiment with beauty products that you have never used before just because a friend or relative swears by it. Stick to what you’ve tried and tested and deemed to be best for you.
- Exfoliate your skin so that it glows on your wedding day.
- Have pedicure and manicure; waiting until the morning of your wedding is a recipe for chipped polish and other disasters.
- Go to the spa or avail yourself of those dial-a-massage services.
- Get a good night’s sleep to avoid looking like a corpse bride the next day! If you have trouble sleeping, scent your sheets with light touches of lavender, ask all guests to leave, turn out all the lights, make sure the room is dark, and ask for complete silence.
ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
- Take a luxurious bath.
- Shave any leg or armpit hair growth. This is essential if your gown bares these areas. Avoid waxing as this may cause your skin to redden.
- Do not condition your hair. It will be harder to style.
- Bask in the glory that is your wedding day. The positive thought itself will surely evoke a radiant glow from within that no beauty product or makeup can easily replicate.
