As soon as you set your date, your mind starts racing with all the things to do. But while you work on the logistics of the wedding, you should also begin the logistics of your beauty preparation. We asked local beauty experts to share what you should have on your beauty schedule.
First Steps
Buy a planner. A bride should first be organized, says Katherine Lyttle, esthetician at Stone Creek Club and Spa. “It will give you the reassurance that everything has been taken care of, and that will reflect in the way you look and feel,” Lyttle says.
Find beauty inspiration on Pinterest
“Every bride should use Pinterest to compile images so she can share her vision with her stylists,”
says Elizabeth Duboue, owner and stylist at The Doll House Salon.
12 Months To Go
Set a budget and think about priorities.
Would you rather have fewer, specialized treatments or more general pampering?
Assemble your hair and makeup team.
If you haven’t identified your specialists or you are having a destination wedding, start interviewing. Aimee Carr, owner and stylist at Aimee-zing Faces, says it’s important to trust your people. “When you are looking at their books, ask whether the photos have been retouched. You need to see what their work looks like without any Photoshop,” Carr says. Carr adds that you should also ask yourself if you prefer working with a team or individuals who can multitask. Also decide if you are happy to go to different locations or if you want everyone to come to you.
If you’re going to cut your hair, do it now.
When it comes to hair, Jennifer Thiele, owner and stylist at Teased by Jen, says if you’re going to make a dramatic change to your hair, do it early in the planning. “If someone is thinking about a new haircut or color, 12 months is the minimum time to try something and still grow it out,” Thiele says. “Most brides start growing their hair to give them maximum flexibility. We start to play with styles and work on getting the hair into good condition and exactly the right color.”
Plan your treatments.
“I tell my brides to use the first six months for therapeutic services: chemical peels and other procedures for issues such as acne, redness, hyperpigmentation and fine lines,” Lyttle says. “The last six months should be for healing treatments to moisturize the skin and relax the bride.” If you are thinking of cosmetic procedures, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.
Drink lots of water and stock up on skin care products.
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, get into the habit of drinking lots of water,”
says Nicole Klein, artist and owner of Blush and Bashful.
“Step up your skin care with the right products to prepare your face and eye areas.”
Brighten your smile.
A visit to the dentist can troubleshoot problems and ensure your teeth will look as healthy and white as possible.
Commit to a healthy lifestyle.
It’s always important to focus on a healthy diet and fitness routine, and a wedding can provide great motivation. “Think about your diet and recruit your bridal party into adopting a healthy eating and exercising regime,” Klein says. “It will help you deal with all the celebrations that will be coming up.”
Six Months To Go
Start a facial routine.
“I recommend that brides start a series of monthly facials to cleanse, moisturize and draw out any imperfections,” Klein says.
Plan your waxing and self-tanning treatments
“If you are thinking of waxing or self-tanning, do it now and do it together,” Lyttle says.
“Let your hair grow for four weeks before you wax and then go for your spray tan after the wax.
The wax is a natural exfoliator and the tan will go on more evenly.
The last wax should be the fourth one, because by that stage the hair is finer, less painful and less likely to cause irritation.”
Practice your makeup plan.
Carr advises her brides to schedule their makeup trials to coincide with other wedding events.
Decide on hair extensions.
“If a bride is thinking about permanent extensions,” Thiele says, “six months gives us time to order the hair.”
One Month To Go
Stay away from irritating chemicals.
“As far as the skin goes, avoid any chemicals to guard against a reaction,” Klein says. “Do not experiment with any new products. Just continue with your skin care regime.”
Pamper yourself at home.
“I give my brides some gentle, at-home remedies, like exfoliating with brown sugar and warm milk,” Carr says.
Put in permanent extensions, if you want them.
“I put in any permanent extensions so the look becomes natural,” Thiele says. “We will also do the final trial with any headpieces.”
One Week To Go
Plan your final beauty treatments.
You can still have a facial to slough off dead skin cells and tighten pores, but go easy on extraction. It’s also time for the final wax.
Apply eyelash extensions.
If you’re getting eyelash extensions, get that done now, so you don’t have to worry about it closer to your big day, Lyttle says.
Get a last-minute hair touch-up.
“Depending on the look,” Thiele says, “we can do our last color touch-ups and trim to achieve the perfect hairstyle.”
Two/Three Days To Go
Polish your nails.
Thiele recommends scheduling your manicure and pedicure for your rehearsal dinner but make sure you have the same color in case you need to do a quick fix.
The Big Day!
Shower four to five hours before call time.
“Products can create the texture of day old hair, so I like completely clean hair,” Thiele adds. “Then I use what I need, including hair extensions if they are clip in.”
Makeup should be ready one or two hours before you walk out the door.
After all that planning, you are finally ready to stop worrying about what you look like and just enjoy your day.
