Bridal Beauty Guide
A Bride's Beauty Guide
For bride's-to-be here’s a list of to-dos, as if there isn’t enough to think about! Six months prior to the wedding there are a few beauty services I strongly recommend: facials, brow shaping and finding your hair and makeup team. I can't stress this enough for brides. I have found over the years of working with brides that some are oblivious as to the importance of a skincare routine, as well as, maintaining eyebrows. Skin and brows need to be whipped into shape before walking down the aisle. Find yourself an esthetician and/or a brow specialist. They can change your life and help prep your canvas. This is also a great time to research hairstylists, makeup artists and schedule necessary trials. Look for inspirational images for hair and makeup ideas and share them with your artists. Go with what feels comfortable to you and represents your personal style. This is no time for experimenting with new trends!
Lets talk skin. Proper skincare can achieve a smoother and more glowing skin that every bride wants on her big day. As a makeup artist, I’ve learned that many clients have no idea skincare and makeup go hand in hand. It’s like a marriage; they support each other. I have a saying,“Makeup can look only as good as what lies beneath." So here are some much-needed tips:
- For those of you who are reading this thinking, I guess I’ll you’ll stop sleeping in my makeup, GREAT idea!
- Start an at-home skincare routine, and try your hardest to stay dedicated to it;, the benefits will be well worth the effort.
- A large majority of clients I meet do not properly cleanse their skin, and then I say the term exfoliate, it’s like I’m speaking a new language to them! Exfoliation is key for removing dead cells laying on top of the fresh skin, that is trying to make its way to the surface. This step is crucial, it helps to keep the skin smooth and bright.
Let’s move on to brows. Now we’ve all seen some tragic eyebrows out there! I know it's scary to find someone to trust, but this is necessary. I suggest asking your friends or co-workers who they see for referrals. A natural, clean-looking eyebrow shape is always best. Build a rapport with your brow gal, that way she can get to know your eyebrow shape. The two of you will be friends for life, and you’ll have amazing brows to show for it too!
Skincare at Home
Step 1: Cleanse skin am and pm with lukewarm water and spend at least 2 minutes thoroughly massaging into the skin. Note* use a mild/gentle cleanser, as some can be too drying. Stripping the skin and can create surface dryness/dehydration. Hot water is a big no no. It increases sensitivities and makes the skin dehydrated and reactive. Oil-based cleansers are excellent because they cut through dirt, oil and makeup but leave the skin soft.
Step 2: Toner/Hydrating spray am and pm after cleansing. This helps creates as a delivery system for treatments and/or moisturizers. It also normalizes PH levels and the skin’s restrictive nature after cleansing. Note* avoid astringents or anything containing high amounts of alcohol or excessive drying properties.
Step 3: Moisturize am and pm properly for your skin type. Oily/Combo skin types may want go for something that is oil-free or find a hydrating serum. Dry skin types need something that is emollient. Note* daily SPF 30 or higher is recommended in the am.
Exfoliants/Masks/Treatments: Depending on skin types and skin conditions, this will vary. You can do a combination of these important skin boosters 1x per week. Exfoliation however, NEEDS to be a part of a weekly skincare routine. Dry skin can exfoliate up to 1-2x per week, as Combo/Oily skin can exfoliate up to 3-5x per week. Note* everyone’s skin type is different, find what’s best for yours. Fine powder exfoliants are gentle, and enzymes are great for removing dead build-up.
Dry vs Dehydrated Skin: There’s a misconception on this subject which I want to clarify. Dry skin lacks oil, and it’s a skin type which is hereditary. Dehydration is the lack of water in the skin and is considered a skin condition. Both can have the feeling of tightness, appear flaky and can be mistaken for having dry skin. This can be very tricky to treat, but needs to be understood. Many people suffer from dehydration. Note* look for products that contain humectants and hyaluronic acid. These bind and attract water to dehydrated skin. I also recommend hydrating mists.
I often find that clients either over-treat their skin or are too scared to even wash it. It’s important to find a balance. Keep it consistent. Understand your skin type and skin-conditions. Do your research on products and use your best judgement. After all, you know your skin! Ask an esthetician to assess your skin and make recommendations for you. By committing yourself to a skincare regimen, your skin will have a chance to be at its best for the wedding day. I’m not a bride, but I am a makeup artist and licensed esthetician who has many years of know-how in the business of beauty and skin. I hope this has been helpful and that the least you learned is, if anything, don't wash your face with hot water, and get your brows waxed!