Big celebrations--such as the Oscars, Golden Globes...and your wedding--call for elaborate prep work involving the right flora, perfect pairings, and yes: great skin and gorgeous makeup. So, when it comes to getting ready for your moment in the spotlight, leave no stone unturned, at least in the realm of beauty. Heed these expert-approved resolutions for the best-looking you on that super important date (and until way past).
1. Beat stress, look great.
"Most brides get so stressed before the wedding that they forget to take care of themselves," says pro makeup artist Barbi Chan, who has worked with over 300 brides. "So before you become a bridezilla--and start looking like one--breathe and book an appointment to your fave derma, spa, or manicurista."
2. Choose pampering over micro-managing.
Chan urges brides to not sweat the small stuff, and instead, opt to pamper themselves--and even be selfish. "Your big day is all about you, not the details. Guests will not remember the reception or the flowers or the small details, they will remember you--how you look and how your disposition was on your wedding day," she shares.
3. Sleep tight, sleep right.
Time and time again, experts have been unanimous in their opinion on Z's: You need to sleep well because it's healthy, plain and simple. Plus, it makes you look good. Another factor to consider though is how you sleep. "One sided sleepers tend to have deeper lines on one side of their faces compared to the other," points out Cindy Go, beauty editor of Preview Magazine. Go recommends practicing sleeping on your back, "to avoid getting unnecessary wrinkles."
4. Widen the scope of your skincare regimen.
For brides who have a regular habit of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, Go's advice is to not forget other areas that also need skincare TLC, such as the skin on the neck and chest. "Extending your regimen to these areas will help keep wrinkles at bay," she explains.5. Manage your (beauty) time.
Treat beauty errands the same way as you would planning meetings with your coordinator and other suppliers. Procedures such as facials, waxing, and microdermabrasion need to be factored into your schedule in the most scrutinizing manner. "Because of time constraint, most brides do their waxing, peeling, facial treatments, et cetera, the day before the wedding," a no-no, shares Chan. "Anything can happen: The wax maybe too hot and it could burn your skin or the peeling might cause an allergic reaction." Allot at least one or two weeks depending on the skincare and body treatment to give yourself ample time to recover and do damage control, if necessary.
6. Take care of your hair.
And, resist the urge to cut it close to the wedding date. "As much as you want to cut your hair or ‘just trim' it, don't!" warns Chan. "Longer hair is always easier to style, you can always cut it after the wedding. Do your [bridal] hairstylist a favor and leave your hair alone until the wedding.
7. Embrace your best self.
Relax, eat well, exercise regularly, and love yourself--top to toe, inside out. Avoid fixating on "flaws," because you're beautiful and unique as you. Try not to ask your makeup artist for "nose lines" or "contouring," because overall, your suppliers should know what they are doing and are there to make you look good and enhance your best features. Trust them, be confident, and you'll do just fab.
