By Julie Jorgensen
Congratulations to all the brides-to-be! If you’re reading this, you’re likely in the throes of planning what you envision to be your dream wedding. There’s SO much to do, but make sure that you’re putting yourself on your list, because when you walk down that aisle all eyes will be on you! Let’s make sure you’re putting your best face forward pretty brides!
No amount of paint will cover up a bad canvas, so make absolutely sure that you establish a solid skincare routine a few months before the wedding (or your bridal portrait session). A series of facials suited to your skin’s needs will do a world of good as well. I swear by dermaplaning every four to six weeks to get rid of dead skin and make all of my skincare products work better. A visit to the dermatologist could be in order if you suffer from acne or want to explore some of the more advanced options for sun damage, collagen production, etc. Plenty of water and sleep, as well as breaking a sweat on a regular basis, will also help your skin look its best.
If there’s any way you can create room in your budget to hire a professional makeup artist for your big day, do so. Make sure to have a couple of trial runs prior to your wedding day to make sure you’re achieving the look you really want. Bonus points if he or she can do your hair as well! The look you choose is, of course, solely up to you, but don’t hesitate to take your dress, hairstyle, and flowers into consideration when choosing your makeup palette. I personally think that matte red lips that match bouquets of red roses looks stunning. Bright colors on the lips are actually a big trend for fall bridal beauty! That said, be mindful of that first smooch as husband and wife if you’re rocking a bold lip - you may want to hide a handkerchief in your bouquet.
Smoky eyes have yet to go out of style, especially as the temperatures outside start to drop, but perhaps your wedding day isn’t the appropriate occasion to look like you’re going out downtown with your girlfriends. A muted smoky eye can be achieved with shades of plum, olive green or even navy balanced out with soft shades on the lips and cheeks. Make sure you have a makeup sponge or brush in your purse to ensure you don’t end up with specks of dark eyeshadow under your eyes, as smoky eyes are a little more high-maintenance. Should you want to amp up your look without going all-out with your eye makeup, play around with black eyeliner. Find a long-lasting formula, such as a gel or a pen, and experiment with a thicker-than-normal line around your eyes. Don’t make the upper and lower lines meet at either corner though, as that can make eyes look smaller. Keep eyeshadow to a minimum and apply pale, shimmery highlighter on the brow bones and at the inner corners. Regardless of which look you ultimately choose, frame those pretty eyes with defined brows that trend toward a fuller shape for a youthful look. Microblading is all the rage for filling in sparse brows. Consult with a brow artist who offers this service, to get the timing down if you’re considering it before your big day, as there’s some healing and potential scabbing involved.
It should go without saying, but a beautiful smile really is your best asset as you walk down the aisle. Plan a few weeks ahead if you’re going to whiten your teeth. I recommend the GoSmile capsules because they don’t cause sensitivity or require swapping out your regular toothpaste for a whitening formula. Stash some breath spray in your handbag, along with floss if something potentially-tricky like salad or spinach is on the reception menu. Let that smile shine forward as you emerge into wedded bliss, relishing all of the compliments on your big day! Cheers!
Love,
The Beauty Junkie
