11. Beauty And Radiancy

Of all the times in your life, on your wedding day, you want your skin and hair to look extraordinary. Wanting to have a perfect wedding day is normal and probably something you have been looking forward to your entire life. To look and feel amazing, you will need to get on a good regimen immediately after becoming engaged, if not already on one. As you will see from the information below, all it takes is good planning and you will look stunning as you walk down the aisle.

11.1 Healthy Skin

Just as you would do when ordering the wedding invitations, trying on wedding gowns, meeting with photographers, interviewing bands and so on, you should also plan time to take care of your skin, hair and nails. With the right methods and products, your skin will look healthy and radiant. The following are some great guidelines that will ensure you feel your best on this very special day!

11.1.1 Steam Facial

You definitely want to treat yourself to a steam facial. In fact, you might consider making this a routine for you and your maid of honour, as a way of saying “thank you” for all of the hard work. Start by locating a spa near where you live and get ready to be pampered. With a steam facial, the pores of the skin will be opened, releasing all the dirt and toxins that seep into the skin.

An important thing to remember is that if you have never had a facial, it is possible that immediately following, you could experience a minor breakout.  Do not panic because this is common, as the face is being exfoliated. All of the trapped dirt is exposed and released and the skin will then be clean but may need a couple of weeks to “heal”. Therefore, a steam facial should not be done any closer than three weeks from the wedding date just in case you do go through a breakout period.

11.1.2 Facial Products

Choosing the right facial products is crucial for good skin. By visiting a beauty supply store, you will find every product needed without having to pay a tonne of money. Unless you have a serious skin problem, you will find everything needed including cleansers, toners, facial scrubs, moisturisers and makeup. If the skin problem is severe, then you can always visit a dermatologist.

The key is to choose quality products, starting with ones that are gentle on the skin. Additionally, just because products are sold as a package, that does not necessarily mean that they are the right choice. As an example, you might have combination skin, meaning that you would need one type of cleanser and a different type of toner. By automatically choosing products packaged together, you might not get the right products for your specific type of skin.

An excellent option is to get on a schedule that will be followed until and even after, the wedding day. The result will be beautiful skin that is smooth and healthy and even looks years younger. You can easily set up a program at home, enjoying all of the benefits of using store-bought products. The following is a great regimen that you might consider:

• Mix dry oatmeal in a blender until it becomes a fine powder. Mix in just enough honey to make a medium-thick paste. This mixture will then be massaged into the face, leaving it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and then follow up with a good toner and moisturiser.
• To avoid paying for expensive toners, the bride can simply use a product called Witch Hazel, which is sold at most drug stores.
• For dry skin, she can use aloe vera gel to create a mask. This is applied to the face and left on for 15 to 20 minutes. The majority of the “mask” will be wiped off with a soft cotton cloth while the remainder will be massaged into the skin.

11.2 Pampering The Body

11.2.1 Feet

Make sure you do not overlook your feet, especially considering that you will be on them for hours at a time on your wedding day. Having a pedicure is an ideal way to make the feet look and feel refreshed and GREAT! If you will be wearing sandals, then you definitely want your toenails to be trim and polished and your feet smooth and soft.

For several months prior to the wedding, you can start getting a foot massage. Additionally, you should consider visiting a reflexologist, which is a person specially trained in applying pressure to certain points on the feet, as a way of relieving pain to other parts of the body. Once you have had your first session, you will be amazed at how great not just your feet but your entire body feels.

11.2.2 Body Massage

Since you will both be busier than you have ever been before, treating yourselves to a body massage is an ideal option. Whether choosing the Swedish, Shiatsu or some other style, a massage will help eliminate stress and clear the mind. For a full hour, your body will be transformed from one covered in knots to a body that feels loose and relaxed.

Starting several months out from the wedding day, you should set up weekly or bi-weekly massages. The result will be feeling like a new person. Then, the day before the wedding, be sure to get a full body massage, making the wedding day all the more special and enjoyable.

11.2.3 Tanning

Although many people love to tan, we know today that the sun and UV rays from tanning beds are very damaging to the skin. In addition to causing premature wrinkles and dry skin, they also cause skin cancer. Therefore, to create beautiful and rich, golden skin, you do have safe alternatives.

For instance, rather than tan, you can get the same results from a tanning spray. This product is sold in most retail, discount and drug stores and is simply sprayed on, creating a golden tan. Another option is the spray booths at tanning salons where you would stand up while a mist is sprayed over the body. This takes just a few minutes and the result looks just like a natural tan that will last for weeks.

11.3 Hair Care And Styles

11.3.1 Healthy Hair

One of the primary focuses on any wedding day will be the bride’s gown and her hair. Therefore, you will need to do the right things to ensure your hair has a healthy sheen and is worn in a style to make you look like the princess you are. One option would be to have a gloss treatment, which is offered at most salons. With this treatment, the hair is left looking shiny and strong.

Today, many different products are available on the market that can accomplish the same thing but you would probably enjoy going the salon route more in that your hair will be shampooed and head massaged, helping to relieve tension. Once that is done, a cool gel loaded with nutrients is applied to the hair, which works to enhance it’s beauty.

11.3.2 Headpiece Or Veil

Although you might choose to have nothing in your hair or simply wear fresh flowers, most brides opt for a headpiece or veil. When choosing the headpiece or veil, it is crucial to have the appropriate hairstyle. The goal is to have the headpiece or veil blend perfectly into the hairstyle so they appear as one.

First, you will need to take the headpiece or veil with you several weeks before the actual wedding date so that your hairdresser can experiment with various styles. Once the two of you agree on the best one, on the day of the wedding, he or she will be able to complete the hairstyle perfectly and quickly.

If you prefer to wear a long veil, it should not hang any lower than your waistline. This is typically called the “Fingertip” style, which is very popular.  Other long styles include the “Chapel” and “Ballet” but these veils are heavy, making the job of styling the hair a challenge. To hold this additional weight, your hair will need to be very tight.

11.3.3 Hairstyles

Typically, most brides will choose to have an elegant hairstyle, one that makes her look amazing on her wedding day. However, the actual style chosen is dependent on a number of factors to include the structure, shape, thickness and colour of the hair, as well as the budget you have set aside for the hairdresser.

If you are interested in having your hair coloured or cut, it would be wise to have this done about two to three weeks from the wedding day just in case something goes wrong or you do not like the result. For instance, if you choose to have your hair cut differently than normal, it would have a little time to grow out or if your hair were coloured but it was not what you had in mind, there would be ample time to try other colours or take the colour back to it’s original shade.

Additionally, you want to avoid washing your hair on the day of the wedding.  The reason is that clean hair is more difficult to style and will not hold the style as well as if the hair were washed the previous day.

The Chignon hairstyle is gorgeous and very romantic. With this style, the hair is gathered in a roll at the nape of the neck. Another popular style is called the Juliet. This topknot is twisted into a tight coil, which sits atop of the head. The result of this style is elegant and regal.

For a dramatic look, you can have long pieces of hair graciously woven into your natural hair, creating a flowing style. The French Twist is another style that has been worn in weddings for years and years, creating a look of elegance. With the hair gathered into a ponytail sitting low, it is then swept back onto the head, where a roll is created. This style is very chic and worn by many brides.

If you have long hair and prefer to wear it down, you can choose a wind-blown, tousled look styled with mouse and hairspray. Regardless of the length of the hair or whether you prefer it be worn up or down, many different styles are available, from which you can choose.

The most important thing that you will need to remember is that working with a reputable and qualified hairdresser will put you at ease and ensure you have an amazing style for the most important day of your life.

11.4 Nails

For both of you, having nice looking nails at the wedding are important.  After all, you will be shaking hands, holding hands, having your hands photographed and having your hands constantly seen throughout the day.  Therefore, even if you never plan to have another manicure again, you should invest in one for the wedding day.

The day before the wedding, as the bride, you might request a French manicure. This will include having the cuticles trimmed and then your own nails worked on or artificial nails applied and painted with a clean, white tip.  Another great option is to have the nails painted a soft pine, light lavender or eggshell colour.

As the groom, you too can benefit and enjoy a manicure, which will include having the cuticles trimmed, nails clipped and in some cases, a coat of clear polish, added for shine and appearance. Just be sure the manicure is performed by a licensed professional to ensure you are not overcharged, the tools used are sanitised and that your nails are not trimmed down so far that a fungal infection could develop.

Although prices will vary depending on a number of factors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $60. The nails will look natural and the time being pampered is worth it. While home manicures are possible, for the low cost, it would be better for both of you to take this time and treat yourselves to something nice.

11.5 Teeth

Having a gorgeous, white smile for your wedding day is imperative. With all of the people to greet and photographs to be taken, you will be smiling for hours. The problem is that not every person has a naturally bright smile. In fact, most people do not have a perfect smile. While having veneers applied to the teeth is one option, it is also very expensive, usually costing from $800 to $1,000 per tooth!

However, if you want to have the whitest teeth possible, other options are available, as seen below:

11.5.1 Laser Bleaching

This option has become very popular and with new technologies, affordable.  Also known as Gas Plasma, the results are truly dramatic, usually whitening the teeth eight shades. The way this works is that a solution of peroxide bleaching is applied to the teeth and then a special light is used, which reacts to this solution. Typically, the results will last up to five years, making this an excellent option. The price runs approximately $500 to $1,000.

11.5.2 Regular Bleaching

Also called “chair-side bleaching” this procedure is not as expensive as laser bleaching but it also takes longer to do. Additionally, a larger concentration of peroxide solution is used and depending on the dentist doing the procedure, he or she may or may not use a mouth tray and light source.  Regardless, the results are good.

The price of this process will generally run from $300 to $500 and you will probably need to undergo two sessions, each lasting about an hour. Then when you arrive home, you will be required to follow another treatment for an additional week. The teeth will usually lighten about three to four shades, lasting up to three years.

11.5.3 At Home Bleaching

Today, you can use a number of “at-home” products, each promising to whiten teeth. While some of these do work somewhat, others are not worth the money. The results are very sporadic, typically not reaching the level of whitening promised.

However, if you were religious about using the product, you should get some degree of whitening. Just remember that you will need to use the product daily and to get the results, it takes from four to six months. These products are much less expensive, approximately $150 but they also do not work as well as the procedures performed at the dentist’s office.

11.6 Make Up Tips

Along with choosing the best type of cleanser, toner and moisturiser, you will also need to choose the right type of makeup. Obviously, too much makeup would make you look clownish while too little makeup could cause your face to fade.

11.6.1 Lighting

First, you should be very careful in not becoming carried away with the amount of makeup worn. Additionally, the time of day when the wedding will occur will make a big difference in how the makeup is applied. For instance, if the wedding were during the day, then you would want a softer look and therefore, need to pay careful attention to the foundation, powder, concealer and blush since daytime lighting would show every little flaw.

If you were getting married at night, then the lighting would not be as harsh.  In this case, you could afford to be a little more dramatic with the choices.  No matter what time of day, you should strive for a look that is romantic yet sensual.

To accomplish this, warm colours should be worn with just a small amount of eye shadow and liner. The lips should be perfect and full, which can be done by using a good liner just one shade darker than the lipstick and choosing a primary lip colour that is a peach, light pink or subtle mauve.

11.6.2 Foundation

When it comes to choosing the foundation, it is crucial that you choose something oil-based along with a waterproof mascara. If the foundation is water-based and the mascara not waterproof, when the tears start flowing, the makeup will run, creating streaks.

The foundation should be sheer and typically a colour one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. By using this type, the appearance is healthy and radiant, looking great in person and in photographs. For the concealer and powder, the best option is one that is cream based.

11.6.3 Makeup Tools

Another important consideration is the tools that you would be using. All of the brushes, sponges and other tools should be kept clean. This will ensure the makeup goes on evenly, as it should and that colours and makeup types do not mix.

11.6.4 Blush

When applying blush, this should be applied to the apple of the cheek, the area where the cheekbones protrude when smiling. After applying the blush, you can take a soft sponge and gently wipe along the sides of the cheeks to blend any lines.

11.6.5 Eyes

The eyes are another primary focus, meaning you want them to look bright.  This can be accomplished by applying a soft, off-white powder on the entire lid. Then, in the crease of the eyelid, you would use a small amount of blue and taupe, blending the two carefully. Finally, with a soft, small brush, apply a thin line of gold on top.

The eyelashes should be lush and thick, again using waterproof mascara. You want good, quality mascara to help lengthen and thicken the lashes and if you prefer to have your lashes separated, you can apply the mascara using the tip of the brush or a mascara comb. The result is a clean application without clumps.

11.6.6 Lasting Makeup

To help the makeup last throughout the entire wedding and reception, some special tricks can help. Once the makeup has been applied, take a powder puff, smoothing it across the pressed powder and then pressing it down firmly onto the face. About a minute later, use a large brush that has been dipped in loose powder, tapped to remove the excess and then brush onto the face.  What this does is set the makeup, making it last.

11.6.7 Emergency Kit

You definitely want to put an “emergency kit” together to take with you to the wedding. This kit will contain items such as powder to help remove shine, concealer and lipstick or gloss for touch-ups.