Looking Your
Best on Your Wedding Day
Looking your best on your wedding
day comes from both the external cosmetics and also from your
inner health and confidence. Both are equally important and we
will be discussing both on this page.
External Beauty On Your Wedding
Day
When you are doing your hair and makeup on
your wedding day 
you
don't want to look too made up and not like yourself. You want
to look like you, just a really, really great you. Keep things
soft and romantic and you can't go wrong.
Like many things when planning
your wedding you will want to try out how your
hair, nails and makeup are going to look before
your wedding day. You don't want any disappointing
surprises on your wedding day. You will want
to make appointments to have at least your hair and makeup
done a couple of weeks before your wedding. Make
sure you take your veil and headpiece with you when you go to
your trial hair appointment and as well as to
the appointment on your wedding day. It may seem
a little costly to pay for these services twice but you want to
be sure of what you want. 
You
don't want to be dissatisfied when you get your photos back because
you made a quick decision under stress.
Make sure you wear a front button up blouse
on the day of your wedding when you are getting
your hair and makeup done. This
way when you are changing into your wedding gown
later you won't mess up your hair and makeup
by pulling your shirt up over your head.
Don't forget your smile. Today's teeth whitening kits that can
be bought at any department store make brightening your smile
easy. You can also have your teeth professionally whitened at
your dentist office. This is more costly but also more effective.
If you plan on having your
eyebrows waxed, we suggest you don't do it on the day of your
wedding. Usually the recommended time is about
1 week before your wedding day. Sometimes waxing
can cause redness of the skin that is hard to cover up. Talk to
your aesthetician about when it would be best for you to have
it done. If you've never had waxing done to your eyebrows before
make sure you have it done sometime in the months before the wedding
so you know how your body reacts to the waxing and that you are
happy with the results and the shaping of your eyebrows.
Wedding Hair
Work
with your face shape and hair type when choosing a hairstyle for
your wedding day. It will not only suit you better
but your hairstyle will have a better chance
of staying up and lasting throughout your big day. Also, take
in consideration if you are planning to remove
your veil or headpiece for the wedding reception.
Your hairstyle should work with both looks so
that the look can be maintained throughout the wedding
ceremony and reception.
Keep the neckline of your wedding
gown in mind when choosing a hair style for your wedding
day. High necklines look good with hair that
is sweep up with more skin showing while lower necklines usually
look better with some hair down around the shoulders. Play around
with hairstyles and use your own judgment. You hairstylist may
have some suggestions for you.
If you're not that fond of the just cut look
book your hair cut about 2 weeks before the wedding.
Short haircuts tend to grow out very quickly so don't get your
hair cut too far in advance especially if you
have been getting your hair cut the same way by the same person
for a long time. Drastic changes in your hairstyle should be tried
out several months ahead of time incase you dislike how it turns
out. This will give you some time to change the look to something
you fancy. Many Brides try to grow their hair
long for their wedding. There are different types
of hair extensions that can solve this problem. They can make
your styling options sore. Be sure that the hair
extensions are good quality. They can be clipped in or bonded
right to your own hair. It's always best if your hair dresser
has experience working with them to ensure that they are securely
placed and that they match your natural hair colour perfectly.
Make
sure you use a hairdresser you know and trust
for your wedding day. This is not the time to
be trying out someone new to you. Take along pictures of styles
you have in mind for your wedding day to your
practice hair appointment. This will give your hairdresser
an idea of what you have in mind. Before leaving your appointment,
confirm that your hairdresser will be the one doing your hair
on your wedding day. You may want to take a few
pictures of your hairstyle after your practice appointment from
all angles. Take the photos to your appointment on your wedding
day to refresh your hairstylist of your final
choice of hair style.
We really feel it's important to spend the
extra money to get pampered and have your hair done by a professional
on your wedding day, but if you are styling your own hair on your
wedding day always start with clean hair. Remember there are two
situations that hold a curl. When dry hair is heated and then
held in the curled position until it is completely cooled and
when wet hair is held in the curled position until it is completely
dry. Hot rollers are just one way to achieve curls. To accomplish
volume, try blow drying your hair with your head down and the
hair upside down. If you're doing an up do ensure you are comfortable
doing it. Practice and do your hair style before the wedding day,
even a few times, so you're confident you will be able to do it
even under the pressure of the day and use enough hair spray to
hold the style for the whole day. Using clear ponytail holders,
bobbi pins close to your hair colour and beautiful pins are all
great ways to help get a professional look.
The trend today for jewellery is sparkling
crystals. If you are wearing crystal jewellery on your wedding
day and would like to tie your hair with the same look, there
are some wonderful crystal hairpins available in many shapes and
colours. When using hairpins, it's best to use them in odd numbers
like one, three or five. You can even use crystal jewellery in
your hair and have your hair dresser pin it into your up do. Crystal
bracelets can wrap around your hair in a ponytail and necklaces
can drape softly down through your hair. Remember though, if you're
planning to use crystals in your hair, be sure to use your hairspray
before placing the crystals in your hair or you'll dull the crystals'
sparkle with hairspray.
If you are doing your own hair
for your wedding day give yourself lots of extra
time to get it right. You don't want to be rushed and not get
it the way you want it to look. Use extra hairspray and bobby
pins to hold your hair and keep it in place for the entire day
and evening.
Wedding Day Makeup
Take a few photos of yourself after your
trial makeup appointment or your trial at home
to 
see
how your makeup looks photographed. Take photos
inside and outside to test the look of your makeup
in the different lighting. You may even want to exercise a little
after to see how well the makeup holds up when you perspire. This
could be a good time to try new products and new techniques and
update your look, but make sure you do this well in advance of
your wedding date. Wearing the makeup at least 7 times before
your wedding day will rule out any allergic reactions you may
have and make sure you test new makeup a few weeks before the
wedding incase you do react to the new products. If you do react
to a new product we suggest that you see a dermatologist right
away.
Healthy Skin for Your Wedding Day
Healthy skin is the best way to start with
a great foundation for your makeup on your wedding day. You will
want your skin to look great for the cameras and feel wonderful
when people are kissing you on the cheeks, and there will be many
of them. Skin treatment can be broken down in to four main steps;
Hydrate, exfoliating, moisturizing and treatment. The first thing
you can do to help your skin is to stay hydrated. Your skin is
a living organ and it needs water replacement. So to ensure your
skin and your body get the water did requires, drink at least
6 full glasses of water everyday. If you also drink caffeine drinks
like cola, tea and/or coffee, you will need even more water to
replace the fluids lost due to the effects of the caffeine.
Secondly, find a gentle exfoliate to use
once or twice a week. This helps to remove old skin cells and
helps the skin with the renewal of fresh new skin. This will in
return make your skin clearer, younger looking and glowing. When
you exfoliate, gently exfoliate your face, avoiding the skin around
your eyes. Gently massage the skin in circular movements and then
remove any exfoliate with a buffer or washcloth. When the face
is totally clean, be sure to moisturize the skin immediately afterwards.
Finding the right moisturizer is of the most
importance. A great moisturizer can really make the difference
in how your skin looks and feels and you don't have to spend a
fortune for great skin. With so many choices and so many skin
types, it's best to get professional advice from a knowledgeable
cosmetic professional. Find someone with a broad knowledge of
many products and is not bias to just one company brand. They
should also take into consideration your skin type and any sensitivities
you many know about.
The fourth step is treatment for any blemishes
or pigment changes in your skin. Again there are so many formulas
and treatments available over the counter, it might be best to
speak to a knowledgeable cosmetologist or even your pharmacist.
If over the counter products are not working for you, see a dermatologist
for other options.
We always suggest that you start any new skin
routine well before your wedding date. With so many products to
choose from, and with so many skin types, it will most likely
take a little tweaking to get the right combination of products
that you like and work well for you and your skin.
Tip:
To help cover a pimple on your wedding day, use one drop of vision
for red eyes directly on the pimple. The same ingredients that
helps to reduce redness in the eyes, will also help to reduce
the redness of the pimple. This will make it easier to conceal
the pimple with makeup.
Don't forget to use sunscreen on your face
before putting on your makeup on your wedding
day especially if your wedding is outdoors. Sun
burnt skin doesn't photograph well. You may want to make sure
the men wear sunscreen too.
If you're doing your own makeup
avoid frosted makeup. Using more neutral tones and soft shades
will look softer in the photos. Apply your makeup
just a little heavier than normal, as if you were going out for
an evening. Blend all your makeup very well. Put your makeup
on in a well lit area near a window with lots of natural light.
Give yourself lots of extra time so you won't be rushed. After
using sunscreen, start with a concealer and a foundation very
close to your skin tone to even your skin colour and to cover
any redness or imperfections on your face. Use neutral tone eye
shadows without glitter so it won’t date your look. Use
a little blush on your cheeks and soft coloured eyeliner. Liquid
eyeliners are more popular now and they do give you good control.
It's a good idea to use waterproof eyeliner to help keep your
eye makeup looking its best. No matter what form of eyeliner you
use always blend it a little to soften the look. Use two coats
of waterproof mascara for those emotional moments during your
wedding day. If you feel yourself getting emotional and welling
up with tears, be sure to dab your eyes gentle with a tissue,
never rub or wipe your tears away. This will help minimize the
damage to the look of your makeup. A longwearing lipstick will
also stand up better to all the kissing you will be doing on your
wedding day. Many companies offer "all day wearing"
lipstick, most are applied in two steps. Don't forget to pack
your makeup into your bag to take with you for
touch ups throughout the day and night. This way you will always
look picture perfect. Preparing an anti-panic
Wedding 911 bag is a great idea to keep all your things together
for the day for when you need to freshen up.
Consider taking your own waterproof mascara
and longwearing lipstick with you if you are getting your makeup
done professionally. Some makeup artists do not
use waterproof mascara and you will need the same colour of lipstick
for touch ups throughout the day even if it is longwearing.
You may want to cover any tattoos you have
for your wedding day. If you go to a cosmetic
counter they should be able to help you find a 100% coverage product
that won't rub off. Test the product out before your wedding
day so you know if it's up to your expectations. Regular concealers
won't be heavy enough to do the job right.
Many Brides choose to have their makeup
done in their home and hire a professional to come to their home.
Sometimes, professionals have a team of people that come in and
do your whole wedding party. This can be a very
relaxed and convenient way of having everyone's makeup
done. We suggest the Bride still has a trial run for her makeup
at an earlier date.
Beautiful Nails for Your Wedding
Starting with health nails and cuticles is
the most important step to having beautiful nails. When using
nail polish both French and American Manicures
are good choices for your nails for your wedding
day. They are both natural and polished looking. If you want to
do your nails yourself, kits are available at most department
and drug stores. Make sure you practice the technique ahead of
time to make sure you are able to do a neat job. There are many
products available to help nails that are in rough shape. Look
for nail hardeners and cuticle treatments or ask at the cosmetic
counter what they would suggest. If you are using basic coloured
nail polish, keep the nail polish colour soft on your wedding
day. Your photographer will probably want to do close up photos
of your hands with your wedding rings on them.
Your nails will stand out too much and look to harsh in the photos
if they are too dark or bright in colour. If you don't want to
wear nail polish on your wedding day at least
have a manicurist fix your cuticles and buff your nails so they
look neat and healthy.
If your wedding day shoes are open toed, you
will definitely want to make sure your feet are taken care off
and are also looking their best. Treat yourself to a professional
pedicure 
or
at least take some time and pamper yourself by spending some time
out of your busy schedule to give your feet some tlc with a home
pedicure. Start with socking your feet, then use a buffer to remove
any calluses and died skin. Use lots of foot lotion to help keep
your feet looking great. Trim your nails and remove and clean
out your cuticles. Then clean your toe nails with some nail polish
remover to remove any old nail polish and to remove any residue
from the foot lotion so your new nail polish will adhere well
to you nails. The final step is carefully polishing the nails
with the same colour as your finger nails. Apply a top coat to
help protect the finish.
The Groom may also wish to indulge in a relaxing
manicure for the close up ring photos especially
if he is in a line of work that involves a lot of dirt or grease
and his hands are stained. If he can't bring himself to have a
manicure at least get him to soak his hands in a warm soapy solution
to help lift and remove the grease and dirt.
Inner Health and Confidence on Your Wedding Day
A healthy diet and exercise should always
be a part of anyone's life. They have a way of making you feel
better, helping to relieve stress and giving 
you
more energy up to and on your wedding day. You will feel more
confident and comfortable in your body.
It is best if you can fit some form of exercise
into everyday. It will make a difference in how you feel physically
and emotionally. You may find that if you take the time to exercise
you will want to eat better because you don't want to waste all
the hard effort from your workouts. Even going for a walk every
day will give you more energy and help you feel better. Little
things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking
farther away can really add up over time. Always check with your
doctor before starting an exercise program especially if you haven't
been active for awhile.
Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water is another
great way to help your body feel great. When you workout you will
want to drink at least 2-3 cups of water. This makes the additional
cups of water easier to fit into your day. Drinking this amount
of water is good for so many
parts of your body including your skin.
Eating right is another way to take care of
your body. Stay away from white sugar products, white flour products,
processed foods and fried foods. Replace them with more fresh
fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Eat as much unaltered
food as possible, meaning as close to the way nature made it.
We can't always eat properly but if we make an effort to plan
our meals ahead of time we often make much better food choices.
Making healthier choices now, with the motivation
of your wedding day, may change your life habits and make for
a healthier future. What better time to celebrate life and look
forward to your future as a couple.
One more thing you might want to indulge in
is a relaxing massage. You can go as a couple 
or
on your own. Many people use massage as part of their regular
life style. Massages are a great way to relieve some of your wedding
planning tension, step out of the hustle for an hour and enjoy
some peace. Always choose a licensed massage therapist, preferable
by referral. Also make sure they know of any allergies. To be
sure, have them use non perfumed oil. If you have benefits, check
to see if they cover massage and what the requirements are. Other
ways to relax and relieve stress are: sock your feet and/or give
yourself a foot massage, use relaxing scents in your room with
candles or incense, talk to a caring friend, do deep breathing
exercise or meditate for a few minutes, dance to loud music or
play with your pet.
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