A Pre-Wedding Beauty Checklist

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. Not only for her soon to be spouse but also for the hundreds of photos taken. However, navigating the beauty regimen that is right for you and will give you that bridal glow isn’t always easy. So, we went to the pros! These hair & makeup artists have beautified hundreds of brides, so they know a thing or two about what works (and what doesn’t)! They gave us the best tips to help craft this necessary pre-wedding beauty checklist.

Skin

Establish a routine: Erica Beukelman of 10.11 Makeup says, “Starting at least six months out will allow you plenty of time to consult with your dermatologist, meet with an esthetician, and begin the proper treatments and routine necessary to have flawless skin on your wedding day.

Hair & Makeup Girl, Heidi, echoes, “When it comes to a flawless makeup application, it helps when our clients have taken care of their skin leading up to their wedding day. Does that mean you have to spend tons of money on monthly facials and intense skin treatments? Nope! But, being consistent with your at-home skin routine is key. I recommend using a soft exfoliating brush on your skin every other night and, if you don’t have a favorite night cream, you can use one of your favorite oils to moisturize your skin. A current favorite of mine is a combination of Grape Seed Oil and Vitamin E that I picked up at Sprouts.

Get a Facial: “Two weeks out, we recommend going to your facialist or a reputable spa for a cleansing facial treatment. If you’re not used to having facials, two weeks is a good amount of time for any healing your skin might need,” says Tanya Bures of PAGE beauty.

Stacie Ford Weddings says “In preparation for the skin, I highly recommend doing an oxygen facial to increase circulation and brightness in the complexion. It’s noninvasive and gives your skin that “bridal glow” from within . You don’t have to use as much foundation and the skin naturally radiates a healthy look.”

Mask: PAGE beauty’s Tanya continues, “The night before the wedding, I recommend to every bride the NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask before bed. There’s no need to rinse, and you wake up looking like you’ve had 10 bottles of water the day before! The skin is glowing, smooth and ready for long wearing makeup.

Lashes

Extensions: “More and more I’ve been asked by my clients what my thoughts are on eyelash extensions. I always say it’s important to do your research and don’t go cheap!” says Heidi, Hair & Makeup Girl. If you’re in Southern California, we recommend a high quality salon like Maud’s of Beverly Hills. Their careful application and safe adhesive, plus their advice on which lashes are perfect for you, make them a great choice!

Heidi continues, “If you want them for your wedding day, make sure you get a fresh set right before your special day. It’s also important to know what you’re getting yourself into. If you’re okay with high maintenance (think nightly brushing and conditioning, as well as regular touch-ups and fills) then by all means, go for it! But if you’re wanting lashes just for the day, ask your makeup artist to use individual lashes on you that will come off when you wash your face.

Stacie Ford Weddings also advises, “I recommend brides test out and try lashes and lash glue or lash extensions in advance if they plan on having them for the big day. During the makeup trial, have your makeup artist apply a latex glue and a non-latex glue to see which one your skin accepts better and to see if you have any Allergic reactions to the glue. If they are getting semi-permanent lashes, I recommend doing this at least three months in advance or possibly trying them out for your bachelorette or bridal party to see how well you like them and if there are any complications with the glue.

Hair

Find the right inspiration: “Something that most women don’t consider when choosing a hairstyle for their wedding day is hair color. Many times we are drawn to hair photos of blondes on Pinterest because blonde hair shows detail and photographs better. Make sure when you are looking for photos of hair inspiration that you are selecting photos of hair that resembles yours (if you have brown hair, look only at hairstyles done on brown hair). This goes for thickness and texture too. It’s important to have a realistic expectation of what your hair can do, and looking at the right photos will make your hair appointment be more successful for you and your stylist,” says Heidi, Hair and Makeup Girl.

Extensions: Tanya at PAGE beauty says, “If you’re using extensions, make sure the hair is natural; hot tools are not recommended on synthetic hair and limits the styling. Be sure to trim the extensions prior to the day of (if possible) so everyone keeps within the scheduled beauty timeline.”

Prep your locks: “To prep your hair for the wedding day, ask your hairstylist if she prefers to work with clean hair or one-day washed, as each artist will have her own preference. Hairstylists are always prepared for any situation and can spray the hair wet for a blow-dry if needed,” Tanya continues.

Eyebrows

Wax or Thread: “If you have never had your eyebrows manicured, beginning at least three months out will give you time to consult with a specialist, determine which process is the right one for you, and give you some time for any grow out you may need in order to make your shape perfect,” says Erica, 10.11 Makeup.

Lips

Condition: “We suggest wearing Hourglass Lip Oil every night before bed. Like most treatments for the face, use the lip oil twice a day during your regular skin care regimen and your lips will be prime for long wearing lip color,” says Tanya. “On the day of, have your lip products and blotting powder ready in a small carryall for touch-ups. Makeup artists use long wearing foundations and eye products, and primers and setting sprays that prolong the wear of makeup, making touch-ups easy breezy!”