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A bride shouLd aLways feeL like the loveliest woman in the world on her wedding
day. To help ensure her wedding-day glow is worthy of this once-in-a-lifetime
event, a variety of restorative and toning exercises, skin treatments, makeup
applications and beauty routines are available to brides-to-be.
The most important element of all is sleep. Begin your beauty regimen by replenishing
your body nightly with at least seven or eight hours sleep. The payoff
for allowing yourself sufficient beauty sleep is the energy and vitality to enjoy the
inevitable prenuptial celebrations, shopping trips and last-minute details.
Another tip to the wise: drink lots of water, no less than eight glasses a day.
water has a hydrating effect, giving skin a soft, healthy glow, and it nourishes the
system. And be sure to stay away from refined sugar and excessive alcohol. while
it might take the edge off your nerves, too much alcohol actually can dehydrate
skin and cause puffiness around the eyes. limit yourself to two drinks per event.
All-day spa packages for the bride and her attendants offer the ultimate pampering.
imagine a soothing facial, followed by a relaxing hot stone massage, a pedicure
and lunch by the pool. it’s the perfect prescription for soothing wedding
plan overload, particularly when shared with your dearest girlfriends.
If you have more than 24 hours prior to your wedding for a little glow insurance,
experts recommend a professional facial followed by a daily skin-care program.
But don’t be overwhelmed by the conflicting tales of what a daily skin-care
regime should include. leading professionals tell us to “keep it simple” with four
basic steps: a cleanser, an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, a nourishing cream
and sunblock. dermatologists agree that the most effective sunscreens include
UVA and UVB blockers as well as zinc.
For more in-depth treatment, brides and their attendants (moms too!) can
choose from several new products and procedures, including Thermage, a treatment
that uses radio waves to effect tighter skin. Thermage is performed using a computerized tip that cools the top layer of skin while it sends
radio waves down to heat the deeper layers. The heat causes new
collagen to form. Thermage has been called a “facelift without
surgery.” The results of this non-invasive procedure can last up
to several years.
Laser facials, microdermabrasion and non-ablative skin rejuvenation
techniques can help reduce the effects of sun damage
(often with long-lasting or permanent effects), reduce the appearance
of fine lines and give skin a smoother, velvety texture.
Injections and fillers are becoming popular for women (and
men) of many ages. Botox injections are popular for combating
crow’s feet, frown lines and facial creases. restylane is one of
many dermal fillers produced using a natural sugar found in
the skin. Rather than relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles (the
way Botox does), fillers plump up the area around the wrinkle
or crease. Both of these options involve injections but there is
usually little to no “down time” after a procedure. The effects
of Botox last from three to six months, while dermal fillers typically
last a bit longer.
Bronzing spas are a popular new way to tan your body without
damaging your skin. A client enters a private room, is misted
with bronze from head to toe, and comes out looking kissed by
the sun—all in less than 30 seconds.
Misting works best when used a few times at least a month
before the wedding to get acquainted with how the product
works. we don’t want any surprises, do we? once you’re sure
how your body responds to the treatment, follow up with a final
visit a couple of days prior to the wedding.
hiring
Brides should consider hiring a professional makeup artist
for their wedding. Professionals are accustomed to applying
makeup for photography, and the extra pampering will do you
good on your special day. To find a trusted makeup artist, ask
for referrals from your photographer, bridal shop or wedding
coordinator, and ask to see the makeup person’s portfolio.
for wedding parties of nine or more, hire two or more artists.
Book your makeup artist six to nine months out, and be
sure to ask if the person you hire will work on-site or in a salon.
This makes a difference if you are on a tight schedule on your
wedding day. If you have never had your makeup professionally
applied, you may feel the application appears to be a “bit much.”
Although you always have the final say on whether a look is
right for you, the pros know how to match the lighting of your
site and your coloring with the appropriate products so that the
most beautiful you shines through.
A friendly note of caution: the week before your wedding is not
the time to try anything too inventive or out of the ordinary
such as a drastic change in hair color. likewise, sample new
beauty products and treatments well in advance of your wedding
day, to allow for any unexpected results or allergic reactions.
The changes you make should be gradual with enough
time to “change it back” before the wedding, if need be.
Overall, remember that your fiancé expects to see the girl he
knows and loves walking up that aisle. your true, radiant self, is
the ultimate goal.
Photography:
ZWeddingz by Philip Ramackers & Co.
Patrick Grimes Photography
Brides by Demetrios
Eyes 2 See Photography
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