The walk down the aisle is the final lap in a beauty marathon starting the instant he pops the question. It is a truth universally acknowledged that every bride is beautiful!
You may have tossed and turned the night before worrying about the color of your bridesmaid’s dresses or the favors you have chosen, but rest assured you will look magnificent the day of your wedding. I would even go so far as to say you will look as stunning as the girl in the special K ad!
However, following numerous investigations I have discovered that behind every beautiful bride, there are an army of experts and tips. We are talking hairdressers, make-up artists, dentists and maybe even a personal trainer and a lead up that would rival any military operation.
Operation BB (beautiful bride) usually starts about six months before the big day especially if weight is an issue. For the bits that won't budge a high-tech salon treatment may be the only answer.
Going strapless. Slim arms are key. Try a work out device such as slender tone to tone your upper arms. If you have concerns with spots or veins, see a dermatologist and to guarantee a radiant glow book a facial every month, the final one two weeks before the wedding. Three months before, exfoliate your face once a week and after each bath or shower moisturize all over. You should also drink lots of water and in the days before avoiding foods with wheat as these may cause bloating.
A visit to the dentist is a must to obtain those must have pearly whites for your wedding photographs.
Make-up too, is paramount. The secret is to look like you, only more glowing, radiant and generally amazing! You want your groom to see sweet lovable you not just your make-up. If you can afford a professional make-up artist it is well worth it. Always be sure to book a trial run if you decide to do this.
Other musts include well-groomed brows, delicate blush, waterproof mascara (at some point you WILL cry). Avoid sticky lip glosses (think of your groom). A layer of St Tropez on the face and body is a must. Experiment in the months before so you get it right. My advice is to apply two days before so it is beginning to wear off and doesn’t look too obvious.
Hair of course is another biggie! My advice to be up to the minute a la mode is to wear your hair loose and flowing with lots of movement and not dead straight. Three months before, start using a weekly leave in treatment to build up the level of nutrients. Use a professional leave in conditioner every 6-8 weeks. A month before you should have your first hair trial and two weeks before have the full dress rehearsal. Get photos from all angles on this occasion.
Your hair may look great from the front but the profile may not suit you and it must look good from all angles.
Beauty sleep is vital to rid your eyes of dark circles and also to keep stress levels down. Eating more green vegetables will help you snooze.
Also, book the occasional body massage or reflexology session. Better still; treat yourself to a hen weekend at a spa where you and your pals can indulge in pampering pedicures, facials and massages.
Your hands will be the focus when showing off that sparkler! Take care of them. French polish looks best with a white dress and also during the summer months. Use lots of hand cream and cuticle oils in the weeks leading up to the wedding to have your hands super soft! Have a professional manicure the day before the wedding.
Finally, on the day itself have a small 'touch up kit' with lipstick, blusher, comb, tissues and safety pins. Give this to your mum or your bridesmaid to carry ready for any beauty emergencie