Though your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, the preparation leading up to the big day can be stressful. Most brides are quick to lea that a little planning goes a long way. In my case, my biggest plans leading up to my wedding day were balancing work, school (oh yeah: I was completing a master's degree in the evenings) and the wedding.
Six - week Skincare Program
My stress levels were definitely at an all time high - and the stress and lack of sleep were taking a toll on my skin. For the six weeks leading up to my wedding day, I enlisted professional help in maintaining my bridal glow with biweekly facials. I got a deep pore cleansing facial the week before my big day and then one more hydrating and rejuvenating facial the week of. My skin never looked better. At home, I supplemented my professional skincare treatments with a stress - relieving regimen of facial, body care and well - being products, including nutritional supplements and calming bath soaks.
With my Repêchage Clear Complexion Drying Lotion at my side for any last minute breakouts, I braved the pre - wedding weeks with daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing. In addition, I was sure to mask and exfoliate on alteating days, a little more often than my usual two times per week.
At - home recipe tip, bride - to - bride: Mix 1 packet oatmeal, 2 TBSP pure honey and 2 TBSP buttermilk in blender, then pour into a bowl. Blend 1 cup of almonds for one minute, then add the oatmeal mixture and blend until smooth. Cleanse face and neck, then apply mask. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse well and moisturize. (Or try Repêchage Honey and Almond Scrub.)
Adding a Tinge of Gold
My complexion is peaches and cream on most days, but I always prefer the way I look with a bit of a tan, especially if I'm wearing white! Please don't get an orange glow - you are not auditioning for "Dancing with the Stars". Applying a light self - tanner the week of your big day will give you a nice splash of color without tuing you into an oompah - loompah. Exfoliate from head to toe prior to self - tanning. I prefer to mix my gel self - tanner with body cream for an even application. Stay safe! Don't ever go to a tanning salon. The rays are cancer - causing and even tanning outside with an SPF may leave you with tan lines - not to mention it's never safe to be in the sun for extended periods of time. A tan - in - a - bottle is a safe alteative and gives you a nice golden hue that will complement your white wedding day attire.
Reviving Sleep - deprived Skin
Working full time, school and wedding planning left little time for shut - eye, so if you're a bride in my boat, here's another life saving at - home recipe tip, bride - to - bride: Brew black tea for at least 3 - 5 minutes, then refrigerate and apply the cool solution with cotton wool on eyes, leaving on 10 - 15 minutes. This quick and easy solution will eliminate dark circles and puffiness. I would suggest using this recipe anywhere from one to two weeks before the wedding day (or try Repêchage Eye Rescue Pads).
Fabulous Faux Lashes
My best tip for bridal bliss - eyelash extensions! My hair/makeup artist recommended that I get lash extensions. I was apprehensive at first, as I don't love the idea of something glued to my lashes (not to mention the hefty price tag), but trusted the advice of my stylist. The lashes were well worth the investment. They survived the tears that I shed before and during the ceremony - never having to fear a streaky tear moment ? la Lindsay Lohan! My sister tued to me and gasped "after the wedding you have to tell me what mascara you are wearing..." Bonus - my lashes looked great throughout our beach honeymoon in St. Barths. Having great lashes saves you loads of time in the moing, not to mention, you wake up looking just as pretty as when you went to bed!
Just Before the Big Event
The day of my rehearsal dinner I had organized a day of beauty: salon blowout at Frederic Fekkai, manicure and pedicure at Cleo Spa, eyelash extensions at Pierre Michel, as well as bikini & full leg wax with my trusted esthetician, Iwona. I was ready for my big wedding weekend and to say hello to all my friends and family that flew in from eight countries around the world.
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