Of course, you want to be your most beautiful self for your wedding, but you can also take this opportunity to be your most confident self—and to make that a daily feeling after the big day. We worked with local makeup artist Megan Kramer of Blend Artistry to create an in-depth beauty agenda leading up to your wedding day. You don’t have to follow every item to notice a difference. Choose your own beauty adventure and have fun!
Photograph by bedya/stock.adobe.com
Up to a Year Before
Kramer advises, “I would suggest booking your beauty services as soon as you have your date set. Most brides book six to 12 months out.” If you have this kind of advance notice, now is your chance to switch up some old habits: Schedule regular hair trims, and work with a facialist on ideas for new products or routines, some of which may take months to work their magic.
Six Months Before
You probably have some idea of the kind of wedding you want—you’ve maybe even booked your venue or bought your dress. In fact, Kramer suggests considering your makeup after you’ve chosen your dress, veil, and jewelry. “These details can really help you decide how to wear your hair or how dramatic you would like your makeup to look,” she says. Start collecting images to compile a vision of what you want—and more importantly, what you don’t want—for your beauty look. Curious about contouring? Intrigued by false lashes? Begin experimenting now.
Four Months Before
Start thinking skin. The better condition your skin is in, the easier your makeup application will go. Stick to your skincare routine (wash your face at least once per day, tone, moisturize, and wear sunscreen every. single. day.).
Three Months Before
Kramer recommends booking your trial makeup and hair runs approximately two to three months prior to your wedding date. And if you’re planning a teeth-whitening regime, start now.
Two Months Before
Don’t wait any longer to start new beauty products, such as retinol and chemical exfoliants, which can help with fine lines, acne, and dullness. Don’t even try new brands or products after this time. That way, if you have a bad reaction to anything, you’ll have plenty of time to deal with it. You’ll also have your new routine down to a science by the big day.
One Month Before
Kick the self-care into gear: Get as much sleep as possible, drink lots of water, exercise a bit each day, mind your nutrition (eat the rainbow, baby!), and take your vitamins. You’ll thank yourself later.
Two Weeks Before
“Any hair trims and subtle color changes should be done about two weeks before and root coverage can be done one week before,” Kramer says. “Our hairstylists get asked about that a lot!”
One Week Before
It’s getting real real. Definitely don’t introduce a bunch of new skin products that you’ve never used. Now is not the time! “Stay hydrated and don’t change from your normal skincare routine,” Kramer says. “This could cause a reaction or acne to appear. Gentle facials [such as a soothing, hydrating facial] can be done a week before. Avoid any major exfoliation or unusual treatments.”
72 Hours Before
Says Kramer: “For waxing, I would suggest at least two to three days before your wedding day—it’s a huge no-no to wax the day of the event, especially if you are new to waxing. Those with very sensitive skin might incur slight redness or blotchiness, which will calm down in a day or so.”
48 Hours Before
Planning a spray tan? “Two days before your wedding is an ideal time,” Kramer says. “This way any excess tan is washed off thoroughly. This will keep any residue rubbing off your skin and onto your dress.”
The Day Before
This is the moment that you prep yourself for a day of beauty. Get your pedicure and manicure (any earlier and you could be dealing with chips). Shampoo and condition your hair as usual but leave out any extra styling products. If you have a hair and/or face mask that you love, use it today.
The Big Day
Take a shower and do all your necessary shaving (use a newish razor to avoid nicks). Use a washcloth to scrub your feet with soap, and then moisturize them too, especially if you’ll be wearing open-toed shoes. Depending on how oily your scalp and hair naturally are, you might want to wash your hair, but don’t put any extra products in it. Your stylist will use texturizing spray if needed. Moisturize your skin, especially on your arms and legs. Drink a big glass of water and eat something real for breakfast. Then float into hair and makeup like a dang goddess.
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