Bridal Beauty From A to Z

By: Kristen Castillo

When you look good, you feel good, and every bride wants to look and feel her best on her big day. So get ready to feel pretty. Your bridal beauty regime is just getting started.

A—Abhyanga massage

For stress release, try an Abhyanga massage which uses pressure to achieve therapeutic results. It is the perfect massage for brides who want to relax. It’s not a deep pressure massage but rather uses warm oil.

B—Botox

Younger looking skin is the goal of many brides and Botox has been the solution since its debut in 2002. Injected into the skin by needle, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles. The result? Tighter, smoother skin with fewer visible wrinkles. Botox injections take about 10 minutes, but the effects last up to four months. Patients typically receive injections three to four times a year. Long-term effectiveness is still unknown as the product is relatively new.

C—Cleanse

Don’t overlook this skincare essential. Take good care of your skin and you’ll be rewarded with a clear complexion and a healthy glow. Avoid harsh soaps and use gentle cleaners instead. Be sure to remove makeup every night as well.

D—Dental Work

A nice smile is a great asset, especially on your wedding day. If your teeth need some help, now’s the time to get started. Yellow and stained teeth are typical cosmetic concerns, so make an appointment with your dentist for professional teeth whitening. Insurance generally won’t cover whitening treatments, which usually costs at least $300 to $500. At home teeth whitening trays and whitening strips can help remove stains and help you maintain those pearly whites.

E—Eyelash Extensions

If you want to flutter your lashes and make the most of your winks on your wedding day, consider getting eyelash extensions, which is one of the hottest beauty trends. “Ordinary mascara just won’t cut it when it comes to being photo-fabulous. That is why nearly all A-listers opt for eyelash extensions before a big event.” The lashes are added to a bride’s natural lashes to create a fuller look. There are five lash length options. The finished product, which costs $250 per set, can last up to five days.

F—Facial

You want flawless skin for your wedding because your face will be getting a lot of attention on your big day. Prep your skin with facials so your complexion will be smooth and your skin will be soft. Brides should begin planning ahead for their big day, with treatments such as facials. They are a luxurious way to give your skin a youthful glow for your wedding day.

G—Gloss

Your smile is contagious and your lips are kissable. Make the most of a great smile with a pretty lip gloss. A little bit of shine will make your lips pop in person and in photos, but be careful not to overdo it with gloss. Too much of the shiny stuff and your pout will be overpowered.

H—Hair

Your wedding day hair style is crucial. It’s the look you’ll have forever in all your wedding photos. You want great color, a flattering cut, as well as softness, volume and shine. It’s a lot to ask for, but it’s possible. Work with your stylist at least six months before the big day. Ideally, you’ll have even longer to plan your hair strategy. Bring in photos you like and even photos of hairdos you don’t like. Discuss your wedding day hair preferences with your stylist – do you want long and loose wedding hair? A soft up-do? Do you plan to color or cut your hair before your trip down the aisle? Talk over your options and don’t make any drastic changes too soon before the wedding. It’s best to try out styles and color changes months before the main event.

I—Iridescence

Many make-up products have iridescent qualities, meaning they’ll leave your skin and your eyes in particular looking shimmering and lustrous. All things in moderation, of course, but some shimmer is a good thing, especially for your photos.

J—Juvederm

Another tool to improve your smile is Juvederm, a long-lasting injectible gel that adds volume and smooths wrinkles to help give you the “perfect pout”. Many turn to the newest innovation in rejuvenation for an extra boost to help them achieve the full look of Angelina Jolie’s gorgeous grin. The price for this pout enhancer is $650+ per syringe. Results last about six months.

K—Kleenex

Keep a tissue handy on your wedding day. You’ll need it to wipe away tears of joy and to help you adjust your make-up throughout the photo session and reception.

L—Laser Hair Removal

Mustache, whisker and pesky eyebrow hairs can be annoying. Waxing, bleaching and plucking only take you so far, so why not get rid of these unsightly hairs for good? According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, laser hair removal is the second most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. behind Botox injections. The procedure involves using laser light “to selectively penetrate into the hair follicles and to destroy the hair within that hair follicle. Usually, two to three sessions are needed and the price for laser hair removal starts around $300.

M—Manicure

Pretty hands and feet are two important finishing touches. Your nails, your cuticles and the skin on your hands and feet should be in nice condition. Much like other beauty rituals, you should maintain good habits long term for great results. A weekly manicure and a twice-a-month pedicure should keep your fingers and toes looking pretty. Keep nails short to medium length. Longer nails are not as popular and they’re tough to maintain since they can snag or break. Use a lotion with SPF on your hands as well – the skin on your hands can age too and face it, sun spots are not very attractive. Keep your polish colors sweet and simple. A classic French manicure and pedicure are very appropriate for the wedding too. Other options include soft pink, peach and sheer polishes.

N— Nutrition

Part of looking and feeling good is treating your body right. Eat as nutritiously as possible all the time, especially as you prepare for your wedding day. Always eat breakfast, drink plenty of water each day and have healthy snacks to snack on when you get hungry. Stress-eating fatty fried foods and sweets will wreak havoc on your health, and you’ll probably feel yucky too.

O—Oatmeal

It seems funny that your breakfast cereal can have so many positive benefits. Eat oatmeal for a healthy meal and then soak in it for a relaxing bath. Many bath products from soaps to lotions use oatmeal for its soothing qualities.

P—Pilates

Many celebrities, from Madonna to Gwyneth Paltrow, swear by Pilates. The strength and flexibility building exercises can whip you into shape thanks to controlled movements that maximize your core muscles. Grab your mat, stretch out, and get ready to be strong and sexy on your wedding day.

Q—Quiet Reflection

Worrying about your wedding can take its toll on your stress level. So take some time to chill out. Put your wedding worries aside for a while and relax in a quiet, inviting environment. Take a bath, sip some herbal tea, read a favorite book or magazine and temporarily forget all the stresses weighing on you.

R—Rest

A good night’s sleep is essential for every bride. You need a sharp mind and a well-rested body to plan your big day. So, the next time you’re tempted to stay up late, think again. Your body, your mind and even your skin need time to rest, rejuvenate and prepare for the next day.

S—Sun Protection Factor

Everyday apply a broad spectrum SPF which wards off UVA and UVB rays. Your skin will thank you for protecting it. At the very least, wear an SPF 15, but higher SPFs like 30, are better options. Reapply often.

T—Tanning

A tan is a desired look, but many brides want to fake a tan instead of dealing with the consequences of skin damage. Self-tanning lotions and sunless-tanning treatments, like Sun FX and Mystic Tan, allow you to get glowing skin without the harmful rays. Do a few practice sunless tanning sessions with your bronzing products well before the wedding so you can see how you like it and make any changes.

V—Vichy Shower

Pamper yourself and unwind in a Vichy shower, which has many shower heads (usually five or so) pouring over you. The Spa at Torrey Pines offers a Vichy shower and calls it, “a wonderful way to relax and replenish the skin.”

W—Work Out

Eating right is not the only part of the get healthy equation for brides. Exercise is a key component to help you get in shape, tone up and release wedding stress too. Walk around your neighborhood, join a gym, lift weights, take aerobics, but no matter what you do to work out, be sure to break a sweat. Keep up the activity at least a few times a week and you’ll be looking good and feeling great in time for your wedding.

Y—Yoga

Find your inner peace with yoga. This ancient exercise ritual heals the spirit and shapes the body. Many yoga students say they feel more limber and graceful thanks to the yoga classes. Breathe deeply and stretch your way to a healthy body and mind.

Z—Zen Reflexology

Harness the power of Zen reflexology, a healing therapy that says the mind can heal the body. Massage pressure points on your hands and feet to cure the body’s ailments like stomach pains and headaches. As your big day approaches, remember your on-going efforts to maintain your beauty, stay in shape and get refreshed will pay off. You’ll look and feel amazing for your wedding day and beyond.