Bridal Beauty Countdown
Our fool - proof schedul e for beaut y t iming and treats , should you desire.
9-12 MONTHS BEFORE
Plan for the cost of your bridal beauty treatments (take into account facials, trials, bridesmaids, yourself).
Decide whether you want your own hairdresser (should you have one) to do your wedding day hair style, or if you’d like to seek the skills of a wedding hair specialist.
Settle on the glam plan. Do you require a makeup artist to come to you or will you and your girls go somewhere for makeup? Perhaps you’ll DIY or ask a friend a favour?
Want to perfect your teeth? For subtle improvements, dentists can recommend fairly quick and easy options.
Begin to compile images that reflect your vision for your overall bridal beauty look (these are also helpful to show to your potential hair stylists and makeup artists).
Skin causing low confidence? Seek advice from a dermatologist – there’s so much that can be done in the space of a year when it comes to repairing skin damage or concerns.
If you’ve decided on a wedding date, book in hair and makeup professionals now. Be sure to give them a heads-up on how many girls are in your bridal party and where the wedding will be.
6- 9 MONTHS BEFORE
Have your makeup trial – take photos so you can analyse and make notes for the real thing.
If you’re doing your own makeup, have a play with colours and looks with your best mates.
Planning a major hair transformation? Be sure to get it underway. You don’t want any surprises a week prior to the wedding and you want time to amend things if it doesn’t turn out ideal.
Consider seeing a facialist on the regular. Book in one facial a month from here on in or begin doing at-home facials with a brand that works well with your skin. Hydrating and brightening face masks are a fantastic option.
Finalise any new skincare brands and regimes. It’s wise to not change skincare too close to the big day ( your skin could react).
Begin an exercise regime if you haven’t already; it’ll do wonders for your body, beauty and mind.
4- 6 MONTHS BEFORE
Sunscreen. Enough said.
Happy with your eyebrows? Eyebrow shaping, feathering and tinting has become one of the most popular ways to polish your beauty look. Speak to a brow expert now, because you might need to grow out your brows to help achieve your ideal shape.
Start a professional or at-home teeth whitening regime, and limit coffee and red wine for faster, better results.
This is often when planning gets busy, so ensure you get a good sleep each night. Limit technology before bed and try a lavender pillow.
Invest in vitamins that can boost your immunity over the busy (stressful) next few months.
By now you should have selected your bridesmaids’ gowns, so have the girls over to chat about their hairstyles and makeup. Remember, a uniform approach is not compulsory and your bridesmaids will look and feel better with hair and makeup styles that suit their face shape and hair type.
Start hydrating that hair – think conditioning treatments and hair masks. It’ll make a big difference.
1- 2 MONTHS BEFORE
Book and confirm all beauty appointments.
Test-run your at-home or professional faux tan.
Look after your hands because all eyes will be on your new ring. Have a trial manicure, use hand cream daily, take care of your cuticles, and wear gloves while gardening or using harsh cleaning chemicals (no scratches or skin reactions for you!)
Have your hair and makeup trials; bonus points if you can get this done at the same time so you can see the overall look. Don’t forget to bring along your hair piece/s, veil, and even your dress if you already have it in your possession.
Increase your water intake to flush out toxins and keep your eyes and skin looking great.
Exfoliate your skin at least once a week. This encourages cell turnover as well as a better base for fake tan application.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
If your hair is regularly coloured, have your final colour (or sneak this into the week before if you are only having a touch up).
Prepare clear instructions of how to get to your pre- ceremony location for your bridal party and any beauty professionals – time is of the essence and you don’t want anyone to get lost on the day.
Have your final hair trim.
Stay possible out and of the always sun where wear sunscreen – tan lines and sun damage is not a great look on the big day (or any day, for that matter).
Settle on your wedding day fragrance – and maybe your partner’s too!
THE WEEK BEFORE
Have your waxing done; fresh for wedding day and the honeymoon!
Pack a bag with hair and beauty accessories for W- day.
Enjoy a relaxing body massage to increase circulation and enhance that bridal body glow.
Brow and lash tint.
Lash treatments, such as lash lifts or extensions can be done now or a few days before the wedding. Seek personalised advice from your consultant.
Go makeup-free for a few days to give your skin a rest and a chance to repair and refresh.
THE DAYS BEFORE
Have a professional manicure, and perhaps buy the matching shade in case you need to do any touch-ups on the day.
Chat to your hair stylist about whether you need clean or dayold hair when s/he arrives. If you need to wash it now, do so. And give it one more hydrating hair treatment, focusing on the ends not the roots.
Avoid inflammatory foods (things that are high in sugar and dairy) because these could potentially feed any skin concerns like blemishes or rashes.
Moisturise well and only use eye cream sparingly – too much cream around the eyes can actually promote puffiness.
Avoid coffee and red wine to keep those pearly whites white.
Take extra care when shaving to avoid any accidental nicks, cuts or scratches.
Eye drops (administered by a professional) can help make the whites of your eyes brighter, as can soy milk- covered cotton pads held over your eyes.
Have your wedding day spray tan (that you’ve tested prior).
Relax. Breathe. You’ve done an incredible job and it’s time to stop and smell the roses (or peonies, hydrangea, lilies... ) and enjoy your wedding day.