Bridal Makeup: All About the Body & the Nails
The Body
Lose Weight, Feel Great? If you’re desperate to drop weight because your big day looms in the distance, do your best to start your weightloss plan as early as you can. I am not a nutritionist or dietician, but I recommend you see one or both so that you can choose a system that will work for you that won’t kill you later. Make sure you set realistic weightloss goals, and remember that the person you’re marrying already loves you at the size you are–they’re not expecting you to suddenly become half the size you are.
Getting the Glow! Highlight shoulders, collarbone, and decolletage with a subtle dusting of shimmer. You can try a loose shimmer like MAC’s loose beauty powders, or you can mix loose shimmer into your favorite moisturizer. I also like shimmer moisturizers for shoulders, too – even something like Jergen’s Shimmer Glow works.
To Tan or Not to Tan? Do not tan the night before your wedding. If you intend to self-tan, be sure you take the time to practice well in advance of the event. There are also spray-tans that are just as safe as self-tanning at home or at a salon available, which may make more sense for you, depending on your level of comfort, budget, etc. You should spot-test tanners, especially if you’re fair, so that you can see whether it’ll turn you the dreaded orange color. Not all self-tanners will, but it can be a trial and error thing (so save your receipts so you can return what doesn’t work!). If you’re planning to self-tan, make sure you read our guide to self-tanners:
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Get healthy, glowing skin merely by treating it well! This means regular body exfoliation/scrubs 2-3 times a week as well as daily (or twice daily for scalier legs) with a good moisturizer. Just like your face, if your legs are naturally dry, opt for a thicker, creamier moisturizer (look for shea butter, butter creams, or whipped products) whereas those with more normalized skin can go for lighter weight moisturizers.
The Nails
Who & Where? For your big day, I think it’s a great idea to pamper yourself the day before by getting a manicure and pedicure done by your local salon. You can check for reviews for local salons at www.yelp.com. It really is well worth the cost (and you can usually find a place that isn’t too expensive), because you’ll have picture perfect nails. It’ll also give you a reason to sit down, relax, and take a few breaths amongst all of the pre-wedding jitters and stress.
Color? I think nails is the one area where you can get away with more color than others, regardless of the type of wedding. There is the more traditional French manicure (which I like, at least, in moderation), as well as lovely pastel-tipped nails in pinks, corals, or peaches. If your accent color to your dress or wedding decor is emerald green, I could see emerald green working as a nail color, too.
