Everyone bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. Months of planning go into selecting the perfect wedding dress, finding a stunning hairstyle, and just the right accessories to complete her look. Some brides go even further, spending on spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, and facials.
But for most brides, time and money is not unlimited. And in the push to get the essentials planned, a bride may very well forget one of the most important components of her big-day look: her skin.
Skip the stressful and over priced professional treatments by following these five easy tips instead, and you’ll be on your way to a glowing complexion in no time.
- Hydrate: You’ve heard it before, but drinking enough fluids is the number one key to gorgeous skin. When your body is dehydrated, skin is more susceptible to becoming dry, flaky, and irritable. Try to aim for the recommended eight glasses or more per day, and incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you want to make sure your skin is hydrated for the big day, make sure to incorporate plenty of hydrating fluids and produce a few weeks in advance and keep track of your daily intake.
- Ditch Bad Habits: Things you don’t even think about can have a dramatic impact on your skin’s health. Chlorine water, sleeping with makeup on, overly long showers, and even yo-yo dieting can damage skin. In the month leading up to the wedding, reduce your exposure to swimming pools and make sure to clean off your makeup completely before going to bed. Instead of going on extreme diets, commit to a healthy plan well in advance that incorporates nutrient rich foods, exercise, and a few treats so you won’t be tempted to ditch. Or consider that your weight is fine the way it is: not all brides should lose weight.
- Do it Yourself Facials: Don’t have either the time or money to get a professional facial? Make your own masks using everyday ingredients you’ll find in your fridge. Avocado masks help revitalize skin and contain essential vitamins like E, A, B, and K for a healthy glow. Raw honey works as a natural exfoliant, helping to clear away dead cells, while coconut oil helps soften and moisturize dry and uneven skin.
- Protect Your Skin: Some brides think glowing means a nice tan. The truth is, exposure to UV rays can not only damage skin in the long term (and increase your risk for cancer), but leave your skin dry and uneven on your wedding day. Slather on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you head out and add sunglasses and a hat for especially bright days, even if you don’t tend to burn. If you do insist on a tan look, skip the sunbathing or the tanning salons and invest in a natural self tanner.
- Go Natural (or Subtle) on the Makeup: Even if you’ve stuck to kicking bad habits and adding good ones, you’ll naturally want to look even better on your wedding day. Some brides hurt their gains by using too harsh makeup that actually goes against their natural complexion. For a glowing look, even out skin with a moisturizer and a light foundation, then highlight your cheekbones with a pale blush. Keeping your face simple and neutral will give you a glowing look that’s natural, and give you more room to play up other features, like your eyes or lips.
Photo Credit : Snyder Deutsch Limelight Photography