Having a flawless face on your wedding day begins months before you say “I do.” Taking care of your skin is the easiest way to guarantee your face will be radiant at your wedding. The first step to healthy skin is to drink a lot of water. This is a great habit to get into, since it will not only help keep your skin looking clearer, but also help you feel better all over. The earlier you start getting in the habit of drinking lots of water, the better your skin will look on your wedding day.
If you don’t have a regular skin-care routine, start one three to five months before the wedding. This will give your skin time to adjust. Skin care doesn’t have to be expensive or confusing. Use a basic cleanser, morning and night. Exfoliate once or twice per week, and use a moisturizer twice per day. A lip balm and exfoliator is also a good idea to keep lips hydrated and soft.
Make sure that the foundation you select matches your skin tone perfectly. Choosing the right foundation texture is equally as important. The right texture will ensure that your makeup lasts throughout the day and into the evening. On your wedding day, you should use a foundation that does not contain any sort of sunscreen ingredient or zinc. The ingredients that act as sunscreen will reflect the photographer’s flash, making your face look brighter than the rest of your body. The reflection also washes out your features. Many women have experienced this with a photo that is taken and their face looks far lighter than the rest of their body.
Avoid the tanning bed. Not only is tanning bad for the health of your skin, brides who are normally light to moderate in color end up looking unnatural in their wedding photos years later. If you truly feel you need a touch of color for your wedding day, opt for a sunless tanner or spray on tan instead. They have advanced significantly over the years and options for fair skin and dark skin are all available without the worry of turning bright orange. Sunless tanning products are safe for your skin, temporary, and achieve the same results without the damaging effects of the sun. Your first coat of sunless tanner should be applied five days prior to the wedding, and if you desire a darker color, apply another coat three days prior to the big day.
How you care for your skin now can determine how your skin looks on your special day. Take the time to find what works best for your skin, stay with your regimen and your skin can still glow years after your wedding.
Amy Guerra
Mary Kay Consultant