We polled hundreds of wedding beauty experts for their top tips for brides who want to put their best face forward -- and we couldn't believe the results. Here they are!
1. Don't drink wine or eat dark-colored foods like berries.
Unless you want to capture a stained smile in your wedding photos, you should avoid foods that can tint your pearly whites. To get 'em extra pearly, invest in a professional teeth-whitening service. On a strict budget? "Crest Whitestrips work magic!" says Melissa Roshan of Make-Up by Melissa Roshan in Columbus, Ohio. "Start any whitening regime about one month before the wedding."
2. Don't tan.
Not only are you putting yourself at risk of skin damage, but getting too dark a tan can look unnatural in wedding photos. Especially if it's a spray tan gone wrong. "Nothing says Jersey Shore more than an orange bride in a white dress," says Hingham, Massachusetts, makeup artist Kelly O'Keefe of Blush. "This is one of the worst looks, and it's not fixable!"
3. Don't get your first-ever bikini wax just before your wedding.
If you plan to wax your bikini line, begin the process at least three months beforehand -- or face the consequences. "Waxing that area becomes less painful each time, and you'll avoid major pain, swelling, and irritation on your wedding night," says Houston makeup artist Jen Marine.
4. Don't change your birth control, skin-care program, washing detergent, etc., less than six weeks before the wedding.
Sure, that fabric softener might be on sale, but that new rash you get from it? Hardly a sweet deal. "You don't want to introduce new products because you don't know how your skin will react," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elle Leary.
5. Don't get a facial, get your brows waxed, or cut or color your hair two days or less before your wedding.
"Get these services done a week or so beforehand," says Atlanta-based makeup artist Raney O'Keefe. "Then you have plenty of time to remedy any ‘oopsie-daisies' that may happen!"
6. Don't ingest excess sodium the week before the wedding.
That means no salty foods, sauces, dressings, or salty deli meats. Instead, choose low- or no-sodium everything starting at least seven days before the wedding. "Sodium holds 50 times its weight in water, so you can shed two to five pounds the week before the wedding just by doing this!" says Liz DiAlto of Fit, Healthy and Beautiful in New York City.
7. Don't flat-iron your hair before a trial or on your big day.
That cute, flat-ironed hairstyle you had for your rehearsal dinner is going to wreak havoc on the curly look you're planning for your ceremony. "If you're aiming for soft, romantic curls on your wedding day, you need to have fresh hair," says Samara Binder of Bridal Beauty Chicago. "That means if you flat-iron your hair the night before, make sure to wash it out!"
8. Don't sit around in your bra the morning of your wedding.
Makeup artist and hair stylist Nicole Francavilla, of Beauty by Nicole in Orange County, New York, says this is the best way to avoid those unsightly pink indents on your back and shoulders (especially if you're wearing a strapless dress!). And if you're wearing your hair up but don't wear your hair up often? "My suggestion is to take an Advil with your breakfast to eliminate the possibility of an updo headache," she says.
9. Don't skimp on water!
Double up on your water intake for at least one month prior to the wedding to keep your skin clear and glowing. You should also limit the toasting at your prewedding parties. "During the rehearsal dinner, try to switch back and forth between alcohol and a glass of water," says makeup artist Adriana Fontes of Adriana Fontes Makeup Design in Chandler, Arizona.
10. Don't forget your beauty emergency kit.
Trust us -- and hair and makeup expert Megan Garmers (MG Hair and Makeup) -- when we say this will be a lifesaver. Include different sized safety pins, double-sided sticky tape, a small sewing kit, a small pair of scissors, a bleach pen, bobby pins, hair spray, blotting papers, gum or mints, a razor, deodorant, Band-Aids, a small packs of tissue, nail polish remover, clear nail polish, an emery board, a nail clipper, makeup remover wipes, tampons, and anything else you think you might need. "Be prepared for what can go wrong so it doesn't ruin your day," Garmers says.
11. Don't forget to touch up!
It's okay to be a little high-maintenance -- bring a touch-up bag and actually use the products at the reception. "You may have hired the best makeup and hair professionals you could find, but if you're cutting a rug on the dance floor and drinking Champagne like France is going dry, chances are you'll break a little sweat and your lip color will wear off," says Chicago-based makeup artist Adriana Aude.
12. Don't cry off all your beautiful makeup!
Tears will happen, so it's important to know how to weep correctly. "Hold a tissue in each hand. Then press the tissues in the tear duct and let the tears run into the tissue -- and keep changing the tissue," says Catherine Sullivan of Fresh Face Chicago. "This keeps you from rubbing your face and eyes and ruining your beautiful face."
13. Don't forget your makeup artist or hair stylist!
Trust us, they want to see how beautiful you looked! "Remember to send at least one picture to your makeup artist," says Stephanie McKenzie of Stephanie M. Make-Up in the DC metro area. "Doing so enables your makeup artist to build a fantastic portfolio and, more importantly, your beauty will be showcased for all to see."
-- Justine Lorelle Blanchard for theknot.com
And here is one one my bride's that graciously allowed for me to photograph her finished look. The lovely Mavi was a client that quickly became a friend. I love when clients become friends!
Have a sassy day!
