Wedding Beauty Prep

"There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone's spirit coming through, something unexplainable, that's beautiful to me." — Liv Tyler

Everyone wants to look their absolute best on their wedding day, which is why so many people choose to hire a professional makeup artist. But how do you get the most out of your makeup? Here are some great tips from Liz Washer, a makeup artist recognized for her natural touch and eye for color. You can see some of her wedding work here.

Beauty begins with the skin
The better the condition of your skin, the better your makeup will look. However, dramatically  changing your regimen in the weeks before the wedding can create MORE breakouts and other skin reactions. If you want a facial, make sure to do so no later than a week (preferably two) before your wedding – your skin needs the recovery time. Continue using the products your skin is accustomed to, with extra attention to moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm. 

Wedding day eve
The day before, gently exfoliate to remove any flakes or dead skin on your face and lips. Sugar mixed with honey, olive oil, or lip balm makes a great lip exfoliator! Avoid the use of overly scratchy ingredients (such as ground walnut shells).

You are what you eat
What you put into your body affects your skin, so drink as much water as possible to keep yourself hydrated and to aid in skin renewal. Nutrition affects the health of your skin, particularly if you have any food allergies or sensitivities, so be sure to consult a doctor well in advance if you have concerns about your diet, or a dermatologist if you have specific questions about skincare, acne, etc.
 
Wax on, wax off
Don’t leave any form of facial depilation – especially waxing – to the last minute (a week beforehand is best). In addition to leaving redness behind, waxing can temporarily create an unnaturally smooth surface, preventing makeup adhesion. If you’re taking medication or using a topical acne treatment, remember that your skin is probably drier and more prone to being damaged by waxing. (If you have specific questions about your eyebrows, contact Liz in advance for recommendations.)

Sun-kissed skin
If you’d like a spray tan for the wedding, it should be done in advance so the color has time to soften and settle so it doesn’t stain. Only use self-tanning products if you are experienced with application and familiar with the product’s durability, as they can also stain your garments (not to mention your palms!) Whatever you do, don’t go too dark or orange – stay within a natural range for your skin tone.
 
Mirror mirror
Avoid using magnifying mirrors – they encourage excessive picking and plucking (and irrational levels of insecurity!)

Got ink?
If you will be having tattoos or any large areas of skin concealed on the wedding day, be sure to shave the area thoroughly on the morning of, including up to an inch of the surrounding skin – this will help the full-coverage makeup to lie flush and blend well. (There is generally no need to shave or wax your face prior to makeup application, but feel free to contact Liz if you have questions about facial hair.)

Sleeping beauty
Get as much sleep as possible, drink lots of water, and if you feel puffy on the morning of, refrigerated cucumber slices will soothe the skin around your eyes.

Questions about timing for your makeup on your wedding day? You can read more about that on Liz's blog, or contact us and we can help you coordinate all of those details so that you can relax! On your wedding day, you want to feel beautiful and pampered, and we want that for you as well.