Lately, I’ve had weddings on my mind, so, when this article dropped in my mailbox I thought it was fate and I had to share. I know from participating in two summer weddings that having a strategy to keep your hair and makeup together is the difference between beautiful pictures and just an overall mess. Read on for tips and tricks from celebrity hairstylist and make-up artist Birgitte, on how “to keep your hair and make-up looking fresh from the first pre-ceremony photo op to the reception, straight through to your dash to the honeymoon suite.“
COUNTDOWN TO HAIRSTYLING PERFECTION
Pre-Wedding Prep
Be sure to get a trim several weeks before your wedding date. I don’t recommend trying a new haircut, or even a new stylist before your wedding. Now’s the time to stick with what you know truly works for you.
One or two weeks before your wedding, treat yourself to an at-home hair mask— especially if your hair is prone to dryness. For very dry hair, I recommend René Furterer KARITÉ intense nourishing mask. The mask will leave your hair feeling soft, full and shiny. For oily hair, rather than a mask, I recommend René Furterer CURBICIA lightness regulating shampoo with squash seed to control oil and deep clean your scalp. Be sure to massage it into your scalp. This shampoo also reduces the need for frequent shampooing.
Wash your hair the day before your wedding. Unless your hair is very oily, try to skip washing it again until AFTER your Big Day. Hair that is slightly dirty is much easier to style than very clean, silky hair. If you feel that you have a bit of oil in your hair, try a few sprays of dry shampoo. KLORANE Gentle dry shampoo with oat milk is my favorite. I recommend experimenting with a dry shampoo several weeks before your wedding—but definitely not ON your wedding day.
Check out magazines for a bridal look that will suit your face and personal style.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have the same hair texture and length as the model or actress in the photo, your hair won’t look the same. Also, as you’ll want your hair to look gorgeous ALL day long, select a style that will be both flattering and will last the day. Hair left down can be beautiful, but it’s not always a practical or durable choice. Any variation on a glam updo will not only look wedding-worthy but will also feel cooler on a hot day.
Consult your stylist for styling products to help hair hold up in a heat wave.
To make sure that your hair won’t wilt, tap into your hairstylist’s vast knowledge to select the best products for your hair type and the bridal look you want. Be sure to experiment a few weeks before your wedding. Volumizing sprays such as René Furterer VOLUMEA volumizing conditioning spray can keep hair from going limp—a must if you’re adding height at the crown or overall body. Whether you wear your hair up or down, a gentle, non-sticky hairspray is always an anti-humidity essential. René Furterer VEGETAL FINISHING SPRAY leaves lasting hold and a satin finish. You’ll want to know exactly what works and what doesn’t—long before your special day arrives.
SUMMER-PROOF BEAUTY FOR GLOWING SKIN, STAY-PUT MAKE-UP
Begin priming your skin a week and a half before you walk down the aisle.
Try to get enough sleep in the weeks leading up to your big day. Yes, this will be challenging, but it is my number-one tip forlooking your best as a bride.
Depending on your skin type, give yourself an at-home glycolic acid facial peel
like Glytone Mini Peel Gel and/or use a mud mask a week and a half before your wedding. A peel will bring out normal-to-dry and combination skin’s natural glow while a mud mask will draw our dirt and impurities from oily skin. If you choose a glycolic product, take extra care to avoid the sun before your wedding and always wear sunscreen.
Treat your skin with a little extra TLC before heading to the altar. Remember to use toner, eye cream, night cream plus a luxurious body cream regularly. For the morning of the Big Day, I recommend using Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream before applying eye make-up as it is gentle and hypoallergenic.
For calming skin care on your wedding day, start with KLORANE Smoothing and relaxing patches with cornflower to refresh and brighten eyes as well as counteract any under-eye puffiness. Follow with an all-over mist of Avène Thermal Spring Water and a light moisturizer to give your complexion a fresh glow.
Practice your make-up several times before your wedding day to avoid stress.
Choose a creamy foundation stick to match your skin tone. The perfect shade will go on like a sheer moisturizer. Apply with fingers on all blemishes and discoloration, dotting around the nose, under and over eyelids and on the chin and forehead. If you need a little more coverage, mask imperfections with Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage. Carefully blend with fingertips for a dewy finish.
Check your face from side to side for any streaks and creases and ask a bridesmaid for a second opinion. Using a small powder brush, set foundation with a translucent powder. I like Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder in Universal. It is very light and really does the trick. Finally, select a powder blush with golden highlights to give your skin a healthy and natural-looking glow.
You want your eye make-up to look natural and stand up to a sultry day. Use a blending brush or cotton swab to blend a shimmery (not glittery!) pinkish-beige shade such as MAC Eye Shadow in Gleam or a light brown shadow all over the lid. For smudge-proof eyeliner, dip an angled brush with stiff bristles into a brown shadow and carefully line both the upper and lower lash lines. Last, gently curl your lashes and then apply waterproof mascara—a bride’s best friend—on top and bottom lashes.
Go for a lip color that is as light and neutral as possible. Begin by using a lip liner, which most closely matches the natural color of your lips, applying it all over lips or just along the edges. I recommend MAC Lip Pencil in Nymphette for brides, followed by a sheer pink or beige gloss all over lips for a natural look.
Don’t forget to pack beauty essentials such as lip gloss and liner, a powder compact and eyeliner in your bridal clutch. You’ll want to touch up your make-up before posing for pictures and walking down the aisle to wedded bliss.
