IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN. You’re down to the last couple of weeks before you finally say, “I do.” While going over your checklist for the 3rd and 4th time, you come to realize that maybe, just maybe, you’ve been slacking a little bit on your own personal care. We get it—you’ve been busy DIYing the last few things for the wedding. Wine and pizza are obviously the best options while staying up until 1 AM on a Wednesday painting candle holders, creating centerpieces, and working on your seating chart, right? And what’s the big deal if you don’t wash your face tonight? You’re tired and just want to crawl into bed.
I’m sure those centerpieces will look AH-MAZING, but YOU are the bride. You will be the main focus at the wedding, not the small details you’ve spent hours and hours perfecting. For this reason, I’ve created a list of common beauty mistakes brides make leading up to the wedding. Here are the top beauty dos and don’ts to prevent that dreaded “SOS” email to your bridal makeup artist the night before.
Mistake #1: Waxing anything on your face within 72 hours of makeup application
Why is this a pre-wedding skincare mistake? Makeup won’t sit properly on freshly waxed skin. The area will be red and the makeup will break apart. You also run the risk of having a reaction to the wax and then we’ll also have a breakout and/or rash to deal with.
How do I avoid this? Schedule your appointment about 3-4 days out from your wedding day.
Mistake #2: Getting your first spray tan ever within a week of your wedding
Why is this a common wedding skincare mistake? For one matter, you could end up looking like a patchy Oompa Loompa! You could also have a reaction to an ingredient used in the formula.
How do I avoid this? Get a spray tan 2-3 months out from the wedding to see how the color sets and if it becomes streaky. Once you find one you like, use that the week of your wedding.
Mistake #3: Trying out a new facial, hair color, or treatment the week of your wedding because your BFF or TikTok swears by it
Why is this on our list of pre-wedding beauty dos and don’ts? Any time you try a new product on your face, hair, or skin, you run the risk of breakouts and irritation. The damage can at times be so severe we can no longer provide the services requested.
How do I avoid this? Talk to your dermatologist, esthetician, or stylist to see what facial/treatment best suits your skin and or hair needs. Start treatments at least 2–3 months before the wedding to give your body time to adjust and see results.
Mistake #4: Switching up your skincare routine
Why is changing your skincare routine a major wedding skin preparation don’t? The same reasoning applies as why you don’t try a new facial right before a big event. You don’t know how your skin will respond—and how many times you’ll experience breakouts as your skin adjusts.
How do I avoid this? Talk to a professional several months out from the wedding to determine the best skincare routine for your skin type. Stick to that routine religiously in the time leading up to your wedding day! Often times the process takes several weeks before you see dramatic results, but there are also things happening you can’t see. Patience is key.
Mistake #5: Eating pizza, fast food, donuts, and drinking alcohol because it’s convenient and you “need a drink”
Why is this a mistake in our guide to pre-bridal skincare dos and don’ts? Fast food may be easy, but the grease is likely to cause breakouts. You’ll experience bloating, and alcohol will dehydrate your skin.
How do I avoid this? Stick to clean, unprocessed foods as much as possible! Limit your sugar intake, which also means limiting the amount of wine you’re drinking. Drink LOTS of water to keep your skin hydrated as well as eating water-rich foods like cucumbers and apples. If you haven’t noticed yet, hydration is KEY.
Mistake #6: Pimple popping and face picking
Why is this a mistake? Popping pimples is a great way to get an infection if your fingers are dirty, as well as causing the minor wound to scab over. If scabs are present on the wedding day, we cannot apply any makeup for sanitary and safety reasons.
How do I avoid this? Step away from the pimple! Avoiding touching your face is essential on any beauty dos and don’ts list. Remember, breakouts are normal when you’re stressed. Naturally, you’ll want to pop it, but the best thing you can do is keep your hands away from your face. A professional makeup artist can easily cover discoloration (red zits). What’s not easy is trying to conceal texture. If anything scabs over, the blemish will be much more noticeable.
Mistake #7: Whitening your teeth the morning of the wedding
Why is this a pre-wedding prep mistake? Most whitening agents will leave white splotches on your teeth for several hours after use.
How do I avoid this? If you can afford to, whitening your teeth at the dentist is the best option. If you want use personal white-strips, use them for a couple of weeks leading up to the wedding and then once more the night before the wedding. Avoiding liquids that stain your teeth, like coffee and red wine, is always helpful!
Mistake #8: Not getting enough sleep
Why is this a skincare mistake? Your skin quickly becomes dehydrated, and you’ll notice bags or puffiness around your eyes.
How do I avoid this beauty blunder? “Beauty Sleep” is a real thing! Studies show that when you’re in a deep sleep, your skin cells are actually regenerating at a faster speed. Proper snooze time helps with skin elasticity, complexion, and discoloration.
I know keeping up with everything can be a lot but feeling your best and looking fab makes it all worth it! You’ll be relaxing on the beach with your hunny soon enough, sipping on a margarita. Cheers!
XOXO-Mayra