There’s nothing like giving yourself a glorious bridal glow on your big day. It’s a crown of divine golden light that accentuates your beautiful skin, sweetest smile and happiest soul.
When it comes to looking gorgeous and photo ready on wedding days I think I know a thing or two. I had two wonderful MUAs when I tied my knot last year whom I I stole some beauty wisdom from. And having gone through a few bridesmaid missions recently, one has gotta be smarter, right? Google the topic and you’ll find endless lists of ideas which some can go fairly extreme. Here at Lace n Ruffles I’m sharing my own learnt and tested bridal beauty tricks, with a little help from the experts, which all goes by my golden rule of beauty. Excuse me if you’ve heard me saying this for a few times alreeady but let me repeat: beauty is more than skin deep, it’s enhancing your feature naturally in a harmonious way and it shines from within your soul. Still with me? Simply say ‘I do’ to these Lace n Ruffles bridal beauty tips and be ready to dazzle!
Let’s start prepping from around 4 to 6 weeks before wedding!
♥ Be sun-smart and apply SPF30 broad spectrum sunscreen daily whether it shines, rains or hails. The last thing you want is sun-burnt and peeling skin – eek! Choose wisely and pick a mineral sunscreen made with natural ingredients such as zinc or titanium oxide as nasty synthetic sunscreen chemicals can clog your pores (read more here).
♥ Having sexy hair on your big day all starts with tackling the cause of your worst hair disaster. Frizzes is my biggest source of BHD (bad hair day). I started using TRESemmé Keratin Smooth shampoo that gives my hair frizz resistance and it lasts through a few washes.
♥ Use a skin hydrating serum every night that will add moisture, boost collagen and give you that bridal glow. I made my own Vitamin C serum with Vitamin C powder, distilled water and vegetable glycerin (note: store in a dark container). This velvety serum is amazing for brightening skin tone and tightening pores.
♥ Keep your lips kissable for your Mr by applying lip treatment before going to bed. I love rubbing on my lips a thick coat of organic coconut oil that leaves them so soft and supple the next morning. Just don’t lick them all as they smell heavenly!
♥ Exfoliate your face and body weekly for glowing skin. Here’s another DIY natural treat for you: do you know you can blend grounded coffee powder, raw sugar and organic coconut oil to make heavenly scented natural exfoliants? Keep them in a glass jar with a lid on in the fridge and they stay fresh for around 10 days. Trust me – so delectable that you’ll want to lick the jar!
♥ Just like your mom has been telling you since you were a kid, drink up! It’s the foundation of beautiful skin and two litres a day is a must. Don’t be fooled by sugary drinks, they just don’t count. Not evenly those bottled fruit juices if they aren’t 100% pure. I add pieces of fresh fruits to my water as it heightens minerals and vitamins that our bodies can quickly consume. Plus they simply make water so much more visually appealing and delicious!
♥ Dump that mug of latte and make your first drink in the morning a warm lemon water. It helps cleanse your digestive system and leave your skin glowing from within.
♥ I practise hot yoga two to three times a week to sweat it all out. The rush of fresh blood to the skin helps to cleanse it. It’s a skin detox and body workout at the same time – ultimate smart girl’s strategy, right?
♥ Think twice before you make any drastic changes such as intense tanning or lightening brow. Any big changes should be tested at least 3 months before your big day. Also avoid chemical peels, laser treatments or anything invasive that might not heal in time. Trust me my dear, better be safe than sorry!
♥ Incorporate super food such as acai berry and cacao powder into your diet. They will help clam your nerves and boost your immune system. Who has time to let flu and sickness ruin your skin condition? Not to mention acai berry smoothie bowl and raw cacao mousse parfait make scrumptious and healthy morning treats!
The day before
♥ My MUA reminded me not to use hair conditioner or treatment the night before. Leave you hair as coarse as it can get and your hair stylist will love you. It makes their job easier to create updo styles that hold better without needing 10 bottles of hair spray.
♥ Avoid eyebrow or facial wax. Those should be scheduled around 3 days before for the redness to clear up.
♥ Delegate & relax! There’re probably a million things on your to-do list, but that’s what the bridesmaids are here for. Have a checklist and delegate tasks to your BFFs where possible will help keep stress away.
♥ Stay away from any form of refined sugars and caffeine as they increase puffiness. Go for caffeine-free herbal tea instead such as chamomile or lavender tea.
♥ Stop any form of fluid intake 3 hours before going to bed to avoid swelling. That bottle of Moët with your bridesmaids? Better do it in the afternoon but not before bed, my dear.
♥ Spoil your feet with a foot bath to prepare them for a long day in your wedding Manolo or Jimmy Cho. Bliss!
♥ Get melted away in a a glorious hotel style bathtub with calming essential oils such as sandalwood is the most glamorous way to finish off the night. Don’t forget your eight hours of beauty sleep.
It’s D-Day! Here comes the bride:
♥ Do not overdo moisturizer or toner in the morning. This will cause caking of foundation.
♥ I brought my own shade of foundation along for my MUA as I knew confidently it matched my skin tone perfectly. It’s the one thing I’m most pedantic about. However, if you’re using your own foundation make sure it’s mattifying or oil-free. Shiny nose or forehead will cause grief for your wedding photographer.
♥ Top tips from my photographer: stay away from mineral makeup for a photo ready look as they give your face a very distinct shine which is undesirable in portraits.
♥ Keep oil blotting sheets handy. They’re must-have in most wedding photographers’ bags.
♥ Use a natural deodorant that won’t stain your wedding dress with that embarrassing yellow patch!
♥ Spritz on your signature scent for that ‘uniquely you’ finishing touch. Mine was the femine and powdery Chanel No. 5.
♥ While I was getting dolled up I sipped on my favorite DIY post-spa drinks taking inspirations from a Bangkok spa I visited a few years ago. It’s a chilled pandan tea which has an aromatic vanilla like scent. These green leaves make the best refreshing and calorie-free drinks.
By no means this list is exhaustive nor a rule. Remember, whatever you do just go by what makes your skin and soul sing from within! There’s no products or DIY remedies that are even close to as effective as a good dose of laughter, don’t you agree?
So tell me dear fellow gorgeous, what are your own learnt and tested beauty tips for brides? What are the products and natural DIY recipes that give you the glow? How do you show extra love for your skin and body before your wedding? I’d love to keep expanding my list so do share your secrets below. Proud of your bridal glow? Show me your most bridal-licious photos with the hashtag #Lacenruffles and you could be featured on our Facebook page!
Until stay time, stay glowing.