If you’re planning to walk down the aisle within the next six months, now is the time to begin preparing your skin, hair, and nails so they’ll look their best on your big day. Here are some expert tips from InStyle:
Wash your face twice a day using a mild or deep cleanser that fits your skin type. Apply a brightening serum and high-SPF sunscreen once a day, and use a hydrating anti-age cream at night. You should also use a fruit-enzyme exfoliant twice a week.
Treat areas that are prone to acne with a sulfur or clay mask. Get a facial every four to six weeks, beginning six months prior to the wedding. If you’re going for a sun-kissed look, experiment with a variety of spray tans to find the one that looks best on you. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water, since that will hydrate your skin and give it a natural glow.
Shampoo your hair every other day, and focus on the roots, not the ends, in order to avoid damage. Use a leave-in conditioner every day, even if you don’t shampoo. You should avoid straightening or curling in the months leading up to the wedding, since heat can damage your hair. Choose the color option that best suits you. A semi-permanent glaze can give a slight tint, while a permanent single-process dye will cover gray. Get your hair trimmed three weeks prior to the wedding.
Have a professional shape your eyebrows every four to six weeks, and get a manicure once a week and a pedicure once a month. Experiment with a variety of nail colors until you decide on the one you like the best to wear on your wedding day. Get a paraffin treatment at your last manicure and pedicure before the event.
Have your teeth professionally whitened at least two weeks before the wedding, since those treatments can leave the teeth sensitive. Don’t drink red wine, coffee, or tea or eat berries leading up to the wedding, since they can stain your teeth.
Give your stylist photos of your dress and headpiece so you can choose your best hair and makeup styles together. Have your stylist do a “trial run” to see how you will look on your big day, and have a friend take your photo indoors and out, so you can see how you will look in a variety of lighting. This will help you and your stylist figure out how to have you look stunning on your special day.