No matter the theme, the attire, or the personal touches, we can all imagine the ideal image of a blushing bride making her way down the aisle, with everyone looking on and basking in her radiance.
It’s an ideal you’ll strive for—and deserve—for your big day. After all, you’ve probably been looking forward to your wedding day for years and have been planning for months, if not longer.
As the big day looms nearer, perhaps you and a few close friends have planned a much-needed spa getaway for some rest, relaxation, and of course, some pre-wedding beauty treatments. Whether in the care of professionals, or in the comfort of your own home, beware a number of beauty treatments in the days and weeks leading up to your wedding. While it may be tempting to try a new hair color or refine your complexion with that at-home microdermabrasion kit, be forewarned that you could have mixed results.
To make sure you’re looking just right on your wedding day, you may want to take a moment to read about four trademark beauty treatments that are best left on the shelf in the weeks right before your big day.
Face Creams, Facials, and Microdermabrasion
While trying a new face cream or getting a facial may be beneficial in the long run, doing so too close to your wedding date is ill advised lest your skin react to the new skin care product negatively. While some reactions—which often include itching, burning, and dryness—may occur within minutes of using the product, others may not occur for several days.
Facials by their very nature often result in redness and breakouts, and microdermabrasion, which acts as an über-effective exfoliant, shouldn’t be used in combination with certain skin care products. As a general rule of thumb, try sticking with your normal skin care routine in the days and nights leading up to the wedding. If you’re set on the idea of trying a new facial cream or spa treatment, schedule it in at least two to three weeks before the big day and experiment with care.
Hair Color
Dying your hair in the days and weeks leading up to your wedding should be avoided, especially if you’re trying something dramatically new and different, or if you’re working with a stylist you don’t know and trust.
Ending up with a brassy orange is one of the most dramatic instances of hair dye gone bad, and how long you have to wait until re-dying all depends on the color of the dye and the condition of your hair. Instead of trying to re-dye at home, consult with your hair stylist immediately–professionals have the tools and know-how to turn your locks lovely once more.
When possible, work with a color correction expert or with the stylist who originally dyed your hair instead of involving third parties. Correcting your color may take up to several sessions, but talking with your stylist about what will be involved in the correction process should help ease your concerns.
Massage Cupping
This form of massage, in which cups are suctioned to the skin, is especially helpful for brides dealing with back and neck pain. It even helps promote circulation, breaks up congestion, and promotes total body wellness. So what’s the problem? The suction force, which results in pain relief, pleasant tingling, and deep relaxation may also leave bruises, circular marks, and streaks that could last a week or more.
Since it’s hard to tell how you may react to this massage technique, it may be safe to stick with traditional Swedish massage if you’ve already passed the two-week barrier to your big day and are still in need of some stress or pain relief. If you’re itching to try it, make sure you give yourself at least two weeks before the wedding or consider making a couple’s appointment during the honeymoon!
Spray Tans
If you want to have that radiant bridal glow, spray tans and bronzers are a great way to add some sheen to your complexion, provided it’s professionally done and you take the time for a test run.
If you’re already seeing a professional spray tanner and love the work he or she does, you’re good to go. On the other hand, jumping into an automated spray tanning machine or emptying out that bottle of self-tanning lotion you bought at the spa last week probably isn’t the best idea, especially if it’s not already a part of your normal routine.
When you’re not accustomed to a specific self-tanning product, whether it’s one you apply yourself or one that’s professionally done, you can’t be sure of exactly how it will turn out; and the days before your wedding are not the best time to experiment. Be aware that it could tint the skin on your hands and feet strangely, streak terribly, or give you the dreaded artificial orange of a cheese puff. To be safe, give yourself a few weeks to do some test runs to ensure you get the shade you like best.
Avoiding a beauty disaster on your wedding day is easy, so long as you are aware of some of the potential pitfalls of some of the more popular beauty treatments available. By giving yourself a few weeks or even months to play around with products and doing trial runs, you can find out what treatments leave you feeling and looking your best. That way, when it comes time to walk down that aisle, you’ll radiate beauty, not to mention, confidence!
Meet Lisa, the talented and dedicated editor of our wedding, health, relationship, and lifestyle blog. With her keen eye for detail and her passion for all things related to love and wellness, Lisa is an essential part of our team.
As an expert in all things wedding, Lisa knows how to help couples navigate the often-overwhelming process of planning their big day. From choosing the perfect dress to selecting the ideal venue, she understands that every detail matters when it comes to creating a memorable and magical wedding experience.
But Lisa’s expertise doesn’t stop at weddings. She’s also a health and wellness enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tips and trends in self-care and mindfulness. Whether it is advice on healthy eating, fitness routines, or ways to reduce stress, Lisa knows how to help readers live their best lives.
