Last week, Samantha Tritsch gave us her tips for making sure your wedding day is a good hair day. (If you haven’t read her advice, we highly suggest you check it out.) Now, the recent newlywed and makeup connoisseur is sharing her ultimate bridal beauty secrets. Below, she reveals the 8 things every future bride should consider before sitting in the makeup chair on her wedding day.
1. You are what you eat.
Skin care is beyond important, especially during those last stressful months of wedding planning. Try to incorporate fish into your diet since the omega 3s in it will help your skin glow. Or at least try to take a fish oil vitamin every night during the 3 months leading up to your wedding.
2. Establish the right skin care regimen for you.
Beautiful skin takes maintenance. One amazing facial or trip to the dermatologist won’t give you a lasting fix. Spend some time finding the right face washes and face creams that will reduce breakouts and redness. I ended up switching to a much thicker face wash and lighter face cream during the months leading up to my wedding because I needed extra cleansing and to lessen the oil on my face. Also, experiment with masks and serums. This is something you don’t need to go to the dermatologist to do. A mud mask works wonders and removes dirt and toxins. And a foil mask the night before your wedding will help prime skin (similar way to how an oxygen facial does), so that it is plump and ready for a full face of makeup.
3. Find a facial that works.
If your skin is prone to breakouts, consider a “cleaning” facial once a month in the three months leading up to the wedding. But remember to get your last one at least two weeks before the ceremony since your skin will need time to heal. The only exception is a micro-current facial, which tightens skin and shows results quickly—these are better to do as close to the wedding as possible.
4. Experiment with lipsticks.
Whether you opt for a dramatic red lip or a soft nude, your lipstick typically ties your whole wedding makeup look together. Before you settle on a color you think will work best, try it for a night out. See how comfortable you feel in the shade and how it wears on you throughout a long evening. Remember, you will be doing a lot of picture-taking so you want your smile to feel as natural as possible.
5. Think through the trial.
If you end up working with a makeup artist, make the most out of the beauty trial. Plan it around another big event you’re attending, whether it’s a friend’s wedding or just a night out, so you can see how the look lasts throughout the evening. (I used my engagement party as my trial.) Don’t ask your makeup artist to create a look exactly as you saw it on someone else. Instead, ask him or her to tailor it for you so that it translates properly. And if you do have a very specific look in mind, or want to go very natural, consider doing your own makeup. This can be the easiest, most stress-free option because you know what you’re going to get. Brides look and feel their best when they are in control!
6. Be open to modifying your look as the night goes on.
Try to book out some time throughout the night to take a breather and to use that time for touch-ups and slight changes. Whether you alter your eye shadow or lipstick, these subtle changes will signal that the next phase of the party has begun. I started off my wedding ceremony with a smoky brown eye and later swapped it for something black and a bit more dramatic when it was time to start dancing.
7. Lashes, lashes, and lashes.
Extra lashes are the most effective way to elevate your makeup look (think Katherine Ross in The Graduate). If you opt for semi-permanent lash extensions, remember to do a round of testing to ensure you’re not allergic to the lash before applying fully. For all my wedding events, I used glue-on eyelashes from CVS! They looked and felt completely natural and stayed on all night, even through a couple teary moments. They are as easy to get on as they are to take off, just a little face wash and water and you’re ready.
8. Time is of the essence.
Whether you plan to do your own makeup or work with a makeup artist, remember to be generous with the time you give yourself to get ready. I would suggest booking at least 3 hours. And if you’re working with a makeup artist, you might want to add one more to give yourself some trial-and-error room in case you want to change or add something as you go. Not having enough time to put your face on is no fun!
Photographed By: John Dolan
