Make your nuptial beauty dreams a reality with these DIY
techniques
Quick: If you could have three beauty wishes come true for
your wedding day, what would they be? If you said luscious
hair, glowing skin, sparkling eyes, you’re in luck. Think
of this article as a magic genie that will make this trio
of desires into a reality. Here’s how:
Wish 1: Curly Hair
“Every woman wants waves and curls for her wedding,
whatever her natural hair texture.
To give naturally wavy hair a pretty, textured look, apply
a silicone-based cream or curl-enhancing gel to hair while
it is wet (a wide-tooth comb will help distribute product
evenly from roots to ends). Next, “wind quarter-inch
sections of hair around your finger, hold for a second, then
move on to the next section. To dry, use a blower with a diffuser
attachment “so you won't disturb the curl.
If your hair is naturally straight or you just want to up
the curl quotient, the best way to achieve the look is with
a one—and-a-half-inch diameter curling iron. Starting
right at the root, twist sections of dry hair around the iron
and hold for a few seconds. Gently slip the hair off without
disturbing the curl. Let each section of curled hair cool,
then use the iron to smooth out any frazzled ends. Spritz
each curl with hair spray. You can leave the curls loose or
casually pin them up. Symmetrical, strategically placed curls
can look contrived, says Maciques, so take a casual approach
to your styling. Whether you wear your hair up or down, you
want to look like a modern bride, not a beauty pageant contestant.
Finish with a soft holding spray. To revitalize curls throughout
the day, Ttip your head over, spritz on volumizing spray,
and press the curls to your head to restrengthen them.
Wish 2: Healthy Skin
Luminous skin doesn’t just happen overnight. Ideally, you
need to start perfecting it three to six months before your
wedding. “Acne is the number-one problem for brides-to-be.
If your breakouts are relatively mild, try products containing
pore-clearing benzoyl peroxide or alpha-hydroxy acid. For more
serious conditions see a dermatologist, who will probably prescribe
some type of antibiotic, either topical like Cleocin or oral
like tetracycline. If your skin has a tendency to be left with
hyperpigmentation (brownish marks) after a pimple, you will
need a bleaching cream as well.
Sun exposure takes a heavy toll on skin, leaving it looking
uneven and dull. Protect your skin with lots of sunblock, Grossman
says. “Pair the sunblock with a topical antioxidant like
vitamin C in the morning to help prevent further sun damage.”
Then at night use a combination retinol and AHA exfoliating
product to brighten your skin.
No matter what your skin type, have a deep-cleansing facial
one month before your wedding, Repeat it one week before, then
treat your skin to a gentle hydrating mask the morning of your
wedding. Before you apply your foundation, smooth on one of
the new light-diffusing skin illuminators. Then, add a sheer
cream or liquid shimmer on cheekbones for a glistening effect.
Wish 3: Lovely Eyes
“Before applying any makeup, make sure the eye area is
clean and not overly moisturized or your makeup will crease.
For extra staying power, start with an eye-makeup primer. “Heat
a dab of it between your index finger and thumb and apply to
your lid,” she says.
Pat concealer from the inside corner by your nose to about the
middle of your undereye area to cover dark spots and circles.
“Don't extend it over any crow’s feet or it will emphasize
fine lines,” Dempsey cautions.
Start with a pale shadow (depending on skin tone, choose from
almost white to bone to peach), applied from lash line to brow.
Next, layer over that a medium shade from lash line to just
above the crease. The shade should complement both your skin
and your gown. He likes tawny gold and peach shades for ivory
dresses, and cooler berries and plums for bright white gowns.
Powder shadows will last longest.
Insider tip: Use a soft black pencil, and make a series of tiny
dots right between the top lashes. “This technique creates
a frame for your eyes without an obvious line. Smudge a deep
shadow in a matching shade over the pencil. “It adds a
nice definition and life to the eye by giving it a soft and
smoky look.
Before you add any mascara, be sure to curl your lashes three
times. Then stroke mascara on your top lashes, working from
the inside to the outer corner. Even if you use regular mascara
on top, be sure to use a waterproof mascara on the bottom lashes,
where tears can do the most eye-makeup damage, Dempsey advises.
For extra impact, add individual false lashes to the outer corners
of your eyes.
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