Photo: Jillian Rose Photography
It goes without saying that on your wedding day you want to look and feel your best. For many brides, that means a pre-wedding diet and workout routine, as well as hair and makeup trials. But before you walk down the aisle, there are a few more beauty-boosting treatments you might want to consider. From lash extensions to teeth whitening, we’re getting the scoop from some of the best in the biz, to guarantee you’re perfectly groomed and gorgeous on your big day. After all, wedding photos last a lifetime.
Laser Hair Removal
When it comes to tying the knot, there’s a lot to think about. The last thing you want to focus on is waxing or shaving. Laser hair removal is a permanent solution for smooth skin. Christian Karavolas, owner of Romeo & Juliet in Midtown Manhattan, recommends starting treatment six to nine months before your wedding date (laser hair removal requires on average six sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart). “Once you do a course of treatment, hair will not be prickly or stubbly. Plus, you won’t have to deal with ingrown hairs or irritation.” Beach honeymoon, anyone?
Highlights
Regardless of your hair color, brightening up your ‘do is a sure fire way to look fab on your big day. “You don’t have to go for a major contrast, but building dimension into your color makes all the difference in photos,” says Kristina Barricelli, founder of NYC’s Gemini 14 and Hairdo Ambassador. When it comes to color, timing is everything. Barricelli advises brides visit their colorist one week before the big day. “Highlights need about a week — and a few washes — to settle into a naturally luminous color. Any longer than that can start to reveal roots.” And if you plan on wearing clip-in extensions on your big day, she recommends bringing them to that appointment, to guarantee a perfect color match.”
Teeth Whitening
Want a sparkling smile for your wedding photos? “Professional teeth whitening allows brides to have the brightest smile in the shortest amount of time — with dramatic results in about an hour,” says Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Kevin Sands DDS (the man the Kardashians trust with their pearly whites). “The beauty of this procedure is that brides can come in a couple weeks or just a few days before their wedding date.” And to keep your smile looking its best, Sands suggests avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, like blueberries, coffee and red wine.
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Gel Mani
What better way to show off your engagement (and wedding) ring bling than with a perfectly polished mani? When it comes to your big day, a gel mani is a must. Whereas regular polishes can chip and crack, gel will last a good two to three weeks, when applied properly. “It will hold up to the wedding day craziness and last through the honeymoon,” says Nina Werman, owner of NYC nail art mecca, Valley. When it comes to getting your digits prepped for the big day, Werman recommends brides come in a few days before. Opting for a design? She advocates one with negative space at the cuticle. “It helps you get the most out of your gel mani. It’ll grow out naturally over the next few weeks, without the noticeable gap between the cuticle and polish.”
Lash Extensions
If eyes are the window to the soul, lashes are the curtains. Extensions are the perfect way to take your bridal beauty look to the next level. They create thicker, longer lashes that still look natural. Plus, they look fab in photos! Sabah Feroz, lash expert at NYC’s Blink Brow Bar, recommends that brides have a trial, approximately three months out. “There are many different size options, depending on the look you’re going for, so a practice run is worthwhile.” When it comes to the wedding, she suggest coming in two or three days before. “If you look after them, they’ll last for up to six weeks, which means no need for mascara on your honeymoon!”