If you have an upcoming wedding, event, photo shoot, or simply want to look good going to the grocery store, the following tips are for you! Following these tips will allow your skin to be as prepared as possible as well as recover easily from the daily rigors of looking beautiful!

1. SKIN CARE

I cannot stress the importance of taking care of your skin. Start a simple skin care routine at least 2 months prior to your wedding/event and stick with it. If your budget allows it, get monthly facials to rejuvenate and deep clean your skin. Ideally, it’s best to begin receiving facials six months prior to your wedding/event to up to a week prior to your wedding/event.

2. MOISTURIZE MUST, MUST, MUST!

Skin that lacks moisture will have a dull and dry appearance. Moisturized skin looks and feels the best, makeup settles into the skin beautifully, and it minimizes the appearance of pores. A good moisturized face will help you achieve that supple, dewy look that is so beautiful! The best moisturizers have the least amount of ingredients/chemicals. If you're using acne products, you can still use a great natural moisturizer over your acne product. Let the product settle in the skin for about 15 minutes and then layer your moisturizer on top.

3. EXFOLIATE

A face that hasn't been exfoliated will not absorb moisture properly and will not be a good canvas for makeup application. Exfoliate at least 1-2 times per week. If you do not have an exfoliating product in mind, I personally prefer M.A.C. Cosmetics Microfine Refinisher.

4. FACIAL WAXING

If you are going to wax (especially before your wedding/event), keep in mind what it does to your skin. Wax tends to take the first layer of your skin off along with the hair and at times even causes a rash. Foundation has a hard time adhering to skin that is freshly waxed. With that said, if you are going to get any type of facial waxing done, do so a week in advance. Once you arrive, I will be more than happy to tweeze the stray hairs that have since grown to ensure a smooth, sleek look.

5. FACIALS

DO NOT get a facial less than a week before your wedding/event. Facials are meant to deep clean your pores and bring all dirt, oil, and toxins to the surface for easy removal. Because of that, some people experience flare-ups, bumps, or redness right after the facial. Allow at least a week for your skin to recover prior to your wedding/event.

6. STRESS RELIEF

If you want to glow, you need to feel it. Begin a stress relief program six months prior to the date. Take time out to do something non-wedding/event related. Do yoga, read, exercise; anything you enjoy to put your mind at ease and keep stress to a minimum.

7. CONSULTATIONS

Make sure you book your hairstylist and makeup artist well in advance and have trials with both. Be sure to bring pictures of hair and makeup you like to your appointments, as well as your dress, and wedding colors so the stylist or artist can have a better idea of how you want to look on YOUR SPECIAL DAY. That way, come your wedding day you can relax knowing what you'll look like.

On that note, don’t make any drastic changes to yourself immediately preceding your wedding/event. Make sure you have enough time to undo whatever you did if you so choose. Don’t cut, color, or style your hair differently right before your wedding/event because you will hate it. Don’t change products you use for skin care, such as, cleansers, moisturizers, detergents, lotions…what if you have an unknown allergy to one of these new products and end up with a horrible rash? It’s best to avoid change during this time period unless recommended by a doctor.

8. DRINK LOTS OF WATER

By lots, I mean, TONS! Being hydrated will help you look better, feel better, and give you more energy. It also keeps your skin clear and radiant. Try to limit your alcohol and sodium intake right before the wedding/event as well. Alcohol will dehydrate you and sodium will make you bloated. Not good.

9. PREPARE A BEAUTY EMERGENCY KIT

For touch ups and anything that might go wrong, an emergency beauty kit is essential! Be sure to include the following essentials: Bottled water, aspirin, oil blotting papers, band-aids, breath mints, clear nail polish or hairspray for stocking runs, cotton swabs, eye drops, tissues, hairpins, hem tape, nail file, mirrored compact, safety pins, straws, hand towelettes, and quick drying glue. If it is for your wedding, entrust this kit to one of your bridesmaids the day of to keep on her at all times. Be prepared for any surprises so it won’t ruin your special day.

10. GET A MASSAGE

I suggest getting a relaxing and calming massage the morning of your ceremony/event. It’s a great way to prepare for the day ahead.