As a Lehigh Valley wedding photographer, I get asked all the time about beauty tips & secrets for looking amazing on the wedding day.  So, today I’ve put together my Top 10 Beauty Tips for the Bride-to-Be (and her bridesmaids, too!):

 

THREE WORDS: WATER, WATER, WATER

Cutting back on caffeine and sugary drinks and replacing them with water can do amazing things for your complexion!   Adequate water intake clears skin and makes it more bright and supple.  Water can also help strengthen nails and prevent dry cuticles!

Water can also help reduce symptoms of bloating, too!

LET YOUR SMILE SHINE!

Whitening your teeth is a quick and easy way to make your smile sparkle in your wedding day portraits.  Over-the-counter whitening strips are a quick, easy and convenient way to make those pearly whites shine!

If you opt for professional whitening, be careful to not go overboard.  Teeth that are “unnaturally” white can draw unwanted attention in your photos.

MOISTURIZER IS YOUR FRIEND

Don’t wait until the day-of to begin treating your skin well!  Moisturize your face and body, making sure you give dry areas (like elbows and knees) extra exfoliation and moisturizer.

(This is my favorite moisturizer!  It’s satiny smooth skin without the grease or heaviness!)

SKIP THE FAUX TAN

Ladies, skip the sprays, gels, and tanning lotions!  Faux tans look orange and unnatural in camera.  Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix for this in post-processing, which can result in additional editing & retouching fees.

If you’re hoping for a sun-kissed look, get it the natural way–just be careful of those pesky tan lines!

FALSE LASH IT UP!

False lashes are a great way to add some extra pop to your portraits.  They make your eyes look bigger, brighter, and more open.

Opt for false lashes that are on the more “natural” side of the spectrum to ensure you look and feel like yourself.   Your wedding is not the day to try a look that is drastically different than how you usually look when dressed up.

HAIR & MAKEUP TRIAL

Invest in a hair & makeup trial with the professional you’ve hired for your wedding day.  I promise, it’s completely worth the investment!

Having a pre-wedding hair & makeup trial can help you fine tune your look so there’s no questions or delays on the wedding day.

Pro-tip: Schedule your hair & makeup trial on the same day as your engagement session to make sure you look amazing for your portraits!  This is one of the beauty tips that truly is a win/win!

HAIR REMOVAL & BROW SHAPING

No one wants unruly brows or facial hairs ruining their wedding day close ups!  Leave the brow shaping and hair removal to the professionals. Make sure you do this a few days before the wedding to ensure any swelling or redness has time to settle down.

CLEAR DEODORANT

Little white balls of deodorant caked up inside your armpits are NOT CUTE.  Stick with clear deodorant on the big day to avoid armpit snowballs and accidental marks on your honey’s tux.

SAY “NO” TO SALT

Excess salt increases water retention which translates into bloating and swelling.   Reduce your salt intake at least two weeks prior to the wedding.  You might find that it helps you lose those few pesky pounds that like to hang on.

REST,  RELAX, REPEAT

Worry and sleepless nights will eventually take their toll–aka puffy eyes and dark circles.  I always remind my brides that they shouldn’t sweat the small stuff!  At the end of it all, the most important thing is that you’ll be MARRIED.

Relax, stay rested, treat your mind and body well, and you’ll be sure to look and feel your best on your big day.

Alyssa is a fine art wedding and portrait photographer based in the Lehigh Valley serving couples in the Greater Philadelphia area, Lancaster, New Jersey & beyond.  To inquire about your wedding, get in touch here!