Look Good, Feel Good

Fashion & Beauty

Model Emely Gonzalez shows off a look by Pinup Studio and Simply Blush Bridal. Photo by Cherie Lynn Photography

Tips for achieving a beautiful, healthy wedding glow

By Rachel O’Hare

Don’t forget to invest in skin care and find the perfect hair and makeup style to let your natural beauty shine on your big day. 

LAY THE FOUNDATION Getting your skin ready for your wedding is a process that starts months in advance. Begin by visiting a dermatologist like

Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill to talk with an expert about getting a proper regimen in place to take care of your skin.

“Start your skin care routine three to six months before your day,”

advises Marissa Davis, owner of Reign Beauty. “Everyone’s skin and hair is different, so we recommend seeing a professional who can assess your skin and hair and recommend the best products for you.”

Consider factors that might affect the health of your skin during the months leading up to the wedding. Stress and lack of sleep can wreak havoc on even the most well-tended epidermis. If your body still needs a little TLC, visit a spa

like The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary or Posh The Salon in Durham for a facial.

SELECT YOUR STYLE Christina Kirkey, owner of Pinup Studio. “We then ask for the theme of their wedding and where the wedding is taking place. If you are doing a beach wedding, you are going to want the majority of your hair up, as it will be pretty windy.”

SCHEDULE, AND SHOW UP READY

We highly recommend that you take advantage of the wedding hair and makeup trial run as an opportunity to pin down a style that suits you. Know the following details before inquiring with a beauty salon: date and ceremony time, venue, getting-ready location and the number of services needed.

“While some brides struggle to find time for a trial run, most are planning on doing engagement or bridal photos, so this is a

great opportunity for them to have their trial done then,” says Brittany Gooch, bridal stylist at Posh The Salon. Save images of bridal looks to give your stylist an idea for what you like and don’t like, regardless of whether you plan to do a trial run or not. “We always ask how the neckline is on their dress and if there is anything they want to try and hide or embellish. For example, some women don’t want their ears to be fully out, some hate having their hair all the way up, and some want to keep front pieces down to cover their forehead,” explains Book appointments for Real-life couple Jose Nuñez and Kaylin Ridge at The Cannon Room with florals by nails, threading, waxing Anchored Floral. Kaylin’s hair and makeup are by Pinup Studio. Photo by Rosey Shell Photography and/or spray tans for the last few days before your wedding. Avoid using heat on your hair the week leading up to the wedding to prep it, and then wash your hair the afternoon or evening before your wedding (instead of on the morning of the big day). If the idea of planning your beauty appointments is daunting, take a deep breath! Using these steps to care for your skin and self in the months before your wedding will ensure you are that much more radiant the day of!