ASK THE EXPERTS

If there was ever a time to take up a good skincare routine, it’s in the lead up to your wedding. Having flawless skin is an essential part of feeling confident and beautiful on the Big Day. We chatted with the experts at Drew Patrick Salon and Medical Spa in Bay Shore for some advice on skincare…

LIST: What do you recommend for someone who is just looking to elevate their skincare regimen, and when should they start?

DP: Elevating your skincare regimen to prepare for your wedding takes time and planning. To achieve skin textural changes, you should start planning 6 - 10 months prior to your special day. One of the most exciting and effective treatments we may recommend is the VI Peel. There are different VI Peel formulations that treat different concerns: lift pigment, remove sun damage, alleviate discoloration caused by acne scarring, or soften fine lines and reduce wrinkles. To achieve optimal results, a series of peels is best - so plan ahead! No matter your age, VI Peel is one of the treatments we recommend to help you look your best on your wedding day.

LIST: What is the best way for someone to determine what treatment(s) will be most effective for them?

DP: It’s always best to come in for a consultation prior to starting any skincare treatments. Everyone has unique skincare concerns and goals. Scheduling time with one of our licensed estheticians or our medical staff is recommended for a skin assessment to customize your treatment and regimen based on your areas of concern. Speaking with our staff during a consultation will open a dialogue about how to look and feel your best for your special day, and map out how to achieve your unique goals.

LIST: When it comes to injectables, such as Botox and fillers, what insight can you give a bride, mother of the bride/groom or anyone who is prepping for the big day?

DP: Botox and fillers are a perfect way to look fresh and well rested on your wedding day. Adding injectables to a beauty regimen can help brides, mother of bride/groom, or wedding guests achieve significant results without surgery or permanent change. Botox softens fine lines and wrinkles, while lip and cheek filler make you camera ready. Botox is recommended every 3 - 4 months, while filler should typically be refreshed every 9 – 12 months. It's important to stay ahead of your injectables by scheduling an appointment at least a month before your wedding day. This will allow any swelling or bruising to subside. Many of our clients plan a year or more in advance if it is their first time getting fillers so they know what to expect and how they would like to look and feel.

Beauty Prep Advice for the Big Day from Susan Halpert and the Beauty Crew at Beauty Mark Spa & Bridal Studio.

We asked master makeup artist Susan Halpert, owner of Beauty Mark Spa & Bridal Studio, for some tips to look your best kind of beautiful for your wedding. Here’s what she told us…

HYDRATE. Of course we’re going to recommend you increase your water intake to improve your complexion. It helps remove toxins from the body so you will be less likely to have blemishes and irritations. Proper hydration leaves skin radiant and helps improve elasticity, making skin more plump and wrinkles less prominent, which makes for the best makeup application.

TEND TO YOUR TEETH. Have your teeth professionally whitened a few months before the wedding. You will be smiling and posing for photos all day, make sure your teeth are pearly white.

SCHEDULE A HAIR & MAKEUP

TRIAL. This is very important for the makeup artist, hair stylist and the bride. Bring reference photos, including one of your gown, so they have a clear vision of what look you are going for. Having a consultation with your beauty team and trying different looks beforehand will ensure that the look you are wearing on your wedding day is perfect for you.

EYELASH EXTENSIONS. By far the biggest bang for your buck. They will not harm your natural lashes. Have your lashes done 3 months before your wedding. They are easy, pain free and you won’t feel them. Book fill-in appointments every 3 weeks to maintain amazing lashes for your wedding and honeymoon.

USE WATERPROOF PRODUCTS. Apply waterproof everything! We always recommend airbrush foundation as it will not come off until washed off. If tears of joy run down your face try not to wipe them, blot them instead. Take a quick touch-up break after the ceremony if needed.

A FEW BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO KEEP ON-HAND: A translucent pressed powder compact with a mirror, blotting papers, and lipstick or tinted lip gloss are essentials for the wedding day. Lumify eye drops will help keep a bright refreshed look, and bring a few Q-tips to retouch your eye makeup or remove mascara smudges.

For over 50 years, RSVP Tuxedos’ two locations have provided high-fashion designer tuxedos and suit rentals to much of Long Island.

With the momentous shift in demand for online stores vs. brick-and-mortar retail, RSVP owner Michele recognized it was time to shift her business as well, and decided to close both the Bay Shore and Commack locations.

“In the interest of best servicing our clients with the ease and convenience of online shopping, we have transitioned RSVP Tuxedos to a shop-at-home experience that offers the benefit of our expertise. It allows us to offer a more personalized experience for grooms and their wedding party,” Michele explained.

“Our customers now can browse online, have consultations, select suits and accessories, and schedule at-home tryons and alterations all at their convenience. This allows us to give clients information about suits and fit prior to them trying anything on in-person. No in-store visit is needed; we come to them and act as a concierge. We get to know them better. They have our undivided attention without disruption, which allows for a more enjoyable experience for everybody involved. Invite the groomsmen over and we’ll take care of the rest. If they are out of state, we can have their order delivered or drop-ship right to them.”

“As far as what’s trending, it’s hard to say…each groom has his own individual style and chooses a suit that fits that style. We take pride in making sure all our clients are welldressed and confident for their occasion.”