Relaxing at a Spa
Taking a day out for a spa treatment is a great way to unwind before your wedding, get your hair and skin ready for the big day and, if you like, spend some quality time with your partner, bridesmaids or family. Why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage, facial, mud bath or aromatherapy session? Remember, though, that it's not a good idea to try any extreme new treatments right before your wedding; facials, for example, can cause irritation.Resorts and day spas can be found throughout North Carolina; some of the most popular include the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in Asheville, The Sanderling in Duck, and the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst.
Hiring a Professional for your Wedding Hair and Makeup
The most surefire way to ensure picture-perfect hair and makeup on your big day is to hire a professional. Makeup and hair designers will be able to choose colors that perfectly complement your hair, eyes and skin, to duplicate the latest fashions, and to create exactly the look you want.Hair and makeup salons abound in North Carolina; to make sure you've found the right beauty professional, visit your chosen salon long enough before the wedding to test out your hair and makeup ideas. If you're treating yourself to a manicure or pedicure, be careful when leaving the salon; nail polish takes about half an hour to dry, so travel carefully or have a friend drive you.
If you're getting waxed, make sure to allow enough time to let any irritation fade, especially if you don't wax often.
To achieve the ideal unblemished effect on your wedding day, without the effects of wind and weather, you can even hire a professional who will come to you.
Doing Your Own Makeup
Lately, many brides apply their own makeup to save time and money. There's nothing wrong with this; if you do your own makeup, you have unlimited time to practice different looks. If you'd like some advice, the staff at the makeup counter at your local department store will be glad to try a new look on you, for free.Makeup Tips
The following tips apply whether you're putting on your own makeup or leaving it to a professional.- Start preparing your skin long before the wedding; use a gentle cleanser, stay away from abrasive acne treatments, and be sure to moisturize frequently.
- Try out new makeup products a month in advance to make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to it.
- Plan for makeup that can last up to ten hours. You'll be in the limelight for quite awhile!
- Go easy on the glitter; it reflects too much in photos.
- It's safest to choose neutral, conservative colors; bright and trendy makeup and nail polish will date your photographs.
- Your eyes are not likely to stay dry on your wedding day, so use waterproof mascara; if you expect to be sobbing, you might want to leave your lower lashes mascara-free.
- Bring along extra makeup and nail polish so that you can touch up on your wedding day.
- If you're planning an outdoor wedding, don't forget sunscreen!
Hair Tips
- Updos are very popular, and the norm at the most formal weddings; less formal weddings offer more flexibility. Putting some of your hair up and letting some loose is a good compromise between formal and informal. If your wedding is being held outdoors (or, especially, at the beach) you should go with a loose or less formal hairdo that will still look good windswept.
- Don't have a too-tight hairstyle; it could give you a headache.
- Bring your veil (if you're wearing one) to the salon to see the final effect.