Working on hundreds of weddings, I've seen it all kinds of beauty bummers that happen. Whether it's chipped nail polish or bad tan lines, it might happen to YOU! So, read on and make sure you are prepared for any beauty mishaps and you stay looking picture perfect on your wedding day.
1. While perusing the pictures from the wedding shower, you noticed your makeup had faded before dessert was served! You didn't break a sweat at the shower, so how is your makeup going to last through the reception?
Fix it: When you're primping before your ceremony, choose a makeup primer that doesn't contain any oil or silicone. It'll act as a sponge for your foundation, keeping it in place and preventing it from seeping into or slipping off of your skin all day long.
Try: LORAC aquaPRIME Oil-Free Makeup Primer, $30, Beauty.com
2. Running from appointment to appointment has made you realize that your current deodorant isn't cutting it.
Fix it: Clinical strength deodorant actually plugs your sweat ducts. Apply it at night on your underarms (or wherever you're sweat-prone) so it has more time to sink in.
Try: Secret Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, $8.50, AmericaRx.com
3. You've spent so much time with your elbows on the table poring over your budget that now they're all dry and scaly.
Fix it: Okay, I know you know all about exfoliating your face (and even sloughing dry skin off your lips), so how'd you miss this biggie? No worries -- a salt scrub in the shower will get rid of dead skin, making it easier for your lotion to soak in when you apply it.
Try: The Sanctuary Salt Scrub, $18, Target.com
4. Trying to get your mane into shape -- hair trials, heat styling, testing new products -- has left it totally shapeless.
Fix it: Mist a salt spray over damp hair, from root to tip, and style as usual or let it air-dry. It'll give you volume and movement.
Try
KMS California Hair Play Sea Salt Spray, $13, SleekHair.com
5. You can't resist changing out of your ball gown and into a party dress for your reception, but you're worried that your makeup will rub off on your stark white gown.
Fix it: Make sure you use either a long-lasting foundation (airbrush is my favorite) and you ask your makeup artist to use a sealer on you. Of course, when putting on and taking off your white dress be very careful!
Try: Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel, $57.50, Sephora.com
6. You held off on retouching your own roots (bad highlights would be the lowlight of your beauty prep), but now your color has that just-got-out-of-the-pool faded look. Not pretty.
Fix it: Don't head out to the salon for a touch-up just yet. Grab a color glaze product closest to your natural shade, and use it once or twice before the wedding. It'll spruce up your color to new levels and add eye-catching shine.
Try: John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze, $10, Walgreens.com
7. The extra cups of coffee you've needed to get you through the planning phase haven't been so kind to your pearly whites.
Fix it: An at-home tooth-whitening kit can get you similar results to a pro session for a fraction of the cost. The newest whiteners even let you drink water while wearing them.
Try: Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal, $45, Drugstore.com
8. You've avoided a haircut because you're growing out your hair for the big day, but now you've got some serious split ends.
Fix it: A lightweight, silicone-based formula won't leave your hair looking greasy and will keep pesky ends from flipping up.
Try: TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Creme, $5, Drugstore.com
9. Pilates has done wonders for your figure, but the extra sweat has caused some unsightly breakouts to form on your back and chest -- areas that will be exposed in your (slightly revealing) wedding gown.
Fix it: Unless your skin is dry, use an antibacterial soap and keep an oil-free acne spray on hand. Used together, they'll clear up breakouts and prevent future ones.
Try: Acne Solutions Body Treatment Spray, $19.50, Clinique.com
10. You purposely scheduled a trim two weeks before your wedding day so your hair would have time to regrow in case the "trim" turned into a "hack." Now there's no way you'll have enough hair for that romantic updo you picked out months ago!
Fix it: Forget what you've heard about extensions. There are tons of natural-looking ones out there. Go to the pros or try a DIY style. Search local beauty supply stores to find the right color and length for you.
Try: Checking out the selection of hair extensions we carry for $95.
11. All of those salsa lessons you've had for your upbeat first dance have taken their toll on your feet. With all those calluses your tootsies aren't at all in shape for open-toe shoes.
Fix it: Before you get out of the shower, rub a coarse exfoliant onto your feet to remove dead skin; then rinse it off. After showering, apply a heavy lotion. Slip on thick cotton socks so you can walk around instead of staying off your feet while the moisturizer soaks in.
Try: Exfoliating Foot Scrub, $33, Essie.com
12. You've finally talked yourself into a Brazilian bikini wax (how brave!), but the thought of ingrown hairs is almost scarier than the wax being ripped off.
Fix it: Right after waxing, soften and straighten hair follicles with a product that will also control excess oil to eliminate clogged pores. Bonus: This will lighten any dark spots you had from past ingrowns.
Try: Premium Ingrown Hair Serum, $25, PrinceReigns.com
13. Three days out in the sun during your bachelorette party in Puerto Rico has left a sunburn outline of your suit straps, and your gown is (of course, sigh) strapless.
Fix it: Take ibuprofen to minimize the inflammation. Your skin won't look as puffy. Then, pick up a light green-tinted moisturizer. The color will neutralize the redness. On wedding day, ask your makeup artist to use a some smudge proof makeup to cover it.
Try: Avène Redness Relief Soothing Cream, $30, DermStore.com; Sally Hansens Airbrush makeup $12
14. You didn't get enough water or sleep during your weekend favor-assembling session, and your skin is beyond washed-out.
Fix it: Mix in a few drops of brightening gel with your foundation for a subtle glow.
Try: Color Wash, $15, LauraGeller.com
15. One glass of red wine too many during your rehearsal dinner has left your eyes looking tired, red and puffy.
Fix it: Line your inner lower lash line in navy blue to brighten the whites of your eyes. Cover dark circles with a cream concealer with multiple shades in one to get the right color.
Try: Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Victoria Falls, $22, Beauty.com, and Magic Salmon Concealer $50, EvePearl.com
16. You're supposed to wear more makeup than usual on your wedding day, but judging from the doll-like blush circles and chinstrap of foundation, you went overboard.
Fix it: Round makeup sponges get into tough-to-reach areas, like the corners of your eyes, and ensure no lines are left behind.
Try: Beautyblender, $20, Beautyblender.net
17. It happened: A big ol' zit on your wedding day, and you couldn't resist picking it.
Fix it: Dab antibiotic cream on it to stop oil from seeping into your pores. Avoid acne creams: They'll dry out your skin and make the blemish harder to cover up. When you're ready for makeup, use a creamy, oil-free concealer.
Try: Skin Clearing Concealer, $8, Ulta.com
18. Your manicure was flawless, but prewedding nibbling chipped the polish. And you have to get to the ceremony!
Fix it: Have a bridesmaid bring your polish to do a touch-up when you arrive. Don't even consider opening the bottle in the limo -- a bumpy ride could leave a stain on your dress.
Try: OPI Nail Lacquer in Passion, $8.50, CosmeticMall.com
Start eating right and to increase your exercise. I'm not saying that you have to train like you’re running a marathon, but just a 20 minute walk is enough to get the blood pumping and oxygen flowing to the right places (including your scalp!). It's also a great way to decrease all the wedding stress.
4 Days Before the Wedding
