By Julie Jorgensen

Being engaged is such a fun, joyous time. That said, once you set the date, the clock is ticking. It seems like a million things await any time a bride consults her to-do list. But I’m here to help with at least a couple of those. Break out the thick bridal magazines and pour a glass of bubbly. Let’s do this.

The notion of wedding hair and makeup can be daunting, to say the least. So let’s start at the beginning. If you’re the blushing bride, think about the look you want to project on your big day: sweet and demure? All-out glamorous? Bold lips versus smoky, sexy eyes? Once you narrow it down, you can start to research either makeup artists in your area who specialize in that particular look or, alternately, online and local makeup counters (and hair salons) for ideas and tips. My humble-as-ever advice: Don’t try to be someone you aren’t - on all days - but especially on your wedding day. If you’re the least bit uncomfortable in your appearance, the entire world will know it. If you’re by nature a wash-and-go gal, don’t choose your big day to greet the world with dramatic, screen-siren eyes and a full face of contour. Think about who are you are as your most naturally beautiful and confident, not something forced or fake. This notion also applies to your hair. Consult your stylist, visit local blow-dry bars, check out pictures on Pinterest, whatever it takes to find a ‘do that’s fitting as opposed to overdone and uncomfortable.

The same can be said for the gals who you love enough to choose as your bridesmaids. The days of cookie-cutter makeup and hair looks are o-v-e-r. Your girlfriends aren’t all exactly the same, so why force them to look the same? Your wedding party loves you and your groom just for who you are, so give them the same love and grace - within reason, mind you. I will never forget the tale of the bridesmaid of a friend of mine who, let’s just say, is a very free spirit. She didn’t feel the need to shave under her arms for the big wedding weekend until the bride casually mentioned something about it. Note: If you’re a bridesmaid, do your part. Get your roots done, hit the spray tan, put your face on, and for heaven’s sake - shave. It’s a fun indulgence to hire hair and makeup artists for your wedding party for the big day. If that’s not an option, play “beauty shop” with each other before everyone dons their wedding garb. A glowing complexion with strategically-placed highlighter (think brow-bones, the bridge of the nose and the top of the cheeks and across collarbones), is always on-trend and photographs beautifully. Emphasize one feature or the other. This is not the time for screaming red lips AND smoky dark eyes. Make sure to keep a travel-sized version of your lip gloss and highlighter in your “party purse” for photo-op touch-ups.

The weeks before your big day will actually provide the biggest payoff, so stay focused. Always wash your face at night, find and stick to a skincare regimen that best suits your needs, break a sweat as often as reasonably possible, drink lots of water and take ample time to rest and rejuvenate. Get a massage, schedule a series of facials leading up to your wedding day, go take a walk, whatever it takes. Once you’ve assembled your glam squad to handle you and your party’s hair and makeup (even if it’s a friend), relax and trust that you’ll be putting your absolute best face forward when it counts. At the end of the day, the blush of happiness and excitement can never be replicated with makeup. So take a deep breath, smile, and take in every glorious step down the aisle knowing that you look and hopefully feel, absolutely gorgeous. Cheers!

Love,

The Beauty Junkie