Get The Glow!
Days Leading Up To The Big Day:
* Drink plenty of water.
* You’ve heard it before, again and again, because it’s true: you are what you eat (and drink). Reach for vegetables and lay low on alcohol and caffeine.
* Moisturize, moisturize, and furthermore moisturize.
* Do your best to keep your weight stable.
On The Big Day:
* A smile is the best beauty enhancer.
* Floss often. Remember - hundreds of photos will be taken.
* Don’t disguise yourself beyond recognition with the latest beauty trend or products.
* Avoid colored eye shadows.
* Waterproof mascara is a must.
About Face: Treating Yourself To A Facial
What’s the best beauty booster?
Feeling confident in your own skin. That’s enough of a reason to have a facial. It will clear your clogged pores and give you a radiant glow. Here are some basics worth knowing:
* The cost of a facial starts at about $70. It may be cheaper if you purchase a series of treatments.
* If you have serious concerns about your skin – such as chronic acne – consult a dermatologist.
* It may take two or three visits for the facialist to get to know your skin’s needs.
* While the massage portion of the facial can be relaxing, one of the benefits is increased circulation. Don’t be surprised if puffiness and fluid retention decreases.
* Plan a week between your last facial and your wedding.
What To Expect: Practically every facial starts the same way - with a gentle cleansing to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Here are some other steps:
Analysis:
The facialist will analyze your skin using a bright light and magnifying mirror. Once she discovers your skin type – dry, normal, oily – she can correctly treat it.
She will ask you about your current skin care routine (to also learn if you use medications such as Retina-A, Renova and Differin — products that will make your skin sensitive).
Cleansing:
The treatment begins with a warm cloth or steamer to open the pores and soften the skin. An exfoliant is applied to remove dead cells. This allows fresher cells to surface and gives the skin a glow.
Massage:
This can last anywhere from five to thirty minutes. Besides being relaxing, it stimulates the circulation and brings oxygen to the skin cells.
Extraction:
The facialist uses her fingers or sterile instrument to unclog pores and remove dirt. She will spot-treat affected areas with antiseptic products.
Masks and moisturizers:
An antibacterial mask goes on next to treat acne-causing bacteria drawn out during the process.
When the mask is removed, the facialist will apply the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type.
Four Causes Of Adult Acne:
1. Stress
2. Old cosmetics (that are bacteria ridden)
3. Hormones (Just before menstruation, your glands sometimes go crazy.)
4. Birth control pills
5. Telephone - specifically the bacteria formed on the mouthpiece
Emergency Zit Buster Tip: If a blemish should appear on your wedding day, don’t squeeze it. Instead, dab on a touch of toothpaste. The active ingredients, peppermint and zinc, will alleviate the redness. Then simply apply your foundation over it.
Special Tips For Bridal Lips: Pucker up those beauties for extra treatment. With all the hugs and kisses going around on your big day, your lips need special attention. Here are three tips for more luscious lips:
1. Exfoliate
Every night after you brush your teeth, also brush your lips. Use a separate soft toothbrush to apply lip balm or petroleum jelly.
2. Rub
Crack open a vitamin E capsule and rub the gel onto your lips. Any cracks will heal, any dead skin will easily come off.
3. Boost moisture level
We said it once, we’ll say it again: drink water. Dry lips are a sign of dehydration.