How to Look your Best on your Wedding Day

With the peak of wedding season just a couple months away, it is a great time to focus on the best practices to prep your hair and skin for your big day! What I'm talking about here goes a bit deeper than simply selecting an upstyle and making sure that your favorite makeup inspo on Pinterest matches your flowers. What we're focusing on is more of the behind-the-scenes stuff; how to build the best possible foundation to achieve the flawless look you desire on your wedding day.

I along with Tilly (who is a makeup artist and esthetician on my team) have worked together to create a timeline for you including all of our best advice.

Before we begin I must mention that the information shared below is our best general recommendations based upon our experience in the Beauty Industry. We recognize that each woman and situation is unique and advise you to seek your own consultation and research before introducing anything new into your routine.

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Tilly giving our Bride, Kristen, the final touches before her August 2018 Wedding.

First, Let's Talk about Skin!

6-3 Months Before the Wedding

This is your best zone for experimentation. If you haven’t used fillers before, you’ll want to test your reactions sooner rather than later. Most fillers last two to three months, so if you’re not happy with the results, there’s still time for them to dissolve before your wedding day. While we are by no means saying that every Bride needs fillers, timing is a common question we are asked so we wanted to address it here!

If you’re planning to have any medical-grade facials, such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion, six months out is a good time to start. These procedures yield the best results when done in a series of four to six treatments.

You’ll also want to have a monthly facial leading up to your wedding. I find the skin looks the best for up to three days after a facial. So by scheduling your final treatment for the week of your wedding, you’ll have the glowing skin of your dreams!

3-1 Months Before the Wedding

During this phase, planning is key. Work with to your esthetician to make sure that your next few appointments line up to fall near your wedding day. For instance, if you get your bikini wax every 4 weeks, but your wedding is 10 weeks away, you’ll want to stretch out the time between those last few appointments so you have a fresh wax (with a few buffer days) before the honeymoon.

Your trial run will take place 2-3 months before the wedding.

Last Weeks Before the Wedding

If you plan to do a traditional tanning bed before your wedding, schedule a test run at least four weeks prior. This will give you an idea of what intensity you can expect, because at this point, you won’t want any surprises.

Should you opt for a spray tan, I recommend the airbrush method. This delivers an even look with less blotchiness and missed spots. A seasoned technician can even contour your body in all the right places. Just be sure to get your waxing done before your spray tan. The wax will remove the tan solution from your skin, which can leave you with farmer’s tan. Yikes!

Last Few Days Before the Wedding

In your final pre-wedding stretch, focus on getting as much sleep as possible. Build in time to unwind, whether it’s a massage or meditation.

Hydration is also key. Increase your water intake and find a hydrating masque for the night before your wedding. Under-eye patches are another great way to combat tired eyes in case you and your bridal party can’t get to sleep the night before. I put them on all my brides while they get their hair done, and by the time they’re ready for makeup, they look refreshed and well rested.

Ultimately, your skin will have a natural internal glow that your guests will assume comes from your overwhelming joy on this most special of days.

Kristen having her veil secured by Ann moments before the first look.

Now Lets Talk About Hair!

6-3 Months Before the Wedding

This is the time frame when you want to have an approximate idea of what your wedding day hair will look like. Your hair stylist can help you to narrow down your options, and then advise if an adjustment in your hair cut or color is needed. There are many styles that will look their best with some added highlights, a gloss, or subtle layers. It is best to try anything new in this period so that it can be perfected in time.

Select your veil and any hair accessories you would like to use. Sometimes these items need to be ordered so allowing a little extra time never hurts.

Work a deep conditioning treatment into your routine once a week and ask your stylist to use Olaplex when you have hair color services. We want to make sure that your hair looks and feels it's healthiest.

Eat a well-balanced diet with lots of vegetables and drink plenty of water. I am personally a big fan of using a Biotin supplement once a day to improve the strength of my hair (and nails).

3-1 Months Before the Wedding

Your trial run will happen 2-3 months before the Wedding and you will be able to see exactly how your hair cut and color work into your desired style. You can then make a final haircut/color appointment for the last month.

The Day Before the Wedding

Shampoo your hair the day before or the morning of your wedding. Be sure to NOT use a deep conditioner, since these can weigh down the hair and prevent your style from holding well.

Kristen & Chris

Meet the Artists Contributing to this Post

Tilly (pictured left) has over 12 years of experience as an esthetician and makeup artist, and she regularly advises future brides on how to face their big day with confidence.

Ann (pictured right) in addition to styling hair, enjoys coordinating all Wedding Day Beauty Services for her Brides. She considers herself to be quite organized, and believes that with proper planning you will be able to present the best version of yourself at your Wedding.

Late Winter Hairstyles to Try at Home

The Hat

When I set out to create some Winter Hair Inspiration, I knew my recommendations would not be complete without an adorable new hat with a pom-pom on top! While some may characterize a beanie as "outerwear", I feel that referring to it affectionately as a "hair accessory" instantly makes me just the tiniest bit happier about all of the bundling up that I need to do these days!

Lately, I have been sharing my tips on how to win at hat hair. It's really quite simple! I believe that winter hats are best worn with hair that is wavy or curly. Whichever your choice for texture, the key is to begin below the bottom of your hat. (I say that the cheekbone and below is a good place to curl or wave). This keeps all of your styling efforts from being smooshed on the top

of your head and looking all wonky once you take the hat off. My other piece of advice is to use a little dry shampoo (or even dry texture spray) at the beginning of your style. This can be super helpful, even if you have just washed your hair and it is totally clean. Having this added grit and texture will allow you to revive your flat hair once you get indoors and take off your hat.

All you need to do is massage your roots with your finger tips, or for added lift turn your head upside down as you do it.

As an added bonus, you will have oil-free hair for days after applying the dry shampoo from the beginning.

My hat, which happens to be super soft and warm in these single digit temps was purchased from ALDO.

The Headband

Recently, I have been loving a turban headband style. Not the traditional turban like you may be thinking, which is more like a folded piece of fabric, but a traditional headband that is covered in a luxe fabric which is pleated, folded, and in this particular case, knotted.

The key to pulling off this look today is to place the ends of the headband above your ears, and then angle the rest of the headband towards the face. (As seen in profile in the bottom picture).

I am all about versatility when I add anything to my wardrobe, so it's particularly exciting to me that this accessory gives us a few options. Try tucking all of the hair back, (which is a great look while at work) or leave some of it forward. Either way, you have a look that is effortless and has a

feminine vibe.

This headband which I got from J.Crew is snug enough to stay in place, yet is comfortable

enough to wear all day.

The Scrunchie Reboot

When I first began seeing scrunchies for sale again about 5 years ago I couldn't help having flashbacks to my late-middleschool to high school years as well as an episode of Sex and the City. If you're a fan, I'm sure you remember when Carrie told her author Boyfriend that the one fatal flaw in his other wise amazing novel was that he had his heroine running all over NYC in a scrunchie. A SCRUUNNNNCHIE (in SJP's highest pitch possible. Poor guy, he hadn't noticed that the hair accessory had gone out of

style.

As a woman in her late 30's I have had the opportunity to experience the second coming of a handful of trends from my childhood. Sometimes, it can be so fun to try on the new update of something we remember fondly. Or my particular favorite is when I acquire the new version of something I remembered wanting as a young lady, but didn't get back then. Let's be honest, the new versions of 80's and 90's styles

are much more flattering than they were back then. Case in point; overalls.

I created my low pony style here using 3 small ponytails with elastics, side by side at my nape. This allowed me to place the scrunchie securely over it without having to twist and double it up. The result is a scrunchie ponytail that keeps my hair looking full! I also pinched and pulled the hair on the top of my head to create some looseness and varying texture and a pretty face framing piece.

I created my 1/2 up style pictured here by first teasing my hair at the crown and securing it with an elastic. Then I gathered and twisted one section from each side and secured it to the original pony in the back with a bobby pin. Lastly, I covered my work (elastic and bobby pins) with a scrunchie doubled up.

My new set of velvet scrunchies from Urban Outfitters are the perfect thickness (not too thick or thin). The two pictured here also came with a navy blue, burgundy, and a deep green scrunchie to complete the collection.

I hope that you have found something here to inspire your daily routine and brighten your winter days. On a positive note, we are officially about a month away from the first day of Spring, and our days are about to get longer!

Meet your Wedding Hair and Makeup Artists

It's that time of year when the Holiday Hustle is behind us and we find ourselves ready to relax a bit. That is, unless you are planning a wedding! These days my time is mainly occupied talking with newly engaged women and helping them to secure their wedding day beauty services. I feel so grateful to be a part of the wedding industry in a city as amazing as Chicago, and for the opportunity to meet and work with several lovely Brides each season! I feel that choosing your wedding day Beauty Team is one of a Bride's most important decisions. We are some of the people you hire who you will probably spend the most time with; second only to your photographer or wedding planner. I pride myself on building a team of talented and caring artists who are not only easy to talk with, but also focused on bringing your wedding day vision to reality. Without further delay, let me introduce my artists!

MICHELLE

Makeup Artist

Michelle has been obsessed with makeup for as long as she can remember. Even as young as elementary school, she remembers begging her mom for her very first eyeshadow one day when they were out running errands. Mom agreed, and Michelle happily picked out a light purple shade; so 90s.

Michelle loves being a Bridal Artist because the excitement surrounding the Wedding Day  is a feeling that can’t be replicated in any other industry.  

She describes the style of work as tailored. You can count on your look being tailored to your face shape, skin, and style. She prides herself in spending countless hours in classes practicing and studying the best techniques to bring out the natural beauty of varying face and eye shapes. Brides who work with Michelle appreciate her ability to cater to their preferences.   She believes that Your wedding day should be exactly that; YOUR day. As an artist she’s dedicated to making sure you achieve the look YOU want. After all, it is the biggest day of your life.

NICOLE

Hair Stylist

Nicole is a lover of comic books and superheros, who enjoys drawing and cooking in her free time.  She has always had a passion for the Beauty industry, and likes to be able to use her skills to help other women feel their best.

You will find that the style of Nicole’s work incorporates softness and texture, she is not a big fan of super tight looks. Blowouts and Up Styles are her favorite things to do because this kind of work allows her to be her most creative self.

If you get the opportunity to work with Nicole, you will find that she is very friendly and easy going.  She knows how to deliver the look that you want while working efficiently.

NANCY G

Hair Stylist

Nancy has always considered herself to be a lover of trends, and fashion.  She enjoys being a Bridal Hair stylist because it allows her to be a part of a special moment in a woman’s life.

Nancy describes her style Romantic, and Modern, yet Classic.  You will find that she is a very good listener and does a great job of exchanging ideas with you to create what you envision.

When Nancy is not at work, you can find her going to the movies, drawing, or listening to music as well as spending quality time with her six year old daughter.

VIKI

Makeup Artist

Viki came from Europe when she was 20, and has lived and worked in italy as well as traveling around the world exploring different cultures, makeup styles , and she has put it together with the American culture.  It’s no surprise that her favorite hobby outside of work is travel!

Viki has a degree in fashion, and she never leaves the house without an accessory!  She is a fan of bold lipstick, italian cappuccino, and unique style.

She loves to do makeup because it allows her to use her creativity, she enjoys playing with shades, accents, texture.  Her specialty is airbrush makeup. She enjoys making people happy and seeing the smile on their face as the see the final results, and she appreciates all of the amazing people her profession allows her to meet.

MARY

Hair Stylist

Mary loves being a bridal stylist because it allows her to use her creativity to give the members of a Bridal party their dream hair styles. Very detailed, textured, and customized styles are her favorite to create.

When she’s not working, you can most likely find Mary roaming the aisles at target, (while listening to an audio book), making home cooked meals for her family using Pinterest inspiration, or participating in outdoor activities with her identical triplet daughters.  You heard that right, she has triplets!

If you get to work with Mary,  you will find that not only is she is an incredibly kind soul, she also gives an amazing consultation.  She has an ability to listen to your wants and needs, and then create your desired style.

ATHINA

Hair Stylist

Athina has always been fascinated with hair styling and enhancing people’s look with it.  It all started with chopping off her Barbie’s hair to give them different looks, and then it became styling all of her friends’ hair during recess, to now helping them get ready for a night out.  Athina is a Bridal Stylist now because she loves getting to help make a Bride and her tribe feel absolutely amazing for the memorable occasion.

Athina describes her style as effortlessly chic. As a woman with curly hair herself,  she doesn’t try to fight the clients’ hair too much, but rather finds it’s best qualities and works with it.  

When she is not working, you can find Athina rollerblading and talking to her bully dog like he is a human.

If you get to work with Athina on your wedding day, you will find that she is super easy to talk to and she takes direction very well.

TILLY

Makeup Artist

Tilly is a lover of hot yoga, documentaries, and red lipstick… and of course, making people laugh!  She comes from a huge family including 5 siblings and 7 step-siblings, plus several nieces and nephews who she absolutely adores!

Tilly loves the energy in the room during wedding prep. That feeling is contagious. Even when a client is stressing about what they need to do, Tilly can effortlessly sit them in the makeup chair and ease their nerves.

She describles the style of her work as Classic and wearable. She loves a glamorous makeup look herself, but her clients always leave feeling like a better version of themselves.  Tilly’s Clients like that she can show them how to wear their makeup in a way they didn’t consider before. Didn’t think red was your color? She can show you the perfect red lip!

(Not Pictured).

NANCY C.

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Nancy is a lover of bold lipstick, pizza, photography,and all things Disney!  

Nancy became a bridal artist because she loves using her hair styling and makeup talents to help others feel beautiful. She describes the style of her work as classy with a little bit of sassy, and she enjoys the opportunity to be a part of a Bride’s special day (and of course getting to have girl time every weekend!)

One thing that her clients compliment her on is how well she listens.  Nancy believes that you know what works for you and makes you comfortable.  She’s just there to add the extra touch!

One piece of advice that Nancy has for her Brides is that you shouldn’t be afraid to try a little more during your trial.  You may not know what you’re missing out on!

ANN

Lead Stylist & Coordinator

I am a hairstylist with an affection for blowouts, braids, and up styles.  I have always been crafty, and each time I get to create an up-style in hair, I feel like an architect. There is something really special about being able to use my hands to build a style for one special occasion that will never be recreated again.

When I am not working, I enjoy drinking coffee, reading a variety of books, cooking, and going on long bike rides.  

A little known fact about me is that I used to hand model (part time) as a young adult.

I started my bridal team because I have always loved working with  wedding parties, and I knew that I wanted to make this niche  of the beauty industry a focus.  I enjoy being able to personally assist my Brides in pulling together their wedding day look along with my small team of caring and skilled artists.  

One of the things that most all of my Brides compliment me on is how organized I am. If you work with us for your wedding day, you will notice that my practices (including a detailed timeline) will take the guesswork and stress out of your preparations.

I cant wait to meet with you and help you to look and feel your best on your special day!

Happy Wedding Planning,

Ann

MORE GROUP PHOTOS FROM OUR HOLIDAY BRUNCH 12.16.18