Ciao! Or maybe I should say Bon Bini! After two weeks, I'm back from my honeymoon in Italy and in Aruba with my new husband and family. We're officially Mr. & Mrs. and still on a complete high from our wedding. I can't wait to give you guys the 411 on everything beauty from the big day, but am waiting for the pics!
Bridesmaid Hair Styling Tips from Kim Kimble
Bridesmaid hair can be chic and elegant or it can go horribly wrong. Most of the time, the stylist is out of your control as they're chosen by the bride and styling the whole bridal party. Going to be a bridesmaid anytime soon? I spoke with Celebrity Stylist, Kim Kimble, to find out exactly how to ensure your style will be modern no matter who's hands you're in. Here are her bridesmaid hair styling tips.
How can you be sure you're not going to look like a cookie-cutter bridesmaid?
Do your research before the big day. Look to a variety of sources for inspiration in addition to bridal magazines, such as movies, red carpet, the runway, style blogs, etc. Your hair will look its best if you go with the style that works for you and makes you feel great. If a style doesn't jump out at you in a bridal magazine, don't be afraid to explore other options for inspiration.
How can you make sure your hair looks it's best on the big day? Dreaded bridesmaid hair usually stems from over-styled, over-processed, unhealthy hair. If you use too much product, you will end up with a crunchy mess. The best way to avoid this is to start with healthy hair. Use products well-suited for your hair type and always take the extra step to protect your hair during the weeks leading up to the wedding. For example, I love Pantene's Heat Shield collection—the Shampoo, Conditioner and Heat Potion Serum when used before heat styling will keep hair healthy, soft and shiny.
How should a bridesmaid prep their hair for wedding day styling? For up-do or half-up styles, I usually have my clients start with clean hair, but then I’ll add a bit of product to create a little bit of texture so hair is easy to work with. To create this effect, run a small amount of the Pantene Stylers Texturizing Sculpting Wax through freshly washed and conditioned hair and then spritz a bit of Pantene's Root Reboot Dry Shampoo before styling. This will add texture and volume to the hair, which is ideal for twisting and pinning and holding an up-do type of style in place.
What if you don't like your end result? I highly recommend doing a test run before the big day to prevent ending up with a style you're unhappy with. This way you can see what you envisioned firsthand and decide whether it works for you. If you don't have time for a test run or end up really unhappy with your style, you really can't go wrong by pulling hair into a low chignon. It's beautiful, simple, classic style that will stand the test of time in the wedding photos. You can always do your own take on this style as well by adding a side braid at the crown before pulling back or adding an accessory like a sparkly bobby pin or a fresh flower.
Check out my wedding day hair Pinterest board for bridesmaid hair styling inspiration. I of course, emailed it to my bridesmaids!
Engagement Rings & Getting Engaged: Let's Chat
I've been really excited about sharing my wedding bliss and prep with you guys since the day I got engaged and now, with my wedding less than a month away, I'm excited to dish about it all with Glamour! Join us on on Wednesday, May 14th at 2pm for a Google+ hangout with Zales and OnceWed. You see where this is going right? We're talking about engagement rings! From trends to how to ensure you get exactly what you want, we'll cover it all so make sure you RSVP. BTW did I ever tell you how I got engaged?
Let's just say it was super romantic. Now, are you ready to talk engagement rings and engagement stories? I hope I inspired you. Whenever I do Glamour Google+ hangouts they're fun and energetic. Plus, when talking weddings, rings (I can't wait for our wedding rings to come in!) and love with OnceWed, I'm sure there will be a ton of surprises. Tune in!
Bridal Beauty Count Down: One Month
My May calendar is full of appointments, which is nothing unusual, except for the fact that they're all wedding related. So here we are – bridal beauty countdown – one month! It's time to put the icing on the cake ladies.
Skin
If you've gotten Botox or fillers earlier in this bridal beauty countdown series, now's the time to visit your dermatologist touch ups. "Now’s also a good time to try a peel to help you achieve that wedding day glow," commented NYC dermatologist Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz. But don't forget about your body. Schedule a trial spray tan, too, once your face is done peeling. You want to book your spray tan for two to three days before you wedding day.
Hair
Make an appointment with your colorist for a touch up or gloss. If you dye your hair yourself, now's the time for a color refresh. Even just a clear gloss over your hair will add smoothness and shine that will reflect beautifully in your photos.
Smile
Whiten your pearly whites! Whether you choose to do this professionally or at home, the results of a more beautiful smile are well worth it.
Make sure to check out the rest of the Bridal Beauty Countdown series.
Bridal Beauty Countdown: 6 Months
Welcome to the bridal beauty countdown series! Here's post two. With six months until your wedding it's really time to tune into your skin. Personally, I'm a bit anal about mine. Remember, those pictures last a lifetime. For some reason many brides jump to injectables right before their wedding. Here's some advice.
Skin: Plan on experimenting with injectables? Now’s the time to start. “Sometimes first-time Botox users feel differently in the first few weeks after treatment, but in my experience it rarely happens with subsequent treatments,” says Dr. Lefkowicz. Whether you’re interested in Botox or trying to plump out deep folds with fillers, it’s always a good idea to try them out in advance and get touch ups before your wedding. As soon as I reached my six month mark I started to get facials with peels every five weeks and plan on continuing until closer to the wedding.
Hair: If you're looking to remove any unwanted hair for good nows the time to begin laser hair removal sessions. It takes four to six laser hair removal sessions spaced a month apart to see 70 to 80 percent reduction in hair growth.
Makeup: If you’re considering switching up your tried-and-true makeup products, now is the time to experiment with different eye shadow colors and lipsticks. My theory though: stay with your tried and true.
If you're not here yet, check out the 1 year post.
Bridal Beauty Countdown: 1 Year
Get engaged over the holidays? Congrats! So many people I know did, but if you're not the one rocking the new bling this year, chances are you know someone who is. With less than five months until my wedding (yay!) all of my beauty ducks are in a row. When I started planning, I spoke with some of my favorite beauty experts to map out my regimen. Of course, it's only right I share it with you. I'll be posting a series, but here's what you should be thinking about at one year.
Skin: Visit your dermatologist. “Brides-to-be come to me all the time with concerns of getting that perfect glow for the day, clearing up any existing acne and evening out the skin tone/pigmentation,” explains Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz. When it comes to skincare it’s best to begin addressing any concerns when you first get engaged so your dermatologist can put you on a plan. “I like patients to be on a routine specific to their skin type for at least two months, so they can clean up as much as possible, and then we can use some office-based procedures in conjunction,” says Dr. Lefkowicz.
Smile: If you’re looking to get any dental work done beyond whitening, now’s the time to go see your dentist or orthodontist. “When women get engaged, they’re motivated to look their best for their wedding, and just like women wanting to get into shape, I see a lot of women wanting to straighten their teeth,” says Dr. Joseph Hung, a NYC-based orthodontist. He recommends Invisalign, because the clear aligners effectively straighten teeth without impeding your social life.
Hair: Unwanted hair. How nice would it be to not have to worry about hairy legs, underarms, bikini line (the list goes on) on your honeymoon? This is the time to consult with a dermatologist or laser specialist about laser hair removal services.
Makeup: Take a makeup class. I thought about doing this, but instead asked for a makeup lesson during my makeup trial, which I booked early. Even if you don't plan on doing your makeup on your wedding day, you still want to make sure you really know what you're doing for all of the parties up to the it – engagement, bridal, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, etc.
Wedding Day Makeup Tutorial As Seen on Brides
Brides asked me to shoot a wedding day makeup tutorial to give to my makeup artist as inspiration for my big day. I actually think I did a pretty decent job! With a wedding in eight months, of course I started thinking about who's going to be my glam squad! It's a blessing and a curse that I work in an industry where I've gotten close to so many talented artists. Like my look? Check out the gallery on Brides.
Beauty & The Bride: Jenny Packham
I'm obsessing over the hair and makeup pics from bridal fashion week that just took place in NYC! I avoided it like the plague, because I love my dress and didn't want to watch Marchesa gowns glide down the runway. Obvi. However, I am working on finding inspiration for my makeup look. This one from Jenny Packham is perfect – flawless, dewey skin with a flush. It's really the no-makeup-makeup look. Lead Makeup Artist for Laura Mercier, Talia Shobrook, gave me the step-by-step, which every woman should be able to conquer. Bride-to-be or not.
Flawless Face: Flawless skin with a natural flush of colour
· Shobrook first prepped skin with Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Hydrating ($32).
· Next, she applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Oil Free Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($43) to create a healthy, even tone. She then covered any imperfections with Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage ($32).
· To give the skin a romantic, dreamy look, Shobrook flushed the cheeks with Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Barely Pink ($24) and Rose Petal ($24).
· Then, she dusted Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Peach Whisper ($24) onto the apples of the cheeks. She dabbed Laura Mercier Secret Finish ($27) onto the cheekbones, adding freshness to the skin.
· To add the final touch, Shobrook applied Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder ($35) to the nose and forehead.
Simple Eyes: Soft washes of colour
· Shobrook applied a wash of colour to the eyelids using Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Ginger ($23) and Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Guava ($23). Next, she applied a layer of Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour ($23) in Primrose.
· She then highlighted the brow bones with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Morning Dew ($23).
· She used Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Baroque and Cognac ($23 each) on the inner creases of the eyes to give a rounded look.
· To finish the lids, Shobrook applied Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Baroque and Burnished ($23 each) to the lower lash lines. She then added Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Cognac to the middle of the lower lash lines.
· She applied Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Seashell ($26) to the inner corners of the eyes and added a coat of Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara ($24) to the top and bottom lashes.
· To pull the look together and frame the face, she lightly defined the eyebrows using Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil ($22).
Soft Lips: Mauve and beige lip
· To create a subtle, elegant look, Shobrook applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pink Blush and Peche (each $26) to the lips.
Body: Illuminated skin
· To complete the look, Talia dusted Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Power in Candelight ($34) to the neck and décolletage.
Sponsored: Surviving Wedding Season Stress
One day you'll wake up and your life will go from normal (or whatever that means to you) to the new normal, which includes engagements, weddings and for some... even babies. It's all happening. This new-normal is an overdrive of emotions, obligations and commitments that are of course full of blissful moments, but also super stressful! Here's how I've been keeping my cool (literally)...
Being everywhere on time looking and smelling fresh (since stress sweat is the smelliest), check in hand, without going broke and praying that my Rent the Runway dresses will fit... can make a couple a little nuts. I’ve relied on Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response and lots of laughter to get me through. Stories of proof:
Story 1: Two weekends ago Joe and I went to attend my good friend's wedding in Cape Cod. After eight hours of driving there from NYC (we hit some traffic), I was freaking out that we weren't going to make it to the ceremony on time. We had 30 minutes in the hotel to get ready, so I didn't even shower! (I know, gross.) I threw on some Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response Deodorant, dry shampoo in my hair and spritzed some perfume on my neck. Slipped on my dress and was out the door! Stressed, but stress sweat odor free - another success!
Story 2: In May, Joe was in a wedding in NJ, which meant I had to drive to the hotel near the reception alone. 1. I don't drive. 2. I don't drive. This was hysterical. After two pep talks: one from Joe after the ceremony about what time I should leave so I don't hit traffic heading up to the reception, and one from my parents asking a thousand times if I wanted them to drop me off, I told myself I could do it. I was supposed to call Joe before I left, but I didn't want him to be nervous knowing I was on the road. So, I left two hours early to head 45 minutes North and got there flawlessly... in my Louboutins no less. No sweat.
Story 3: Before my own engagement party I rightfully decided to get a blowout with my best friend in NYC before heading home to NJ. Well, thinking it would put my mind at ease, it was a horrific experience. I came out with Shirley Temple like curls on my bob and had 30 minutes before we had to leave the city to get to our party on time. There was no salvaging it. I jumped into the shower like a ninja and twisted my hair around a clampless wand faster than ever. My party. No blowout. Total Stress Sweat moment.
Through all of my stressful stories, I was glad to have Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response Antiperspirant/Deodorant to protect me from a stress side-effect I didn’t even realize I could experience: stress sweat – and its worse-smelling odor! It’s the only one with proven 4X stress sweat protection, and of course still keeps you feeling fresh through other sweaty moments (heat and activity). I was a Secret Clinical Strength girl before putting Stress Response to the test through my Stress Sweat stories, but I've stepped it up this summer, ladies! Summer wedding season is a time of need and with my lifestyle, I don't see myself going back anytime soon.
So, I think my best #StressSweat Story would be: #EngagementParty #BlowOut #CurlyDisaster #ShowerNinja #StressSweat
Can you relate?
Tell me @BeautySweetSpot and @SecretDeodorant your #StressSweat Story!
*This post is sponsored by Secret, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.
Chrissy Teigen & I Talk Weddings Over Processo & Cupcakes, Her Advice: Xanax
Bride-to-be and oh yea, supermodel, Chrissy Teigen is one lucky lady. As the spokesperson for Gilette Venus, the brand threw her a bridal shower on the roof top of The Strand in NYC. The sun was shining and as soon as I walked in Chrissy recognized me from an earlier introduction at BetterTV. We began chatting about her upcoming nuptials and then she recognized I had a ring too. Bonding over men and cupcakes, my beauty editor friends flooded in and Chrissy revealed her wedding day prep to us all.
When I tell you the cupcakes were worth bonding over, take a look. They and the cake were so well done! Chrissy's a spit fire (if you follow her on Twitter, you already know.)
"The morning of the wedding, I'm going to be honest. I'm going to take a Xanax," she said right away. "I have crazy anxiety and sometimes I don't even remember if I've taken the pill in the morning."
Being that she is a super model, she let us all know that her routine won't change the morning of her wedding compared to any other day, which typically includes "shooting in very little." Listing things like exfoliating, shaving (with Gilette Venus, of course) and taking care of her skin. "It's not going to be anything ridiculous or out of this world."
Aside from Xanax, Chrissy was asked, what are three things every bride needs for her weddings. "Extacy?," she joked. "Under eye pads, moisturizer and the Gillette Venus & Olay Exfoliating Razor in Sugarberry." Yes, she's doing the garter toss so smooth legs are a must.
The Basics: How to Prep for A Big Event
Besides planning my own, I have eight weddings to attend this year and just began planning my looks for each. Stalking sites like Gilt, I'm looking for new sleeveless dresses, ways to wear my short hair and makeup looks to compliment it. All of that is the fun, creative part, but what I work on all year is the foundation. By staying in shape and keeping everything in check, I won't even have to fret when it comes time for my wedding. After all, it's the basics that can make or break a look, right? Here's the plan:
Fitness
Of course I'm a complete fitness junkie, but I switch up my workouts to make sure my body doesn't get used to one plan. I rotate between kickboxing, Pilate's and spin, but you can do any workouts you like as long as you're constantly mixing it up. People tend to get stuck in a gym rut and wonder why their bodies don't change.
Skincare
Whether it's getting a facial every three months or seeing your derm for a microdermabrasion or peel, cleaning out or resurfacing your skin is essential for maintaining your skin's overall tone and texture. Through professional exfoliation, deep cleaning of your pores and professional strength products, your skin will continue to look radiant and fresh.
Finding the Right Products
From self tanners and mascaras to deodorants, you don't want to test out a new product the day of a big event. Imagine sweating all over your cocktail dress! You know I've been doing my job of putting products to the test! Try Dove go sleeveless Deodorant. It is formulated to give you softer, smoother underarms in just 5 days and provides 48 hour odor and wetness protection while being available in a variety of light fragrances. Yes, there is such thing as having pretty under arms and check out Dove.com for more information!
*This post is sponsored by Dove, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.
