Hello and happy Monday! There’s some gorgeous weather going on here in NorCal, and I’m holding down the office fort since our fearless leader is off shooting what is sure to be an unforgettable shindig in Brooklyn, NY.

If you don’t know by now, I’m Morgan Elizabeth, “Production Sweetheart” here at Milou + Olin, and occasional mistress of Morgan Mondays on the blog. I was just married on April 12th, and can’t wait to unveil the spectacular night that Caroline captured for us. After the ins and outs (and ups and downs!) of getting married, I like to share a little wisdom with brides that are in the thick of planning, or girls who want to be properly prepared for the big day someday.

Bridal Beauty Tips

I’m not a very high-maintenance girl when it comes to beauty. If I really want to, I can bust out my Naked palate, curl my hair, and glam myself up for a night, but it lasts about as long as the event I’m attending. Due to curiosity and a cousin who works for Benefit (she’s seriously my makeup guru) I’ve experimented with masks, have found my ultimate mascara, and try to keep my nails done, but on any given day you’ll find that my hair is it’s usual “just out of the shower” curly, I might or might not have makeup on, and I’m a wonderful shade of half-Dutch pale.

But for my wedding day, I underestimated how much I wanted to attain a level of personal pretty that would translate into photos. There are things I did and things I didn’t do, and I definitely have a few regrets! I’ll share my best ones with you in the hope that you’ll feel and look your best self on your wedding day.

1. Consult the Experts (right after you set the date) 

 

If you have any concerns about your skin, your weight, your hair – whatever you are concerned about – go find someone who is properly credentialed to give you a solution. Although it might be embarrassing to bring up something you’re already self-conscious about, trust me you’ll feel better talking it out and coming up with a fix. And do it as soon as you know your wedding date! Some issues take longer to clear up than others, or may require testing to figure out (some rashes or skin conditions are caused by allergic reactions to food or environment). I totally slacked on this one and didn’t find a dermatologist before my wedding, and ended up wishing I’d been more diligent. It didn’t ruin my night, but it was a worry I shouldn’t have added to my wedding day.

2. Get Moving (asap!) 

Whether you spend your time on the couch, aren’t partial to gyms, or think you don’t have time to work in fitness, there are so many benefits to incorporating something that gets your heart pumping a few times a week. There are so many endless options that range from walking or biking, to dance fitness classes (Zumba is so much fun!), yoga, or a sport like tennis. Gravitate to what gets you excited and go from there! If you are open to the concept of a gym or home workouts, I suggest this article to get you started. There are a plethora of reasons backed by health professionals for incorporating fitness into your life – and it will do wonders for your skin, help you feel confident, and amp up your energy. There’s no downside, and you might find a new hobby you love!

If you are already a fitness buff, think about how you want your body to look on your big day and set some goals. Want some long, lean muscles? Pilates, yoga, and swimming could be your new go-to routine. Want to get toned up for a back-baring dress? Tweak your weight lifting routine or talk to a trainer about your goals.

3. Consider your roots (4-6 months before)

Your hair is an important part of most brides’ big day, and it definitely was for mine. I wanted it to be the right shade of blonde that I hadn’t achieved in years (one that wouldn’t wash me out or look too brassy) and I was worried my “down” hairstyle wouldn’t have much volume since I have a really fine head of hair (read: I always need the really small hairbands and always use volumizing products!) I talked with my hairstylist and worked toward a hairstyle that wouldn’t steal any layers and worked toward a pretty champagne blonde that I love. I also got some clip-in hair extensions that we dyed the same color as my hair for the big day; they made such a difference! I can also use them whenever I glam up for an event – they are great for updos!

4. Nail it down (3-6 months before)

Your nails will be ogled – there’s no getting around it when there’s a sparkly new ring everyone wants to look at! No matter how you do it, put some thought into your wedding day mani. If your hangnails are out of control now, make a date with a local nail salon for a once-a-month or every-other month manicure, and use a good hand and nail lotion (my personal favorite – Vaseline Intensive Care Hand and Nail) every day. If you have more severe problems like cracked skin or fungus (icky, but it happens) refer to tip #1.

My nails are always getting chipped no matter how careful I am, so I chose to get a gel manicure at my local salon. They have so many options now and it stayed intact through my honeymoon! Since I had so much bling already, I toned it down with a pretty nude on my nails.

5. Don’t do anything last-minute (1 week before)

I can’t stress this enough; don’t try anything new right before your wedding! If you want a spray-tan for your big day, test it out a month or two before to get the right shade. New creams, facials, procedures, crazy workouts, crash diets – they all have one thing in common: they can backfire on you in a bad way. I’ve heard horror stories about rashes from high-end moisturizers the bride waited to use until the night before, botox gone awry, injuries from new or amped-up workouts, or health issues or skin problems from a detox or crash diet. As with anything, consult your doctor or medical professional before trying out anything diet or workout related, and test out creams and lotions well before your wedding day.

Extra Tips:

– If you do nothing else, moisturize! Keeping your skin hydrated will allow your makeup to be applied smoothly and minimize caking. If you’re prone to oily skin, I’d recommend Neutrogena’s oil-free moisturizer.

– Don’t break the bank on products just because they are expensive or high-end. Use sites like makeupalley.com or allure.com to research what works well for your budget. Sometimes a cheaper product works just as well or better than something with a designer label!

– Do a trial of hair and makeup after you get your dress. A neckline can change the type of hairstyle you want, less beading or rhinestones could prompt you to get more creative with makeup, a blush or colored dress could determine lipstick and eyeshadow colors. I was sure I wanted an updo or sideswept hairstyle until I decided on my dress. Strapless and sweetheart, it swayed me to do a half-up half-down romantic look.

 

 

 

xoxo – Morgan Elizabeth