If the saying ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride’ was applicable to anyone a couple of years ago, it was definitely me. Being a bridesmaid no less than five times in the space of a year, I felt like the real life version of Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses – living a whirlwind of weekends filled with hen’s nights, bridal showers and ‘Big Days’. (Thankfully at least the bridesmaid dresses I had to wear weren’t as bad as some of Katherine’s shockers!)
But while every wedding that I went to, and every bride I preceded down the aisle was totally different, there was one thing that was a constant throughout: the pre-wedding day prep.
Yep, to say that I became the resident expert at everything from brow and nail shaping to emergency exfoliations and foot repair is an understatement. Because being a bridesmaid isn’t just about making sure you look and feel good on the wedding day – there’s a whole gaggle of other colour-coordinated girls to consider, too, not to mention the bride herself.
So if you’re about to be a bridesmaid, take my pre-wedding day beauty prep tips on board and appoint yourself as the bridal party’s ‘Beauty Director’ – because trust me, ain’t nobody got time for a grooming disaster come ‘The Big Day’!
A month or so before the big day
This is about the time you’ll all need to start thinking about improving your skin. Investing in a gentle cleansing brush, like Manicare Facial Cleansing Brush, and using it daily is the perfect way to help eliminate any embedded make-up and impurities, slough away dead skin cells, and deep cleanse your pores. It’ll also help to stimulate your skin, leaving you with a softer, smoother and more naturally radiant complexion. Likewise, if the skin on your body is going to be on show you’ll want to make sure it looks in top condition, too. Daily dry body brushing with the Manicare Cellulite Bristle Brush will help to boost blood circulation and smooth out that ‘orange peel’ effect, while using a Manicare Loofah Brush or Exfoliating Gloves 1 – 2 times a week in the shower will help to get rid of any dry, rough areas of skin (also increasing your chances of achieving a flawless looking fake tan!)
A week or so before the big day
As Cara Delevingne continually proves, great brows can perfect any make-up look, so you should all start the seven-day countdown to the wedding by ensuring your brows are well shaped. (This is something you definitely don’t want to do on the big day in case there’s any residual redness.) Manicare Ultimate Slant Tweezers are made from high-quality Japanese stainless steel and are ideal for creating the perfect arch. You can then use the Manicare Ultimate Point Tweezers 24-hours before the event to remove any short or stubborn stray hairs.
A day or so before the big day
Whether you’re a bridesmaid, the bride or simply a guest, well-groomed nails are absolutely imperative – because there’s nothing that can make you look as instantly untidy as chipped, unkempt nails. Start by properly shaping your nails (choose from square, oval or ‘squoval’) and use the Manicare Rotary Nail Clippers and Nail Shapers to make sure each nail looks the same. If your cuticles need keeping in check, carefully trim them down with the Manicare Cuticle Clippers and give them a good dose of hydration with Manicare Cuticle Therapy Oil, before evening out and shining up your nail bed with the Manicare Maxi Buffer. Finish your DIY manicure by applying a coat of Manicare Base Coat Plus Strengthener before you apply your chosen nail shade (it’ll ensure a long-lasting colour that won’t chip on the day), and finish with a coat of Manicare Mirror Shine Top Coat for a flawless, gel-like finish.
Quick tip: if your nails are prone to flaking before they grow long enough to be groomed, apply the Manicare Hydranail Nail Treatment in the lead-up to the wedding. Formulated with Keratin, it can help to strengthen and protect your nails.
And finally…
Don’t forget your feet! If your tootsies will be on display you’ll all want to keep that dry, hard skin away. Manicare Ceramic Stone Foot File will help to remove dry, cracked skin, while the Manicare Corn Plane will instantly remove corns.
WIN! Share your wedding experience photos with us (whether you were the bride, a bridesmaid or a guest) for your chance to win one of two Manicare pamper packs, valued at $100 each! Simply upload your pic/s to facebook or instagram and hashtag #manicarememoments, your username and tag @beautyheaven and you could be a lucky winner!
Five times! I had been one three times – that first late eighties bridesmaid dress I had to wear was so….. eighties. I do not have that anymore but I do have the last one . The middle one has been turned into a mini dress instead of the once long dress it was.