Beauty Time
As seen in Volume 10, Issue 1 | by Sandra Mendez
HE PUT A RING ON IT AND YOU'VE SET THE DATE. NOW, LET'S GET YOUR BEAUTY REGIMEN IN ORDER.
FIRST, let's look at your long-term goals: Do you want to lose a few pounds? Sunspots that surely came from that long weekend in Cabo? Dull skin, breakouts? Let's take a look at the logistics. If you want to safely and effectively lose fifteen pounds, a starvation diet two weeks before the wedding isn't a great plan, nor is trying to frantically clear your skin a month out from your wedding day. Also, many brides are opting to just be the best version of themselves versus a major transformation. Just to clarify, I’d never suggest anybody do something transformational in the image department if that's not what they're called to do. You want great arms? You like how yours look? Either way, I’m just here to help guide you through what you envision for your day. Pair these suggestions with the Beauty Timeline (below), and you’ll be ready for your close up.
BODY GOALS Don't try to get down to a weight that is a struggle to maintain. Much of our favorite processed/packaged foods will inevitably cause water weight to hang on. Any loss over two-three pounds per week is likely just water weight. Naturally, when you eat a cleaner diet, you’ll shed some pounds, but relying on fast weight loss will (maybe) help you look good temporarily, but the rest of you won't do as well. Your skin will always suffer with that approach, so slow and steady is best. Take the number of pounds you want to lose and divide that by two and add three - that's the number of weeks before your wedding you’ll need to start eating a cleaner diet. So, if you want to lose twenty pounds, start getting serious around three months before the wedding. Here's the great thing about eating a cleaner diet and drinking lots of water: your skin will look better too! The expression says that abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym. A clean eating plan will make what's underneath your “winter coat” look better, but toning is a whole separate issue. I tend to actually gain weight when I work out, but I'm okay with that because I understand my weight and my fat percentage are two different things. If you're happy with your weight, but want to have a stronger frame - you need to hit the gym. Personally, I like alternating between individual guidance and the motivation of a class. And if you’ve ever wanted some one-on-one training, the time is now. Your wedding day is your personal "red carpet" moment. I suggest asking your physically fit co-worker or friend what they do to train. There are plenty of local places to work on your fitness if you just look!
FACE GOALS Even if you think you don't need to get facials, you need to get facials. Not just because of this one date in your life, but for the long-term health of your skin. I love the "Eminence" skin care line and the estheticians that use them. I’m not alone either. Kentucky native, Jennifer Lawrence (who has beautiful skin), is also a big fan. If you want to skip the professional treatments and go the DIY route, I’d definitely recommend "Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel." It's my go-to emergency dull skin fixer. I pair this with a product called "Wrinkles Schminkles." Wrinkles are one part reduced collagen production in the skin and one part excessive movement (that's why Botox is so popular). Place these medical grade, reusable, silicone patches on your problem area at night and wake up to smoother wrinkles. Over time, the break your skin gets from not moving at night (I also take time at home to use them too) will reduce the progression of wrinkles.
EXTENSIONS Run, don't walk, for some eyelash extensions. Don't even hesitate for a second! Waterproof mascara still flakes after a hard day's work and your wedding day is basically like a double shift. You'll get the look of mascara without the worry. Warning: Don't even think about letting your friend's cousin who does them for cheap in her living room do them. I've had clients come in just to remove these horror shows from their lashes. Trust me, the thirty dollars you save will be spent having a licensed professional remove them (along with half your lashes) because of the wrong glue. My favorite lashes come from Caitlin Domínguez of All About You Salon and Spa in Owensboro. Caitlin says, "I think it's best to come in for a touch-up the morning of the rehearsal dinner so you're ready for that night's festivities and they will be perfect for the wedding day!"
BIG CHANGES If major correction is what you're looking for, my go-to girl is Michelle Hicks Krueger, owner of Serendipity Spa in Elizabethtown. This nurse/cosmetologist has a bevy of treatments in her arsenal. "We offer a medical grade skin care line called ZO® skin care. The ZO® stimulator peel would be good to start off with and then in two-four weeks you can have a ZO® three-step chemical peel. This peel will make your face peel off, but don't worry - it's back to normal in about five days! It evens out your skin tone, tightens skin, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and vanishes sunspots - leaving you with a baby soft face." I love getting a major refresh like this about once a year to clear away any damage I've done over the previous twelve months. It's like a skin reboot.
FITNESS Trainer Joe’s Health and Weight Loss in Lexington is a fan favorite for both nutrition and fitness. Bowling Green Backyard Bootcamp gets the double thumbs up from a trusted source for getting superhero muscles and curves.
MY FINAL WORD IS ABOUT STRESS. Unless you’ve hired a psychic wedding planner who can just know exactly what you want and never needs your input, planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful. Find your happy place before the crazy begins, whether in yoga, a favorite hiking trail, or a quick run. You will need to release stress before it releases on your face or manifests as an empty box of Girl Scout cookies.
Products
Alpha Beta Daily Peel
renewal cream
Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream
wrinkles schminkles
