33 Best Bridal Beauty Tips

Give Kate Middleton a run for her money with these hair, body, and makeup tips befit for a princess bride.

By The Editors

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bride adjusting her veil in the mirror
Jupiter Images
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Play it Safe

If you're considering making a drastic change (i.e. lightening brows, changing hair color, doing an intense tan), think twice. Changing your look so significantly before such a big event can be a big mistake. Instead, aim to look like yourself—just enhanced.

victorias secret sexy little things noir scented body powder
Courtesy of Victoria's Secret
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Add Some Va-Va-Voom

Who needs a wedding gown when you're wearing this shimmering, scented body powder, post-reception of course.

We like Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Scented Body Powder, $25; victoriassecret.com.

Give Your Hairstylist a Head's Up

Let your hairstylist know if you're planning on using any type of hair accessory or scarf. Take cues (and recommendations) from friends who've worn similar styles.

Banish Bumps

If you have small red bumps on the back of your arms, chances are it's not acne. Keratosis Pilaris is a very common skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells don't shed as they should. Use lotions and washes with lactic acid to help unclog pores leading up to the big day.

We like Amlactin products, prices vary; amlactin.com.

Lash Out

Thanks to certain celebs (ahem, the Kardashians) mega-lashes are one of the most popular bridal beauty looks. If you opt to get lash extensions, use falsies, try a semi-permanent tint like Lash Dip, or even just buy a new mascara, road-test the look a few months out. Though rare, reactions to the glues and dyes can happen.

Stop a Sweat Emergency

If your deodorant is not cutting it, don't panic. Since your sweat doesn't actually smell until it comes in contact with bacteria on your skin, mop up any dampness with a paper towel and dab antibacterial hand gel under your arms to squash unpleasant odors.

Prep Like a Pro

Celebrity facialists swear by this electric eye-enhancing serum applicator (it uses sonic motion to help ingredients absorb faster and better). Splurge on one for yourself for eye-enhancing results that will last for many anniversaries.

We like Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System, $245; clarisonic.com.

Be Ready to Be on Full-Circle Display

When prepping for beauty that spans 360 degrees, treat the skin on your chest, arms, and back like you would the skin on your face. Use glycolic washes to prevent blemishes and rich emollients to improve tone.

ArtmannWitte/istock
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Take a Time-Out

Staring at your Blackberry and frowning at caterers will only give you wedding-day creases. In the middle of your party-planning hoopla, take a moment for yourself and unwind.

Have a Game Plan for Reapplications

Most brides hardly have a chance to eat, let alone precisely reapply lip gloss and other makeup. Go over your touch-up strategy with your makeup artist or MOH to ensure that they're on-board with your plan.

Troubleshoot Like a Celebrity

Gwyneth Paltrow had this flyaway fixer in her bag during the Oscars. Any bride worried about frizz should follow suit.

We like John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer, $9.99; drugstore.com.

Expect the Worst

Murphy's Law applies to weddings (and bridal beauty) too. Troubleshoot as much as possible by packing back-up makeup (in case the makeup artist doesn't have your shade), pins and hair elastics (should you suddenly decide you want a different updo), and clear nail polish (for tears in your veil).

Courtesy of St. Tropez
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Get Your Glow On

Get your faux glow two days before the big day. A salon spray tan or at-home self-tanner will look its best 24-48 hours after application. Try out different formulas for the months leading up to your wedding to find the one that suits you and your skintone best.

We like St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Body Lotion, $18; nordstrom.com.

Chow Down

Exercising and eating well to trim down for the big day is one thing. Not eating to look as slender as possible is just silly—and it will backfire. When blood sugar levels drop, your skin can get pale and clammy.

Avoid Bug Bites

Because no bride should have to deal with mosquito welts at her wedding, stock up on natural insect repellent.

We like Intelligent Nutrients Bug Repellent Serum and Spray, $26 and $28; intelligentnutrients.com.

Brighten Your Smile

Avoid coffee, tea, and dark soda to prevent staining your pearly whites. Discuss tooth-whitening options with your dentist if you'd prefer more noticeable results.

Sculpt Away Those Final Five Pounds

Enjoy the catering (you've paid enough for it!) and apply bronzer to the hallow of your cheeks to shave a pound or two off of your face.

We like Dolce & Gabbana Bronzer, $47; saksfifthavenue.com.

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Treat In-Grown Hairs

The days leading up to your wedding should not be filled with DIY skin experiments, like extracting an in-grown hair (inflammation and irritation are all but certain). Instead, make an appointment with your dermatologist, who can make a tiny incision to extricate the ingrown hair.

Use a Hi-Tech Deodorant

Find a heavy-duty deodorant that has long-lasting results. New options, like this one, work harder the more you move, leaving you no reason to hold back during the Electric Slide.

We like Degree Motion Sense Deodorant, $5; soap.com.

Go Boho if You're Wearing A Lot of Bling

Balance statement pieces (like big necklaces) with soft, natural hair and makeup.

Protect Your Color

Get a touch-up two weeks before the big day and use color-preserving shampoos and conditioners to maintain results.

Give Blemishes TLC

Just don't pop them. Squeezing only irritates skin, making it redder and more swollen. Instead, ice the pimple for a few minutes before covering it with a liquid concealer. The cold temps help reduce inflammation.

Don't Risk a Reaction

It might seem a little paranoid, but skin allergies caused by dyes and artificial fragrances can happen—even at the most inopportune times. Reduce your risk of an outbreak (also known as contact dermatitis) and stick to laundry detergents formulated for sensitive skin for the month before your wedding.

We like Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent for Sensitive Skin, $9.79; drugstore.com.

Pamper Your Paws

If your wedding band is a different color than your engagement ring, ask your manicurist what nail polish shades best match the other metal.

Master the Bridal Blush

Experiment with new textures, like cream blushes, to perfect your flush.

We like Yves Saint Laurent Creme de Blush, $38; yslbeautyus.com.

Shimmer to Look Slimmer

Don't let your face have all the fun. Use shimmering powders and creams to accent your collarbone and shoulders. Highlighting the curvature of your bone structure will also have a slimming effect.

Laura Mercier
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Primer for Eye Shadow

Using an eye shadow primer ensures smudge-free makeup, a must when you're wearing all white.

We like Laura Mercier Eye Basics, $24; lauramercier.com.

Clean & Clear
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Consider Climate Before Applying Makeup

Especially for brides getting married in warmer climates, consider using as many oil-free products as possible — primer, moisturizer, foundation, etc. — and keeping oil-free blotting sheets on hand.

We like these ones.

Get Some Zen

Even if you're not in the mood to do a down-ward facing dog, get instant zen with a swish or a swipe of one of these lavender-infused towlettes.

We like Herban Essentials Yoga Towelettes, $15 for 20; drugstore.com.

Wax It Off

Whether you have an appointment with a professional or you're going the DIY route, make sure that the hair is at least 1/4 inch long when you go in for your session and avoid extreme heat or exercise for 24 hours post-wax to prevent irritation.

Be Prepared to Cry

Whether you're fighting hot temperatures (or tears of happiness) accept that your bridal makeup will melt or smudge. Use waterproof mascara (you can condition lashes before and after to prevent drying) and keep makeup-removing cotton swabs on hand, like these ones.

Favor Fuss-Free Hair

If your 'do starts to droop, don't bother trying to restore it. Instead, opt for a chic ponytail. For extra flair, take a small piece of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic.

Wash It All Off

If possible, try to suds up right after the wedding. Styling products, makeup, and sweat can cause body blemishes that will last through your honeymoon.

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