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With a heaping pile of things on your wedding to-do list, scheduling beauty appointments might be the last thing on your mind. However, locking down skincare, haircare and dental treatments in advance will ensure you’re looking your best on the big day.
Here’s a list of treatments to consider along with guidelines on when you should get them booked into your calendar.
Facials
Facials should be scheduled for at least six weeks before the wedding, advises Mariam White, president of The Principle Brands, the exclusive distributor of French cult-skincare line Biologique Recherche in Canada, which also has a signature facial available at select locations. “This is to ensure that there’s enough time for the skin to lift sun damage or calm breakouts,” she explains.
If you’ve been following a specific facial routine for awhile, your last treatment can be as late as two days before your wedding day. But if you haven’t had anything quite as regimented, your final pre-wedding facial should be no later than ten days before the event, in case of sensitivity or breakouts.
Eyelash Extensions
“Extensions are great because you don’t need to worry about happy tears ruining your mascara,” says Veronica Tran, esthetician and founder of Pretty in the City lash and brow bar in Toronto. As an added bonus, your lashes will stay looking fantastic if you’re jetting off soon after your wedding to a tropical locale for your honeymoon.
If you’ve never had eyelash extensions before, it’s best to do a trial run at least two weeks before your wedding, Tran advises. This is to rule out any allergies or irritations. If all is good, your lashes can be filled in three days before your wedding day.
Microblading
If you’re a summer bride, you might worry about your makeup melting off, especially if your ceremony is taking place outdoors. With microblading, your eyebrows will be one less thing you have to worry about. This form of tattooing is an ideal solution for brides who want fuller brows. If you’ve never had this procedure done before, make sure you do your research, Tran advises. Always ensure that your microblading artist has the appropriate certification and license, and that you like the work they produce.
The process must be started at least 12 weeks before your wedding day, Tran says. This is because microblading is a two-step process and requires time to heal. “Microblading is essentially implanting pigments under the skin in the form of hair strokes,” Tran explains. “It’s really meant to blend in with existing hairs, and won’t look as natural if there are only few brow hairs there to begin with.” If your eyebrows are extremely sparse, Tran suggests a different form of brow tattooing, called ombre powder brows, which produces a softer look.
Teeth
Most experts agree that teeth whitening procedures should be started about one to three months before the big day to ensure you’re happy with the results and any tooth sensitivity has dissipated. If you’re opting to use whitening toothpastes or strips, begin at least one month before your wedding day to ensure surface stains have time to disappear. Because there are so many options for whitening, it’s best to consult your dentist for the one that fits you best.
Tanning
When booking a spray tan appointment, keep in mind that your tan will gradually get darker in the span of a few hours, and will fade after one to two weeks. Experts suggest getting a spray tan a few days before your wedding, so it has gradually faded just a bit and looks more natural on your skin. Exfoliating is especially important when it comes to tanning, as dry skin patches can lead to an uneven tan. When in doubt, ask your local spray-tan professional.
