Innovative and organic products to put your best face forward.
Whether you’re normally big into product or not, many brides choose their wedding as the time to go all out. We’ve chosen some of the top products not to miss — covering the months leading up to your wedding, the big day itself and your honeymoon. Read on for some of our classic favorites, hot new items and all-natural organic products.
The set up
During the time leading up to your wedding, you’ll likely be exercising and eating healthy so you can look your best on your big day. But we’ve found some fantastic products that can help your skin and teeth look their best as well without any pain or suffering!
Apply Talika Lipocils lash conditioner and re-grower twice daily to the roots of your lashes (before any make-up) and you’ll soon find yourself with stronger and longer beautiful lashes. Boasting ingredients such as nettle, horse chestnut and soy lecithin, this stuff really works!
If it’s a bright white smile that you’re craving, try GoSMILE’s Go ALL OUT Starter Set. The kit features 20 patented tooth whitening ampoules, a seven-ampoule touch-up kit with case and AM/PM aromatherapy fluoride toothpastes. The ampoules are easy to use and produce immediate results.
Wedding-stress acne is a big concern for many brides-to-be, but we’ve got the perfect solution. The Zeno Acne Clearing Device delivers a 2.5-minute precisely controlled heat treatment to zap away your zit. This painless and safe gadget is also coming out with a new, more-portable version that uses replaceable, rather than rechargeable, batteries. Ensure acne-free nuptials by keeping your skin clean and well moisturized with a solid cleanse/tone/moisturize routine. Add Peter Thomas Roth’s Glyclolic Acid Clarifying Gel to your habit to help keep blemishes at bay.
Pesky hairs? No problem. Try the no!no! hair removal system and after-treatment cream to painlessly get rid of any unwanted body hair. This sleek little gadget “emits a gentle wave of heat that painlessly destroys the hair follicles while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding skin.”
A finishing touch is a nice glow to your skin. But rather than risking serious damage from the sun, have some fun with an at-home self-tanner cream. Our favorites are Benefit’s Talk to the Tan and Lancome’s Glow Sensuelle Daily Luminous Body Butter.
Prep time
On your big day, there will still be some skin prep needed before you put on your make-up. A good primer will help set your entire look and keep your make-up in place longer. We love MAC’s Prep and Prime Face Protect because it is oil-free, featherweight and fast absorbing.
“It really helps when you get oily or sweaty,” explains Louise Zizzo, senior artist at MAC PRO. “And with SPF 50 it helps protect your skin in outdoor weddings.”
A base on your eyelids is also a good idea to prevent any clumping or creasing of your eye shadow. Our favorite is Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion base.
Now that you’ve got the long, luscious lashes that you’ve always wanted, you’ll want to make sure your mascara stays in place to show them off. Prep your lashes for the big day with Lancome’s CILS Booster XL mascara base. It will keep your lashes hydrated and help your mascara from running.
The main event
A solid foundation will help you look your best all day long. Our favorite is Dior Fluid Diorskin Forever.
“It’s light-diffusing so it will look great in pictures,” explains George Morris, a make-up artist in San Francisco. “It hides your pores and won’t show tear lines, plus it’s got SPF 25.”
If you want a natural look for your nuptials, try the Bridal Palette from NARS featuring four eye shadows, one lip lacquer, two lipsticks, a highlighting powder and a blush. The selection of colors complements a variety of skin tones and NARS products look great in photographs.
Eco-friendly brides should try the Vegan Lip and Cheek Shimmer from Perfect Organics. They provide a soft hint of smooth, glossy color and are made with certified organic ingredients.
[mantra-pullquote align="right" textalign="left|center|right" width="33%"]A good primer will help set your entire look and keep your make-up in place longer.[/mantra-pullquote]On your wedding day, you’ll want your eyes to really shine, no matter the quantity of joyful tears. Our favorite liner is the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil from Urban Decay. The creaminess makes it great for quick blending and once it dries it doesn’t move. The waterproof pencil comes in a huge variety of colors, including metallic.
If it’s the bombshell bride look that you’re going for, try a dab of MAC Reflects Gold. If you’d prefer a more low-key look, Zizzo recommends MAC’s Soft Brown Paint Pot. “It looks great on everyone,” she explains.
Top that with Dior’s Diorshow Black Out Mascara and you’re good to go. This extreme-black, waterproof mascara glides on easily to show off every single lash.
Keep it up
On the day of your nuptials, you’ll want your hair to stay in place, but you don’t want a helmet head. For serious hold without the hard crunchy look, try Bumble and Bumble’s first new product in two years — Spray de Mode, described as a “versatile styling product that is workable, brushable and flake-free thanks to a never-before-used blend of unique polymers.”
To give your locks a glossy look without crossing the line into greasy, try Frederic Fekkai’s glossing line. The Glossing Cream and Sheer Shine Mist add luster like you didn’t think was possible. Added bonus — they also de-frizz and provide all-day hydration for your hair.
After hours
You’ll likely want a more low-key and natural look for your honeymoon so pick up Bare Escentuals Minerals Get Started Kit. It comes with everything you need to create a radiant look, brushes and all!
It’s important to keep your skin moisturized even after the photographer is gone. After all, you’ll still want to look just as great in your honeymoon pictures. For an easy natural glow, try Josie Maran Cosmetics’ Tinted Moisturizer. It’s lightweight; provides a smooth, sheer foundation with SPF and is created with “natural, organic, nontoxic and gentle ingredients.”
Article published in The San Francisco Chronicle‘s “Modern Bridal” custom publication in August 2008. Designer: Jessica Pezalla. Download PDF of article to see full layout with PHOTOS!
© Gabriana Marks 2012.
Tags: bridal makeup, wedding makeup, makeup, style, product reviews, beauty