Dear Sabrina: What is the best way for preparing your skin for your wedding day?
There is a saying that goes something like “no amount of paint can cover a bad foundation”. We don’t know where it originated from, and maybe it was just something that is said to those folks in the cosmetology industry but we heard it and it stuck with us. The exact same goes for makeup. No amount of makeup can fix bad skin. A prime canvas is necessary to paint and prime skin is necessary to a {relatively} flawless look. So, it may be understandable why we did a happy dance when we opened Jackie’s email asking how to prepare her skin for her big day.
While makeup artists can work to create a smooth, primed foundation to work with but there are many steps that you can take as well.
Facials
It’s great to have a few facials leading up to your big day. Be sure to start them a couple of months before as facials tend to detoxify the face and you don’t want any blemishes to show up unexpected just before the wedding. While an at-home facial is an option, we strongly recommend a professional facial to ensure that any areas prone to problems are addressed. Be sure to use a good skin-care system daily (morning and night) to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate and moisturize. Follow the recommended exfoliation schedule (generally not more than twice per week).
Sunscreen is your friend. Be sure to apply an SPF (we recommend a 15) before applying foundation. This will protect your skin from the suns harsh rays which cause wrinkles and freckles that could related to further damage or skin cancer. Click here to read our blog “Here Comes the Sun” and find our top sunscreen picks.
Hydration
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Our bodies are approximately 60% water (the percentage fluctuates based on age and gender). Drinking water helps to flush toxins from your body which includes your face. Grab a glass of water and capture a natural glow!
Now that the sun is moving into the northern hemisphere (translation: AZ summer is rapidly approaching), we need to protect ourselves from it’s damaging rays. Choosing not to wear a sunscreen with SPF in the sun can cause wrinkles, brown spots, and worst of all-skin cancer.
But, have no fear, we’ve got you covered! Our stylists are sharing their favorite picks for face and neck sunscreens to keep your skin babydoll smooth during our brightest months!
Sabrina’s Pick:
First up is the Eminence Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 30. Eminence helps to lighten age spots and while toning the skin to promote an even complexion and skin tone. It is super smooth, non-greasy and absorbs quickly. Best of all, it’s organic!
Kelly’s Pick:
Second…PCA SKIN SPF 45. This broad spectrum sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection with ultra-sheer zinc oxide, and the antioxidants milk thistle and caffeine. Its unique, quick-absorbing and light finish makes Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ideal if you have oily skin or are prone to break-outs.
Daniela’s Pick:
Third…Swim, play, and enjoy the outdoors—knowing your sunscreen loves water as much as you do with Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30.This sunscreen is specially designed to provide superior sun protection without causing breakouts on acne-prone skin. It provides superior broadspectrum UVA/UVB protection. Perfect for face, this liquid-lotion has a water-light texture that leaves a weightless, matte finish so skin can breathe. Ideal for outdoor activities and sports, it provides high sun protection, yet is comfortable and gentle on the skin and is waterproof for up to 80 minutes so grab your bikini and towel and head to the pool.
As with all sunscreens, these must be reapplied every2 hours! Now you can catch some rays and keep your skin youthful at the same time. xo
The Arizona heat can dry out your skin leading to painful, cracked areas – especially elbows and heels. Soothe dry skin on your elbows by exfoliating and following up with a good moisturizer. Elbows are often forgotten so be sure to exfoliate your elbows for smooth summer skin. During summer, they are exposed to the sun and heat while in winter, elbows suffer as skin dries out and rubs against heavy coats and jackets. Unfortunately, many of us only think about our elbows when they are cracked and hurting. By exfoliating you elbows weekly you will keep skin smooth and healthy looking.
Scrubs for Exfoliating Your Elbows
Use exfoliating scrubs to slough off dead skin and reveal the younger skin underneath. Homemade scrubs are easy to make in a few minutes, or pick one up from your local beauty store.
Sugar Scrubs – For an at-home sugar scrub, combine olive oil and brown sugar in a small bowl. Two drops of essential oils will give the scrub an uplifting scent and moisturize your skin. Apply the scrub in the shower to damp elbows. Rub the scrub into your skin for one minute, then rinse.
Salt Scrubs – Rub bath salts into the moist skin of your elbow for a good exfoliant. Rinse away the scrub after about a minute. Do not use salt scrubs if your skin is extremely dry or if you have cuts, scrapes or just shaved as the salt may sting.
Microdermabrasion – Use your facial microdermabrasion kit on your elbows. Squirt or scoop out a dime-sized amount of the exfoliating liquid onto your fingertips. Rub the microdermabrasion exfoliant into your skin. It will only take a few seconds to remove the dried skin, so use caution.
Tools for Exfoliation
If you don’t have any scrubs on hand, an exfoliating tool along with some soap or gel will get the job done just as well.
Loofah – Rub the area with a handheld loofah sponge. Squirt a little soap on your sponge and lather it up. Rub the elbows with the loofah sponge in a circular motion for about 90 seconds as too much exfoliation can damage skin. Only loofah your skin once a week.
Netted Scrubie – Squirt your favorite shower gel or soap into a wet netted scrubie. Rub across the elbow area until suds appear. A netted sponge is gentler than a loofah so you can use it daily. Be sure to hang your netted scrubie to dry to avoid bacterial growth.
Moisturizing Elbows
After exfoliating your elbows, add moisturizing lotion or oil to the area. Look for moisturizers that contain Vitamin E, Vitamin A or aloe for maximum moisturize protection.
Lotion – A moisturizer lotion with hydroxyl acid will encourage skin to renew itself. Avoid using lotions with alcohol-based fragrance as these can dry out your skin. Apply lotion to elbows daily.
Oils – A scented oil like massage oil, olive oil or even baby oil will keep elbow skin flexible. Apply oils to elbows before bed and follow with a lotion for added moisture.
The beauty and power of makeup will never cease to amaze me. With simple color combinations one can hide darks circles or scaring or create a beautiful smoky eye, but one look that we have learned every bride desires is that natural glow. While this can be achieved with makeup, really achieving this look starts with habits long before you sit in the makeup chair and get dolled up for your big day.
Protect Your Skin Signs of aging and sun damage can start to appear as early as your 20’s and then become more and more apparent by your 30’s. No soon-to-be-bride wants that! By starting a routine to protect and preserve your skin in your 20’s and continue it (even after your wedding) will be the best thing you can do! Cleanse, moisturizer, sunscreen (even in the winter) and a serum that offers protection and renewal for your skin.
Always Make Sure To Exfoliate If you are battling any type of skin concern, whether it be dryness and dullness or even acne can be helped with an exfoliator. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and whatever dirt or oil may be on your skin. On top of your skin looking great it also feels great great. We suggest in doing this 2-3 times a week. And to really bump up your skin routine try adding a pore minimizer serum to help tighten the look of pores and reduce their appearence.
Dark Circles? No thank you! Nothing screams tired or run down quite like under eye dark circles do. Those pesky shadows that no foundation or concealer can’t quite hide. The solution? An eye cream that targets the bags, puffiness and dark circles. Bonus if it offer hydration!
Don’t Let The Rest of Your Body Feel Left Out Your face isn’t the only part of your body that needs hydration and care; you can’t forget about your arms and legs! Applying lotion two times day helps your skin feel hydrated and of course smooth and silky. To achieve that summer glow all year long try using a toning lotion in the morning and a deep hydrating lotion at night. Bonus if it has green tea in it which helps skin look more defined and toned!
My of my favorites right now is aloe vera. I only ever used it in the summer until I learned of all of the amazing uses it has. I tried to grow it and use it fresh but my cat kept chewing on the leaf so I have to use the gel. But come summer I stock up on the gel to use all year (it’s always on sale and I love a good deal). Of course we all know the uses it is has for burns and help soothing them. But many people didn’t know how many other uses aloe vera has. Some of these uses cannot utilized when using the gel but they are still good to know for whenever you may need them.
Regulates your weight. By drinking aloe vera juice helps clean your digestive system which can help regulate your weight. I love this one because with someone who suffers from digestive disorders I love anything natural that can help.
Treats sunburns or burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen. We all know this one. If you have a sunburn (and we’re hoping this doesn’t happen very often) or a burn from cooking (this happens too many times for me) applying aloe vera (gel or straight from the plant) helps soothe the burn.
Dandruff. For those who suffer from either kind of dandruff have probably been suggested to use a harsh shampoo to help dry out the scalp but this also unfortunately dries out your hair as well. A more natural way to help dandruff is aloe vera. With its concentrated mixture of vitamins and minerals and moisturizing properties are exactly what a scalp needs in order to normalize and rid itself of the dandruff. Aloe Vera also contains something called pectin. The pectin in aloe vera has special properties that act as a type of “cell cement” that causes cells to be stimulated, divide and grow. The fresh, healthy cells result in a fresh, healthy scalp.
Brightens the skin. If your skin has been looking a little dull or if you have dark spots, try using aloe vera. Due to its properties it can give you a natural glow and help decrease dark spots. And it leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
Ends Constipation or Indigestion. Due to the natural fibers contained in the juice, it can improve your bowel movement, thus improving the digestion process.
Treat Pimples and Acne.
I love when I incorporated aloe vera/aloe vera gel in my regular beauty/health routine from my digestive system to my skin. And the best part is, I actually saw results. So with summer upon us stock up at your local drug store or even try growing some and hopefully your fur babies won’t try to eat it like mine did.
Our wonderful stylist Micky knows her products so when she says something is good, we take her word for it! The Lanza Trauma Treatment care is her favorite product! “Actually in love with the Lanza trauma treatment and think everyone should own it” says Micky. It’s a non greasy cream that can be used as a leave-in or rinse-out treatment. It’s an ultra deep conditioning treatment that heels hair. Micky also says it’s perfect for winter for anyone who has very dry hair to help control that annoying static.
The beauty and power of makeup will never cease to amaze me. With simple color combinations one can hide darks circles or scaring or create a beautiful smoky eye, but one look that we have learned every bride desires is that natural glow. While this can be achieved with makeup, really achieving this look starts with habits long before you sit in the makeup chair and get dolled up for your big day.
My of my favorites right now is aloe vera. I only ever used it in the summer until I learned of all of the amazing uses it has. I tried to grow it and use it fresh but my cat kept chewing on the leaf so I have to use the gel. But come summer I stock up on the gel to use all year (it’s always on sale and I love a good deal). Of course we all know the uses it is has for burns and help soothing them. But many people didn’t know how many other uses aloe vera has. Some of these uses cannot utilized when using the gel but they are still good to know for whenever you may need them.
ll cement” that causes cells to be stimulated, divide and grow. The fresh, healthy cells result in a fresh, healthy scalp.