I have worked with several incredible hair and makeup artists over the years. My friend Veronica with Black Swan Beauty is one of my all time favorites! Veronica is so knowledgeable and is sharing her top 5 beauty recommendations to prep for your wedding on the AMP blog today! Here’s what she has to say!

Everyone envisions looking flawless on their wedding day. Though we all understand that’s the end destination, getting there can be a bit confusing. There are a thousand beauty blogs and tips out there that can sometimes add more confusion than clarity–so I like to keep things simple. The tips below should be universal, whether you like a dramatic look with a lot of punch or something soft and natural, you can apply these tips to any style! I recommend starting your wedding prep eight weeks before the wedding (yes, really.) Think of beauty prep like diet and exercise–it takes a little time to get the best results!

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When any of my brides sit down for their trials, we talk about skin. I want to know about your skincare routine, your struggles, your hydration level, and your favorite thing about your skin. Skin of all types, whether oily, dry, sensitive, combination or acne prone needs additional hydration. Most brides will have a lot of long days leading up to their wedding–and the quickest way to get a reboot on your skin is to keep it hydrated. Even oily skin, if left un-hydrated, will result in an over production of sebum (oil) which works to break down makeup. Though I absolutely recommend moisturizing your face morning and night, and hydrating your body every day, if you don’t currently have an in depth skincare routine, this can feel daunting. Start small. If you don’t use a moisturizer at all currently, I recommend starting with a night time moisturizer.

Your skin does the most repair while you sleep, so this will help you get the most out of your moisturizer initially. Once you feel comfortable with this step, add in a morning routine. The most common concern I get is regarding time. How much time does it take to add in this extra step? My answer: how quickly can you get the product on your hands and press it into your skin? My guess is it will take less than one minute.  

Exfoliation goes hand in hand with moisturizing, because makeup goes on exfoliated, hydrated skin the best. It lays more smoothly and will actually wear longer, when it isn’t sitting on top of layers of dead skin cells. The key with exfoliating is to not over do it– 2 times a week is plenty. I recommend keeping an exfoliating wash in your shower and doing this on Mondays and Fridays (preferably in the morning.) This will prep your skin for the weekend, and prep it for the week ahead.

But while I recommend this step, the last thing I want is for anyone to experience discomfort in their skincare routine. Because of this, I recommend choosing an exfoliating wash from a brand you already use and trust. I typically recommend against going out and purchasing new products from brands you’ve never tried before because the last thing we want is any kind of reaction to skincare!

This is often over-looked in the beauty industry. Remember that our skin, hair, and nails are directly affected by what we put into our bodies. Though I have nothing against vitamins like Hairtamins, or OLLY, you can absolutely try them, the answer is fairly basic! Consider taking a multivitamin (this contains essential nutrients that help with cell turnover and energy) and a probiotic. A lot of concerns that arise in our skin, from under eye circles to acne, can arise from our gut. Taking a probiotic helps keep your gut and skin healthy and happy! Choose a brand that you trust, and start slow. Take one supplement for a few days before adding in a second one. If you have health concerns and worry about this step, reach out to a health coach or your doctor first.

Okay, maybe this one doesn’t need to be done 8 weeks before the wedding. But a few times before would be nice! Whether your hair is chemically treated or au naturale, give your hair an extra boost with a deep condition. Don’t have a deep conditioner? Shampoo your hair as soon as you get in the shower and when you apply your conditioner, let is sit on for a few minutes. Bring in a hair claw and pin it up out of your face while you shave your legs or wash your face or just enjoy the hot water for a minutes. Getting a few extra minutes of conditioner will keep your hair shiny and vibrant and tame down frizz.

Maybe you love long, glamorous acrylic nails, or maybe you like to keep your nails short with a clear polish. Whatever you preference is, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at the nail spa and pick a style that is perfectly you. Your hands will be in all your photos showing off your ring, and everyone will be asking to see your wedding band. This is my favorite recommendation because the days leading up to the wedding can be jam packed and busy–but take a little time to relax and pamper yourself, go with your friends or family and soak in the extra time together. Not only will this time together help revive your spirit, but it adds a little extra excitement today. Your manicure/pedicure feels like the finishing touch leading up to the wedding day, and there’s no better feeling than looking at your engagement ring on perfectly done nails!

You will never forget the way you feel on your wedding day. Every bride should take her own breath away when she sees herself in her dress for the first time, done up exactly how she likes. Allow yourself to soak up that moment after such intense preparation–you deserve it!

If you are looking for a hair and makeup artist for your wedding, I serisouly cannot recommend Veronica enough! The Black Swan Beauty team is phenomenal. Connect with Veronica here! Or check out some of her amazing work from the last time we teamed up here. I hope you have found these beauty recommendations helpful!