12 Months
- Eat well. It's been proven that nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, contribute to great-looking skin. Aim for a calorie count of 1,600 a day and ensure you pack in the five essential food groups (whole grains, fruits, veggies, dairy and protein).
- Drink water. Have six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day and drink even more if you’re particularly active. Water helps dissolve nutrients, amino acids, glucose and more, so healthy cells can function effectively.
- Consult a dermatologist. He/She will create a skin care strategy, especially if you have more serious concerns like broken capillaries, uneven skin tone, adult acne or rosacea.
- Think long-term. If you want to invest in long-term skin solutions like microdermabrasion or the prescription Accutane, remember that they work over time. The earlier you start the program, the better.
9 Months
- Get into facials. "Treatments help remove toxins from your skin," explains skin pro Maria Mobilio from Toronto's Donato Salon. "Facials also help purify, moisturize and cleanse skin." Consult your favourite spa to find the facial for your skin type, then book a series to get your skin in shape.
- Get serious about home skin care. Shop for non-abrasive products that are tailored to your skin type (normal, oily, dry or combination) and those that contain sunscreen (essential in a moisturizer).
- Do you have unwanted hair? Consider permanent hair removal with electrolysis. Consult a professional about timing, cost and skin sensitivity.
- If you smoke, butt out. "Just one cigarette can block the absorption of oxygen, vital minerals and vitamin C to your skin for 20 minutes," says Lorraine Hamilton, aesthetician at Toronto's Jeanet Spa + Salon. The blocked circulation increases wrinkling and yellowing of the skin. Do it now! There is lots of help available.
6 Months
- Stay with your regime! Keep up with facials. Book one every six weeks to get glowing skin.
- Choose a hair removal option. If you passed on electrolysis, start bleaching or waxing your unwanted hair. If you have facial hair, get it treated every three to four weeks.
- Decide on your makeup. Will you do your own wedding makeup, make an appointment at a local salon or hire a makeup artist for W-day? Research the best salons and get recommendations from friends.
- How's your water intake? Are you keeping up? If not, it's time to get more serious.
3 Months
- Control breakouts. Is wedding stress causing facial flare-ups? Look for blemish creams that contain retinol, salicylic acid or antibacterial benzoyl peroxide to combat clogged pores more efficiently.
- Start collecting inspirational photos. These should reflect what you want for your wedding-day makeup. Schedule a trial to discuss what is best for you (consider the formality of the event plus your dress, hairstyle and face shape). Book the appointment for the big day too.
- Get makeup advice. If you're doing your own makeup, take advantage of the free advice offered at the counter of your favourite brand. Buy the one product that is most important for the look they create for you. Then spend time searching out less expensive options from other brands to save money.
- Don't forget your brows. They frame your face and can enhance your whole look. Make an appointment with a pro to create the perfect set for you. Book follow-up sessions every four weeks to keep your arches clean.
- Keep waxing. Get rid of that unwanted hair!
1 Month
- Stop cheating! If you have been cheating on your beauty schedule, get religious about it now. Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face twice a day and never sleep in your makeup!
- Have your trial makeup done. Discuss what you love and what you don't and get your look down for the day.
- Do a makeup dress rehearsal. If you are the makeup pro, have you remembered to practice your techniques regularly? Remember, practice makes perfect and will eliminate cosmetic mishaps.
- Make a beauty schedule. This should detail events for the week leading up to your wedding and book all final beauty appointments.
1 Week
- Have your final facial. This is the absolute latest you should have your final facial. When booking your service, ask for an eye treatment also. They are great for adding hydration and de-puffing the eye area.
- Pick up an illuminator. It will add radiance to your skin on W-day. Ask a beauty pro to recommend one that's right for your skin and wedding look.
- Groom brows to perfection. Plus, do any last-minute waxing and moisturize with your favourite lotion.
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