Wedding Beauty articles are littered all over the internet. Urging you to buy products or engage in crazy services that more likely than not they are getting paid to suggest to you.

So, I decided to do something different. I asked a number of recent brides and brides to be about their experiences and came up with the below. Everything recommended comes from my own experience or the experience of others. I wrote this specifically for weddings but this honestly applies to any big event you are preparing for. I've provided links to my favorite products throughout!

FIND ROUTINES THAT WORK FOR YOU

NUTRITION AND EXERCISE

Whether you want to lose a few pounds, or just feel healthy and energized make sure you find a nutrition and exercise plan that works for you.

I’m also a huge fan of Rush Cycle and spinning in general. It’s a great cardio workout and it’s actually fun! The bottom line though is to find something you don’t hate doing.

Get a plan together and maybe grab some of your bridesmaids to do it with you! It will be a great bonding experience leading up to the big day.

SKINCARE

Start taking an assessment of your skin. Is it oily? Dry? Acne prone? How does it react to stress? You’re going to want to know all of these things and more so you know how to handle them. This is the time to experiment with products and routines until you find something that works for you.

Here is my skincare routine if you need some inspiration (I have sensitive combination skin that freaks out if I am even a little stressed):

EVERYDAY

AM – Wash face with Micellar Water. Apply rosehip oil and then apply moisturizer with SPF

PM – Remove makeup with Micellar Water. Wash with deep pore cleanser. Apply serums depending on what my skin needs. Apply nighttime moisturizer.

EACH WEEK

Wednesday – Exfoliate using European Wax Center Reveal Me (this stuff is amazing. It is gentle enough to use everyday but I find if I use it more than once a week my skin gets too dry). Then use a hydrating mask. You can make your own using a few things your probably have already in your pantry or you can try these K-beauty masks I got on Amazon for ridiculously cheap.

Friday – Brightening Mask.

Sunday – Deep cleansing Mask.

This is also the time that if you wanted to experiment with things like Botox, Peels, etc. do it now. These things only last a little while but at least you will be prepared when you go to try it again closer to your wedding date

HAIR AND BROWS

This is the time to decide on your hair and brows looks. Do you want to change it up? Stay the same? Maybe go back to your natural color? Hair will likely need 6 months or longer to settle in and get it to where you want it so decide on what you want. Also, make sure you’re moisturizing your locks if you’re growing it long to accommodate that up-do you’ve been dreaming of.

As far as brows, this is the time to trust the professionals. Talk with a waxing specialist about how you want them shaped and how to get there in time for your big day. For the love of all things holy, avoid magnifying mirrors and lock the tweezers away.

MAKE SOME DECISIONS

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Decide on how you want to wear your hair and makeup for the big day. Have a trial or two with your hair and makeup teams and nail down a look you love and feel beautiful in. Decide whether you are going to wear just mascara, false lashes or get lash extensions. Pick your lipstick color and make a plan for your touch ups between the ceremony and reception.

KEEP UP WITH EVERYTHING YOU’VE BEEN DOING. CONSISTENCY IS KEY HERE.

CROSS YOUR TS

TEETH WHITENING

Get your teeth professionally whitened or start using an at home option if that works better for you. You want to make sure you are proudly showing off those pearly whites in all your wedding photos!

TANNING

Test your tanning options. Will you do an at home lotion? Get a professional spray tan? Use a cloth? Or maybe a mousse? See what colors work best with your skin tone and hair color. I would highly recommend getting a professional spray tan done by hand. They can add contours to your body in all the right places and it tends to last longer and not rub off on clothing.

2 WEEKS UNTIL DAY OF…

You can do this is any order you want that works best with your schedule but this is the order I would/am going to do them

2 WEEKS OUT

Professional facial based on what my skin needs

1 WEEK OUT

Hair color and trim with deep conditioning treatment
Massage

3 DAYS OUT

Spray tan
Make makeup and hair “touch up” bag

2 DAYS OUT

Mani/Pedi – preferably gel to avoid chips
Get good sleep
Stay hydrated!

ADVICE FROM REAL BRIDES

ELIZABETH

“Enjoy it. It goes really fast. Don’t sweat the small stuff, it will all work out in the end. Also, remember why you’re working so hard! You’re planning a day to celebrate how much you love someone with everyone who loves you. On another note, be sure to set boundaries. People mean well but don’t forget it’s your day. That being said, ask for help if you need it. Drink lots of water. Don’t yo-yo diet and don’t try weird beauty treatments less than 3 months before the wedding. Your eyebrows will thank you.”

CARMELA

“Start hydrating a good amount before because it helps with your metabolism and your skin. It will also help curb your appetite. At about 6 months out you can test new products and develop a good stable skin routine. Then stick with it! If you are going to get a spray tan test it prior and if you can, test it right before your makeup trial. This makes a huge difference. A lot of brides get a spray tan for the wedding but don’t get it before the trail to see how you will actually look the day of.”

CHRISTINE

“I joined a new gym (equinox!) and got into a workout routine I knew I wouldn’t get bored with for the next 6 months. I got super motivated in that sense. I tried out tape in hair extensions, which I ended up LOVING and will continue to get them until after the wedding. I wanted more volume since I have always had fine hair and this was my answer, so I will have them for the bachelorette, bridal shower and wedding. Wish I had them for the engagement sesh haha. I started trying to figure out, in my diet, what was causing break outs. I had previously gone to a dermatologist and they just gave me products that didn’t work so I did some investigative work myself and realized dairy (and heavy alcohol consumption obviously) really messed with my skin. After cutting dairy out, I have felt so much better and so happy I did. I also started trying to drink a ton of water. I will be trying out a spray tan place before my bachelorette to see if I like them and consider getting it done there before the wedding.I feel like 6 months out you just try to start instilling good habits and finding out what will work for your skin and for your body before the crazy stress and crunch time hits!”

6 Month Wedding (or Special Event) Beauty Countdown