With wedding season ahead of us, many brides plan to do whatever it takes to look their most beautiful on their wedding day. No matter what you say, it’s hard to avoid the truth: all eyes will be on the couple, and they will be the center of attention for the entire day.
As a makeup artist, I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make the bride look and feel her absolute best. I always recommend a makeup trial to avoid unnecessary stress and surprises on the wedding day. During the trial, we discuss the desired look and note the products used.
However, in my over 10 years of experience, I have witnessed some surprising procedures that brides (or other members of the bridal party) decide to undergo just days before the wedding. And sometimes, there is truly nothing a makeup artist can do to fix it.
Here are the beauty treatments and procedures I strongly advise brides NOT TO DO two weeks or less before the wedding day:
Chemical Peel: The goal of a chemical peel is to remove the topmost layer of the skin, improving skin quality and achieving a more youthful and fresh complexion. If you choose this treatment, remember that the healing time is at least up to 2 weeks.
Microdermabrasion: The healing process may take up to 21 days, and during this time, the appearance of the eyebrows may change frequently. Additionally, a touch-up may be required in 4-8 weeks.
Fillers: Swelling around the lips can last up to a week, with full recovery taking two weeks. Bruises may also appear around the affected area. The same applies to face fillers, but keep in mind that a larger face area might be affected.
Spray Tan/Self-Tan: While you’d think it can’t go wrong, I’ve received countless terrified messages about green, black, or patchy arms or feet. The good news is that it can be corrected or removed within 2-3 days.
Eyelash Lift/Permanent Lashes: I primarily use individual eyelashes for my clients, adjusting lengths and thicknesses to beautifully frame the eyes. However, lashes that are too long or thick can cover the entire eyelid, making it challenging to recreate the look we decided on during the trial. As for eyelash lifts, they’re great for day-to-day activities, but if you want to add even a few individual lashes, the lift can make placement harder, if not impossible.
Retinol: Incorrect use of retinol can lead to unwanted side effects like peeling and dryness. I’ve observed this during many trials, and the most obvious sign is how foundation sits on the skin. To prevent this, I recommend nourishing and hydrating products.
This list isn’t exhaustive, so if you’ve experienced any unfortunate side effects from beauty treatments, please share them in the comments section. Let’s help future brides and anyone preparing for an important event avoid such pitfalls.
with love
S.
