Weddingsillustrated.net spoke with Guerlain's senior vice president, Linda Maiocco, about tips and strategies for putting the best face forward on the big day.
WI.NET: The stressful days leading up to the wedding can take their toll on the skin. What are some of your recommended rituals for getting the skin in the best condition possible for the wedding day?
MAIOCCO: There is no doubt that the bride-to-be should begin a strict skincare regimen before her big day.
It's imperative to exfoliate skin one to two times a week. This frequent exfoliation will continually get dead skin cells off the face so makeup doesn't sit on top of them. Dead skin cells on the surface of the skin will
make you look uneven and dehydrated. (Try: Secret de Purete Exfoliator $54.00)
Guerlain's Super Aqua Masks- These amazing sheet masks will ease and soothe the skin by providing an intense moisture bath. For best results, the bride should begin using the mask once a week for 6 weeks leading to her wedding day. This intensive moisture treatment will leave her skin appearing visibly smoother, supple and luminous, for a gorgeous glow as she walks down the aisle.
Guerlain's Super Aqua Eye Serum- Specially adapted to intensely hydrate, revitalize and smooth the most sensitive area of the face, the Super Aqua Eye Serum will keep the bride looking rested even if she can't sleep with pre-wedding jitters. The under eye area will look visibly plumped and more radiant, puffiness is visibly reduced and dark circles appear lighter.
In addition to products/procedures, what can a bride do to ensure perfectly hydrated, radiant skin?
Water, water and more water! There is nothing more effective to flush out bad toxins. You should double up on your water intake at least one month prior to your wedding day. This mixed with a good nutrition will ensure radiant skin.
Are there any absolute don'ts?
Try to cut out caffeine and alcohol. This will not only make you more on edge (think Bridezilla), but both will dehydrate your skin immensely.
What about sun exposure? Are you for or against?
Sun exposure, under any circumstance, is something to be avoided. Use a powder bronzer or you can even try a spray bronzer that will blend more easily than the traditional bronzer and it will last longer. Using a brush or a sponge to blend in after you apply it, helps the liquid formula to settle and to stay put. (Try: Terracotta Spray Bronzer $59.00)
Are there any day-of strategies/tricks for making the skin appear flawless?
A good moisturizer is key. Try Super Aqua Day Lotion SPF 30- A moisturizer that leaves skin perfectly moisturized and smoothed from the morning ceremony through the reception! Incredibly lightweight, it will also provide sun protection for those getting married outdoors. The skin feels instantly fresh and will keep you hydrated throughout the big day.
Choosing the right foundation is very important, as well as how you apply it. The more exact your shade is to your skin tone, the less foundation you actually have to apply. You can even just focus on the t-zone area and blend outward, skipping other parts of the face that don't need the coverage as much. How do you know how much to apply? If it's creasing when you are smiling, you have used too much. Use a makeup sponge and gently dab to remove the excess (Try Lingerie de Peau, $56)
Powder is typically viewed as your frenemy; however, you never stay away from a frenemy entirely. Finish off your look with a very light application of a translucent loose powder. Try using a very large brush to apply it, as
this will help avoid picking up too much powder and applying too much. Focus on the t-zone or your oily areas and just lightly brush as a finishing touch. (Try: Les Voilettes Loose Powder: $55.00)
What happens if there is a breakout or pimple? Are there any quick fixes?
Don't panic! Pre-wedding anxiety can absolutely wreak havoc on your skin. Fast fix? Cover the unwanted guest with a concealer (see below for more details). But remember, you want to de-emphasize the pimple rather than trying to overly conceal it.
In the case of imperfections, what concealer do you recommend?
Guerlain's Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator is perfect for this very thing! Not only does it correct imperfections, but it also eflects light due to its exclusive Gold Radiance Pigments, to give you a natural golden glow. Like with any concealer, you will want to apply it to just the areas that need lightening/highlighting or additional coverage. Don't go overboard, many women think you can't use too much concealer but concealer can get cakey too, just like foundation. Use it sparingly and see if you have achieved the coverage you want, you can always layer slightly more afterward.
