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I vowed to finally be consistent about daily use ofgua sha,Nutrafol, andtretinoin.
Photography by Christine Doneé
I committed to frequent chemical peels, a smattering of face masks, and expensive new serums.
My goal was straightforward: to look the best I have everand will everlook at my wedding.
I watched in awe alongside the millions of others on#bridetok.
The writer in her natural state, pre-wedding.
Slowly, knots began to form in my stomach.
Predictably, this do everything all at once approach did not hold.
I was unable to employ seven new habits overnight.
Rebecca Cavallari was married in New York City earlier this year.
I did not have unlimited money for a medley of luxurious medspa treatments.
Until one day, I gave up on everything.
To my total surprise, she told me that my approach was flawed from the beginning.
Anneliese Dominguez was married in California two years ago.
When it comes to wedding prep, less can sometimes be more.
The writer in her natural state, pre-wedding.
The biggest mistake brides make is not spacing out trying new products or treatments.
It’s important not to rush your skin.
Inspired by Darden, I made a new plan that prioritized simplicity over extremity.
So how do we brides get so tangled up in the more-is-always-better approach?
Rebecca Cavallari was married in New York City earlier this year.
I got really overwhelmed.
I felt like I had to take care of everything before the wedding.
That is kind of a theme, says Cavallari.
I really thought I would do a bunch more, but I haven’t.
In the end, Cavallari arrived at her wedding week without a refresh of Botox or filler.
Im glad Im not mad at myself because I didnt gua sha.
I didnt and thats that.
I see people getting married in the south of France, literal models, and it is hard.
Thinking about bridal beauty as a catalyst for total transformation often brings insecurities to the surface.
That gentle can be just as effective.
I wish someone had told me this before optimizing my face became my full-time job.
In the end, Dominguez opted for simple facials atHeydayover medspa treatments.
She started gentle facials four months before saying I Do in 2022 and she felt great on the day.
Anneliese Dominguez was married in California two years ago.
Similarly, Cavallari’s biggest transformation ended up being internal rather than external.
I started talking to myself in the mirror every day like I was my best friend, says Cavallari.
I hype myself up.
It makes me feel good.
When I was the deepest in my bridal beauty prep list, I was at my most stressed.
I felt like an exposed nerve.
Brides should focus on getting adequate rest for healthy, glowing skin on their special day.
Stress causes inflammation in the skin, New York City-based board-certified dermatologistAmy Wechslerhaspreviously toldAllure.
What we do have control over is what we prioritize in the lead-up to our wedding.
You dont want to look back at your photos and be like wow I was so beautiful…then.
As for me, Id rather it be clear I was happy.
More beauty ideas for brides to consider (or ignore!
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Watch the evolution of bridal makeup:
