Your eyes are the most important facial feature and the biggest indicator of a lack of sleep. Sagging, crepe-like skin is just no good with all the cheek kissing and close up pictures on your wedding day. What you need is healthy, glowing skin, sans crepe and sans dark circles or else your wedding photographer will have lots of touching up to do. Here are some great practical do it yourself tips I found at Self.com to help you look fresh faced and wide eyed on your wedding day!
Self.com's ultra-innovative remedies really do the trick in an eye-mergency.
De-Puff that Puff!
How to fix it: "Cold compresses and caffeine ease swelling quickly," says David Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York. Place chilled tea bags or cucumber slices over lids for two minutes, or pop your eye cream in the fridge between applications.
How to hide it: Using a medium foundation brush (flat bristles make for easy blending), apply a thin layer of matte liquid concealer on bags, in a shade that matches the skin on your cheeks, says Nick Barose, a makeup artist in New York City. Then sweep on sheer loose powder to dull shine.
Dry Skin
How to fix it: "Over time, your skin's top layer retains less moisture," Dr. Bank says. To restore youthful suppleness, reach for products with lipids or humectants (including hyaluronic acid and glycerin), such as PureFusion Multi-tasking Eye Concentrate, $49.
How to hide it: Use a hydrating foundation or tinted moisturizer to head off cakeyness, a problem for parched skin. Pat on color (don't rub) with your fingertip to avoid exacerbating flakes. When touching up face makeup, go light on powder, which can suck up essential moisture.
Fine Lines
How to fix it: Smooth a nightly retinol treatment directly onto crow's-feet. "Skin around eyes is so thin that even a slight boost of collagen can make a big difference," says Debra Jaliman, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC.
How to hide it: Prep skin with a silicone-based primer (we like Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, $30) to prevent makeup from creasing. Sunscreen is key to warding off new wrinkles, so opt for makeup with SPF, such as Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation SPF 20, $59.
Dark Circles
How to fix it: If circles move when you pull skin taut, excess melanin may be to blame. Fade them with hydroquinone. (Try Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment, $67.) Shadows don't budge when pulled? Plump skin with moisturizer to mask darkness temporarily.
How to fix it: If circles move when you pull skin taut, excess melanin may be to blame. Fade them with hydroquinone. (Try Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment, $67.) Shadows don't budge when pulled? Plump skin with moisturizer to mask darkness temporarily.
How to hide it: Choose a concealer with built-in brighteners in a shade that's one tone lighter than your natural coloring (such as Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener, $38). Apply over dark areas only, blending tint toward the inner corner of each eye, to lighten up lingering shadows.
Every bride wants flawless skin and it starts with taking time to pamper your skin. Skin care doesn't have to be expensive or confusing. Find a skin routine that works for you and remember start 3-5 months before your wedding to give your face time to adjust. Use a basic cleanser, such as Cetaphil, morning and night. Exfoliate once or twice per week, and use a moisturizer twice per day. Lip balm is also a good idea to keep lips hydrated and soft. Drink lots of water and just take care of yourself, your health and get lots of sleep. Your pictures will thank you!
Have a beautiful day!
P.S. You can find a PERFECT example of flawless wedding skin with this de Lovely Real Wedding. Seriously gorgeous!
