Extreme Bridal Beauty

Extreme Bridal Beauty

Brides are loving semi-permanent individual eyelash extensions to lengthen and thicken the look of natural lashes. Though pricey, an expert application can last up to two months (with touch-ups). Try to schedule two appointments before the big day, says eyelash guru Cheri Wroblewski of Lash Boutique in New York and Paris.

The first visit is to apply the set of lashes (go about one month before the wedding), and the second trip is the time to fill any gaps and perfect the look. You may want to test the look at a pre-wedding event, like the engagement party or bridal shower, to see how the lashes look in photos.

Extreme Bridal Beauty

Spray makeup has the quality of looking very natural and subtle, but gives photos a lovely finished look with its precise blending, contouring and highlighting effects. "For a bride who may have rain or humidity or heat, the makeup stays on for a very fresh look," says Michelle Kelthy, spa director of the Ritz-Carlton Naples, who uses the Temptu system on about half of her brides.

For a full-body glow, brides are going for organic, natural spray tans that can be adapted to your skin tone (about 10 different shades) based on skin and eye color.

Extreme Bridal Beauty

Beyond a few coats of Ballet Slippers, brides are turning to long-lasting, high-shine manicures that protect nails from chipping and breaking. Nail expert Patricia Yankee prefers the Dashing Diva Gelife (a soak-off UV gel system that takes the place of polish) and French Wrap Manicures (a flexible plastic application that mimics the white polish in a classic French tip), which can last for weeks -- plus, it prevents the natural nail from breaking and nail polish from chipping. She recommends getting it done three or four days before the wedding.

Extreme Bridal Beauty

Permanent cosmetics, a state-of-the-art form of cosmetic tattooing in which pigment is deposited into the dermal layer of the skin, is popular for long-term enhancements like eyebrows, eyeliner and lip liner (a lighter application means it isn't totally permanent). Since it is a skin-invasive procedure, there may be a bit of discomfort involved, and make sure you scout for good practices like new and sterile needles.

Makeup artist Amy Kernahan, an expert in micropigmentation, recommends getting this done two months before the wedding day, with a touch-up one month later. "As a makeup artist, I always encourage clients to choose a technician with an artistic background, as permanent cosmetics is truly an art form," she says.

Extreme Bridal Beauty

A good dentist can help your pearly whites to sparkle even more on the big day. Any complex dental issues should be addressed as soon as possible, but see your dentist for professional teeth whitening three weeks before the wedding, says Dr. Timothy Chase in New York.

Many in-office systems use a laser to activate a gel that gently penetrates the teeth to remove stains, leaving your teeth six to 10 shades whiter. Follow up the treatment with an at-home treatment for the next two weeks (your dentist can help you choose the best fit), then schedule a professional polish the week of the wedding. To keep your new smile bright, choose white wine over red at the reception.

Extreme Bridal Beauty

Brides wanting to avoid the slightest hint of frizz are loving Brazilian blowouts and Keratin treatments (which smooth out the cuticle of the hair to give a lasting, smoother look to your locks), says hairstylist Angelo David of Angelo David Salon in NYC. Before you hop on board, talk to a trusted stylist to determine the desired look for your specific hair type and lifestyle. Treatments typically last about three to four months, so try it out about a month before the wedding (this will give you time to adjust the look, if necessary). David is also seeing brides request fuller, thicker or longer locks, which can be achieved with customized "couture" hair extensions (designed to match your hair texture, type and color and your lifestyle). After an initial consultation to discuss the options, a made-to-order addition is custom-fitted, then the hair is cut and styled to blend in the personalized pieces.

Extreme Bridal Beauty

Interested in laser hair removal, Botox or other procedures to get your skin ready for the big day? Check out this handy beauty countdown calendar from Dr. Schultz:

6 - 12 Months Before:
Begin laser treatments of any unwanted hair (you will need multiple sessions, spread over a period of six to nine months).

Make sure you're in a regular skincare routine. Use cleanser, toner and sunscreen every day. Use moisturizer for dryness, if you need it (not everyone does). By sticking to a daily regimen, you may see a 30- to 40-percent improvement in your skin.

3 - 6 Months Before
If you're prone to acne breakouts, start to get them under control. Use an over-the-counter treatment with benzoyl peroxide.

Start getting monthly facials, which could include a glycolic treatment (which is better for sensitive skin) or microdermabrasion (which is better for oily skin or large pores) at your dermatologist.

If you have sun spots or spots of discoloration, begin laser treatment at the dermatologist to even out your skin tone.

2 - 3 Months Before
Time to fine-tune. Impressions from acne scars can be repaired with filler injections like Juvederm (which typically lasts three to six months). Even women in their twenties can have fine lines, most commonly between the eyebrows, that can also be remedied with fillers.

1 Month Before
Keep doing what you're doing, and don't experiment with anything new. At this point, your skin should be in balance. If you have any last-minute skin emergencies, your dermatologist will be able to help right before the wedding.

Extreme Bridal Beauty