Some may try to be blasé about it, but there’s a lot of pressure to look your best on your wedding day—and the tiniest things can make a world of a difference. This goes beyond booking a glam squad to transform you for hours before you walk down the aisle. Ask yourself: Is all that hairspray really going to keep your frizz at bay, especially if it’s an outdoor wedding? Are your nails ready for their wedding band close-up? Will you need to get a single strand of facial hair plucked, only do have that spot turn red? What if a good haircut can guarantee you good hair throughout your wedding…and honeymoon?
Here, we list out some tried-and-tested beauty treatments and products to help brides-to-be prep, primp and prime (as much as possible) before you say “I do”.
1 / 10
Get straighter, whiter teeth
For brides who… want that perfect straight, gleaming smile
Best done… four to 10 months before the wedding, depending on whether you go with the day or night-time aligners programme
If you’ve done braces, with your teeth having shifted over the years, or if you’re new to teeth aligning and want to get that straight, gleaming smile you’ve always wanted, SmileDirectClub has a solution for you. They have two options designed for minor to moderate teeth correction: Daytime Aligners prescribed to be worn 22-hours per day for gorgeous results in four to six months, or Nighttime Aligners, designed to be worn for 10 continuous hours while you sleep, for an average treatment length of 10 months—more than enough time considering the year or two most people take to plan their wedding.
The process is simple: You book a free 3D image appointment at any SmileShop located in Nuffield Dental Clinics, where a dentist or orthodontist digitally scans your entire mouth in minutes, forming a virtual mould that will eventually create your custom-made, BPA-free clear plastic aligners in just a few weeks. Each individuals set of aligners are designed with the brand’s Comfort Sense technology, which ensures a smooth, snug fit, while Smart Sculpt technology forecasts exactly how you move your teeth, and how your teeth will move week on week—you change into a new set of aligners every week, with each one tighter that the previous so you enjoy continuous correction with no pain and barely any change to your daily rituals. These four to 10-month-long dentist-monitored smile plans come with QR codes on each set of aligners so that the SmileShop and Nuffield Dental is updated on your progress—just in case. Perfect for individuals with mild to moderate teeth crowding or spacing, or brides-to-be who really want that perfect smile, SmileDirectClub’s clear aligner programme also comes with a free Bright On teeth-whitening set too.
2 / 10
Try face-framing layers
For brides who… plan to wear their long hair down, effortlessly
Best done… at least four weeks before the wedding, to give your hair some time to grow out or yourself some time for another trim to perfect the shape
Is your bridal Pinterest board full of K-beauty references—like the glossy, windswept locks of K-drama actresses? Then the popular Korean “face line cut” is the hairstyle for you. Available at Kim Robinson Singapore (look for Annie Lam), this haircut comprises soft and varying layers that are trimmed at an angle, creating waves that drape along the sides of your forehead, ears, and cheekbones, often curling into the jawline to define and create an illusion of a slimmer, “V-line” visage. The rest of your hair will also feature long layers all around to give your mane that coveted airy, windblown effect. And if you end up changing your mind about letting your hair down, this versatile style already incorporates wispy bangs perfect to frame and add textures to a delicate up-do.
3 / 10
Wax your face and hands (and more)
For brides who… want to be ever-ready for their close-up
Best done… a week before the wedding to avoid any last minute skin irritation
When it comes to hair removal, body parts are often the first to come to mind. What many tend to neglect are areas on the face, like the upper lip, peach fuzz and the eyebrows—the last thing you want is for the make-up artist to have to pluck a few strands on the spot, which may result in redness and swelling, especially in ultra sensitive areas around the mouth. Book an appointment at the Benefit Brow Bar in Sephora for the “She’s a Stunner” treatment which waxes your brow, lip and chin, and tints your eyebrows for a touch of subtle definition. This full suite of face waxing services are also available at Strip, where you can spare an extra minute or two to do soft wax on your fingers, for ultra smooth hand shots when you and your partner exchange rings.
4 / 10
Invest in lash extensions
For brides who… don’t want to risk a “hang lash” after crying while saying “I do”
Best done… two to three days before the wedding so your lashes are as full as possible, but gives you enough time to change anything just in case
Many brides have to wear two (or even three) sets of false eyelashes to complete the impactful eye make-up look they desire. The thing with these stick-ons is that one, they can be pretty uncomfortable, especially when layered, and two, you run the risk of the glue loosening at all the wrong moments—like when you’re crying while say “I do”. Save yourself (and your make-up artist) the drama of “hang lash” and opt for a lush set of lash extensions before the wedding. The key here is to decide exactly what make-up looks you want for the ceremony and dinner and match your lashes accordingly—like cat-eye vs doll-eye. You might not be able to use your eyes for over an hour while getting these done, but you’re guaranteed dramatically convenient and luscious lashes 24/7 for at least a month or two.
5 / 10
Achieve instantly thicker hair
For brides who… are conscious about thinning hair, hair loss and an overly exposed hairline
Best done… during hair and make-up by your glam personnel
If you are suffering from hair loss and thinning hair, the last thing you want is to feel conscious about your hairline during your wedding. Create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair by shading in any exposed areas of scalp with a matte eyeshadow in a similar colour as your hair. It’s advisable to use a small fluffy brush to lightly dust the colour in, which allows you to control and build intensity as you wish. This, to me, works better and creates a much more natural finish than those grey hair-covering colour sprays, mascaras or crayons.
6 / 10
Do your own nails
For brides who… don’t have time for a manicure, have tiny nail beds or brittle nails
Best done… anytime really, up till your hair and make-up sessions on the day itself—all you need is five to 10 minutes
Perhaps you don’t have time to get a manicure done, or simply have tiny nail beds or brittle nails that aren’t suitable for your preferred set of talons. The solution? Nail wraps from Nodspark. They come in a gorgeous array of bridal-appropriate shades (think glossy nude or a timeless matte red), or even minimal graphic art that can be stuck on in under five minutes. Just prep nails properly as per the box instructions, then peel, stick and press and your nails will be ready for their wedding band close-up in no time.
7 / 10
Maintain silky-smooth hair
For brides who… whose tresses need extreme TLC and a frizz-free guarantee
Best done… In the final days leading up to the wedding
If you have dry, frizzy, unmanageable or damaged hair—or all of the above—you might want to consider doing an Advanced Sugar Hair Lamination Treatment at Chez Vous. This 60-minute solution harnesses the power of sugar-based actives to repair damage and strengthen hair’s internal structure, while also coating strands externally with a proprietary thin layer of laminate (made up of ceramides, collagen, hydrolysed silk and natural oils) for manageability and silky-smooth glossiness. With varying levels of “straightness” according to your preference, you can even retain natural curves or waves (versus keratin treatments) while achieving shinier, silkier and healthier locks that will remain frizz-free no matter how its shaped or styled on your big day.
Product tip: If you want to be extra ready, get a bridesmaid to slip a pack of The Ouai’s Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets, $27 for 15 sheets, to tame flyaways and smoothen ‘dos on-the-go
8 / 10
Get emergency help for angry zits
For brides who… you’ve tried everything to heal cystic acne or if a giant zit pops up overnight
Best done… As a last resort after all other topical and facial treatments, or the day before the wedding as a skin SOS
Possibly one of the worst skin nightmares is waking up with a giant zit on the day of the wedding, or an ultra stubborn spot of cystic acne that just refuses to subside after days (or weeks) of targeted pimple care. Either way, this solution should be your last resort when all else fails: A cortisone acne injection, more commonly know as acne steroid shots or cystic acne injections. This skin SOS treatment involves dilute corticosteroid being injected directly into your swollen pimple, with its anti-inflammatory effects working almost immediately to shrink, flatten and basically dissipate the painful spot in approximately 24 hours. Just remember to find a noted clinic with trusted doctors and good reviews to get the job done.
Product tip: If you’re dealing with a smaller pimple problem, reach for CosRX’s Acne Pimple Master Patch for quick acne healing overnight. Not only will its A.D.F hydrocolloid dressing effectively extract impurities and reduce redness and inflammation overnight, this provides a protective barrier against bacteria or potentially-scarring scratching while you sleep.
9 / 10
Dry brush your way to glowing skin
For brides who… want to show off some skin
Best done… once a week for a month before the big day
Dry brushing isn’t just a great way to exfoliate skin (to brighten, renew and even out skin tone), it is considered a stimulation detoxification therapy that helps to flush away the build-up of toxins within the lymphatic system. This in turn will result in better circulation, cellular renewal and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce bloating, cellulite and unsightly bumps from conditions like ingrown hair, “backne” or clogged pores. You’ll want to do this once a week using a good polishing body brush on dry skin, starting from your soles and palms, working your way upwards and inwards towards the heart in long, smooth strokes. Once done, take a lukewarm shower with a soothing body wash, gently pat dry, and finish with a generous layer of lotion to nourish, replenish and moisturise skin.
Product tip: If you find dry brushing a little too time consuming or painful, trying chemical exfoliation instead, with either Mediheal’s Body CleanPeel Dual Pad, which contains non-irritating triple enzyme bubble that helps cleanse, balance and detoxify the surface layer of skin. That, or Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Towels, which come dosed in a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and antioxidant-rich squalane and aloe, to sweep away dead skin cells, soothe and strengthen skin’s moisture barrier and boost cell renewal for clearer, firmer and healthier skin.
10 / 10
Attain a post-facial glow
For brides who… need a brightening boost for their mien, as a result from lack of sleep
Best done… at least three to five days before the big day
Wedding prep can be immensely stressful, or rather have you spiral into an extended period of stress and anxiety. All of which can lead to a dull, worn-out facade. To nourish your skin as well as to take the 90-minute treatment for some shut-eye, opt for a brightening facial or one that piles on collagen. Book yourself in at Caring Skin, with every facial here beginning with a welcome massage, before catering their treatment to your skin type. So whether it be treating acne scars or achieving a brighter appearance for your big day, your post-facial glow will be much appreciated. Just be sure to give a few days of downtime before waltzing down the aisle, in the case of any post-recovery from extractions.
