Beauty: Skin Deep

Expert Advice On The Latest Products and Procedures 

For A Flawless Face.

We recently met up with New York City dermatologist, Dr. Sejal Shah, founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology who told us that it’s not as hard as you may think. Perfect skin can be yours for the big day—and beyond. Here’s what she had to say.



When should a bride-to-be start a skin care plan?

I recommend brides start a skin plan at least six months before the big day. Initially, it's important to determine priorities and establish goals, this will help set a timeline, as well as guide the best procedures. In addition to procedures, I like brides to start a skin care routine that will get their skin in shape.

I recommend the following:

• Daily moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30, such as Neocutis Journee. 

Neocutiss Journee

• An antioxidant serum such as Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. If acne, signs of aging, or uneven 
skin tone are more specific concerns, I add in a retinoid.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

• Use a hydrating eye cream at night. Some of my favorites are Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream or RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Eye Cream.

RoC

Shiseido

• A good hyaluronic acid product for increased hydration. One of my favorites is Neocutis Hyalis Refining Serum.

Neocutiss Hyalis

• If skin tends to be sensitive, look for products with soothing ingredients such as Aveeno Ultra-Calming line as well as skin barrier-repairing ingredients, such as niacinamide, found in CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion.

Aveeno

CeraVe

                                               

• Most important of all get plenty of rest.



What are the most common skin concerns for brides?

Every bride has different skin concerns depending on numerous factors like age, skin type, even wedding location. The most common skin concerns are usually stress-induced redness, acne, wrinkles, and discoloration (sunspots/freckles).

What are the best procedures to tackle these concerns pre-wedding?

The best procedures depend on the bride's primary concerns and goals. The most common goal among brides is clear and glowing skin. Two of my favorite procedures for skin rejuvenation and maintaining radiant skin are the Clear and Brilliant Laser and ViPeel (my go-to chemical peel). After just one treatment with either one of these procedures, you will notice smoother, glowing skin.

For best results, I do recommend a series of four-to-six treatments at least a month apart. You will want to complete the series at least two weeks before the wedding day.

• Redness Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are my treatment of choice. I usually recommend three-to-five treatments.

• Wrinkles Frown lines, crow’s feet, etc., are best treated with Botox. A Botox treatment is great because it lasts three-to-four months so brides can do one treatment three-to-four months prior to the wedding and then a touch up two weeks before.

• Acne Besides a prescription regimen of oral and topical medications depending on the severity of the acne, I also like to incorporate chemical peels and extractions into the treatment plan. Steroid injections like Kenelog are a great quick fix for those big painful red bumps that flare up due to stress.

• Sunspots/Freckles The Fraxel Laser Treatment works well in removing sunspots and freckles. I recommend one-to-three treatments a month apart.


By Patricia Canole

Planning: Fast Fixes for Wedding Day Mishaps

DRESS TOO BIG? DON’T WORRY. HERE’S THE SCOOP ON DEALING WITH BIG­ DAY DISASTERS.

THE DRESS DOESN’T FIT Your amazing wedding dress, which you spent so much time selecting and being fitted, is too big (worries equal skipped meals). What’s a bride to do? 

Quick Fix - If your gown is falling off (especially in the bust) experts suggest using fabric tape to adhere the dress to your skin. And a satin sash to cinch your waist can also solve the problem.

THE CAKE TOPPLES Believe it or not, a cake collapse is pretty common! It might happen because the confection is too heavy for the stand or close to the dance floor.

Quick Fix - Luckily, it’s fairly easy to repair the damage. Have your fast­acting planner or caterer piece the cake back to its original form. Then spread frosting over the affected area. If it still looks iffy, take flowers from table centerpieces and artfully arrange them. Dim the lights for the cake cutting and no one will even notice.

MAKEUP MESS No matter how big or small, a last-­minute stain can whip any bride into a frenzy. 

Quick Fix - Apply a little club soda to the spot, then sprinkle some talc or salt to soak it up. Let dry. If the spot remains, touch it up with white chalk.


BLOWN AWAY You thought you just needed to worry about your veil getting lipstick smudges in the breeze? 

Courtesy of Meadowood- Napa Valley

Quick Fix - If your reception is of the outdoor variety, note that many tents can handle rain better than wind. Tents do blow over. Even if it’s built like a log cabin, your tent might not be able to withstand intense wind. If you wake up to blustery weather on your wedding day, consult the venue manager or rental company about whether you should risk it. Is there an on­site indoor facility available? If you decide to go ahead, make sure the tent pro sticks around for the entire reception (even it means an additional fee).


FRESH BREATH Mints might spruce up matters—but only temporarily.

Quick Fix - Nothing kills bad breath better than eating an apple. It attacks odor from your stomach and keeps breath fresh for the day.

PUFFY EYES Concerned you may wake up with red, puffy eyes on the morning of your wedding? 

Quick Fix - The night before prop pillows to raise your head: This helps drain fluid from the blood vessels around the eyes. Still red and swollen after you awaken the next day? Then place cold, wet tea bags on each lid to relieve swollen tissue.


AN ATTENDANT FEELS QUEASY An empty stomach or a night-­before celebration could all cause any groomsman or bridesmaid to faint during the ceremony. 

Quick Fix - Briefly stop the proceedings, bring the person a chair and glass of juice, and then resume the ceremony. To ward off such mid­ ceremony mishaps, advise your attendants to eat something before-hand. Another tip is not to have them lock their knees when standing for long periods of time. Instead roll gently back and forth on the balls of the feet. It’s a trick that the guards at Buckingham Palace use and keeps the blood circulating. 

By Patricia Canole

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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Beauty & Fashion: Color of the Year

2015 Color of the Year - Marsala

Pantone’s color experts recently named Marsala the color of the year for 2015.

At For the Bride, we love this hue—a red-­brown color that evokes the richness of fine wine. We’re forecasting Marsala will be the hot hue for weddings too!

Marsala for Fashion
The full­bodied qualities of Marsala makes an elegant statement when used on its own or as a compelling accent paired with other colors. The shade combines dramatically with neutrals, including warmer taupes and grays. It’s perfect as a base color and can be complimented with blush and ivory any time of year. Or for a spring/summer vibe match the color of the year with bright golden yellows and oranges. For a fall/winter weddings, Marsala does well teal blues and vibrant greens.

Marsala for Beauty

A versatile color for beauty, Marsala is a sophisticated shade that’s flattering against many skin tones. The hue pairs exquisitely with mixes of peachy pinks - an incredible amount of options for lips and cheeks. Be sure to add a hint of bronze. And to complete your bridal look, use Marsala as a go-to finishing touch for nails.

Here, some inspiration for including this fabulous hue as part of your wedding.

Bride & Blossom Floral Decor

Deborah Lippman - Jazz Standard

Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lip

After Six - Style 6697

Bride & Blossom Floral Decor

Laura Grier - Beautiful Day Photography

By Patricia Canole

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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Beauty: Organic Products for Brides

Once upon a time, organic beauty products lined a couple of shelves at the local health food store. No more. The organic trend is widespread and its growth explosive. Beauty companies are reacting to consumer demands and what’s happening in the food industry. With women taking note of what they put inside their bodies, they also started to question what they put on the outside. Clearly, there’s never been a better time to be a naturally radiant bride.

THE GREEN GLOSSARY Knowing these terms will help you read labels right. 
NATURAL The term has not been defined (or regulated) by the FDA but commonly assumed to refer to products containing such ingredients as essential oils, herbs, roots manufactured without the use of synthetics.
ORGANIC Refers to how ingredients are grown and processed. Organic production avoids pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or hormones, genetic engineering or irradiation. Organic products are minimally processed, minus artificial ingredients and preservatives. According to the National Organic Program (NOP) of the US Department of Agriculture, products that contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients can display the USDA “Certified Organic” seal. Products with at least 70 percent organic ingredients can be labeled “made with organic ingredients” but cannot wear the seal.

FRESH PICKS 
The Latest Lotions & Potions.Today it’s easier than ever to find top-quality green skin care and makeup products. Here, some of my favorites to include in your big day beauty regimen. 

Africology USA A luxury line of face and body care products made in South Africa. Products contain indigenous plants, including rooibos, aloe ferox and African potato, along with essential oils. The active ingredients in the skin care products are powerful agents in repairing and restoring damaged skin.
 BEST BET: Anti-Oxidant Serum contains vitamin A palmitate for increased collagen and DNA stimulation. Works wonders for eyes and lips.

Me & The Girls This popular brand creates products using certified organic cupuacu butter that is sustainably harvested from the Amazon rainforest. You’ll find a unique line of alternative, safe moisturizers and exfoliants that polishes and replenishes skin to silky soft perfection.
BEST BET: Bar Beleza, a solid stick made of capuacu butter, tanunu oil and coconut butter with vitamin E. It can be used as a makeup remover, day moisturizer and eye treatment.

Neocell This company specializes in collagen-building supplements designed to promote radiant beauty and overall wellness with ingredients that include skin-plumping collagen, hyaluronic acid and anti-oxidant vitamin C. 
BEST BET: The chewable Beauty Bursts (a 30-day supply) are a delicious way to radiant skin. A truly sweet way to being a beautiful bride! 

Shamanuti Based in Boston this modern skincare line is built on the rich botanical heritage of the Americas. Ingredients like North Atlantic kelp and blue-green algae are carefully formulated to create luxurious products which optimize skin function while calming, nourishing and hydrating.
BEST BET: The popular Crème No. 1 works to balance imperfections and shine while providing stimulation cell repair. The formulation also blocks against environmental pollution and sun damage.

Zao Essence of Nature This certified organic makeup line hails from Italy and uses essential minerals, antioxidants, amino & natural fatty acids to nourish and beautify. Best of all: Products are refillable in bamboo packaging.
BEST BET: The lipstick (shown here in Pearly Pink) goes on smooth—and lasts. Bonus: All lipsticks are refillable in bamboo packaging. 

By Patricia Canole
For more beauty tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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