Putting Your Best Look Forward

Looking sensational on your wedding day is not just a matter of finding a great dress and getting a gorgeous updo.

Susan Farewell & Dale B. Salm

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Looking sensational on your wedding day is not just a matter of finding a great dress and getting a gorgeous updo. It comes from mapping out a beauty regimen that not only makes you look the best you can, but makes you feel relaxed and confident as well. Do yourself a huge favor: At least six months before the big day, take the time to plan what you need to do and get some beauty appointments on your calendar. Here’s a rough course of action, along with suggestions of salons and spas throughout Connecticut, to get you started.

6 months ahead

You’ve just confirmed the date, you’re running around trying on dresses, and . . . you’re starting a facial regimen.

Six months is not too early to start paying serious attention to your skin. Many of the Connecticut aestheticians we spoke to said that brides often make the mistake of getting a facial right before the wedding. The stimulation of the skin can cause it to break out. By giving yourself a six-month period of time, you can properly cleanse, tone, exfoliate and nourish the skin, and obtain that radiant appearance so many brides are looking for. They recommend having a facial once a month, scheduling the last one no later than a week before the wedding.

Bear in mind that not all facials are created equal. Some are designed especially for those with extra-sensitive skin, and some are geared to repair damaged skin. Talk to the aesthetician. She can determine what will work best for you. Be sure to let her know if you have any allergies or are taking any medications.

Many of the spas around the state pride themselves on offering facials for that special day. The Looking Glass Day Salon and Spa at the Lighthouse Inn in New London (860/439-6817) offers two specialized treatments: a European (hydrating) Facial and a Complexion Clarifying (deep-cleansing) Facial, both of which are one-hour treatments. An Antidote for Fragile and Sensitve Skin Facial formulated for sensitive-skin types is offered at The Spa at Norwich Inn (860/886-2401). This soothing 50-minute procedure is priced at $115.

Getting a facial once a month is key if you want to have that glowing, almost air-brushed look on your wedding day, but the at-home regimen is important too. Most aestheticians will prescribe the toners, exfoliants and lotions that will work best for you. Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your skin, however, is to get plenty of rest, eat well, wear sunscreen, exercise regularly and avoid going to bed with makeup on.

Slightly older brides-to-be may want to consider a facial-rejuvenation treatment that tightens the jowls and neck, reduces pores, improves the tone and color of the complexion and reduces the appearance of puffy eyes. This type of procedure is offered at a number of medical spas around the state. Some medical spas also offer a process for cellulite reduction and body contouring. Both processes require several visits and are moderately pricey. Your best bet is to meet with the medical director and discuss your options.

3 months ahead

Time to start shaping up your nails. To get them in top form for the wedding weekend, the spa directors we spoke to recommend getting a manicure every other week and a pedicure about once a month or at least every six weeks.

Some spas go above and beyond the usual pedicure and manicure offerings. For example, Spa Radiance in Glastonbury (860/659-9470) has eight different pedicure treatments. Really wonderful for busy brides-to-be is the Hot Pebbles Pedicure, which soothes weary legs and feet.

This is also a good time to evaluate your brows. Rather than fuss with them yourself and risk overplucking, have them professionally shaped. Getting them just right is something you can try at the Warren-Tricomi Salon and Spa in Greenwich (866/481-9100), which is owned by Edward Tricomi, Joel Warren and Roxana Pintilie of New York salon fame, who have built the salon’s name by catering to a celebrity clientele.