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Style and beauty

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Original poster

I have three weeks to NOT ruin the wedding pictures

20 replies

Gremlingirl · 15/02/2015 08:34

I'm a bridesmaid for my dear friend in a few weeks time. I am not a natural bridesmaid - happier in jeans than a frock, not that up on looking after my skin and hair, not very photogenic.
What can I do in the next three weeks to try and make sure that I don't look totally hideous on the day and in the pictures? I'm trying to grow my hair from a dark brown crop into a bob but it's at that irritating twin-level stage. Should I have it cut shorter again? Or what? Sorry for the rather broad brief but I'm a bit clueless. (Not reduced Valentine's ones, real ones!) for anyone who can assist.

OP posts:

ELR · 15/02/2015 08:39

Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, if you are used to having short hair and feel happy this is probably the best for the photos as you feel confident and that will show. Also eat and sleep well and drink plenty of water for the next three weeks.

ClutterofStarlings · 15/02/2015 08:43

You could be me. I can't say about skin & hair, but go somewhere good, get your eyebrows shaped & maybe tinted. Do it soon, so you have a couple of weeks to shake off the shock (they always look terrifyingly strong when you first get them done). My eyebrow lady has started trying to give me those horrible square ended HD brows, so it might be an idea to think about what you don't want.
I get my eyelashes dyed as well. It means you don't need to do as much in the way of makeup. Good luck.

whattheholyfeck · 15/02/2015 08:44

Hiya first of all don't panic. There are plenty of things you can start doing that will make you look and feel great on the day.

Not sure about the haircut, sorry, I can't comment without seeing it. But, you can start a skincare routine, perhaps you could get a body scrub and start exfoliating your legs and arms. Then slap on loads of moisturiser. Perhaps fake tan (if that's what you're into. You can build it up slowly if you start now). Also step up the skincare routine on your face. De fuzz nearer the wedding date, if you need to (upper lip / chin / eyebrows) I would recommend threading for this. Also smooth legs and armpits.

Also sort any dry skin on your feet, and get some nail polish on there. Same with your fingernails. File them nicely and a few coats of polish. If you can afford a manicure and pedicure, even better.

Use a hair mask to deep condition. Don't use a face mask close to the date as you may erupt in spots.

Drink lots of water. Just pamper yourself in the run up and you'll look and feel fab!

TakingTheStairs · 15/02/2015 08:48

Honestly, if you were my bridesmaid I would just want you to be comfortable. Have your hair however you want it and are comfortable with.
As ELR said, plenty of sleep and water will have you feeling your best.
If you have new shoes for the day, maybe start to wear them around the house so that they are
comfortable and not rubbing on the day.
You're a very considerate friend. I'm sure the bride is too.

nilbyname · 15/02/2015 08:58

Eyelash extensions are a real prettify ing boost if you can afford them.

MairzyDoats · 15/02/2015 09:09

What are you wearing in your hair? If you've got flowers I'd be tempted to go back to a crop, I think it can look great. Also, book yourself a free session at a Bobbi Brown make up counter next weekend - I love their makeovers, they don't go overboard but basically just enhance what you've already got.

BallroomWithNoBalls · 15/02/2015 10:57

Hair and makeup are key, so if you're not confident doing it yourself, perhaps you could get your hair done in the morning and pro makeup too? You could ask the other bridesmaids if they'd like it too - it's not prohibitively expensive to have someone come to your house and do both hair and makeup - for my wedding I had someone come and do me, the bridesmaids and the mothers of bride / groom too, most only had hair done but I and two of my bridesmaids had makeup done too.

Maybe a semi permanent hair colour too to warm up your natural brown? And I agree with getting your eyebrows threaded - cheap as chips and so worth it.

Trills · 15/02/2015 11:02

Nearly everything that you can do in 3 weeks will be too subtle to show up in photos anyway.

Group photos will not be close enough to tell if your eyebrows are perfect or if you have eyelash extensions.

If you are doing this for the photos think about what will show up. That's pretty much just your hair, whether your dress fits well, and whether you are SMILING and standing like a person who is happy to be there.

whattheholyfeck · 15/02/2015 11:10

That is sue, trills. However I find that it's the small things that help me to feel better about myself, even if others can't see / doesn't notice. If I have soft skin and nice nails I feel better about myself, and more likely to have a genuine smile in the photos.

Just another thought, perhaps you could go for a teeth clean too. Just to get rid of plaque and polish and buff them up a bit. Again, no one may notice, but you will know you have lovely clean teeth and dazzling smile to go with it

whattheholyfeck · 15/02/2015 11:11

Sue = true

Lucked · 15/02/2015 11:38

A really good make up artist on the day if you can afford it. Also hit a few makeup counters and try and find a lipstick that you are comfortable in as this is something you will want to reapply during the day. Mac have loads of colours and I find the staff give good advice, you want a lipstick rather than a gloss for the photos. Having a semipermanent colour through your hair if you are a brunette can make it really shiny but a good hairdresser for advise, I would book the hairdresser for the week before.

Are you getting a tan as you have to be really confident in both the colour and the person doing it. Perhaps a trial this week?

DrElizabethPlimpton · 15/02/2015 11:44

I can't suggest what to do re hair and makeup as I don't know what you look like.
What I can suggest is the you exfoliate your skin and moisturise everywhere - including your feet - for the next few weeks. Smooth soft skin is wonderful and will make you feel so glamorous.

Trills · 15/02/2015 11:48

Yes, good point there whatthe

So focus on:
1 - things that people can see
2 - things that make YOU feel good

If false eyelashes make you feel glamorous and confident - wear them and you will act more glamorous and confident.
If they make you feel awkward or uncomfortable, DO NOT wear them, because all that will be visible to others will be the uncomfortableness.
If they make you feel neither, probably not worth bothering.

Original poster

Gremlingirl · 15/02/2015 12:20

Excellent advice. Thank you everyone

OP posts:

burnishedsilver · 15/02/2015 12:36

Professional hair and make up on the day is all you need.

Romcom · 15/02/2015 12:54

Sounds silly but remember your posture on the photos. Someone standing up straight and confident does wonders!

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 15/02/2015 12:58

She's picked you because she loves you and wants you standing beside her. Just try and focus on that, and everything else will fall into place - have your hair the way you like it, and you'll feel confident about it.

But do wear your shoes in. I have a hilarious wedding pic of me where I can just tell my feet are killing me!

Eliza22 · 15/02/2015 13:41

Don't overthing it!

Your friend knows what you look like and she wants you there, to share the day, as you are....without too many changes (beware those HD Brows!!)

What about a good body scrub/gradual tan to include the face. NOT tangoed just very subtle. Ask at boots .... They love to give advice if you ask nice,y . Maybe, focus on two things for the face. A good mascara (maybe waterproof...emotional, weddings!) and a new brightening lippy (assuming you've a good complexion - if not, fake it). For years I've done plum/pink lippy until Bobbi Brown suggested a brightening peachy colour. Lots of people have asked what I've done? I look brighter/fresher? And when I say the only thing I've changed is lipstick they're a bit "Oh?"

I'd definitely try a subtle make up lesson at Bobbi Brown. I bought the blush they recommended but bought a No7 lippy instead (Waterlilly) very pretty and photographs well. It's amazing what changing one thing colour wise can do for you.

Also, you could try some exercise? Not sure if you do already. I'm doing the Couch25k and it's making a hugh difference to my bum and thighs! Just a thought. In a month...I feel so much better about myself

Finally....enjoy the day x

Eliza22 · 15/02/2015 13:42

OVERTHINK. Don't overthink it!

specialsubject · 15/02/2015 13:44

worried that you think you are 'hideous' and will 'ruin the pictures'. Unless the bride is making you dress as Frankenstein's monster, it won't happen.

comfy shoes, clothes that fit, hold yourself straight and smile. Don't know if you normally wear makeup: if you do, fine, but if you don't, don't as it will be annoying you and make you feel uncomfortable. I can't stand the feel of slap.

you've been asked to join in because you are her friend. Enjoy.

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