Wednesday, November 4, 2009

New Bride's Guide to Staying Pretty

It seems to me that most normal american newlyweds are unfortunately on a tight budget after the wedding. This doesn't mean that your whole beauty routine has to get thrown out with the centerpieces!

1. Have your hair colored something close to the original shade. If you are a natural brunette, and have blond strands, now might be the time to go back for low-lights... lots of them! Its much easier to maintain your hair on a budget if it is closer to your au natural look.

2. Don't gain/lose weight. Many brides tend to gain weight after the wedding. If this happens to you, you will have to spend extra money on clothes to fit your new body...for better OR worse.

3. Drugstore makeup. Maybelline Mascara, Cover Girl Powder, L'Oreal eyeliner. Its all there. Seriously, those are some personal favorites. As long as your clothes and hair look great, most people will not notice if your lipstick is from Neutrogena instead of MAC.

4. For clothes...shop sales, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, ebay... but don't shop cheap! High quality clothes lasts longer than cheaply made items. And while your at it, buy some classic pieces. Those gladiator sandals probably won't last another year! Remember, nothing needs to be bought full priced.

5. Iron (or steam) your clothes. Gone are the days of college unironed t-shirts. At least buy some wrinkle releaser and spray it on.

6. Hair. Hair is one of the first things people notice about you. Even if you feel like  frump, you will feel just so amazing if you actually spend the time in the morning to do your hair. Its a pain when you have a new home to run, but totally worth it. As for products, you can stick to cheaper brands, as long as they don't contain sulfates, -cones, or alcohol. Checkout naturallycurly.com for more info on that! This is a pick me up that is COMPLETELY free. The only thing you are spending on it is the time!

7. Nails. They don't have to be painted, and you certainly don't need to go to the salon, but make them look pretty! Feet: Every time you're in the shower, rub them with a pumic stone. When out of the shower, push down cuticles on both hands and feet. If polish is chipped, TAKE IT OFF. If you don't have the time to repaint your nails, then just don't paint them. Fingers: Use sunoil to push down cuticles, an orange stick and file down. Boom. There done. Now, if you have time and want to paint, do so...

8. Tweeze your own hairs! This goes for any hair you want removed. Pluck eyebrows. Shave legs. Use Sally Hanson waxing strips on your upper lip, and use Nair on your bikini line. No need to go to the salon.

9. Exfoliate and moisturize. Exfoliate every other day. Every time you get out of the shower moisturize... yes EVERY time. Use baby oil gel. Lasts all day. As for exfoliators, Trader Joe's has some great sugar based ones.

10. Wash your face and brush your teeth every night. Well, do more than just that. Stick to your regimen every day and your skin will be glowing. It doesn't matter if you spend $20 or $200. Floss, mouthwash brush, remove eyemakeup, exfoliate, wash face, toner, acne medicine (if needed) and moisturizer.

11. Don't hold your husband's hand through all of this. Take some time to yourself. Although it might feel great to be married to the love of your life, if you want to keep up your pre-nuptial beauty routine, you will need some of that single-woman time back.

... stay tuned next time when I talk about how to shorten your beauty routine...

The joys of being a working woman/wife.