Spray Tans for your Fall Wedding | Charleston, SC

With fall around the corner, the golden glow you worked so hard to obtain all summer may be fading. Or you may be following a healthier routine of avoiding over-exposure to the sun. Whatever the case, a spray tan with FDA approved Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a safe and attractive alternative to putting your skin at risk under tanning lamps. Coming in for a spray tan prior to your wedding is the best way to ensure you carry a healthy glow down the aisle on your special day.

Before Your Spray Tan

A spray tan lasts, on average, 4-10 days, depending upon your maintenance routine and your skin chemistry. You’ll want to plan your appointment accordingly. Any waxing appointments or exfoliation, including facials or chemical peels, should be completed well in advance of your tanning appointment. It is recommended that you wax a full 24 hours before your tanning session, to allow your skin time to prepare.

On the day of your appointment, shower and exfoliate to remove any dead skin cells. This will help ensure the product is applied evenly and prevent streaking or patching. Do not apply any lotions or use scented body wash. Plan to wear dark, loose-fitting clothing. You will not be able to shower, swim, or engage in vigorous exercise for at least 6-8 hours following your tanning session.

During your Spray Tan Appointment

You may wish to wear minimal clothing during your appointment for the best coverage. Remember that any clothing will result in tan lines. Minimal undergarments are important to protect your intimate areas. The solution should not come into contact with any mucous membranes. Use chapstick or lip balm to protect your lips, and apply a clear coat of nail polish to avoid staining your nails.

After your Spray Tan

Following your spray tan, you’ll want to give the formula time to develop. It’s important to avoid showering for 6-8 hours following your tan. Wear loose-fitting, dark colored clothing to prevent the solution from rubbing off. Consider sleeping in the same clothing to avoid staining sheets. After your initial shower, you can wear makeup and use non-alcoholic, unscented lotion as usual.

Makeup for Your Fall Wedding - Charleston, SC

With fall’s rich, vibrant colors, there is a never-ending list of options for makeup and hair. Whether you opt for subtle, elegant golds and browns, or go all-out with bright, exciting hues like reds and deep rich greens, there is a Fall makeup palette for every bride.

Laying a Foundation

Begin your makeup routine with excellent skin care. This will require taking pains weeks and even months before your planned wedding to properly cleanse and moisturize your skin. Consider coming in for a full facial treatment, and of course, have any waxing done well ahead of time so that you don’t have red or raised bumps to worry about on your special day. Your foundation should be light and offer good coverage. Avoid “shiny” products for the best photographs. Instead, your artist will use carefully placed and subtle highlights to bring out your best features without any distracting glare in your photos.

Bring Color to your Cheeks

A subtle blush or bronzer does more than add a pop of color and bring a rosy glow to your cheeks. Properly applied, it can also highlight your face. Balance and proportion are achieved by the careful use of shading and highlights. Your makeup artist will use bronzer to create a slimming effect around your nose and to subtly play up your cheekbones.

Leave the Tanning Bed Behind

It can be tempting to rush to the tanning salon in the weeks leading up to your wedding. If you’re not a regular tanner, think twice about exposing your skin to those extra UV rays. Instead, concentrate on creating a healthy glow through careful skin care routines. If you want a natural glow, consider a teeth whitening treatment rather than artificially darkening your skin. Remember too, that any tanning sessions will affect your color palette, which may negate any practice runs you’ve already done with your makeup artist. For your best and most natural look, prepare well ahead of time and discuss your preferences with your artist. It’s her job, after all, to help you look your best on your special day.

Top Fall Wedding Hair Trends | Charleston, SC

With crisp air in the forecast and a drop in the perpetual summer humidity, fall is the ideal time for many brides to plan their weddings. Cooler weather means fewer worries about makeup-melting sweat and frizzing hair, and the fall hairstyle trends are deliciously varied and versatile. Whether you’re going casual or sleek and stylish, there’s a beautiful fall do for your locks.

Looking Up

Updos are generally considered more sleek and sophisticated, but they don’t have to be formal. A slightly messy updo can be both attractive and casual. From a classic black ribbon to a piece of tulle replacing a traditional veil, the possibilities with updos are nearly endless. Consider a plaited bun to add texture to an otherwise plain do. Another option is to add a sparkling or eye-catching accessory. Fall offers opportunities to bring natural touches into your look, with leaves, flowers, or berry studded headbands, wraps, and clips that accentuate your style.

Trailing Tresses

The opposite of the updo is, of course, leaving your hair to fall naturally around your shoulders. Whether your hair is naturally curly or smoothly straight, the face-framing style gives an impression of youth and elegance. Clips and bands can be used to keep your hair from obscuring your face while letting it flow freely over your neck and shoulders. Another option is to weave in ribbons, flowers, or other accessories for an accent that brings together your look.

Half and Half

Not sure whether you want the sleek style of an updo or the casual grace of leaving your hair down? Why not both? Consider plaiting the sides of your hair and having the braids meet in the middle over the main part of your style, or wearing a ponytail or braid at the crown that flows down into the cascading locks below. Our stylists will work with you to help you choose your most stunning look for your Fall wedding. Come in for an appointment today.