Beauty Prep for Big Events

My baby sister’s wedding is less than a month away (literally can’t wait!) and I learned from my own wedding that the photos taken that night will last a lifetime and end up in everyone’s house for years to come. So I’ve been doing some beauty prep to look and feel my best as her lady of honor. PS Amalia is the flower girl and I am so excited to share her cute little outfit soon. I digress…

I’ve never been a big beauty person, TBH I barely know how to do my own make up and I’ve yet to master a blow out, but when it comes to big events like a family wedding, I go a little into overdrive. I wonder if this is what it’s like to be a Kardashian but every single day?

Skin: I have acne prone skin and used to get monthly facials when I lived in the city but I haven’t found anyone great out in the ‘burbs yet (recommendations are welcome) so my skin hasn’t been as clear as I would like it to be lately. I follow this strict skincare routine which definitely helps, but I got a 20% salicylic peel from my dermatologist a few weeks back at her recommendation and I kid you not, I still feel the difference.

My skin is smooth and totally clear! Needless to say, I’ll be getting another one before the big day. I will also be bringing my favorite under eye masks for the morning of the wedding for me and my sis.

Teeth: As you may have seen on my Instagram, Crest asked me to take their #crestwhitestripschallenge which was a 14 day challenge using their at-home Crest 3D Glamorous White Whitestrips for 30 minutes once a day. I have never done any sort of teeth whitening before so I was kind of nervous but also excited because it was really time for me to take some action, and this gave me the perfect excuse.

They claimed that I would see a difference in just three days (I did) and full results in 14 days. I am actually shocked about how much whiter my teeth are without looking fake. It’s hard to tell as much in photos but I’ve actually had friends comment on it in person and literally go out and buy the Whitestrips after seeing me.

Before you even ask, I’ll answer the same question I asked Crest which was: Will it hurt my teeth? The answer is no because they use the same enamel-safe whitening agent that dentists use so it really was no problem and that’s coming from the most sensitive person ever.

I added it into my daily routine by putting on a Whitestrip at night while Anel and I watched TV or I read a book. If you’ve been thinking of whitening your teeth but don’t want to pay the big price tag at the dentist, I recommend starting your own 14-day challenge!

Lashes: As you’ve probably noticed in some of my photos as of late, I’ve been playing around with fake lashes to see if I should get more permanent lashes put in. TBH I’ve only done it twice so far, but took a lot of photos both times because they looked so good! I can’t decide because the daily ones look so good (per these photos!), but it would be nice to just have them. Have any of you gotten lash extensions and loved or hated them?

Hair: My hair color looks the best exactly two weeks after I get it highlighted so I strategically scheduled my appointment two weeks before the wedding in addition to a trim so that the ends look nice and clean.

Body: I work out with my trainer Madison every week as usual but for the month before this wedding, we’re putting an extra focus on my arms and shoulders because my dress has tiny straps that really show them off. I’m not doing any sort of diet besides practicing my usual 80/20 rule.

And because this wedding is at the end of October and my summer tan is pretty much already long gone, I’m getting an organic spray tan for a little extra glow.

Nails: You guys know I’m obsessive about my manicures, but I’ll for sure be getting a gel mani a few days before the wedding so that chips aren’t even close to a possibility!

How do you prep for big events and weddings?

Thank you to Crest for sponsoring this post. All opinions, as always, are 100% my own.



Before and After:
As you can see in the before photo, my teeth used to have a yellowish tint which is completely gone now! It’s more evident in person (so many people have commented when they see me!) and I’m so happy that I finally did this.

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Comments

  1. Aes said:

    Your lashes look great!!

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Thank you so much!

      10.1.18 · Reply
  2. Allie said:

    I love doing a little extra beauty prep for extra events too! I’m a big fan of teeth whitening, and also being extra diligent about my skin care and removing my makeup as soon as I get home to prevent breakouts.
    Happy Monday! xAllie
    http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Smart smart smart. I’m obsessive about that too!

      10.1.18 · Reply
  3. Colleen said:

    Your lashes are fabulous! I had extensions once and they really bothered my eyes and honestly my real lashes suffered. Which lashes are you using. Would love a tutorial as I have always wanted to try them but do not know where to start.

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Interesting. I had someone do mine for me but I’m doing some research and will report back because I really want to learn how to do them on myself! A friend of mine said she would teach me.

      10.1.18 · Reply
  4. Jaimie said:

    Yes! I got eyelash extensions for my wedding/honeymoon and it was one of the best things I did. If I was willing to pay, I would have them year-round, makes getting ready so much easier and basically effortless! xx
    http://www.lilyparkeast.com

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      That is why I want them because it just seems like it would be so easy to get ready every morning!

      10.2.18 · Reply
  5. Amanda said:

    These are great tips! I recently got engaged so I’ll have lots of big events coming up in the next two years! I’ve always wanted to try whitening strips, but I’m so nervous my teeth will become more sensitive. Have you noticed any sensitivity changes since using them?

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Congrats, Amanda! Mine were a little sensitive but I used sensitive teeth toothpaste the whole time and it was fine.

      10.2.18 · Reply
  6. Jamie said:

    Lash extensions from Posh Nail in Darien! Can’t say enough good things. I got them done for my wedding – they looked natural but with the added “volume”. Their lash extensions last about 4-6 weeks on me! Highly highly recommend.

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      I love that place! Will check it out thank you.

      10.2.18 · Reply
  7. Kelly said:

    I noticed the lashes in your pictures and they look great! I just wore fake lashes (for the first time ever so I was nervous about them looking weird) in a friend’s wedding last summer and they added the perfect amount of “oomph” to make my eyes really stand out in pictures! I can’t wait to see how beautiful you and your sis look on her wedding day!

    10.1.18 · Reply
  8. Kristen said:

    get the lash extensions put in! I got them for my wedding and it was one of the best things I did, beauty wise. I kept up with them afterwards too, they are an expense that has proved worth it to not have to deal with mascara!! Plus when you lie down to get them in, its relaxing. I often fall asleep.

    I also did the crest whitestrip thing before my wedding and was incredibly happy w the results. No expensive whitening at the dentist needed!

    10.1.18 · Reply
  9. Georgia said:

    Hi Julia! Do you mind sharing the name of your dermatology practice? I haven’t been able to find one I like in Fairfield County. Thanks!

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      I go to Dr. Whitney Bowe out in Fairfield. She’s super far out but I love her!

      10.2.18 · Reply
  10. Mia said:

    Love this! So tempted to try lashes, too, and need to get back on the Crest white strips train. If you don’t mind sharing, would you recommend your dermatologist and where do you get your organic spray tans? I’m local! Thanks!

    10.1.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      My derm is in Westchester but it’s Dr. Whitney Bowe. And for spray tans, go to Zen Bronze in Riverside. It’s the best!

      10.2.18 · Reply
      • Mia said:

        Thanks so much!

        10.2.18 · Reply
  11. Jennifer said:

    Can you share the details of your shirt? I LOVE it!

    10.4.18 · Reply
    • Julia said:

      Thanks! It’s a boyfriend shirt from J.Crew. Currently on sale!

      10.5.18 · Reply