Do It Yourself Pre-Wedding Makeover

Did you just give your vendors their final payment? Did you forget something? Yes! You forgot to budget your haircut, manicure, pedicure and your tanning appointment! Oops! You are the "star of the show," and you want to look your best on the "biggest day" of your life. However, you might not have money left in your budget for yourself. Well, here are some suggestions on getting started on a DIY pre-wedding makeover!

First, the most important factor for looking great on your wedding day is taking care of yourself. I know this is difficult while busy and stressing over all the little details of "your day." Try to exercise regularly, eat right, drink plenty of water and sleep. Yes, I said sleep! If you do these four things, you will find that you will have more energy and feel better overall. And most importantly, you will look radiant in your wedding pictures!

Want your hair to be shiny and healthy on your wedding day? The first things to look for are great hair products. Want inexpensive hair products similar to those expensive hair salon products? Try Pantene's new custom hair care products. This hair system is amazing! It is customized based on your own hair structure. Go to www.pantene.com and take the hair quiz to help you find out which system is the best for your hair.

How about your skin? Want a healthy glow in your wedding pictures? I highly recommend starting a skin regimen months before "the day." Moisturize daily and be sure to use an anti-aging cream if you are worried about your wrinkles and want to renew your skin's youthfulness. That way you will be assured that you will have that "healthy glow"!

Is your skin too light to wear white? Or, do you want a healthy glow? Can't afford a salon spray tan? Try a self tanner. Self tanners that are on the market have improved! However, please do try a self tanner on your skin months before "your day" and not the day before! Otherwise, you might appear orange in your wedding pictures! Experiment with different brands.

Having trouble picking a lipstick color? Choose a shade that matches your lip tone! Remember -- you are going to be in front of the camera. Not all shades of lipsticks work in front of a camera. For example, dark lip shades won't work well on a fair-skinned bride. All you will see in your pictures are your lips. Pick a color that will match your lip tone. For example: shades of nude, rose, pinks or browns. Are your lips cracked or very dry? Try exfoliating your lips everyday for a couple of months before your "big day." This will give you smooth, luscious lips!

Remember -- you are wearing white! Do you want your yellow teeth to stand out while you are smiling? I highly recommend getting your teeth whitened. I would start a whitening regimen at least a month before your wedding. Also, remember to slow down on the coffee and tea drinking. Coffee and tea will stain your teeth!

Are Acrylic French manicures still the trend? No! Since our economic turmoil, brides are now going for a more "natural" look. They are picking neutral shades of nail color. Want to add a little "pizzazz" to your nails? Add a clear glitter top coat that way, if you get a chipped nail at any point throughout the day, it won't be noticeable.

The day of your wedding, you can do your own hair. If you are planning on wearing your hair down, wearing it in a half-pony or dressing it in a simple up 'do like a French twist, there's really no need to go to the salon. Ask a friend to help make sure your hair is perfect. You can use rollers the night before to make your hair wavy, bouncy and beautiful. When wearing hair down, use a light-hold hairspray, like Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Satin Hold Hairspray, to maintain your hair's shape and keep frizz away all day. If you want to wear your hair up, consider Pantene's Classic Care Solutions Unforgettable Hair Spray for all hair types.

So, if you're down to the wire, and forgot to budget for one of the most important items on your list -- you -- don't fret! With these easy steps not only will you save money, but you will also look great for those wedding pictures! Now, your only concern is to smile naturally when you say "cheese"!