By Brooke Showell

Let the beauty countdown begin! Whether you've got 30 days, a week or just 24 hours before the wedding, get glowing hair, skin and makeup with these secrets from Houston's top beauty pros.
 

A Month Ahead
 

Skin care
  • Yes, your to-do list is growing by the minute, but try to relax - it'll show on your face. "Don't fall victim to stress for it does not create pretty skin!" says Karena Zolner, spa director of Fiori Spa in Houston. Take a break from seating charts, and make time for yourself and your future mate. 
  • "Stay active, whether you're into yoga, cycling, dancing, or tennis," Zolner adds. Working out increases blood flow and circulation, which increases the body's bacteria-killing oxygen that fights break outs and keeps your skin healthy and vibrant.
  • Drink plenty of water. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, Zolner recommends. "Your skin will not glow if it's not hydrated," she warns. 
  • If you haven't started proper home care (and ideally, monthly facials at least six months ahead), stock up on cleanser, serum, moisturizer with SPF and an eye cream, ASAP. Be strict about a daily skin care regimen.
     
Makeup
  • You should have already done a trial run with your makeup artist two to three months before the wedding date. There may still be time for a test-run (don't forget to take pictures), but your favorite makeup artist may already be booked on your big day, warns Sara Eudy of Houston's Cara Dulce Makeup. With just one month out, make sure you have a surefire plan for your makeup look, taking into account the wedding style, location and weather.
  • While it's tempting to experiment with a new blush or bronzer, stick with the makeup that's already working for you. "The last thing a bride wants is to cause a breakout from using new products," Eudy says. 
  • Now is the time to have your brows professionally shaped. Eudy recommends eyebrow threading two to three weeks out - try not to wax, since a burn from wax kept at the wrong temperature can cause unsightly scabs.
     
Hair
  • Like makeup, this may be your last chance to schedule a trial with a local hairstylist. Bring pictures of styles you like, and make sure it will hold up in the Texas heat. 
  • Hydrated hair is happy hair. Begin regular at-home deep conditioning treatments. 
  • If you're thinking of making any dramatic changes to the length or color of your hair, do it now, while there's still time to make any adjustments if you're not totally happy.

 

A Week To Go
 

Skin care
  • Schedule a treatment about two to three days before your wedding, Zolner recommends. "The treatments may vary depending on what you are focusing on: fine lines, hyper-pigmentation, acne, redness, dehydration, bags under the eyes." If you've got time for just one, "peels are my absolute favorite!" she adds.
  • Remember: The Texas sun can be strong, so don't forget to wear sunscreen.
     
Makeup
  • Create a flawless base for wedding-day makeup with an at-home facial. Eudy recommends an exfoliating mix of warm milk with brown sugar. 
  • Pack any items you anticipate being essential for the many hours of wedding-day celebrations in an easy-to-access beauty emergency kit-think chapstick, lip gloss, blotting papers or powder, and concealer.

 

Hair
  • Get a professional trim so you don't have any split ends wrecking your well-planned bridal ‘do, Eudy suggests. 
  • While you've got a game plan for the wedding day, think about how you'll wear your hair to other events such as the rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch. 
  • Don't forget the groom: If he's looking a bit shaggy, make an appointment for him at the barber.

 

Day of the Wedding

 

Skin care
  • With just hours before "I do," skip any invasive treatments that could cause irritation or breakouts and opt for a light massage instead.

 

Makeup
  • The amount of time you'll need to get gorgeous depends on the makeup artist, so talk to your professional ahead of time to incorporate it into your getting-ready timeline. "Trust your artist when they tell you how long it will take," says Eudy, who estimates that a bride's big look should take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. "They should understand the time limits and be able to work within those limits." 
  • Don't forget about that essential emergency kit. Designate a bridesmaid to hold onto it for easy access to touch-ups.

 

Hair
  • Just as you'll do with your makeup artist, make sure you've scheduled enough time (about an hour) for extra perfect tresses.
  • Consult with your hairstylist ahead of time about whether you should wash your hair on the wedding day (some stylists prefer to work with hair that was washed the day before). 
  • Make sure you've got all the tools for a Texas Hold ‘em (hairstyle that is) - bobby pins and hair spray will be your best friends ra.

 

For more inspiration on wedding-day beauty, check out IDoHou.com's Salons & Spas directory.