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| The happy couple |
Ever since my senior year of college, I have been to a lot of weddings. I have my routine down pat whether I am in the bridal party or just a guest. No matter what your role is in a wedding- bride, bridesmaid, family, friend- we all want to look good and feel beautiful. There are things we start seeing to well before the wedding and things we want to make sure are done right before the wedding march begins to play.
As a Latina, my skin tone is probably my biggest personal struggle. I deal with the very visible issue of hyper-pigmentation, something I have talked about on this blog before, on my face, chest and arms. The other thing that I hear a lot of folks deal with too, even though we all think we are alone, is our underarms, and the dark marks and discoloration that can occur.
Several years ago, I answered one of those "team building" lets get to know one another questions without thinking my response through.
The Question:
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
My answer:
No joking, I immediately spit out- my armpits.
Try explaining that to a room full of women that were suddenly all paying attention now. A lot of the times, the products that we (I) use can cause dark marks and uneven skin tone. Because I have this happen on my face, which is more prominent, I sometimes ignore the underarms because its easier to keep that hidden. However, you do become self conscious about it, and for something like a wedding, you want to avoid any flare ups near the big day as much as possible.
If you were to put Missy and I next to each other you get a good idea of just how much variety there can be in skin tones among Latinas. Nothing other than a few years separates us, yet she has milky white skin and I am a dark caramel to light caramel color. She has listened to me gripe about all the skin discoloration issues I have dealt with over the years.
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| Missy and I at a wedding I stood up in. |
For the big day, I would recommend using the deodorant for a couple weeks prior to the big day since the dark marks can remain for some time. Why not be confident in whatever dress?!
Whether you are the matron of honor, a bridesmaid or just a guest, put together a bridal beauty survival kit to have on hand the day of the wedding.
A few things to include:
Dove Clear Tone Deodorant- In my experience, most brides wait till they are fully dressed to apply deodorant (or have someone do it for them) in order to avoid getting any on their dress. Keep a tube handy in your bridal beauty kit bag for her to apply and re-apply as the day progresses.
Clear Nail Polish- Grab a bottle of quick drying, clear nail polish for last minute nail touch ups, hose runs, loose tiara beads etc. Every wedding someone has been on the hunt for clear nail polish.
Oil Absorbing Sheets- No one notices how much they are sweating or expelling sweat until after all the wedding photos are taken. I started carrying oil absorbing sheets to blot my face with after noticing this and added a pack to my best friend's wedding kit. Everyone from the bride to the groomsmen used them.
Dental Floss- Its amazing what dental floss can do, the stuff is strong. Use it for its intended purpose if you give in to pre-wedding nibbles, but its also good as super strong string or ties.
Moleskin or bandages- To apply to areas on your feet where new shoes are rubbing wrong. Somebody will be limping before the last song plays.
Bobby Pins- Loose curls, hats, papers, tulle. Something always needs pinning down.
Emery Board- Nails always seem to be the number one issue. I once had to file down a pokey bit of wire that was stabbing the bride but not long enough for scissors or anything else to get the job done.
I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.
