Be the Best You: 25 Pre-Wedding Beauty Tips

Posted on March 11, 2019March 9, 2021 by Vicki

The wedding and beauty industries can be pretty toxic when giving suggestions for wedding day beauty. Why is it people are told that they should be skinny on their wedding day? That is a lot of pressure for a single day. Instead, we should start to say, “Just be the best you.” Let’s discuss how to adapt a healthy lifestyle so everyday we look and feel our very best. In this post, we’ll cover 25 beauty tips you can add to your daily routine for healthy hair, skin, nails, teeth, eating, exercise, and mental health care.

Full disclosure that I am not a physician, nutritionist, personal trainer, or mental health expert—but the tips below are what I found helped me (and sometimes my hubby!) in the months and weeks preceding our own big day. I strongly recommend speaking with your own accredited professionals before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise, and physical and mental healthcare regimens.

You may be wondering when you should start routines like this. The answer is right now. The 25 beauty tips below are great for someone who is engaged, but they can also be adapted for any stage of your life. No quick fixes here folks. Most everything listed below are long term changes that make a big impact over time. The sooner you begin, the better!

You may also be wondering if I’m about to tell you to spend thousands of dollars on a new beauty regimen. That is 100% not my style. I love a deal and saving money. I don’t think you have to spend an arm and a leg to get high quality goods. Some items may be costly, so I recommend if you ever do catch them on sale, then you should be stocking up! Most of the tips below are for daily or several times a week application. With this high rate of use, you will absolutely use up the product, so don’t get nervous about acquiring a mini stockpile of goods.

Now onto the 25 tips! And don’t miss out on the guest contributor tips from Tommy, an amazing makeup artist working in fashion, beauty, and red carpet in NYC.

Hair

1 – Deep Conditioning Treatments

Deep conditioning treatments give your hair moisture, prevent damage, promote strength, and add shine and luster. There are many options on the market. Some hot oil treatments only take 1-5 minutes on your hair. Other cream treatments you leave on upwards of 30 minutes. I like to do a deep conditioning treatment once a week. I base the kind I am going to do on how much time I have that day. I see a visible difference in a blowout after a deep conditioning treatment.

2 – Enriching Shampoo and Conditioner

If you don’t already do it, begin to read the labels. You should be using something nourishing and vitamin rich. Don’t over-shampoo, as this tends to dry out your hair. Don’t put conditioner on your roots, as this will leave your hair more oily and require more frequent washing. Chemicals to avoid on the labels include Sulfates, Parabens, Triclosan, Polyethylene Glycol, and “Fragrance” as an ingredient.

3 – Just a Dusting

If you are trying to grow out your hair before the big day, then I would recommend the lightest of haircuts, which I refer to as “a dusting.” Haircuts promote hair growth. I know that sounds totally backwards, but keeping your ends healthy from splitting is the way to lengthen your hair. The dusting will take just enough off to promote hair growth without you losing length. I know I’m not the only person who has gotten a haircut before and asked for “one inch” off but they took off six. When I tell my hairdresser I want a dusting, they know just how serious I am that I want a barely-visible difference in hair length.

4 – Cut the Heat

The time to stop over-processing your hair IS NOW! If you regularly straighten, blow dry, or curl your hair, try to refrain. Wear your hair natural more, or try to extend the amount of days between styling. Constant heat will make your hair dry and brittle, which will cause breakage and split ends. When you do style with heat, make sure to use a good thermal protectant product. I have naturally curly hair and almost always blow it out. The year leading into our wedding, I began wearing my hair curly with a bit of curling cream. My coworkers could not believe I had naturally curly hair. This small change made a big impact in helping my hair grow long.

Skin

5 – Skincare Routine

Until being engaged and beginning my best practices beauty research, it had never occurred to me that I needed a skincare routine including daytime lotion, nighttime lotion, and under-eye cream. I would often be told from a Sephora rep, or a department store beauty rep, that I needed several products. I thought they said that stuff to up-sell me. Folks, you DO need all these products. My daytime lotion includes SPF to protect my skin from sun during the day. My nighttime lotion is stronger and repairs my skin overnight. My under-eye cream turns back time and reduces any fine lines that may be forming. On the cusp of my 30s, y’all, and the struggle is beginning to be real. The key is to determine what kind of skin you have. You may want to invest in an anti-aging system, dry skin system, or oily skin system. I am a SeneGence distributor, so I use their SeneDerm DayTime Moisturizer, SeneDerm Evening Moisturizer, and EyeCrème. Because I committed to a routine, within that year my skin totally transformed.

6 – Dermatologist

If you have sensitive skin, questions about your skin, spots, or other skin conditions, one of the first things you should do is schedule a dermatologist appointment. Even if you have never seen a dermatologist, this is a great time to start. I had never seen a dermatologist before, but leading into the wedding I had a few questions I wanted answered before I began a new skincare routine. I had this one recurring pimple at the same spot on my chin every few months. I also had really sensitive, dry skin. We were able to discuss those two issues as well as a general best practice skincare routine.

7 – Décolletage Cream

Probably the most neglected area on your body is the décolletage: skin from the chin to chest and also the first place to show signs of age. This sensitive skin should be receiving a twice daily application of some kind of firming or anti-aging serum or moisturizer. Don’t wait till you see visible signs of aging. Be proactive in this zone.

8 – Body Cream

You should be applying cream to your whole body every day right after your shower when skin is still damp. Your skin at this moment will soak up the most moisture. You can also follow up later in the day as part of your bedtime ritual. I recently found an affordable all over body cream that I love. I have dry skin, so this may not work for everyone, but if you have dry skin then you should consider Dove Cream Oil for extra dry skin. This stuff is wonderful.

9 – Full Face Masks

Face masks can be worn daily or every few days, depending on the strength. I did a few masks a week while engaged. They make masks for every skin condition: too dry, too oily, wrinkled, tightening, redness—you name it and they probably have mask for it. Sephora and Victoria Secret sell a plethora of options, but they can become costly at $5-$6 per individual mask. You can find affordable mask box sets at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and even Costco! I stocked up when Costco had them on sale. They came out to about $1 per mask for a mixed pack. I like variety. The other benefit of these masks is that you can’t really talk while you are wearing them. So for that 15 minutes, you can just sit back, unwind, de-stress, and meditate. Don’t underestimate the power of 15 minutes of peace during wedding planning.

10 – Specialized Zone Face Mask

My other favorite masks are under-eye and lip masks. I wear these at the same time because they don’t interfere with each other. Under eye masks usually tighten or brighten the under-eye skin. Lip masks plump up dried out lips. I feel like a new human after I do this double combo treatment. Sephora does sell these, but I always buy them from T.J. Maxx or Marshalls. The box will come with 4-5 masks for less than $1 per mask. The brightening under-eye masks help me to not look as tired and reduce my dark circles. I’m a chapstick-addict, but after a lip mask I could go two days without feeling the need for chapstick. LOVE THESE!

11 – Acne Stickers

*Insert angelic singing here* This, my friends. This. Is. Everything. Specifically the Peace Out brand of Acne stickers are the bomb. I have tried other more expensive brands, and those don’t work as good. Peace Out really, really works. When you start to feel like a pimple is coming, or you already have one, you put one of these small stickers on your zit before you go to bed. In the morning, you peel off the sticker and the zit is visibly reduced, the gunk has released itself from your skin, and you are on your way to clear skin. I won’t say that overnight all your pimples will be gone, but for me, that was basically the case. After 1-2 nights, I couldn’t see it anymore. I buy mine at Sephora. The box includes 20 small circular stickers for $19. If you catch the pimple at an early stage and it’s small, you can probably cut the sticker in half which will make them more cost effective. Even if you get irregular one-off pimples like me, you should have these in your house for emergencies.

12 – Sun-Kissed Glow

If you aren’t already naturally blessed with beautiful, healthy-looking tanned or dark skin, then you may want to consider getting yourself a sun-kissed glow for the big day. I was never a proponent of spray tans or tanning salons. I lived in Florida most of my life, so I got my natural glow from the great outdoors. However, moving back to New York and living half my year in darkness from winter and tall skyscrapers shadows, I have learned that you need an aid to help with that mid-winter pale sallowness. Hubby and I are pale as paper without that aid, and our wedding was in April (end of winter), so we invested a little money into tanning bed sessions. We didn’t need to go too many times to achieve that beautiful sun-kissed skin we grew up with. I do recommend tanning salons as a quick fix for winter or early spring weddings. Be wary of spray tans coming out orange, staining your hands and feet, and rubbing off on your white dress or white dress shirt collar. You need a few days between a spray tan and actual wedding day. If you go for the tanning beds, then don’t overdo it and end up pink or red either! Also take extra care to protect your eyes. But I guarantee that a sun-kissed glow makes a difference!

Nails

13 – Regular Manicures and Pedicures

Keeping a few coats of polish on your nails will protect them from breakage. If funds are tight, then you can absolutely do at-home nail care and save the nail salon appointments for those special occasions (engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding day). Make sure to cut or push back your cuticles and keep the edges even and shaped. I put a fresh coat of polish on every Sunday, and that lasts me the whole week if I’m not too hard on my hands. You can also pamper yourself at home with a daily enriching nail soak. Household items like olive oil, coconut oil, orange juice, or lemon juice mixed with warm water are a great soak to promote nail growth. A daily foot scrub with a pumice stone will keep the feet soft and calluses-free. If you are interested in the foot peel socks, then make sure you read the directions and don’t apply them too close to wedding day. It takes several days for your dead skin to begin peeling off, and another day or so for it to fully shed. You don’t want to look like you have a skin condition on wedding day!

Hair / Skin / Nails Combos

14 – Vitamins

The most important ingredient in hair, skin, and nail vitamins is Biotin. I prefer pills to gummy options, as gummy have unnecessary sugars and usually less biotin. Take one pill daily. This is definitely not an overnight fix, but over time you will see a difference. While hair, skin, and nail vitamins focus on nutrients important for hair, skin, and nails, they don’t necessarily cover all essential daily vitamins, so I like to also take a general multi-vitamin daily.

15 – Jello / Gelatin

The most important ingredient in Jello is gelatin, as it promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails. You don’t actually have to eat jello though. There are flavorless gelatin powders you can add to a cup of hot tea to drink. You could also add the same powders to your shampoo and conditioner to make them more protein rich. I opt in for sugar-free raspberry jello as a healthy snack. If I make a double batch and put them into small Tupperware, hubby and I have jello all week.

Teeth

16 – Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Brush and rinse with products that aid in teeth whitening. If you don’t already use one, invest in an electric toothbrush, as they give you a better clean. Also floss twice a day. Foods that are dark in nature (coffee, soda, wine, tomato sauce, etc.) all work against teeth whitening and health. Foods such as apples, baking soda, broccoli, carrots, celery, cheese, milk, nuts, onions, oranges, pears, pineapples, raisins, seeds, strawberries, water, and yogurt all promote teeth whitening. Other tricks you could try are drinking through a straw, which will help to remove food contact on teeth, and drinking water after every meal, which will help to remove anything leftover. Brush after every meal!

17 – Professional Teeth Whitening

While engaged, my dentist mentioned two options we had for professional teeth whitening. He said there was a one-time in-office procedure that was strong and an at-home tray product I could purchase and do over the period of a week (only available through your dentist). I have sensitive teeth, so we opted for the at-home process that took more time but was less harsh. Hubby and I both did the kits and our teeth were so much whiter! Hard to believe when you use whitening products daily that your teeth can get that much whiter. Bonus was that we didn’t feel the hot and cold sensitivity we normally feel with over-the-counter pharmacy whitening strips.

Overall Body Care

18 – Eat Well

Eating well is important. Try to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Before we were engaged, I went on a health journey with Weight Watchers. The program taught me foods that were actually good for me and foods that seemed good for me but weren’t. I don’t think everyone needs to opt into a program like this, but you should be conscious of what you are eating. Small changes you could do that will make a big impact:

Don’t eat after 7pm or three hours before bed.
Water is life. Cut all juice, sports drinks, and soda from your diet.
Stay hydrated. Drink a glass of water before each meal.
Always pick fresh fruit over dried or canned.
When you cook at home, portion out dinner and lunch servings before you start eating. This will help you from overeating.
Cut out unnecessary sugars.
Limit carbs and only eat them during breakfast and lunch. Avoid them at dinner, as your body doesn’t have enough time to process them before bed, so it will store them as fat.

19 – Drink Lots of Water

Drinking eight glasses (minimum) of water a day will improve your skin by removing toxins, reducing tightness, reducing under-eye puffiness, and providing you with a radiant glow. You may also experience positive changes in your mood, energy, alertness, and reduced hunger.

20 – Detox or Cleanse

I believe in a good detox every now and then. A cleanse to me is a fast fix to shed a few pounds. But it does work. I most recently did a cold press juice cleanses (non-solid food cleanse) and loved the experience. I had to fit into a bridesmaid dress, and this cleanse did the trick. My advice would be to wean yourself back onto solid foods over a few days. You can’t end a cleanse and go right into a beautiful wedding cocktail hour and reception meal. You will be VERY sick. Additionally, after a cleanse your body needs less food to feel full. A Detox tea is a great less-extreme option you can drink daily. You consume the regular foods you would normally eat, and the tea will help you use the restroom. For both of these, you will most likely be in the restroom more frequently. So if it’s a busy week at work, it’s probably not the best idea to do it then.

21 – Exercise

You don’t have to join a gym or get a personal trainer to exercise. I’ll admit that I hate to exercise. I’d much rather go on a diet to lose weight. However, yoga and Zumba classes are my jam. Figure out what you enjoy, and then cater an exercise plan that you can stick with to that.

Mental Health Care

22 – Eight Hours of Sleep Minimum

There are many long-term effects of getting proper sleep, such as heart health and cancer prevention. But leading into your wedding, eight hours of sleep a night can also help alleviate stress, reduce inflammation, help with alertness, improve memory, promote weight loss, and repair your body. I love to sleep. I also love a good nap. So I have no problem in this area. But if you suffer from insomnia, or your regular sleep less than eight hours a night, then you may want to consider a sleepy time tea or soothing bath before bed. There are also special soaps with lavender, jasmine, or chamomile scents that help too.

23 – Me Time

Pencil in alone time too. As much fun as hanging with your fiancé(e) and friends is, you should also have yourself some “me time.” You are about to close out a chapter of your life as a single person. That’s a big deal. De-stress with meditation. There is a good app called Headspace. Take a relaxing bath. Book yourself a spa day. You deserve it. Treat yo’ self.

24 – Fun Time

Don’t stop living just because you are wedding planning. Maybe funds are tight, or you have a mountain of DIY projects, or you spend every weekend in vendor meetings. Guess what? Your wedding is one day of your life. I hope it’s the best day ever (like it was for me), but you can’t turn your life into living for your wedding. Don’t forget the FUN. Plan a date night with your significant other. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be a movie or a picnic in the park. Plan get-togethers with friends. Ensure you are building in time to do things not wedding related. You need time to decompress from your own wedding build up.

25 – Be Extra Careful of “Bride Brain”

In the two weeks leading up to the big day, I badly broke a few nails while driving (bless my nail tech for having the skill to fix them) and badly burned the top part of my hand in the oven (not so easily fixed). I was a hot mess! I bashfully accredited this to “Bride Brain.” I had wedding on the mind, and the rest of my motor skills were lacking. The most basic of chores were becoming dangerous for me. All I can say is to ask for help. It’s a stressful time. Your mind may be racing with all the last-minute things to do. Don’t be afraid to delegate chores, order in versus cooking, throw stuff in the “F*ck it” bucket, and do things at a slower pace. I learned the hard way that I just needed to slow down. I was going 100mph and was burning myself out (and burning my skin literally!). Don’t waste all those months of beauty hacks to fudge up your hands like I did!

Yes… That is my hand two weeks before our wedding.

In addition to the 25 tips above, I also highly recommend scheduling make-up trials with your wedding-day makeup artist. These professionals usually have excellent beauty regimen suggestions to have you prepared to look your best on the big day! My own wedding-day makeup artist, my amazing friend from high school and guest contributor to this week’s blog post, Tommy, works in fashion, beauty, and red carpet in NYC and recommends these great tips:

I believe in elevating my brides’ “beauty lifestyles” and accentuating their existing signature looks. It all starts at the makeup trial, where everything from treatments to what-where-how-and-why are matched and elevated to my rolodex of knowledge from years in the beauty industry, and to the two beauty bibles: The Routines Cheat Sheet and The Cleansing Cheat Sheet by aesthetician Caroline Hirons.
I like to think of the makeup trial as beauty therapy and fun. Supply your makeup artist with as much knowledge and imagery as you possibly can about your regular beauty and health routines, but also about your wedding dress, accessories, floral arrangements, and location. The mark of a good makeup artist is one that listens to the client to create a timeless, best version of them.
Finally, a key component of every beauty lifestyle is diet. The books and teachings on digest-aging and the four essential diet-eliminators by iconic naturopathic doctor and aesthetician, Dr. Nigma Talib, provide an approachable guide to mindful living that will set you up not just for your big day but for life.
Wishing you all a beautiful wedding and wedding-day look!
–Tommy tommymakeup.com

In closing, it’s important to reiterate that good beauty, health, and mental health regimens don’t happen overnight. I hope that these tips on healthy hair, skin, nails, teeth, eating, exercise, and mental care help you to be the best you on wedding day and every day.

DISCLAIMER: Any brands listed above are not sponsors.

How to DIY a Wedding Welcome Bag

Posted on February 25, 2019March 9, 2021 by Vicki

A wedding welcome bag is an amenity kit typically provided to guests staying at a hotel for your wedding. Whether you have a lot of out-of-towners or your local guests want to make your wedding weekend into a mini holiday to see family, the guest is paying for a hotel for your special day—so giving a wedding welcome bag to them is a really thoughtful gesture to ensure that these guests receive little kits including a thank you note, an itinerary, a do-not-disturb door hanger, and some snacks, drinks, and toiletries. This will not only let your guests know that you were thinking of them, but also it’s a great first impression of your wedding weekend.

All hotels have different policies for these bags, but typically you have a few options for dispersal. Some hotels keep all the bags at the front desk and hand out one bag per room that checks in. Other hotels hand-deliver the bags to the rooms prior to check-in. In that case, when the guest opens their hotel room their bag is waiting for them. Hotels usually charge a minimal fee for welcome bag service that could run $1-$3 per bag. Talk with your hotel coordinator and ask them if there is a fee for this service. If you have fewer rooms, then you could also consider greeting each guest at their room upon arrival to personally deliver the bags. Your schedule may be a little too hectic for this option, so paying for the hotel delivery service may be worth it. Hotels require the bags to be random and not assigned to specific rooms.

Welcome bags are often one of the first items that couples throw in the “f**k it bucket,” which I think is a shame. A wedding welcome bag can fit into any budget. Think about a max budget you would be willing to spend on all the bags. Then consider how many rooms you will be buying bags for, the price for delivery, the cost of the bag itself, and then the cost of snacks. That will determine how much you can spend on each bag. Look for sales! When we did our wedding bags, we only bought items that were on sale at Costco in bulk. We never paid full price, and that allowed us to get way more items per bag. We budgeted $10 per bag and in the end only spent about $6 per bag, and they were jam-packed with goodies!

There are so many options when it comes to the container you use to hold your guests’ welcome items. First, decide how much you plan to put in each bag. Will it be smaller, individual bags per person, or will it be a larger bag that can hold enough for a family? Next, consider staying on theme and color scheme with the bag. It’s a great first impression of a cohesive wedding weekend.

Paper bag: Paper gift bags are an affordable option because they are disposable. You can buy them in bulk or even two for $1 at your local dollar store. If you get a plain color, then you can decorate the front with a cute craft project. You could also buy the gift bag with a saying already printed on it. I’ve seen darling “welcome” and “celebrate” options online. The ones that are pre-printed are a bit more expensive, but it may be worth it if you don’t have time for crafts. You could also leave the bags plain and just tie a cute color-matching ribbon to the handles.

Boxes: Another affordable option are paper boxes. These are shipped laying flat, then you pop each box open into shape. We decided to do our wedding favor in large 5” by 5” boxes, and it was really pretty. Consider getting a rectangular or house-shaped box so taller items like beverages have room to stand up. You could buy branded stickers or ribbon from Oriental Trading Company to seal the box. You could also get round hatboxes or photo boxes which Michael’s Craft Store has on sale frequently.

Canvas bag: Printed canvas bags are really cute and reusable. You will pay a little more for this option, but consider the bag as part of the gift to your guests. For printed bags, companies usually charge less per bag the more you have printed. If most of the guests are from out of the area, then you could use the bag to showcase the state or town. You could put the engaged couples’ names on the bag, such as “Nicole & Asher’s Wedding Weekend.” You could also do simple sentences, such as “Welcome to our wedding weekend” and keep it a little more generic. You may be able to find generic options online for cheaper than custom print. You could even have the design match your invitations and leave off the couples’ names and wedding date. Your guests may use the bag more if it is generic.

Tote bag: Tote bags are sturdier, higher quality bags that your guests would use again as a purse or beach bag. This is probably the most expensive option but also the nicest.

Beach bucket: This is a sweet option for a summer beach wedding. My cousin got married at a beach resort, and each hotel room was given a large pail with shovel combo, and the bucket was full of snacks. It was super cute because we had a lot of kids attending that wedding and they were able to use the bucket as a toy. In the summer, your local dollar store should carry beach buckets.

Basket: You can do mini wicker baskets in circular or square shapes. This is a bit more expensive, but your guest can re-use the basket. If you get married in Spring, then you can probably find really affordable options because of the Easter holiday.

So now that we’ve covered what welcome bags are, who gets a bag, how to hand them out, the budget, and what kind of container options you have available, let’s discuss interior contents! There are so many options available for what to put inside. At minimum, there should be something informational, something to eat, something to drink, and something for comfort.

Paper

Welcome & Thank You Note

You most likely won’t have time to sit in the lobby and wait for each guest to arrive and greet them. So adding a “welcome and thanks for coming” note is kind. Let them know how grateful you are that they are there for your special day. Consider adding in fun facts about the couple and even bios or photos of the bridal party. Also add in a contact so the guests can call that person with questions instead of calling you. It can be Mother of the Bride, or Maid of Honor, whoever! Just let them know it won’t be you.

Itinerary

Help out your guests by sharing a basic copy of the wedding weekend itinerary. Even if the itinerary was available online through your wedding website, guests will appreciate the easy access of a paper copy. Begin the itinerary on the date most of your guests check into the hotel. Think of adding a welcome activity, the wedding day including ceremony, family photos, reception, and after party, and a farewell activity. For our wedding welcome bag itinerary, we included a welcome bonfire after the bridal party rehearsal, a full wedding day breakdown, and a farewell brunch the morning after.

Informational Things to Do

A sheet with hotel map, neighborhood maps, attractions, and eateries is a nice way to show your out-of-towners other local things that they can do while in for the weekend. Our wedding hotel had a boardwalk shopping and dining area next door, so we highlighted a few options: a coffee shop for breakfast, a lunch spot, a dinner spot, a dessert spot, and an arcade for entertainment.

Do Not Disturb Door Hanger

Throw in a fun do not disturb door hanger that lets people know your guests just partied at your wedding and are now recovering.

Uber Rides

If your wedding ceremony, reception, and hotel are at different areas, then consider setting up an event account through Uber Events. Uber will give you a promo code that you print on a paper and add into your welcome bag. The guest would use their Uber app ride using that code. After the event, you would be billed for all the charges in relation to the event. It may be cheaper than hiring a shuttle service, and you have peace of mind knowing guests are comfortable and safe.

Post Cards

For a destination wedding, a post card the guest can mail home to a friend, a house sitter, a pet sitter or coworker is so fun! You can usually buy a few for $1, so it’s a really affordable way to add in character on the cheap.

Snacks

Local Snacks

If there is a local shop that sells individually wrapped sweets such as salt-water taffy, cookies, popcorn, or chocolates, then consider picking some up to add to each welcome bag. Make sure you add “A Taste of Houston” (insert wedding town) note, plus a little history blurb on the shop. This way, guests will know it’s a special item from a local small business and something the town is perhaps well known for.

Homemade Snacks

If you or someone you know likes to bake, you could make small cupcakes or loaves and package them up for your welcome bag. What a special personalized touch! Make sure you list ingredients, especially if they include nuts. You don’t want anyone having an allergy attack!

General Snacks

The bulk of your welcome bag will be general snacks. Make sure you cover salty and sweet options. Savory options could include chips, pretzels, savory popcorn, chex mix, trail mix, nuts, cup of noodles, and cheese crackers. Sweet options could include candy, fruit gummies, granola bars, sweet popcorn, cookies, and doughnuts. Before you give unpopped popcorn or cup of noodles, ensure the hotel rooms have microwaves. If no microwave, then skip the noodles and give pre-popped popcorn bags.

Gum or Mints

Hey, no one is ever going to pass up fresh breath. Gum and/or mints is an awesome idea to add to the bag. You can go with brand-name options, or you can go with kitschy options that say “mint to be” on the wrapper. Oriental Trading Company sells a plethora of mint and gum options.

Water Bottles or Sports Drinks

Each bag should include at minimum 1 bottle of water. We found Costco sales on water and Gatorade leading up to our wedding, so we stocked up on both. Our welcome bags had two of each.

Instant Coffee and Tea

If the hotel room comes with a mini coffee pot, then you could include brand-name instant coffee and tea options.

Alcohol

This is a really nice touch which will bring your bags up a notch in both offering and cost. You could do cheaper wine bottles from the state or country you are in, mini champagne bottles, or mini liquor bottles. You will be increasing the per-bag price by around $5-$10 for this add-on. You could even do a mini bottle of liquor with a small can of juice and a recipe card for the mixed drink. I will say that every time I receive these bottles at weddings, I always end up taking them home with me. I never find the time to drink them during that weekend. I happen to feel welcome bags are really nice even without the alcohol.

Toiletries

Tissues

A small pack of tissues is a great idea to throw into the welcome bag. Likely at some point over the weekend, each guest may shed a tear. Whether it be because they have reunited with family they haven’t seen in years, or they get choked up by an emotional speech or personalized vows, weddings are an emotional time and the tissues will come in handy.

Advil/Tylenol

The perfect hangover kit remedy. They sell these in mini two-pill packets, or you could make your own. If you make your own, ensure you get brand name. Brand name drug companies print their name on each pill. It would be confusing if a guest got a little baggie of indistinguishable generic drugs. The “in sickness and in health” phrase could be added to packaging of meds.

Stain Remover Pen/Wipes

For a fancy occasion where everyone is dressing their best and taking photos, it’s handy to have a stain remover pen nearby. As a wedding planner, this item is always stocked in my day-of emergency kit, but it’s not a bad idea to provide your guests with one too.

Mini Toiletries

Of course, hotels already provide mini shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. You could, however, add in better brand names of those items. Or think of other items the hotel doesn’t cover like like a mini sewing kit, toothpaste, chapstick, bug spray (if woodsy), or sunscreen (if beachy).

Take-Homes

You could also throw in a gift or two that are more for taking home and remembering the weekend, such as mini olive oil jars, fruit preserve jars, honey jars, coffee, cutting board, coasters, bottle opener, koozies, cookbook, candle, resort spa products, luggage tags, or wearables such as hats or t-shirts.

PRO TIPS:

Consider the best time of year to purchase the container, when deciding on the container you use to store your welcome snacks. If looking for a basket, then April is probably the cheapest time of year to buy (around Easter). If Easter is during your engagement, then purchase the baskets in advance. Don’t wait until November to start looking for baskets for your December wedding. If you buy in advance, then you may need to store items for a little, but you will find the best deals and most variety available.

Don’t forget to include customized snack selections such as “her favorite” and “his favorite” snacks, or “hers,” “his,” and “ours”. It’s another way to personalize the bags. I’m sure your guest would be appreciative of any provided snacks, but letting them know you put a little extra thought into what was in the bag, and that you wanted to share your favorite with them, is really nice.

Try to buy everything in bulk. Purchasing items in bulk is usually cheaper than regular-sized grocery store options. You’ll probably be making a bunch of bags, so you’ll need higher quantities of each item anyway.

Try to buy on sale. We knew early on in our long engagement that we were going to be providing welcome bags to our hotel guests, so we began looking for deals. Over the months, Costco had different sales on gum, mini tissue packs, pretzels, chips, cookies, water bottles, and Gatorade. We stocked up as we found sales and saved a bundle! Just be sure to check expiration dates are after the wedding

Vary Variety. Instead of buying the bulk granola bar box with one flavor inside, make sure you buy a bulk variety pack. This way if you end up putting two granola bars in each bag, the guests have flavor options.

Each bag doesn’t have to be identical. We started off by putting the same items in each bag. In the end, we had a pile of leftovers which we evenly distributed through the bags. This meant some hotel rooms got two bags of chips while others got two granola bars. Don’t stress if they aren’t identical.

Ask your hotel/resort for freebies. Most offer sewing kits or other toiletries they can provide you (for the quantity of bags you need). I used to work a resort. The front desk always had a stockpile of toiletries that they didn’t provide in the room (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, razors, sewing kits, shoe shine mitt, hair ties, etc.). If you had left yours at home, and asked the front desk, they could provide those items for free. If you had 20 welcome bags, and they were willing to give you 20 of some of these items, that’s a nice freebee for your guests who otherwise may have never known they could ask for these items for free.

Consider buying things that aren’t individually wrapped. You can buy the Costco-sized popcorn bag and then put a cup or two of popcorn into clear plastic bags (which you can buy in bulk for cheap). Tie a ribbon around the neck or put a sticker on the fold and you are done! Repackaging the items may actually look more cohesive in the end and could be cheaper than purchasing bulk snack size packages.

So now that you’ve seen just how sweet welcome bags can be, don’t throw them in the f**k in bucket! There is simply no better way to welcome your guests to the wedding weekend than with a personalized gift. They don’t have to be pricey to be appreciated. Make sure you include an attractive container, some informational paper products, snacks, drinks, comfort items, and an added bonus if you find a take-home item to throw in.

DISCLAIMER: Any brands listed above are not sponsors.

How to Pick a Diamond Cut

Posted on February 11, 2019March 9, 2021 by Vicki

Diamonds are beautiful! Not only do they sparkle and shine, but they also represent a symbol of a lifelong marriage, jewelry that you are committing to wear daily. They are also quite costly sometimes. In making such an important investment, you should consider the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. In this post, we are going to discuss the first C: Cut. Each diamond cut is unique—not just because of its shape, but because of much smaller things that give it its brilliance: table, girdle, pavilion, culet, facet, depth ratio, and diameter. Continue reading to gain some knowledge that could help you make your next diamond purchase.

I was fortunate to grow up in a jewelry family since my great uncle, father, and uncle were all in the business. Growing up, I was in and out of jewelry stores and received an early education on the best of the best. If I ever had questions, my dad would teach me anything I was curious about. From a young age, I could appreciate the phrase “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Haha! My uncle is still in the business and recently designed and created my engagement ring. It was an awesome experience to have someone we love custom create the vision that hubby and I had for the ring (yes, I knew about the ring design before the proposal… more on that in a future post!). If you don’t have this type of family connection, then it’s important to give yourself a little online education before you head to the ring store—and Amarvelous Blog can help! Read on, fellow gemophiles!

Before we get into exact cuts, let’s discuss the parts of a diamond:

Table: flat top of the diamond
Crown: top sides of the diamond between the table and girdle
Girdle: narrow band at the outermost edge of the diamond
Pavilion: the facets that slope between the girdle and the culet
Culet: at the bottom where the pavilion facets meet
Facet: each flat surface of the diamond that can be polished
Depth: height of the stone from the table to the culet
Diameter: width of the diamond around the girdle

Main Cut Family Groups:

Brilliant cut: Introduced in the 1600s, typically cut into a cone-like shape with many facets to provide most return of light and therefore more brilliance.
Step cut: Either rectangular or square with facets cut parallel to the girdle (emerald, asscher, baguette).
Rose: Unlike the brilliant and step cuts, the rose cut features a flat bottom and domed top with triangular facets. There is no table. This cut is far less common than the two listed above and was invented in 1520.

Diamond Cuts:

Technically speaking, diamond cut is all about how well the design makes the diamond capture light, refract the light inside of itself, then reflect the light outwards at strategic points and angles on the facets in order to achieve maximum brightness and sparkle. Different cuts achieve different levels of brilliance by using slightly different angles of light or facet shapes, and it’s also based on how deep or shallow the diamond is and how many facets it has.

For most people, though, diamond cut and shape are all about preference. Consider what the person wearing the stone likes and what looks best on them. Just like anything else that people wear, diamond cuts go in and out of style. Some of these cuts originated hundreds of years ago. As new diamond cutters created new diamond cuts, the older styles sometimes take a break in popularity. Some cuts are timeless and have lasted through the trendier periods; however, just like in fashion, everything comes back in style, so don’t fret and just pick what you like most! Diamonds have been popular for hundreds of years, and cuts have evolved through time. Below are the most common cuts still in existence.

Round (1919)
There is a long history of round-shaped diamonds from the 1600s. However, the round diamond cut we see today, or round brilliant, is by far the most popular diamond shape, the most timeless, and has more brilliance than any other shape. They are also the most valuable because more of the original stone is lost in the process of creating this cut. Round is cut into 58 facets.

Oval (Introduced over 200 years ago, but the modern oval was created in 1960)
There are a few cuts that elongate the fingers for a very slender look, and oval is one of them. The oval is cut similarly to the round and so it too captures lots of light and shines. A benefit of the oval is that it is long and therefore looks larger than other stones of the same size. 58 facets are cut to create oval.

Marquise (1745)
Marquise has a longer length to width ratio. Marquise also elongates the fingers for a very slender look. This cut is oval with points on the ends creating a football look. Similar to the oval, this stone also has the illusion of being larger than it actually is due to the elongated shape. This stone typically has 58 facets.

Pear (1458)
Pear cut, or a tear drop shape, is a mix between round and marquise cuts. Pear is the last cut that helps to elongate the fingers. Pears are the most customizable stones due to width availability. Pear also has 58 facets.

Princess (1980)
Princess-cut diamonds are the second-most popular diamond shape and also a timeless pick. This cut is typically square, with pointed corners, and a rounded top. You can find a length to width ratio with one side slightly greater than the other, making the stone look rectangular. However, the more perfectly square the stone is, versus rectangular, the more valuable the stone is. These stones typically have 57 or 76 facets.

Cushion (Introduced in 1400, name changed several times until 1900)
Cushion-cut, or pillow shaped, diamonds can be square or rectangular with rounded corners and outline. These stones have 58 facets.

Radiant (1977)
Radiant cut is very unique, because it combines facets on the emerald cut with facets of a round cut and can be square or rectangular. The radiant cut is the most radiant within the rectangular family. Now you see where the name comes from? Radiant cuts have 70 facets.

Emerald (1500)
Emerald-cut diamonds get their unique Art Deco look from rectangular-cut facets. This belongs to the step-cut family. This stone is rectangular in nature, but by looking at the length to width ratio you can find shorter and more wide options as well as long and skinny options. This stone has 57 facets.

Asscher (1902)
The asscher cut is often mistaken for emerald cut due to the blocky way the facets are cut. However, asscher cut is a square instead of rectangle and has angled corners. This cut is commonly said to have a “hall of mirrors” look. There are actually two types of Asscher cuts: standard and royal. Royal is extremely rare. Standard is cut with 50 to 58 facets, and royal is cut with 74.

Baguette (1920)
Baguette-cut diamonds are in the step-cut family, so they have a similarly cut top as emerald and asscher, but this cut has far fewer facets: baguette only has 14 facets! This cut comes in an assortment of sizes and can range from really small carat sizes to be used as decorative stones, to large solitaires. This stone is cheaper than emerald cut, because it lacks the same brilliance. If you pick this cut, then go with a more shallow stone, since having a deeper stone will not create more brilliance due to the way the light refracts inside the stone.

Triangle (1962)
Triangle is more commonly used as side stones to accompany a larger center stone. They can also be used as solitaire stones and be the star (or triangle) of the show. The triangle can range from 31 to 50 facets depending on the cut. For all three triangular cuts, the more facets, the more shine. If you were using a triangular cut as a side stone, you would not want to outshine your center stone, so you may go with a lower facet count. You would go for the higher facet count for a single center stone.

Trillion
Straight trillion is similar to the triangle cut described above. These stones don’t have a lot of depth to them, so they will sit lower to the finger in an engagement setting. Curved trillion is a rounded-edge version of the straight trillion cut.

Calf’s-Head
Calf’s-head-cut stones are very rare and unique. They have six sides with a shape similar to that of a calf head. This shape has been cut with both the brilliant and step-cut methods. This cut has a greater depth than trillion and therefore more brilliance. Calf’s-head cut is more commonly used as side stones, but it can also be a solitaire.

Heart (1463)
Heart cut is, as you expect, a heart shape. It is said to be a more complicated cut and requires a more experienced diamond cutter to achieve the symmetric and heart shaped look. This cut has 56 to 58 facets.

Proprietary Cuts
There are some companies that have invented totally brand-new cuts then trademarked the cutting method so that they are the only business in the world who offers that cut. These business-specific cuts are sometimes very beautiful, but beware that you may end up paying more for the brand’s name—and the financial investment that they needed to make to protect and advertise their unique cutting method—than for the quality of the diamond itself.

As mentioned before, diamond cut is an important factor in the value of your stone, because the cut determines how much light the stone can bring in and reflect out. The more light captured then reflected, the more brilliance the diamond has. When you see a stone sparking from across a room, it’s most likely not because it was recently cleaned, and it may not even be due to a larger size, but it’s more likely because of the excellent cut of the stone. Now that you’ve learned a bit about diamond (and precious gemstone) cuts, you can confidently go to a jewelry store and pick out the perfect piece! And don’t forget to check back at Amarvelous Blog in the coming months for posts on diamond clarity, color, and carat options!

Correction: An earlier version of this post stated that the rose cut does not feature a flat bottom and domed top with triangular facets. The rose cut in fact does feature a flat bottom and domed top with triangular facets.

DISCLAIMER: Any brands listed above are not sponsors.

Let There Be Linens!

Posted on January 28, 2019March 9, 2021 by Vicki

Table linens are an important part of an event, because they transform the entire room by adding texture and color. Whether a dinner at home, a work conference, or a wedding, all types of events can utilize table linens to create a desired vibe for the guest. The linens we introduce into our events tell the story of how we want our guests to feel. Linens are available in many shapes, fabrics, and colors. The key to transforming your space with your desired vibe is picking the perfect linens. Let’s uncover some general tips on how to choose your colors and fabrics, the right-sized tablecloth for any occasion, and decorative accents you can add to finish off the look.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the linen colors for your event:

Season: Each season brings along its own color palette. Fall and winter months bring warmer tones while spring and summer months the colors are light and bright.

Venue: If you are having a garden affair, you may want to go with light pastels or floral colors. If you are having a beach event, you may gravitate towards shades of blues. If you were having an indoor nighttime event, you may pick darker tones. For ballrooms or halls, consider the existing color palette of the venue. What colors are the walls, carpets, and chairs? Best not to clash with your venue’s existing color scheme.

Theme: Are you creating a color board or picking a theme for your event? It’s not just about the bridesmaid’s dresses and flowers when you think of color. Pops of color or patterns on the linen create a dramatic look and change the entire atmosphere of the room.

Tips:

Have your wedding planner request fabric swatches so you can see and touch the fabric. You can bring those swatches to other appointments to ensure outfits, décor, and even the venue color scheme is coordinating.
Create a color board with one or two primary colors and two to three accent colors. Then when you have any decision involving color, you just pull a color off of the coordinated board.
Always pick one metallic color as an accent: gold, rose gold, silver, or copper.
If you need inspiration, peruse through a search engine such as Pinterest to get inspired.

Fabrics

Some of the most popular fabrics are linen, cotton, polyester, and silk. I’m also throwing damask into this list because often people don’t know what it is.

Linen: A natural fiber with a more relaxed, soft feel.

Cotton: Just like with cotton clothing, cotton linens are machine washable but may wrinkle and need ironing. You can purchase a cotton blended linen to avoid wrinkles.

Polyester: A bit shinier and silkier than cotton. It is the most durable and easy fabric to care for and is less likely to fade even after washing. It is also affordable.

Silk: Appropriate for formal events because it is a super luxe look. This material is delicate and should be washed with care.

Damask: Damask is a pattern that is woven into the fabric of the cloth versus printed on the fabric. Damask patterns can be woven into any fabric. It looks nicer than patterns that are printed on, and it is a great alternative if you want a pattern or something intricate but want it lower maintenance than beading, embroidery, or embellishments.

Linens

Table Linen: The “drop” on a table linen is the distance from the edge of the table to the bottom of the linen. For everyday dining, we suggest a mid-length drop. For a formal event, table linens should drop to floor length. To elevate the floor length look to be more dramatic, order your tablecloth a size larger and puddle the fabric at the floor and tuck excess under itself. Rectangle tables and ovals come in two standard widths – 36” and 40” wide.

Tips:

When in doubt, get a larger size tablecloth. You can always puddle the fabric, roll it under, or have a seamstress alter it to fit better.
Do not puddle fabric on any table that will move during the night, such as a cake table. The wheels will snag on the fabric, and it would be catastrophic if the cake went flying!
If you are doing an irregular shape such as a really long rectangle, serpentine, or semi-circle, you can order custom tablecloths to achieve a seamless look.
If you are interested in a serpentine zig-zag look but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for custom serpentine linens, you can fit a 120” or 132” round on a 30” x 60” table. You will have to nip and tuck it a bit, but it will work.
Most table heights are 30” for standard height or 42” for a tall cocktail table (high boy). 36” high tables also exist but they are not nearly as common. Make sure to ask your venue the size and height of the tables. You need all three dimensions of length, width, and height for a rectangle, or diameter and height for a round.

Overlays: Overlays are a second layer of linen that lay on top of the liner and tablecloth. Typically, this is a thin layer and you can see the tablecloth color through the overlay. This layer is purely for design over function. The overlays can be presented in a smaller size on top of the full-size linen, or for a dramatic look they can also be floor length. For the table below, I input the smaller size measurements.

Tips:

Round tables can have round or square overlays on top of them.
For round tables with a square on top, pay attention to the point-to-point measurement, because that dictates the drop. You wouldn’t want the points of the square touching or dragging on the floor as an overlay.
For a rectangular table, you can use a square overlay in two different directions: You can achieve a diamond shape or a cap-style. For cap-style, the square lays parallel to the edge of the tablecloth.

Table Runners: A table runner is a strip of fabric that runs longways down the middle of your table. A runner is designed to add color or texture, showcase your centerpiece and food (if served family style), as well protect the middle of the table. Runners can be wide or narrow depending on preference.

Tips:

Be sure to account for width of the table, runner, place setting, décor, and food plates being presented in the center of the table.
Your table runner should hang over six inches at each end of the table. For a dramatic look, if you are pairing a runner with a puddles linen, order an extra-long runner and puddle the runner too.
Table runners don’t only have to be linen; they can be stretches of fresh greenery or long chains of flowers.

Table Liner: Any venue providing tables should also at minimum be providing table liners. Table liners are a sturdier fabric (usually white) that cover the bare face of the table and lay underneath your linen of choice. They are a barrier to protect the table from normal wear and tear, heat, and scratches, and they also reduce noise. The liner should not be seen under your linen, so the liner size should be larger than the table but smaller than your selected linen.

Decorative Accents

Charger: Typically seen in more formal dining, a charger is a decorative under-plate to provide an elegant place setting. Chargers come in many colors to transform the look of your table. Each course’s new plate is presented on top of the charger to create visual interest and presentation, but also for practical reasons such as protecting the table from hot plates and spilled food. Silverware and napkins are presented on the outside of the charger plate.

Tips:

If you are adding end cap seats to a rectangular table, make sure to measure out placement for the charger, silverware, and glassware. Since chargers take up a few extra inches, it may leave you a little snug.
Most dinner plates range in size from 8.75 inches to 10.5 inches. Make sure your dinner plate and charger are a good fit for each other.

Placemat: Typically seen in more casual dining, a placemat is a rectangular, square, or round mat upon which you put the place setting. A placemat can be made of an array of materials (linen, wood, plastic). If rectangular, there is room for silverware and napkins on either side of the plate. If round, it looks more similar to a charger, in that the silverware and napkin are on their own. Placemats serve the purpose for aesthetic and visual interest as well as the same practical functions as the charger does in that they protect the table.

Tip:

Set the placemat about an inch from the edge of the table and allow four inches between each placemat for elbow room.

Napkin: Cloth napkins are easily laundered, eco-friendly, and come in an assortment of fabrics and colors. Larger sizes are standard for dinners and formal events and allow for intricate folds.

Tip:

A fun napkin fold is a great way to add dimension to the table. Most venues will accommodate a napkin fold request. However, if yours does not, you can either do it yourself, pay your planner to do it, or hire out your rental company to send you pre-folded napkins.

Napkin Ring: Napkin rings are the perfect way to finish off the polished look of your table and elevate the place setting to be more formal. There are many options to chose from, but this is a great way to add a little sparkle or bling.

Tip:

If your napkins are double lined, they may not fit into a standard napkin ring. Test it out before event day.

Cocktail Table Sashes: On a tall cocktail table (high boy), there are two different ways to add a table sash that will add form and function to the table: You can do a martini wrap or a bow-tie. Both looks achieve the same function of not allowing the tablecloth to blow in the wind. They both also look beautiful when completed.

Tip:

When adding a sash to a cocktail table, choose a linen one size larger to ensure the legs of the table will still be covered once the sash is tied.

Chair Covers: Chair covers are like a fitted pillowcase for your chair. If you happen to like the look, then go for it! The issue for me with chair covers is that they try to be one size fits all and tend to tie in the back and look frumpy.

Tip:

No matter how hideous your venue’s chairs may be, I don’t typically recommend that my clients rent chair covers. If the chairs are that bad, let’s not pay to cover them up, let’s just pay to rent better looking chairs! For a little bit more investment, you can have a whole different look that’s way more modern than chair covers.

Chair Ties: Typically, people use chair ties on top of a chair cover—eek! However, you can make these pretty bows on regular chairs too.

Chair Bands: A chair band is a bandeau that slips over the back of the chair. It also happens to be another embellishment for placing over a chair cover. This one is more functional, because the elastic nature of the band really holds the chair cover in place.

Chair Pad Covers: Ever sit on a chair without padding for a five hour event? Chair pads are not fun but are necessary for firm chairs. Chiavari chair cushions can be covered in any color fabric. You can have it covered in your primary color or accent color. It’s a great way to continue the theme.

Chair Backs and Jackets: A chair back or chair jacket is a cover that only goes over the full back of the chair leaving the seat part open.

Finally, after you have the linens, the last thing you need to know about is linen care:

Most linens can be washed at home. Read the tags to ensure that is the case for your selection. Some fabrics with embellishments and beading may have alternate directions for dry cleaning or hand washing (taffeta, silk, and lace are usually dry clean only).
Always wash with like colors, as new linens will bleed color during the first wash on anything else that is in the machine.
Avoid bleach, and use a stain remover as soon as possible after the stain occurs.
Most linens can be dried in your dryer (tumble dry low); however, for best results, remove from dryer when still mildly damp to reduce wrinkles.
Linens should be ironed. If your fabric has embellishments, you can iron on the reverse side. As table linens can be very large for an ironing board, you may want to invest in a steamer. You can place the linen directly on the table and then steam it. Be sure if you are doing this at a venue that there are nearby power outlets available. Otherwise, for a small fee, you can always bring in your linens to the dry cleaner to have them pressed. Some rental companies send the linens to you already pressed and ready to go.
If you own the linens and are planning to store them away, make sure they are clean and dry, folded neatly, and kept in a cool, dry space. Do not store linens in plastic bags, attics, basements, or garages.

Remember to have fun, mix and match, and request swatches through your event planner.

DISCLAIMER: Any brands listed above are not sponsors.

The Perfect Long-Wear Lipstick

Posted on January 14, 2019March 9, 2021 by Vicki

Bride, Bridesmaids, Mothers, Party Hosts, Guests, Event Planners, and Venue Staff… What do they all have in common? All these people are about to have a fully scheduled day and will barely have time to eat, let alone reapply makeup. This post will cover my favorite lip product and why everyone who wears lipstick should own at least one. Full disclosure, I am not receiving compensation by this company for this post, but I LOVE this product so much that I decided a couple of years ago to become an independent distributor. So, if you are interested in the products after reading, send me a note and I’d be happy to discuss further.

A few of my biggest lipstick upsets:

When it gets on your teeth
When it’s wearing off and you are left with just an outer perimeter that looks like lip liner
When my husband won’t give me kisses because he doesn’t want to get my lipstick on his lips

Fortunately, there is a way to avoid these lip mishaps! Ever since long-wear lipstick was invented, we should have just stopped creating regular lipstick. Long-wear lipstick is a superior product to regular lipstick because the product lasts, in its original application state, for several hours without reapplication or disturbance. However, not all long-wear lipsticks are created equal. I have tried several drugstore brands that claim to last for hours, and after breakfast they have totally worn off. I have found the best long-wear lipstick on the market and want to share it with all of you!

Image credit SeneGence International

What Is It

LipSense® by SeneGence International® is a liquid lip color that lasts up to 18 hours. It’s waterproof, kiss-proof, smudge-proof, not tested on animals, vegan, GMO-free, wax-free, gluten-free, lead-free, does not dry out your lips, protects your lips from the sun, made in the USA, and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee! I mean, does it get any better than that?

How to Apply

LipSense has a unique application process unlike regular lipstick, hence the long wear. Read the next few steps and watch the video below to understand the process.

LipSense products should be applied to clean and dry lips. When applying makeup, I always do my lipstick last and wipe my lips clean with a bit of witch hazel before proceeding to the next steps.
Shake the bottle for a few seconds prior to application.
When you remove the wand, rub off excess lipstick before application.
LipSense is applied in a layering technique. Begin with the first thin layer of lipstick by applying from one corner of the mouth to the other on the top and bottom lips. The key is to do one continual stroke on each the upper and lower lip. Let your color set dry before applying the second and third coats in Step 5.
- TIP: Don’t forget to go from your lip line to the inner waterline.
- TIP: Don’t rub your lips together or let them touch until after the gloss has been applied in Step 6.
Repeat Step 4, letting the layer dry between applications, then repeat it again, to have a total of three thin lipstick layers.
- TIP: SeneGence does not recommend you apply more than three total layers of LipSense.
When the third layer has set, you can apply a layer of LipSense lip moisturizing gloss as the final layer. At this point, you can press your lips together to smooth out the gloss, and you are ready for your day.

Live demo of Roseberry and Glossy Gloss LipSense application ❤

How It Works

According to the SeneGence website (and I can personally vouch for how easy the process is!):

“Layering LipSense is a must, due to the fact that the color breaks down with the pH balance of the skin.
1st layer: touches the skin’s pH and will begin to break down first and fastest.
2nd layer: protected from the bottom, away from the skin’s pH, by the first layer.
3rd layer: protects the second layer from the top down and prevents sheering of second layer of color by keeping away friction, saliva, and the natural environment. The third layer breaks down just like the first layer, but from the top down. The second layer is sandwiched between the first and third and is protected by both for the longest period of use.”

How to Pick Your Color

LipSense colors are divided into three different undertone families: yellow-based (warm), blue-based (cool), and neutral. Read below to learn more about each undertone family and which one you best fit into. Once you know this, you can narrow down your lipstick shades to ones that really compliment your skin tone.

Warm Yellow: You tend to tan, and not burn, look best in gold jewelry, gold tones, and you have a golden or apricot undertone and green tinted wrist veins.
Cool Blue: You tend to burn first, then tan, look best in silver jewelry, silver tones, and in natural daylight you have a pink or rosy undertone and blue/purple-tinted wrist veins.
Neutral: You tend to tan but can also burn, you look best in silver and gold, pink and yellow tones with blue/green veins, or if you can’t see your veins, or can’t tell what color they are, then try neutral shades.

Color Options

Lipstick: There are currently 74 different lipstick colors available. With the unique application of three thin color layers, if you owned just three different LipSense colors, you can mix and match to make 27 different color options!

Those options only include the lipstick. Since you have to seal the LipSense with a gloss, this means you have even more combinations!
Gloss: There are 15 different glosses available that can be worn on top of LipSense lip color or on bare lips. They are available in a variety of glossy, matte, shimmer, and pearl finishes. They also contain shea butter and vitamin E to moisturize, repair, and soothe your lips. Just think of how many colors you could make with different shades and glosses!
Remover: Being that this lipstick has such fantastic long-wear properties, you can’t just remove it with regular soap and water. SeneGence created a remover called Ooops!™ that you apply to the lipstick, let sit for a minute, then simply wipe off along with all the color.
New Colors: In addition to the regular line of LipSense lip colors, every few months SeneGence releases fun limited-edition colors.

Money-Saving Notes

One tube of LipSense lipstick worn daily can last up to 6 months! Not sure about you, but I have never had a regular lipstick last more than a month with daily use. With all the wasted product used on reapplications, you are throwing away your money if you purchase regular lipstick.
LipSense makes an incredible and affordable gift! As a bride, you could gift your bridesmaids LipSense as a “will you be my bridesmaid” or a “thank you for being a part of our day” gift. It’s also a really thoughtful gift for anyone who works long shifts such as doctors, nurses, teachers, office staff, flight attendants, and people in the hospitality industry.

So How Much Does It Cost?

I know you have probably been waiting for me to answer this question. If you are new to LipSense, then you should purchase a starter kit which includes 1 color, 1 gloss, and 1 remover for a total of $55! What an insane deal!! Sephora sells lipsticks that go up to $90 for just a regular lipstick!

For purchases after this, colors are $25, glosses are $20, and remover is $10.

SeneGence doesn’t just sell LipSense; they also carry a full line of beauty and skincare products including:

Skincare: cleansers, moisturizers for day and night, eye crèmes, and eye brighteners.
Anti-Aging: moisturizers, anti-wrinkle, collagen night paks, and treatment for damaged skin cells
Lips: lipsticks, lip liners, glosses, balms, removers, and volumizers
Face: foundations, concealers, blushes, loose powders, removers, pore and wrinkle minimizers, and dry skin treatment
Eyes: brow colors, liquid eye liners, eye pencils, shadows, mascaras, lash lengtheners, and dark circle treatment
Body: washes, scrubs, lotions, hand creams, detoxifying and moisturizing masks, body creams, self-tanners, and sunscreens
Parfums

In the year leading into my own wedding, I switched up all my products to SeneGence, and my skin was more hydrated and radiant than ever. I can’t recommend these products enough! If you are interested in reading more about any of the products listed above, you can browse the SeneGence International Product Page.

DISCLAIMER: Any brands listed above are not sponsors.