You Got So Much Face Time

If you're anything like me, you're about 2 steps away from Botox, but 10 steps away from admitting you'd ever do it, let alone mention the idea of it to your dermatologist. And with endless amounts of anti-wrinkle creams, serums, lotions, and peels out there, it seems silly not to try every last one of them before become just another statistic.

I'm not dogging the 'tox, and I'll admit I'm envious of the numerous Hollywood starlets (not to mention personal friends) whom I know FOR A FACT have gone to the dark side. But there's something dirty about the whole process.

I have no problem with needles per se. But there's that twinge of a negative conotation that always goes along with it. Case #1: Donating blood. It's a good deed, and you always feel better inside afterwards, unless the nurse accidentally misses your vein 3 times. Case #2: Tattoos. They can be so cute, but there's always that guy/girl who will swear you off them forever (Thanks Kat Von D). Case #3: Botox Parties. There's a time and a place to have someone stick a needle into the corners of your eyes, and trust me, the dry-heaving non-partaker in the corner, Cosmos don't mix with wrinkle removing. Someone always takes it too far. What ever happened to good old-fashioned TupperWare gatherings?

As a bride-to-be, I obviously want to have that same facial glow as the 5'10" model on the cover of InStyle. But I'd rather attain that by getting my face in shape in a less invasive manner. There's SO much out there, and it can be overwhelming, but I have a few products to get us on our way. At the end of the day, what sounds better than "fresh-faced?" The main thing I've learned from everyone, including my dermatologist, facialist, hairstylist, my mom, and one girl from Forever 21, is to stay out of the sun. This sounds easy, yet why can't any of us stay away from it?!

This is something I can't control for you. You'll have to learn over time to be that dork with the full-circumference visor that covers everything down to your bellybutton. But what I can help with is taking the steps towards a fresher, brighter, more Bridie face!

Let's take this as step 1 out of a potential 3-part process. The first step to Bridal Glow is to eliminate all of those bad habits you're still guilty of committing. And shame on you if you still aren't washing your face at night! Here's a list of Bridie-approved products, some Rx, some not, which will get your biggest feature ready for the big day.

Think of your wedding as the opening of a Broadway show. You couldn't possibly get all of your lines and blocking dead-on in the first couple of months. Same goes for your face. Jumping into some hardcore chemical peel is not only going to leave you looking like a giant scab, but your pores probably won't appreciate that sudden wake-up call. Ease into it. Here we go, girls!

1. "Peeling Groovy" by Bliss. It's a serum that retexturizes, exfoliates, lightens dark spots, and brightens skin. 2-3 pumps at night, and you look like you could *almost* skip makeup the next day! http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P226403&searchString=peeling%20groovy

2. Kinerase. Courteney Cox is their spokewoman. Need I say more? The woman looks like she stole her skin from The David in Florence. But rather than hate her, start on the regimen. A couple drops helps your skin retain moisture, and improve the look of freckles and blotchiness. I'd recommend starting with the cream. http://www.kinerase.com/kinerase/product.asp?catalog_name=KCP&category_name=230MoisturizeProtect(Kinerase)&product_id=0187040240(Kinerase)

3. Differin Gel (Rx). You may recognize this from back in your acne days. And yes, this same magical gel that saved your monster zit from making an appearance at prom also helps to prevent wrinkles! And if you're anything like me, who literally will get a blemish on top of a deep line as if to remind me that I'm Not A Girl Not Yet A Woman (Britney), you can use it for both curses! You'll have to get this from your derm, but won't break the bank. Just a dab on the problem areas goes a loooooong way. http://www.differin.com/Adults/Default.aspx

4. DDF Protective Eye Cream. I skimp on some things, but my eyes are not one of them. I tend to be smiley, which is a good thing, but also a bad thing for something wicked called crow's feet. While, again, Botox is really the only eraser besides Photoshop, there's something to combat them getting any closer to your hairline. DDF is short for Doctor's Dermatologic Formula, and was created by the professionals themselves. It contains SPF 15, and COQ10, which aids in the production of healthy cells. Most importantly to me, it doesn't sting the crap out of my eyes! http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P21255&categoryId=B70

5. Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer. That's right! You don't need to look farther than Target to find a great daily moisturizer! It contains Essential Soy, which is a natural skin brightener, and SPF 30, without making you look like a ghost. I don't leave home without it. And it smells so good, my fiance started stealing it from me and using it too! http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/productslistpage.browse?segment=women&catId=1&subCatId=4&pagingPage=all&totalNumberOfPages=6

Start things off here! I guarantee you'll see a difference in the brightness of your face. Just a couple of small changes in your beauty regimen can make a huge difference. I'll check a third of the way with new ideas, and maybe some facial recommendations. It's a slow and steady race, just like this entire wedding planning process! Put in some face time!

Kisses!
Bridie