Tag: Beauty

5 Easy Ways to Make Your Wedding Earth-Friendly

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Do you know your ecological footprint?

A wedding involves anywhere from tens to hundreds of people. Think about how much trash you produce in one day, and multiply it by your guest list. Crazy, right?

Good news! You have a golden opportunity to make some earth-friendly choices and minimize the environmental impact of your event. A little planning (which you’re doing anyway) will go a long way!

 Here are five really easy ways to keep your celebration clean and green.

Transportation & Venue

Greenhouse gases are emitted by fuel-burning vehicles, so minimize how much carbon dioxide you pump into the atmosphere with smart decisions. If possible, select a venue that is close to friends and family, and organize carpooling options. Choose to have the reception at the same place or near the ceremony location to decrease travel on the big day. Some brides and grooms even hire buses to chauffeur their guests!

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Materials & Décor

Most weddings consume a lot of resources. Minimize your impact by using recycled and eco-friendly materials as much as possible. You can design electronic save-the-dates, print your invitations on recycled paper, use biodegradable plates and utensils, choose eco-friendly or used linens, and select seasonal, local flowers. Recycle or repurpose as much as possible afterwards. Re-sell items to other brides, so they don’t have to buy new.

Food & Desserts

Support positive, responsible methods of farming and raising food. Choose local suppliers to support business in your community. Choose vegan to avoid harming animals. If you want meat at your wedding, make sure it is Kosher certified or free range/cage-free. Select organic veggies to avoid pesticides and chemicals. A great way to know your food is legit is by hiring a caterer who specializes in a certain type of cuisine, or by doing it yourself.

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Going Away & Favors

Going away favors can cause a mess. If your venue allows confetti, get a biodegradable variety. If you want bubbles, find some that are non-toxic. Avoid rice, because it can be bad for birds and wildlife. Guests can instead ring bells or wave ribbons. Sparklers cannot be recycled; a good alternative is to use candles, which double as a nice gift for your guests. Other eco-friendly gift ideas include seeds, potted plants, or reusable water bottles.

Wardrobe & Beauty

Gowns made from organic fabrics are becoming more available. If you choose a used dress or wear something borrowed, you’re not only getting good luck, but reducing the number of new items manufactured for your wedding. Select makeup from cruelty-free brands (there will be a bunny on the label or it will say it was not animal-tested). Reduce waste by choosing accessories you already own or will use again.

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Whether you make one eco-friendly choice or a dozen, know that your wedding will make a positive difference. And who knows? Your event may even inspire guests to incorporate changes into their daily lives—be it trying a vegan recipe or switching cosmetic brands. Every little bit counts!

Have more ideas about how to throw an earth-friendly wedding? Let us know!

Top 8 Beauty Tips for Brides

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With the 2016 wedding season kicking off, many brides are faced with the question: how should I style myself for the big day?

For the past few years, the trend has been to go as you are. Natural is a safe bet, so your groom won’t be left wondering exactly who that is walking down the aisle. However…

On the flip side, if you don’t glam up for the big day, when will you? Your wedding is the perfect time to pull out all the stops and really WOW him.

Say hello to our top 8 tips for styling a jaw-dropping look on the big day, while still feeling like YOU.

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Beautiful Nails

It’s easy to remember getting a manicure after you’ve just been engaged, because everyone keeps asking to see the ring. Be sure you have pretty nails for the wedding, too! They’ll show up in everything from couple’s photos to bouquet pictures to shots of you holding hands. Choose a neutral tone that will look beautifully bridal with your gown, or go for a romantic shade such as light pink. Add a sparkly or clear overcoat of polish to help keep your nails from getting nicked or smeared.

All About The Eyes

Don’t you want to lock eyes across the room? Give him (or her) chills by creating a dramatic eye. You can play off your color scheme with a pop of color, if that’s your thing, or accentuate your irises with a rich metallic. For daytime weddings, we suggest keeping it neutral with nudes and sheer colors—take it to a bolder place with deeper hues and sparkling layers for the evening reception.

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Fresh, Kissable Lips

Every bride should look absolutely kissable on the big day—and not just because you seal the deal with your lips! Sport a lovely smile from the ceremony to the reception with a dewy (but not sticky) lip gloss. Prep by staying hydrated and lightly exfoliating your lips before applying lip gloss, a liner, and a light color. For a youthful or daytime look, stick to pinks, corals, and neutrals—for the evening, pull out a bolder hue.

That Effortless Glow

You’re all heard the word applied to everything from gowns to skin to an abstract idea of beauty: effortless. This look is anything but easy, but with a few tricks, you’ll have it nailed! Start with as clear skin as possible (wash your face, apply toner, and moisturize as usual in the weeks leading up to the wedding). Apply a matte makeup or concealer and practice smoothing your tone. A light powder will cover uneven spots—then use a pearly highlighter or a dusting of blush for that lovely glow. The key here is to keep it light. Only use what you need and bring oil-blotting wipes to refresh your look.

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Thick Wedding Lashes

Even if you’re planning on neutral wedding makeup, bold lashes are a must. Your eyes will stand out in the photos, and you’ll love how gorgeous and Hollywood this look makes you feel. Try on some fake lashes, or if you prefer to go natural, choose an eco-friendly (not tested on animals) mascara that will leave your lashes black, thick, and slightly curled.

Hot Hair Styles

Top looks this season include loose buns, all kinds of braids, and messy updos. If you’re going hair up, consider a chic (easy maintenance) bun. This style will hold all day. For a more rustic or youthful look, braided updos are making a comeback.

For a romantic style, a twisted chignon with loose tendrils looks especially pretty with a sparkly headpiece. Want to wear your hair down? Use a curling iron and a reliable mousse or spray to achieve celeb-worthy, beachy waves.

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Drama In The Back

Everyone will be watching your walk down the aisle. This is why so many designers have created gowns with back details such as sheer laces, buttons, flowers, or back jewelry.

Make sure you look amazing with a headpiece and/or veil to give the back of your head some style. Tuck a sparkly comb or some pins into any updo—for down hairstyles, consider a bridal halo or headband. Cathedral veils are totally in, so make sure you try on a long veil to complement your gown.

Trend: Flower Accents

The Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 bridal runways showcased tons of flowers. The gorgeous sheer floral laces, ethereal layers, and dimensional flowers on this year’s bridal gowns are just begging to pair with luxurious lace veils and flower hair accessories.

Incorporate modern beauty into your look with floral earrings or jewelry. You can tuck fresh flowers into your hair, or better yet, tie on a pretty flower wreath made with soft organza and sparkling with tiny rhinestones. It’s your day to shine!

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Sources:

https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-beauty-trends

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/bridal-fashion-week-beauty-spring-2017-160429/page1

http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/wedding-makeup-looks-150908?cid=module_last_slide_position1