Bridal boot camp part 3: Skin and nails

 If there's one consistent theme in parts 1 and 2 of the Bridal Beauty Boot Camp, it's that preparation is key. I nearly walked down the aisle four years ago with chipped nail polish and ragged cuticles because I overlooked booking a nail appointment. Thankfully, my hairstylist noticed while doing my hair that day and had her nail person do an emergency gel mani.

So, this last installment of the Bridal Beauty Boot Camp is about making sure your nails and skin are in great shape leading up to saying, "I do."

Start prepping skin 6 months in advance

"For a bride, we emphasize starting a special regimen six months before the wedding to start a continual process of cleansing and renewing the skin. Getting an early start also helps our skincare team troubleshoot any underlying issues with the skin such as acne, rosacea or bacne (back acne). And, we find that our brides enjoy the rapport with our estheticians and get set with skincare recommendations to get their skin in great shape prior to their big day.

For the bride that doesn't have time to start a regimen in advance, (and a new client to Moko) we generally recommend not to get a facial within a couple of weeks before the wedding in case of an adverse reaction."

- Monique Mason, owner of Moko

Have a professional shape your brows

"Eyebrows are your most important feature, providing a frame for your face. We'll accent your natural size and shape with careful trimming and tweezing to create balance, symmetry and harmony. Make sure you have well groomed and nicely shaped eyebrows. See a professional brow artist who can help you achieve the perfect shape or grow them prior to your wedding day. Follow the natural shape of your brows with a powder that matches your hair color. There are tons of brow products out there that can help you achieve a natural shape of your brows including Revita Brow, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gels and Pencils, etc."

- Victoria Roggio, resident makeup artist at the Rescue Spa and owner of Make Me Up Pretty

Get glowing (faux please!)

"Skin Palette's favorite beauty secret for brides is a touch of golden shimmer along the sternum! Pictures turn out stunning."

- Susie Celek, owner, Skin Palette

"Don't over-tan— a lot of brides try to get some extra sun during the week of the wedding. But remember that you are wearing white—too much contrast makes it look even more dramatic and too fake."

- Victoria Roggio

All about nails

Michelle Nguyen, of Arch Nails in Philadelphia shares her nail tips for the bride to be.

Regular or gel mani?

"I often recommend a bride coming in two days before her special day as to prevent any mishaps with her manicure/pedicure. But with gel nails being a common service. Up to five days prior to the date is pretty on the safe side. With that being said I strongly recommend gel nails as a bride's go to."

French manicure or polish?

"I have to say that the French manicure is a classic wedding day nail style. It's simple, clean and elegant. But sometimes the white tips can be a little too intense. If you re going for a more subtle look, I recommend an "American manicure" the tips are less white more of a natural nude with a pinkish nail bed. It looks like your natural nail with a little definition."

You can also just go for a natural all over color in a buff or nude. One of my favorites is Essie's "Petal Pink." It's very demure with a hint of pink. But still leaves your nails looking natural. I also love (and not just for the name since we are talking about weddings) Essie's "No Prenup." This brings out the pinkness of your nail bed with a little bit of sheen. For something a little more opaque, I recommend OPI "Mod About You" this is definitely what I refer to as Barbie dream house pink. It's milky light pink that goes with all skin types."

Don't forget hands

"I can't emphasize moisturize, moisturize, moisturize immediately following your shower, when your pores are the most open. Apply either cocoa butter or Vaseline. This will help to lock in moisture and prevent dry cracked hands. For hands that are in really bad shape, I often recommend A & D ointment. (Yup, the stuff you put on baby butts.) It's a miracle worker and will almost instantly remedy dryness over night.  You can also use it on the heels of your feet as well. It's my miracle worker."

Men need pampering too!

"Men can be very hesitant about having services done but almost all my first time clients inevitably come back. It's like having a new set of feet and hands. I often say a kept man reflects on how he treats his woman because he can take the time to know how to treat himself. And, if not for up-keep, do it for that special day. It's nice to have neatly manicured hands as you hold your bride's hands while you say your vows and light heels to whisk her away."