Photographer: Christina Karst (https://www.christinakarst.com/)
It seems like just yesterday - I was still wedding planning. Where did all the time go? I can’t believe we’ve been married for a month today. I am so proud of myself for getting in a little routine pre-wedding. So, I wanted to share some of the products I loved leading up to the big day. I can’t say I’ve stuck with them since then - only because life has been a little crazy. Wedding, buying a house, packing, moving...still unpacking. A lot of these items are in mystery boxes all around our house. And, sadly, I landed a cold a few days ago. So, while I sip my Theraflu, let me tell you about some products I love for wedding day prep (and beyond)!
Opalescence Go
If you know me, you know I’m an avid coffee drinker. But, I can’t say that leaves my teeth as bright and white as I’d love, so I whitened them with Opalescence Go. This is a product that should be purchased through your dental professional. Lucky for me, my mom is in the dental field. So, occasionally, she sends me these. I’ve tried using Crest Whitestrips in the past, but my teeth are just TOO sensitive to handle those.
So What Is It?
These are convenient teeth whitening trays that come in two flavors (Mint and Melon) and offered in two strengths (10% and 15%). I wear the 15% mint.
With the 15% solution, it’s recommended to wear your trays for 15–20 minutes for 5 to 10 days to get your desired results. I kind of think teeth photos are a little weird, so I will not be posting before and afters here...lol.
Why I Love This: They aren’t messy and don’t require a lot of time to get results. And, personally, I don’t experience any teeth sensitivity with this product.
Cost: They are a little pricey if you compare them to other at-home teeth whitening options. However, I trust this product and they don’t make my teeth hurt.
Opalesence Go Whitening Trays
DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel
Yo, I was a 30 year old bride. Ain’t no shame in that, but I wanted those close ups to be GLOWY! If you’re younger than me reading this (even if you’re not about to walk down the aisle), start now with skincare products. I first heard about this product from Lauryn Evarts Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential - these little peel pads are magic.
So What Is It?
Let’s go with what Sephora says: “A daily anti-aging AHA/BHA extra strength peel that combats common signs of aging to reveal radiant, smooth skin. The patented two-step formula contains seven acids, is easy and safe to use at home, and does not require any recovery time. Step one is packed with rejuvenating, powerful, yet gentle exfoliating acids. Step two controls the alpha hydroxy acid activity, delivers anti-aging actives, nourishes, and keeps skin balanced, smooth, and radiant. Skin immediately looks refreshed and perfectly prepped for a more effective skin care routine. Expect to see improved texture and diminished fine lines with continued use.”
LIFE HACK: You get two wipes per pack, one for each of the two steps in the process. Cut them into ¼’s. Place what you aren’t using pack into the foil packet, and then seal in plastic zip-top bag. I’m still seeing results following this method! :)
Why I Love This: You know how you use some products, and you just keep waiting for something to happen? Well, you’ll see this happen. I’ve watched my skin actually improve, and it’s bonkers. I love when a product really works!
Cost: There’s no other way to say it ….these are EXPENSIVE especially for something that looks identical to the little hand wipes you are handed after eating chicken wings or BBQ. A 30-day treatment (minus the hack I shared above) will set you back ~$88 on Sephora.com.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily
Peel Pads
$88 on Sephora.com
THE ORDINARY "Buffet”
I’m all about skin care these days. I spent too much time in the sun as a Florida beach baby. So, while I ALWAYS wore (and still wear) sunscreen, it only does so much when you lived in the Sunshine State for 26 years. Those years of sun damage are basically irreversible - which is why I’m such an advocate for SUNSCREEN Every. Single. Day. I digress.
I’ve been using this product for a few months, and I love the results. It’s kind of hard to tell which one product is making a difference (it could be all of them). I’ve adopted a pretty good skincare routine that I can share in full another time. But, this is something I never (hardly ever) skip. I use it morning and night after washing, toning and (nightly) after the peel pads.
So What Is It?
Again, I turn to Sephora for the science and facts... “A multi-peptide serum with syn-ake, matrixyl synthe-6, matrixyl 3000, argirelox, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and bio-derivatives to target multiple signs of aging. This formula combines a comprehensive array of studied technologies to target multiple signs of aging at once. The technologies are matrixyl 3,000 peptide complex, matrixyl synthe'6 peptide complex, syn-ake peptide complex, relistase peptide complex, argirelox peptide complex, probiotic complex in a base of 11 skin-friendly amino acids, and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes. The total concentration of these technologies in the formula by weight is 25.1 percent.”
Why I Love This: It’s as simple as this - it does what it says. I’ve seen great results with this product in terms of fine lines, dullness and dryness. It has a nice consistency and soaks in quickly.
Cost: As a brand, The Ordinary is a notable for carrying affordable skincare. This will only set you back $14.80 from Sephora.
The Ordinary “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum
$14.80 on Sephora.com
JERGENS® Natural Glow® Wet Skin Moisturizer
Ok, even though I try to avoid the sun, I still like a nice glow! I have to be upfront and say this is NOT a clean beauty product. :( I REALLY wish it were, and I’m on the hunt for something similar with clean ingredients now that the wedding is over. But, this is what I used and I really do like it. I probably could’ve been a bit more consistent with it. Personally, I didn’t ever plan on getting a spray tan before my wedding. It’s not something I do regularly (actually, I’ve never done it!). So, if you take one piece of advice from me, don’t do anything (like tanning) that isn’t in your normal routine leading up to wedding day. I’ve actually used this product for a really long time, and I’ve repurchased it more than once.
So What Is It?
This product is probably something you’re semi-familiar with even if you’ve never used it because the original version has been on the market for years. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is a lotion that gives you a gradual tan over a period of a few days. This product is only different in it’s application. You put it on right before you exit the shower, and then towel off. No need to rinse or let it dry.
Why I Love It: It’s easy. Slap it on after the shower, and you’ll see a glow in a few days time. It’s not going to give you super dark color like a traditional sunless tanner. But, it’s a glow — ya know?
Cost: Not pricey. $8.49 on Target.com
Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer
$8.49 on Target.com
Let me know if you try any of these products!
All products were purchased by me (with exception of the whitening trays, gifted by my mom), and all opinions are my own. I am not compensated for my opinions here, or if you purchase from the links I’ve included in this post.
