Confessions of a Real Arkansas Bride: 10 Products I Can’t Do Without On My Wedding Day

I’ve got a bad case of “goo-hoarding.” I love to try any and every new beauty product I can get my hands on, which results in having lots of half-used bottles of goo that I eventually throw out or give away. Every now and then I come across products that make it into my normal routine. And, just like my bridesmaids, these products will be by my side on my wedding day.

Here’s my list of beauty “must-haves”:

1. CONCEALER: unless you have the most flawless of flawless complexions, it’s nice to have a good concealer on hand for quick fixes. I love Amazing Cosmetics’ Amazing Concealer.

2. PRIMER: I love how primers make a barrier between my skin and make-up to prevent my pores from being clogged. It also helps the make-up application process easier because of the finish it creates. Smashbox makes several primers that are fantastic.

3. HD POWDER: This type of powder is awesome. It sets your foundation and perfects any imperfections. It’s also translucent so it matches any skin tone and can be worn with makeup or alone. Try Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder.

4. EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB: I love exfoliating products because they make my skin feel silky-smooth. They also make spray tans last longer because they wipe away any dead skin cells.

5. HAIR MASK: Let’s face it, we do a lot of damage to our hair with color, products and tools. When my hair starts to look a little dull, I use a mask to make it look sleek and shiny. Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask makes me feel like I just stepped out of the salon.

6. BLOTTING PAPERS: Whether you have oily skin or you’re getting married on the hottest day of the year, blotting papers are awesome to have for quick touch-ups in between photos.

7. BRONZER: I’ll admit I was a little afraid when I started using bronzer years ago, but now I won’t go one day without it. Even when I’m sporting my natural skin tone (extremely fair), I’ll put on a hint of bronzer to liven up my face and give it a little glow.

8. NEUTRAL NAIL POLISH: There’s just something about a nude or light pink nail polish. It’s so classy and elegant, while still subtle.

9. HAIR TEXTURE POWDER: Just add a little of this to the roots of your hair and it will instantly add volume. It also helps make hair easier to tease.

10. SPRAY TAN: Spray tans are awesome for special occasions or even for a quick pick-me-up. If you’re looking for a spray tan artist, I go to Lauren Crow at Swank Hair Studio in Little Rock, and she is AMAZING! She’ll customize your tan based on your skin tone and whether you want a deep tan or a light glow. They also do eyelash extensions (which I’m definitely getting before the wedding) and hair salon services. Check ’em out!

Now, tell me what products will be in your wedding day beauty regimen! 

– Jordan

Bride-to-be and Benton native Jordan Westbrook graduated from UALR in 2011 with a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in mass media. The former Arkansas Bride intern will be blogging about her adventures in wedding planning right here each week.