Bridal Hands & Nails

Barbados Destination Weddings Onsite Magazine

They are noticed almost as soon as your face …The appearance of your hands and nails is a lot more important than we give it credit.

This becomes even more apparent when you are a bride as your hands really will be on show, holding the bouquet, placing the ring, showing off the ring, signing the registry, shaking hands, ring photos etc. Not forgetting events leading up to the wedding like your engagement etc, in which the hands are on show.

We really should give them the pampering they deserve. Great hands are achieved through regular care and maintenance so it is vitally important that, like every other beauty routine, you start as early as possible.

You may want to have your nails done professionally for the big day but in the meantime you can do a lot to ensure you have a healthy foundation to work with helping your nails reach peak condition.

TIPS

Massage them and the surrounding skin with nail and cuticle oil to keep them supple and hydrated.
Take vitamin E to nourish them so that they grow to the desired length
Use a reinforcing coat for protection from splitting and peeling.
Have a regular manicure; this is not only about nail colour but also about cultivating your nails and surrounding skin so that it will be in good condition by the time of your wedding. A simple home manicure can be conducted between salon visits, if time or budget makes regularity difficult to maintain.

HOME MANICURE REGIMEN

Enjoy a relaxing finger soak in a bowl of warm water to soften the skin making it easier to treat and be receptive to nourishing moisturisers
Gently push back the cuticle to stop the skin from growing on the nail, distorting the base shape. Be careful not to dig and you do not have to go down too far.
File nails to desired shape in one direction only. Sawing is not recommended as it weakens the nail and you really do in fact have less control over the shape when you file in that fashion. Use an emery board or sapphire file. Hard metal files are very harsh on the nails.
Lightly buff to increase healthy blood flow and produce a nice shine.
Apply a base coat to prevent possible staining from strong colours. Finish with your favourite shade of polish followed by a strengthening top coat for durability and protection.

WEDDING DAY NAIL STYLE

FRENCH
An ever popular look due to its clean but highly noticeable finish which blends effortlessly with general wedding attire. Add a special twist by incorporating gentle appliqués, shimmering topcoats or special nail rhinestones, gems and other nail art.

COLOUR
Wedding nails do not necessary have to be pale. Often a contrast can look stunning if handled correctly. In the case of a gown with colour you can choose to pick up on that tone through your nail shade. Pinks and corals look great for the Caribbean sunshine and red is amazing with a white gown for the evening.

WHITE
Especially traditional and understated but an extremely elegant look particularly when the polish is frosted or iridescent.

GOLD / SILVER
Very contemporary, for the modern bride. A chic look but be mindful of the colour of your gown as gold and silver while neutral do fit into a warm or cool category when it comes to matching with your attire and jewellery. This does not mean that with a sharp white gown you cannot wear gold, just that you have to be mindful of your look and other accessories as a whole. Remember that your nails are an accessory.

Cream your hands regularly to prevent drying of the skin in the warm Barbados climate
and to promote a smooth look. If you do break a nail a simple repair can work wonders
for the big day or simply place a false nail over the offender.

Be consistent and you will reach desired results.

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