Tatoos Taboo at your wedding?
Not if they’re temporary. Today, realistic temporary tattoos are printed with high-quality black cosmetic ink, can be airbrushed on, and are easily removed with alcohol or baby oil. “Brides usually ask for discreet tattoos while bridesmaids want something on their wrist or ankle,” says Lorraine Frustace of Shine Salon (161 Main St, Ossining 914-762-6675; shine-salon-spa.com). “It’s the older brides who want the wilder tattoos.” Prices range from $15 to $200; glitter tats last between five and seven days, airbrush tats, three to five days.
Facing Facts
Need a lift? We’re not suggesting plastic surgery for your wedding, but older brides (or mothers of) might benefit from Ultherapy, an FDA-approved, non-surgical, no-down-time procedure. Using targeted ultrasound waves (which are safe enough to use on pregnant women), it lifts and tightens the skin. You can raise your brow line ($950), lose the jowls ($1,500), and eliminate those pesky little lines above the lip ($475), or go for a full-face procedure for $3,500. We’re not going to lie—Ultherapy hurts, but the pain is manageable and it’s over quickly. Be aware that there may be some temporary bruising, so do this far in advance of any photo ops. Immediate improvements are apparent with optimum results reached at about six months; the lift can last for another 18 months or so. Available at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery in Tarrytown (914) 366-6139). Ask for your Westchester Weddings 10-percent discount when you schedule your appointment with Courtney Dunavant.
Freshen Up
You could go for a series of pricey microderm sessions to smooth and brighten your complexion, or you could go for a one-shot deal with the highly effective, medical-grade chemical VI Peel. Most skincare centers that offer it focus only on the face and charge $300 to $500. Julie Pipolo at Skin N.Y. (in the Westchester Laser Center, Rye Ridge Shopping Center, Rye Brook 914-213-5724) charges $300, and her service includes an assessment visit with pretreatment, if necessary, and the peel, which also includes neck and décolletage. A week to 10 days later, clients come in for a 30-minute derma-planing facial. “I find the three-step process really maximizes the benefits of the peel,” she says.
Quick Fixes
You will never be immortalized in photographs and video more than on your wedding day. Here some suggestions for quick fixes:
Smile
If you’re a little self-conscious about your teeth, consider temporary veneers, which last about a week, for a perfect smile without the time, pain, and expense of other procedures. New Rochelle resident Steven Roth, DMD, of SmilesNY and a consultant for WebMD, created CosmaLite as a way for his patients to “test drive” permanent veneers before they make the investment. Dr. Roth will discount the veneers, normally $700, to $450 for Westchester Weddings readers. The cost can be applied toward permanent veneers. For more information, visit cosmalite.com.
Get a Golden Glow
Want a safe, sunless tan? Spray tans have come a long way and last for about a week to 10 days. Just remember: you still need sunscreen. Here’s where to glow:
Oasis Westchester in Dobbs Ferry; $35 for half-body, $60 for full body ($50 from 3 to 5 pm Wednesday through Friday).
Devra Bader Skin Care & Beauty Spa in Scarsdale; $45 for full body (buy package of three, get one free).
Najia’s Esthetic Skin and Laser Center in Mamaroneck; $45 for full body.
Wake Up Beautiful
Let reality wait until after the honeymoon. If you have your lashes and brows dyed before the wedding, your eyes will look freshly made up for the next four to six weeks, even through swimming and other, um, exertions. Eyebrow expert Gail Marie Delbalzo, who works in multiple locations around the county, is your go-to gal; $70 for brows and lashes ($110 to include brow shaping). She also offers waxing and facials. To schedule an appointment: (914) 238-1554.
Ask for an Extension
Skimpy hair or lashes? Add on what nature neglected. Lash extensions cost around $250 (plus a two-hour time commitment) and last three to four weeks. A cheaper alternative: have your makeup artist apply false lashes that cost just $25 and can last up to four days. Hair-extension cost depends on length of hair and number of strands needed to fill in your hair. Extensions can last two to three months and prices start at $300.