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Real Bride: Justine del Rosario-Ong

What lip color did you choose for the wedding day?

In the weeks leading to my wedding, I tried on different lip products and shades to see which one will suit me best. I ended up choosing a random Korean lip tint I picked up at Sasa!

What was in your wedding day makeup kit/pouch?

Chanel Vitalumiere loose powder, K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow liquid pen, Tarte blush in Natural Beauty, K-Palette 1 Day Lash Perm mascara, lip balm, and liptint.

What were the preparations you did for your skin prior to the wedding day? Did you go to a skincare center regularly? What kind of services did you have done? Is this something you would recommend to other brides-to-be?

I made sure to drink lots and lots of water, and tried to eat healthy to keep my skin clear. I’m also normally quite diligent with my daily skincare so I just kept that up, and added a brightening serum to my routine months before the wedding.

What was the best beauty advice you received that helped you prepare for your wedding?

My friends advised me to steer clear of salty and sugary food days before the wedding to avoid bloating and to keep my skin in good condition.

What’s the inspiration behind your wedding look? Did you have any hair and makeup pegs?

My hair for the wedding ceremony was a braided, half up-do inspired by hairstyles in the middle ages. I’m a huge history nut, and I watch a lot of documentaries on British and European history. I love how the hairstyle looks relaxed, delicate, and feminine.

I wanted my makeup to look very natural and light since we were having a morning ceremony and lunch reception. I opted not to wear foundation and applied a light dusting of loose powder instead. For my eyes, I applied a wash of peach eyeshadow, taupe eyeshadow for definition, lots of mascara, and natural looking false eyelashes.

Who designed your wedding gown, and how did you come up with the style? How long did it take to create or find the perfect wedding dress?

I started looking for a dress about a year before my wedding. I didn’t have a specific design or designer in mind, but I knew that I wanted a classic, full-lace dress. A cousin and bridesmaid of mine was in the US at that time, and she was very kind to check Vera Wang for me. I instantly fell in love with a piece from the RTW line – it was a simple ivory lace dress with a subtle sweetheart neckline and sheath silhouette. It was perfect for our relaxed, countryside-themed, morning wedding, I thought. So my cousin brought the dress home for me, and I took it to a local designer to have minor adjustments made.

How did you choose your hair and makeup artist?

My hairstylist, RJ Dela Cruz, is a good friend. We work together often, and he knew perfectly how I wanted my hair to look. I did my own makeup.

How about in terms of fitness? What did you do months before the wedding to stay in shape and make sure your wedding dress fit perfectly? Did you enroll in a gym or fitness center? What was your diet like?

This was the challenging part for me. I had my gown adjusted a couple of months before the wedding, so I had to make sure I didn’t gain or lose too much weight. I tried to eat healthy and to be mindful of my portions. I ate a lot of vegetables and fruits and avoided junk and processed food.

Did you have your nails done? If so, where? Would you recommend this nail salon to others?

My entourage and I had our nails done together at Kathnails SM The Block two days before the wedding. I chose gel nail polish (in a nude shade, of course) to make sure the color won’t chip. I loved how the ladies at Kathnails did my nails. They looked clean and shiny even after two weeks. 

“I added a brightening serum to my routine months before the wedding.”

What was your biggest takeaway from your wedding day? Do you have any beauty-related tips you’d like to share to upcoming brides? 

I learned that not everything will go perfectly as planned, but that’s okay. You want to remember your big day as a beautiful and joyful event so just relax and enjoy.

Plan you hair and makeup look way ahead of time. Schedule a trial with your makeup artist and hairstylist, or practice your look if you are doing your own hair and makeup. It is also very important to take really good care of your skin. Have a routine that works you and stick to it. Avoid trying anything new at least two weeks before the wedding in case it causes any breakouts or allergic reactions.