Photo: Courtesy of vendors; Illustration by Christina Park
Your perfect bridal beauty look isn't complete without the finishing touches, namely, your fragrance and nail polish. Because we know cosmetic buys are expensive (the average bride-to-be spends $1,851 on beaut during their engagement), you want to know that the products you're paying big for really work. Since 61% of brides plan to wear their big-day scent for the rest of their lives and 64% of you got a mani right after getting engaged, we know you care about these details just as much as we do.
The editors at BRIDES tested hundreds of products to bring you the very best of all things beauty in 2015, and these 7 fragrances and nail polishes you should consider for your wedding day.
1-3. Nail Polish: Essie, OPI, Sally Hansen
These formulas were tops with our testers because they went on easily and lasted way longer than the others. Our favorite shades: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Almost Almond, $6.49, a pretty neutral that's perfect for your ceremony; OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red, $9.50, a classic, flattering scarlet that looks hot for the bachelorette; Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple, $8.50, the unanimous pick for a honeymoon pedicure — an instant vacation for your toes.
4. Gel-Lacquer Kit: Red Carpet Manicure Gel Polish Starter Kit, $42
The gel process takes a little more time than your standard mani, but the wet-looking color stays chip free for over a week! This set comes with one polish shade, but you can buy more separately — tons more, actually because unlike many gel lines, Red Carpet's has 100 hues to choose from, so you'll find something fun for every event on your schedule.
5. Fresh Scent: Chloé Eau de Parfum, $130
This feminine combo of rose, magnolia, and peony is "the perfect pick for women who like their flowery perfumes to be light and airy, not overpowering," says a now-diehard fan.
6. Romantic Scent: Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, $98
Orange adds a zesty touch to this peony-rose blend. "It's the quintessential wedding-day perfume," says one smitten tester.
7. Sweet Scent: Ralph Lauren Midnight Romance, $94
Think fruity scents can't be sophisticated? We kind of did too until we got a whiff of this one. Why it works: Freesia and vanilla temper the juicy raspberry and lychee, helping it feel all grown up.
8. Beachy Scent: Child Perfume, $59
This indie fragrance has been a low-key cult favorite for years, but now we're spilling the secret: The sultry, almost tropical blend of vanilla, jasmine, and musk drives guys nuts. (Our tester also couldn't get enough of its rollerball tube: "Very honeymoon friendly!")
9. Sexy Scent: Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black, $75
With notes of violet, sandalwood, and vanilla, it's exotic, a little spicy — and totally gorgeous. "I feel like a mysterious femme fatale every time I wear it," says our tester.
For more great beauty advice, and to find out which other beauty products made our list, be sure to check out our April/May issue, available on newsstands and for download now!