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Does This Tuxedo Make Me Look Fat?
Beauty tips for him


by Weatherly Brewer

After suffering through months of poverty from buying every new edition of every wedding magazine, you have decided on the exact look that you will have for your big day. You have concluded the “updo” is far more elegant than wearing your hair down. And, of course, your nails have always looked better in a pale pink rather than chartreuse. After the massages, facials and full body wraps, you are, in fact, ready for your close-up.

But what about your groom? He’s never been one to worry about his looks the way you do. However, according to Lou Ann Funk, day spa instructor at the Central Pennsylvania School of Massage and Rene Valenza at Portfolio a salon, more and more grooms are taking advantage of what salons and spas have to offer, especially during the summer months. Melinda Hooper, owner of Designer’s Denn, agrees, saying that many men opt for a day at the spa to get spruced up before their wedding.

So, although you love him exactly as he is, believe it or not, there are simple beauty tips to get him looking and feeling his best for his big day as well.

• Treat Him to a Pedicure and/or Manicure: For most of us, the chances of our husband-to-be marching to a nail salon are slim to none. However, if you go as a couple or buy him a gift certificate, his curiosity may just win out. Who can resist the thrill of chairs that knead your weary body while having your hands and feet massaged by a trained professional? Funk recommends a paraffin wax hand-dip. “It is one of the most popular treatments for men at the Day Spa,” she says. Everyone loves pampering and your groom is no exception. Valenza says that there is a whole line of products for men available at Portfolio, including a soothing body polish that’s used during a manicure. “The products aren’t aromatic, which men tend to like,” she adds.

• Get a Professional Shave: Is his disposable razor looking more like a tetanus hazard than a glistening blade? Most men will not pass up the opportunity to get a perfect shave by their local barber. A professional shave will not only keep him stubble-free, the cooling and softening lotions used afterward will make his face perfectly kissable. If he needs even more facial attention, he may be convinced to go the extra mile for a facial. Funk explains, “Guys are skittish about getting facials, although it is becoming more popular. It may have to do with the emphasis on skincare for males found in the media.”

• Lose the Weight Together: A good exercise routine keeps you looking and feeling your best. Perhaps your groom is convinced that pizza, beer and winter weather have conspired to keep him looking less than svelte. If so, a daily regimen of at least 30 minutes of brisk exercise paired with a healthy diet can help him lose those extra pounds. Kym Burke, owner of One-on-One Fitness, says she meets many people who want to get in shape before their big day. “Men usually don’t admit why they are working out,” she says. “They just say, ‘Well, I decided it was time to work out more. And by the way, I’m getting married in three months.’” She also says that many couples continue to work out together after they’ve been married. So, work out and eat together and you’ll not only reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle but also get to spend extra time with your sweetie.

• Massage, Massage, Massage: You may be well-versed in the delightful and numerous relaxing therapies offered by local massage therapists, but it may be time to let your groom in on these secrets. At Designer’s Denn they offer a wedding package tailored specifically to grooms, which includes a private aromatherapy steam shower, a full European body massage, paraffin manicure, and pedicure. Refreshments and a gift for the groom are also included. “We also offer a couple’s massage, where couples can have their massages together in the same room,” says Hooper. The stresses of planning a wedding affect both bride and groom. Getting him a pre-wedding massage treatment or going together will leave him fully relaxed and feeling great for the biggest day of your lives.

Wedding day beauty is not just about the bride. Try these tips and you may find you have a new partner in beauty crime. – SCB
 
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