Spa Roma’s Michel Marlatt shares her tips and tricks for looking—and feeling—fabulous on your big day.
In the ever-evolving world of beauty and wellness, few in West Virginia have made as lasting an impact as Michel Marlatt. As the owner and medical aesthetician at Spa Roma, Michel blends over 30 years of experience with a passion for enhancing the natural beauty of her clients. Her journey began in 1993 when she founded Spa Roma, driven by a vision to create a sanctuary where individuals could indulge in quality health and beautification services. Michel’s commitment to excellence is evident in every treatment she offers, ensuring her clients not only look their best but feel rejuvenated in a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Should I be following an at-home skincare routine to give me my best skin for my wedding day?
Absolutely! Consult with one of our medical aestheticians to establish a personalized skincare routine. Remember: Consistency is key to achieving desired results!
- Cleansing Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Choose a formula suited for your skin type—oily, dry, combination, or sensitive.
- Exfoliating Exfoliate 1–2 times a week to remove dead skin cells. This can be done with physical exfoliants such as scrubs or chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs.
- Toning Apply a toner after cleansing to balance your skin’s pH and remove any residual impurities.
- Moisturizing Use a moisturizer day and night to keep your skin hydrated. Don’t forget to include eye cream for the delicate eye area as well as a lip treatment!
- Sun Protection Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even if it’s cloudy, to protect against UV damage.
- Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Nutrition Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to support skin health.
Pro Tip!
Avoid trying any new skincare products a week prior to your wedding. Stick to your established routine to prevent adverse reactions and irritation.
What is Facial / Color Analysis, and how can it benefit me and my bridal party?
During your Facial / Color Analysis appointment, we will determine which colors best complement you by identifying your “season”—Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter—and your corresponding color palette. We’ll also analyze your facial features and determine your symmetry.
Getting your Color / Facial Analysis done before your wedding can benefit you and your bridal party in so many ways. Getting to know your face shape and how symmetrical or proportional your features are will help you know where you should contour and highlight and what makeup accentuates your eye shape. Color Analysis can give you more knowledge to wear colors that enhance your natural beauty. It can help you choose your wedding dress color (ivory, blush, cream, or any other color!), your bridesmaids’ dresses, your jewelry, and your makeup and guide you if you plan on changing your hair color.
What’s the perfect red lipstick for me? Should I get an off-white or bright white wedding dress? What colors will look good on my bridesmaids? All these questions can be answered and give you more confidence on your big day!
Can you give an example of a wedding timeline? When should I get my hair colored, when should I do Botox, get my nails done, spray tanning, etc.?
6–12 months before
Hair Color Schedule a consultation and any necessary color treatments to achieve your desired look.
Skincare Routine Start a consistent skincare routine, including facials and treatments like microneedling if desired.
3–6 months before
Botox/Filler Do your Botox or filler treatments. It’s best to do this a few months in advance to allow for any adjustments.
Trial Hair and Makeup Book trials for hair and makeup to finalize your look. If hair extensions are desired for your wedding day, schedule an appointment to have the color and length determined.
1–3 months before
Waxing Schedule waxing for areas like eyebrows, legs, and underarms 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding.
Nails Book an appointment for a manicure and pedicure 2 to 3 days before your wedding. Consider getting gels or acrylics if you want a long-lasting look.
Spray Tan If you plan to get a spray tan, schedule it for about 3 to 5 days before the wedding to allow for any adjustments.
1 week before
Final Hair Touch-Ups If needed, get any final color touch-ups to ensure that your hair looks fresh. This is also the time to have your extensions installed, if needed.
Hydration Focus on hydration and skincare to ensure your skin looks its best. Our recommended in-house treatment to get your skin glowing: Dermaplaning with Oxygen Trio.
Eyes Get lash extensions if desired.
1 day before
Final Waxing Do any last-minute waxing and lash tinting if needed.
Wedding day
Hair and Makeup Time to enjoy your beauty treatments on the big day. Allow plenty of time to avoid rushing, and enjoy a glass of champagne on us while getting your hair and makeup done!
Pro Tip!
Always do patch tests for any treatments, especially for tanning and waxing. Consider the timing of your appointments to minimize stress, ensuring you have enough time to relax before the wedding. P.S. A massage is a great way to minimize wedding-related stress!