Wedding beauty mistakes to avoid in Punta Cana: What I’ve learned in 11 years

I’ve seen every possible pre-wedding beauty mishap you can imagine. When I first started working with destination weddings here in Punta Cana, I quickly learned that what works back home doesn’t always work in our tropical paradise.

Let me share some insights from my experience to help you avoid these common mistakes.

Be extra careful with sun exposure in the Dominican Republic

Having lived in Thailand before moving to the Dominican Republic, I understand tropical climates well. One of the biggest mistakes I see in my studio is brides getting too much sun exposure before their wedding.

Sunburns and peeling skin can significantly impact how your makeup applies and how your photos turn out. As someone who’s done makeup for numerous magazine shoots (including my recent work featured in Vogue Italy), I can tell you that fresh, protected skin always photographs better than sun-damaged skin.

The pre-wedding celebration can ruin months of skin-prep

In my studio, I’ve had brides who arrive with puffy faces from celebrating too hard the night before. While I know exactly what to do, prevention is better than cure.

Excessive drinking causes face swelling that even the most skilled makeup artist can’t completely hide. Feeling your best starts with taking care of yourself, so please please please don’t neglect this.

The last-minute treatment trap

Timing is everything. Getting Botox or other cosmetic procedures right before the wedding is risky. Even though I can work with any situation, giving these treatments time to settle ensures you’ll look your natural best – and as I always say, I want you to recognize yourself in those wedding photos years later.

Be careful with treatments that might cause allergic reactions, even if you’ve had them in the past with excellent results.

Trying new skincare products right before your wedding is a huge risk. The Dominican Republic’s humidity affects skin differently, and I’ve seen terrible reactions from brides who tried new “miracle” products days before their wedding. Stick to what you know works for your skin.

Dominican time is real

One thing I learned during my years as a flight attendant traveling the world is that different cultures have different concepts of time. Here in Punta Cana, I’ve seen too many brides stress themselves out by not allocating enough time for hair and makeup. Remember that you’re in the Caribbean – everything takes a bit longer here, and that’s okay!

Plan extra time for your beauty preparations, especially if you have a large bridal party.

The DIY disaster

Some brides try to save money by doing their own makeup or having a friend help. While this might work back home, our tropical climate presents unique challenges. Your regular foundation might melt, your usual setting spray might not be strong enough, and your go-to hairstyle might fall flat in our humidity. Working with professionals who understand these challenges and have the right products and techniques can make all the difference.

My professional advice

When I moved here I barely spoke English. I was scared but pushed through. Well, your wedding day might feel scary too, but that’s why having experienced professionals is crucial. In my years of experience, I’ve developed techniques specifically for our tropical climate, using products I know will last (including my own brush line, which I developed after years of testing what works best here).

When you work with me and my team, we’re not just your makeup artists and hair stylists – we’re your supporters, your calming presence, and sometimes even your therapists. We know exactly when you need a moment to breathe to calm your nerves.

The key to looking your best on your wedding day isn’t just about the makeup and hair – it’s about preparation, trust, and working with professionals who understand both you and the unique challenges of a Punta Cana wedding. After all, as I always tell my brides, my goal is for you to look like yourself – just the most beautiful version of yourself.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. After a decade of making brides beautiful in Punta Cana, I’d love to help you avoid these common mistakes and ensure you feel absolutely gorgeous on your special day.