The Ultimate Pre-Boudoir Checklist

For some people a boudoir session can be overwhelming, because there are many things to consider before your session asides from posing in underwear in front of a camera. I am here to make your life a little bit easier by giving you a list on what to eat, drink and do before your photo shoot.

My Top 10 ultimate checklist if you wanna put a name to it ;)

1. Drink a bridal elixir

The bridal elixir works wonders! It helps you slim down by boosting metabolism and aiding in digestion, reduces bloating, promotes a stronger immune system and helps you achieve the most glowing skin ever! All you need is:

-warm water 1 cup

-organic apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp.

-organic raw honey 1 tsp

-1/2 lemon (squeezed)

Mix all of the ingredients together and drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach at least for one week.

To be honest, I have only tried this elixir once, but I have friends that do it regularly and its a definite MUST try!

2. Dry brush your skin

Brushing your skin is also a MUST in your everyday routine. It helps you get rid of dead cells in your skin making it smoother and younger. It also helps reduce cellulite and promotes detoxification, helping you achieve that GLOWING look we all want for our photo shoot.

3. Drink tons of water!!

Keeping yourself hydrated will improve the way your skin feels and looks. Plus it will help you reduce bloating by promoting a good digestion making you feel lighter; water may also aid in weight loss because it keeps you full for longer periods, reducing the hunger sensation and the need for sugar-y cravings.

4. Avoid eating foods that promote bloating

-Junk food: Yes I know pizza, fries, doughnuts and chips are really appealing, but sadly these foods slow down your digestion. Plus they make you retain water because their salt content is really high. So if you want to avoid bloating at all cost I would suggest you steer clear from them a week or even two before your photo shoot to be safe.

-Carbonated beverages: Those bubbles that give drinks that special fizz are doing the same thing to your body. By releasing all that carbon dioxide, you're left feeling gassy and bloated all at once!

-Raw veggies: Yeah you read that right! Veggies like cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and broccoli are veggies that if eaten raw they promote the release of gas (like beans, the musical fruit) promoting bloating and discomfort in some people.

-Alcohol: Refrain from drinking the week before your photo shoot and if you're getting hitched two weeks before your wedding! Why? Because alcohol makes you puffy the next day! So you know what to do if you want to avoid feeling like a marshmallow the next morning.

-Beans: If beans are not cooked enough, then they may cause gas and discomfort.

-Dairy: Not everyone is sensitive to dairy, however, why chance it?

-Gum: Chewing gum increases the chance for having a bloated stomach.

5. Collagen

IF you book your session far in advance, then you'll have time to include collagen in your smoothie, coffee or tea everyday. This will not only make your skin smoother by reducing the appearance of fine lines, but it will make your nails and hair stronger and healthier!

6. Book your session away from "those days"

We all know the 5 days before and during our cycle we tend to retain water, making us feel heavier and bloated. My advice, plan ahead and book accordingly around those days so we don't run into any mishaps the day of your shoot!

7. Pamper yourself

Use your session as an excuse to have some "me time". Go and get a mani-pedi, try some face masks and have a detoxing bath! Before your session, use your favorite moisturizer to make your skin even more radiant!

8. Wear false eyelashes

I am the worst at applying these myself so I hardly wear them, but in photos they make a HUGE difference because they accentuate your eyes and give them a gorgeous almond shape!

9. Go shopping

You'll probably hold off on doing another session like this for a while so really make an event out of it. TREAT YOURSELF to some beautiful lingerie. Not only will this make your photos more interesting, it will boost your confidence, making you look/feel your best!

10. Eat before your shoot

I cannot stress this one enough! I have had so many clients that admit to me while they're getting their hair and makeup done that they haven't eaten all morning/day. Please, eat something prior to your session time, I don't want anyone fainting on my watch! If you don't want to be bloated, just avoid the foods I mentioned above. Also, don't do anything drastic like a cleanse, this can leave you dehydrated and light headed for your session. Posing for boudoir is similar to yoga because you'll be holding muscles you normally don't in one period of time.

Keep these 10 tips in mind prior to your session date for the best results.