The Beauty Edit

Every bride-to-be wants glowing skin on her big day and there are more than a few ways to achieve it. It always helps to know when to schedule facials and treatments before the wedding, as well as beauty hacks such as how to tame breakouts fast and get those lustrous locks. Here are some tips to get your skin in top-notch condition before your walk down the aisle

Schedule professional facials



Your wedding is the perfect excuse for some extra pampering so book those monthly facials to refresh your skin. Experienced aestheticians will massage your skin and scalp to stimulate blood circulation and keep your skin and hair looking healthy. You can also request blackhead and whitehead extraction to get those pores unblocked. The process takes preparation and special techniques that, if done at home, can lead to irritation, or worse, scarring.

Skin-specific moisturiser



All moisturisers are not created equal. Look for one that caters to your skin concerns. For oily skin, you don’t want to add much more moisture, but you do want to hydrate. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ferulic acid, both of which help your skin maintain water. For dry skin don’t worry about finding an oil-free formula. Your skin craves moisture. For breakout-prone skin, choose a moisturiser that is non comedogenic. For sensitive skin, your go-to is a fragrance-free product.

Don’t neglect the skin on your neck



Photos won’t just capture your face; your neck is going to be front and centre too so be sure to give your décolletage the luxe treatment with a rich moisturiser not just on the neck but all over your body, especially your elbows, knees and feet. Beautiful skin is the canvas for beautiful make-up.

Hair care



For healthy and shiny looking hair, head to the spa at least once a month. Start this treatment at least six months before the wedding. If you do not prefer chemical hair treatment, go for natural treatments like regular oiling. Additionally, there are many homemade masks that you can use to give your hair some shine.

Eye cream with light diffusers



In many cases, dark under-eye circles are hereditary. So the only way to reduce their appearance is with make-up. Start with an eye cream that has light diffusers, which reflect light to make the eye look brighter.  Use concealer that matches your skin tone exactly, not one that’s a shade lighter and use it only on the dark spots. For puffy eyes, use cooling eye gel or use an ice mask especially made to reduce puffiness around eye area. For fine lines under the eyes, start using cream-based eye cream to nourish the eye area.

Revamp your skin care routine



Invest in good quality products for an extra boost of radiance. Moisturiser, facial cleanser and toner from a good brand are a great way to keep your skin hydrated and renewed. A visit to a reputed dermatologist could be helpful. According to Dr Amna Ahmar, “Microdermabrasion, fruit acid peels for glow, glycolic acid and other chemical peels will exfoliate layers of bad skin and minimise pore surface. Radiance Pelleve is also highly recommended.”

Super foods



No matter what your skin type is; oily, dry, normal or combination; it craves water. Drinking water helps, but snacking on naturally hydrating foods like watermelon in summer and oranges in winter works too. Other super foods to boost that healthy glow are grapefruit, cucumbers, tomatoes, beetroot and green vegetables. Be mindful of your diet so your body stays in peak condition during the stressful wedding chores.  Avoid junk foods MSG, excess salt and sugar which cause bloating and water retention. Eat healthy, organic whole foods and stay as close to nature as possible.

Salt scrubs



This is the one thing most brides forget about. Add a bath to your weekly routine and throw in bath salts with sodium bicarbonate which will break down dry patches and make your skin a sponge for moisture.

Eliminate zits with benzoyl peroxide



If you’ve got problematic skin, there are only two ways to take care of it. And no, popping them isn’t one of them. The first is to dab benzoyl peroxide gel directly on the blemish. This will help dry it out (sometimes overnight). The other option is a faster, but more expensive fix: consult your doctor and ask about an anti-inflammatory steroid injection.

Workout regularly



Exercising will keep your energy levels up as you prepare for your big day, and it’s a great opportunity to clear your mind and de-stress. Schedule time for cardio or resistance training three times a week or go for a jog or brisk walk during the month leading up to your wedding. Plus, all of the endorphins you’re building up will do wonders for your skin!

Get some rest!



While stress levels may be high, beauty sleep is exceptionally important during and near your wedding day, so aim to get at least eight hours of sleep to help prevent dark circles. Meditate, listen to some soft music to release stress, and most importantly don’t skip your meals. Eat small, healthy portions!