The Beauty Edit

Presenting our annual wedding bible, with everything you need for the upcoming festive season!

Wedding season is upon us and every bride-to-be wants glowing skin on her big day. During the days leading up to your wedding, stress levels will be high and it helps to know when to schedule facials and treatments ahead of time. From how to tame those pesky breakouts and how to get those lustrous locks, we’ve compiled a quick guide and some tips to make sure your skin is in top notch condition before you walk down the aisle

Avoid refined sugars



In order for you to keep your body in peak condition; it is of utmost importance to be mindful of your diet. Consuming too much sugar may add to your current weight which can cause bloating and even lead to ill-fitting of your wedding attire. So it would be wise to lay off the desserts and sweets until your big day.

Hit the sack early



Sleep is perceived as the third pillar of health but it can be considered insignificant given that the run up to the wedding can be an extremely busy and stressful time. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential as the body produces the highest amounts of natural human growth hormone while sleeping which assists in the regeneration of new tissue cells.

Eat more superfoods



There are several food items that can help rejuvenate and repair your skin. Avocados being rich in Omega-9’s help regenerate damaged skin cells and reduce damage and redness. Apart from avocados, salmon is rich in Omega-3’s which help repair skin and provide protection from sun damage. Lemon and turmeric work great in neutralising radicals and reducing inflammation which leads to wrinkles and puffiness.

Increase your omega-3 fatty acids intake



Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy glowing skin. Increasing the intake of EPA will help maintain a healthy cell membrane which will lead to softer, more supple and wrinkle free skin. Omega-3 assists in keeping the skin hydrated and prevents hyper keratinisation of hair fossils. Apart from that, if you have acne prone skin, these fatty acids will help keep the breakouts under control as well.

Don’t try new skincare products or treatments



Experimenting with new products closer to your big day might not be a good idea. Your skin could break out into a rash or develop an allergic reaction to a certain product. This is why it is commonly suggested not to get any type of facial treatments done right before your wedding day.  However, if you want to try out new products, it is suggested that you initiate mission wedding glow six months in advance.

Dry brushing



A natural bristle brush might just be the best beauty investment you’ll make. Dry brushing is one of the easiest and most effective things you can add to your skincare regimen. It is usually done right before showering. Starting from the feet, you have to work your way up towards the chest, lightly brushing our skin. It increases blood circulation, stimulated lymph flow which leads to the body detoxifying itself naturally. It reduces cellulite, exfoliates the skin and cleans pores which helps achieve softer skin. Start three dry brushing sessions per week, gradually building up to daily. Apply moisturiser afterwards.

Hair care



Hair care should start at least three months prior to the wedding as the hair takes time to grow and become healthier. Your hair is probably going to undergo a lot of styling during the wedding which may take a hefty toll on the strands. Clear up a few containers to store some oil concoctions to help prepare your locks for the stressful journey. Mixing one cup of coconut oil with 2-3 fresh gooseberries helps with hair growth and fighting hair damage. For frizzy hair, mix one table spoon of lemon with half a cup of almond oil along with a tablespoon of Aloe vera. Lemon promotes hair growth, keeps the scalp dandruff and oil free while Aloe vera keeps the frizz under control and almond oil makes the hair appear soft and smooth. Apart from regular oiling, go for hair treatments that suit best for your hair type. These treatments will arm your hair for battle station hairstyling.

Blackhead and spots treatment



If you have blackheads or spots, products that contain salicylic acid can work wonders for your skin. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates the skin and is oil soluble, making it well suited for oily skin types. It deeply exfoliates the pores, preventing sebum and bacteria that lead to breakouts. But then again, salicylic might not be for everyone. People with dry skin may experience mild discomfort. Like every deep exfoliating treatment there is a potential risk of breaking out with salicylic acid as well, hence it is recommended to revamp the skincare regimen well in advance.

Pay attention to your whole body



Don’t neglect the rest of your body while caring for your face. In order to get an overall glam, pay attention to areas like hands, feet, elbows, knees and the décolletage. Massage sweet almond oil into your hands and nails once everyday to achieve softer skin and stronger nails. The skin of your décolletage is more delicate and thin than the face and the rest of your body. Remember to cleanse and exfoliate and moisturise frequently to keep your décolletage in top notch condition.

Showering properly



You don’t actually have to spend hours in the shower, all you have to do is simply switch products. Go for deep conditioning once or twice a week instead of regular conditioning. Use a mild body wash that does not contain sulfate. Dove body wash works wonders on the skin. It helps gently cleanse the skin leaving it soft, supple and smooth. Use a moisturiser on damp skin to lock in moisture and you’ll be good to go!