You’ve got your bridal spreadsheet up and running, the weekend wedmin is under way but brides (!) have you remembered to plan your beauty schedule? It might be the venue and catering that requires meticulous planning but so too does the beauty countdown if you’re to be bridal perfect in time for the big day. So what’s on the checklist? What isn’t, more like! Our Beauty Director Liz Hambleton breaks down what to do and when to do it in order to avoid #bridalbeautyfails on the big day. Remember timing is everything…
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1 Start with...makeup and nails
Begin the proceedings by booking your make-up artist if you don’t want to DIY. “Peak wedding season is between May-September and a reputable make-up artist will be booked well in advance so start researching and reaching out to the artists you like as soon as you can” says Bobbi Brown celebrity makeup artist and bridal make-up expert Hannah Martin. “Look through bridal magazines and check out makeup credits to find artists you like but also check out artists websites and Instagram accounts to see examples of their work. Make-up brands in departments stores are also a brilliant way of finding artists. Most do freelance work in their spare time so book in for a bridal trial and if you like the artist you can always ask them about doing your wedding makeup. This also applies to finding your nail technician. “A lot of brides leave booking their nail appointment to the last minute, an oversight as it often means your preferred nail tech may already be fully booked” explains nail technician Metta Francis (@NailsbyMets). “Brides should do some research into what type of nail look they want (classic/nail art) as this will help your nail tech understand your bridal style. Understanding the difference between nail services is really important so if you’re unsure don’t be afraid to ask your nail tech. Don't automatically think you need nail extensions, a pre wedding programme may mean your natural nails are the desired length and strength by the time your big day comes around. Your nail tech will assess your nails and advise the right nail treatments for you.
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2 The six month stretch: get your facials and skincare sorted...
Your facial programme should begin now. Yes, you read that right. Six months ladies! Dr Yannis Alexandrides, founder of 111Skin and 111Cryo explains “You should start preparing your bridal skincare programme six months before your big day, allowing enough time for long term results to show, as well as allowing enough time to get rid of any break outs or flare ups your skin may go through. I recommend weekly treatments, with the last session no later than six days before the big day so that the skin completely heals leaving you with optimum results”. The 111Cryo facial is ideal to achieve that sort after bridal glow. “Always look for a treatment which stimulates and enhances the production of collagen. Boosting collagen not only provides a natural glow, but also creates a better base for smooth makeup application too by reducing fine lines. It tightens, firms and targets puffiness and water retention” making it the perfect facial for big events where you’ll be on photographed. Don’t panic if you haven’t had six months to prep your skin though, three collagen boosting facials in the run up to the wedding will make a short term difference to the luminosity of your skin. Final note? Keep your skincare simple and effective, stick to a gentle, dermatological regime of twice a day cleansing with a hot cloth, hydrate and protect skin with a antioxidant serum and a daily dose of SPF 50. La Roche Posay and Skinceuticals are great brands for brides.
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3 Five months to go: hair removal, hair removal, hair removal
You should start thinking about your hair removal around the five month mark. Shaving on the day is a big no, the risk of rashes or cuts is too high so think about your options which are both time and budget dependent. Considering your options at this point means you can opt for a more permanent hair removal treatment. It might be costly but it’ll mean no waxing appointments prior to the wedding and you’ll have a hair free honeymoon too. The most popular treatment, IPL (Intense Pulse Light therapy) kills the hair follicle, stopping future hair growth. Expect to have a course of between six to eight sessions to see permanent results which depend on hair type and colour.
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4 Three months and counting....fitness, food and brows
Step up or start your fitness and healthy eating regime with three months to go. Lee Mullins, founder of the Workshop Gymnasium says “with three months of consistent clean eating and training (three to four times a week) anyone can get into incredible shape. If you’re very far from your target body shape then this process may take a little longer, but in three months you can transform your body”. Crash dieting isn’t recommend. Keep your mind and body healthy to keep you calm through one of the most stressful times you may experience.
And when it comes to brows, if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, it’s around the eight to 10 week mark that you should consider a treatment like Microblading. The woman that put Microblading on the map, Suman Jalaf explains “it’s a technique that creates the look of natural brow hairs. Using a micro needle that implants featherweight strokes onto the brow area with a medical grade colour pigment, into the epidermis layer of the skin.” With it benefiting most brides, think of it as the solution for patchy, over plucked or naturally thin brows, it also gives you up to 18 months of brow perfection. By timing your microblading just right, you can fit in the essential follow up appointment two to three weeks before the big day to “allow for any colour adjustments or additional brush strokes that are needed to fill in any tiny gaps”, says Suman.
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5 Two months out: get to grips with your hair...
“I would recommend a haircut about a month before the big day but if your hair tends to be dry and prone to split then have a trim a couple of weeks before to remove any dead ends” says hairstylist James Galvin. “The type of colour you have determines when you should have it done. If you have highlights or a tint, where the colour goes right to the root, it’s best to do it a week before the day but don’t try and change the colour, if it’s not right, it could be a disaster. If you have balayage where roots aren’t a problem, you can schedule your colour a month before but have a detox applied a couple of days before your wedding day to help brighten and freshen the colour. When it comes to deciding on the style, work with your dress. If your dress has detailing around the shoulders and neck, show it off with a soft up do or if you’ve chosen an off the shoulder dress, try your hair down or partly up. Have at least two trials to get your style right so there’s no decision making on the day and leave at least an hour and a half for your hair when scheduling the timings for getting ready”
In the lead up to the wedding day, look for a range like the new LOVE collection from Daniel Galvin, which is designed to boost and look after colour. From gloss, illuminating and conditioning, there is a treatment to boost your colour making it brighter and photo ready for the big day.
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6 One Month To Go: Start Trialing The Tan
Finding the right tanning brand to suit your skin tone is crucial so book in for a couple of spray tans to get it right. Don’t opt for a ‘three weeks on a beach’ deep tan, wearing a white wedding dress will intensify the colour so choose a lighter shade to avoid looking like you’ve faux glowed. When it comes to booking in for the colour on the day, book in two days before but make sure you wash it off after six hours before rather than 12 to ensure the colour settles. Lastly, apply talcum powder to any tight areas on your dress to avoid tan transfer, especially if the weather is warm.
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7 One week to go: boost your lashes
Book in to have your lashes done in the week before the big day. This includes individual lash extensions and lash lifts like LVL. Around three to four days before is ideal “this ensures that no lash maintenance is needed before the wedding, or for the honeymoon if the bride is jetting off straight away. Wondering what type of extensions to have? Russian lashes, where six lightweight lashes are attached to each lash (approximately 350 lashes per eye) enhances your own lashes without damage but for maximum, natural impact. Do go for a trial and consultation before though, about six weeks prior to the wedding to determine what look you want to achieve. LVL (Length, Volume, Lift) on the other hand is a lash lifting technique which uses your own lashes to their best ability. With immediate results in 45 minutes, it doesn’t matter if you have short or long lashes, the lifting result will enhance your lashes without the need to go faux and they last up to 6-8 weeks, letting you enjoy low maintenance lashes on your honeymoon.
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8 The day before: mani time and relax
Metta suggests opting for a Shellac or Gelish manicure and pedicure as they last two to three weeks, reducing the risk of chipping and the glossy finish is unrivaled. “You want a shade that will compliment your dress. If it’s white, opt for a shade with a warm undertone to balance out the cool undertone of white. Stay away from chalky colours or pinks with a blue tone. If you have an ivory dress, try a shade with either warm or cool undertones. A lovely soft nude or sheer pink always works well for most brides as they give a clean finish. CND Shellac in Nude Knickers or Naked Naiveté with a layer Beau are bridal favourites. I always recommend booking your appointment the day before the wedding. It's the perfect opportunity to take some time out and relax.” Cue a full body massage too?
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9 On the Day: Get your beauty stash right
“I tell all my brides to stash a pressed powder to mattify, a blush to refresh the face and add a bit of colour that may have been lost during all the hugging and kissing of guests and a little lip balm and lipstick for top ups. It's also handy to have a foundation stick so brides can top up their base and concealer if necessary” says Hannah. Pep up your manicure too. Keep nails and hands hydrated with hand cream and apply nail oil to lift your polish and make it shiner for the day. Now you’ve successfully completed bridal beauty bootcamp, it’s time to tie the knot.