When it comes to glowing bridal skin, it’s easy to pile on all the luminising, dewy makeup products in the world but if you’re not looking after your skin in the first place, you’ll find it hard to achieve that natural radiance which makes you look healthy and flawless. Achieving a glowing complexion comes partly from using the right skincare and makeup, and partly from taking care of your inner you. Here are my tops tips to have you glowing for the big day….
Don’t be lastminute.com
If you have recently become engaged, now is the time to start planning your journey to glowing, radiant wedding ready skin. The more time you give yourself to correct dull, tired looking skin, the better. If you’re correcting acne or more serious skin issues, I advise my clients to visit a dermatologist at least four to six months ahead, depending on what the issue is. If you’re already following a dedicated skincare regime great, if not, now is the time to adopt some essential skincare habits. If you’re unsure where to start, consider a skincare consultation and let the experts advise.
Exfoliate
Beautiful bridal makeup starts with good skin and a smooth exfoliated canvas. Regular exfoliation helps combat dull lacklustre skin and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revealing more glowing, youthful skin. I tend to prefer chemical exfoliation (like glycolic or lactic acid) over mechanical exfoliation (scrubs). Although it sounds harsher than mechanical exfoliation, chemical exfoliation is actually gentler on the skin. I find that people can often over-scrub when they use a mechanical exfoliant and this can end up damaging the skin. Check out NeoStrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel or REN Ready Steady, Glow Daily AHA Tonic and remember, to see results you need to be consistent.
Brighten up
When it comes to brightening your skin, whether it’s overall dullness, dark spots, pigmentation or all three! Vitamin C is considered the gold-standard of skin brightening. Also known as Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C interferes with the development of pigmentation, so with regular application and time it can really help. The good news is that Vitamin C is incredibly easy to integrate into your skincare regime and suitable for all skin types. Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-Day System with Pure Vitamin C, Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid Serum (this is a great dupe for the much more expensive SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum), Avène A-Oxitive Defence Serum and Murad Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum are all very effective and will enhance skin, leaving it looking brighter.
Massage your skin
This is something I do on a regular basis and while you might feel a little silly to begin with, it’s actually a great way to achieve healthier more luminous skin. Massaging your face just a few times a week will stimulate your skin, wake it up and get your blood flow going which means increased collagen production, plumping up skin for a natural, healthy glow. Using your favourite facial oil (I like Modern Botany Oil or Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial Oil) massage into your face using upward strokes to defy gravity as much as possible. Even better, use a facial massage tool such as a Jade Roller or Gua Sha, over time the results are undeniable.
Look after yourself
Skin responds to your lifestyle and stress levels. To help your skin look its best, taking care of yourself is just as important as what products or makeup you use. Keeping it simple, you need to eat well (a balanced diet is essential for general health and the health of your skin) and keep hydrated by drinking and eating plenty of water! Supplements can also help to give your skin that fresh, youthful glow and studies have shown that adding collagen supplements and antioxidants to your regime can play a role in boosting your complexion. I am currently taking Gold Nutrition “It’s Fantastic, It’s Colastic” containing Hydrolysed Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. Available from Ambermed, these little sachets help to maintain the elasticity and firmness of your skin. Start taking at least six weeks before the nuptials and see the difference for yourself. Getting a good night’s sleep, some gentle exercise, doing more of what makes you happy and simply taking time for yourself will also help you feel calm and relaxed as your big day approaches and lessen the stress levels!
Hello highlighter
For maximum glow on your wedding day, some cosmetic intervention will be necessary, and highlighter most definitely ticks the glowy box. The newest offerings can give you a ‘lit from within’ radiance without a disco ball in sight; and with everyone looking for that all-over dewy, radiant skin, highlighter is becoming as classic and essential as blush and brows. If you are doing your own makeup on the day, for a look that will last, cream versions can be a great choice. They melt into skin in a way that looks subtle and natural — just what you want for a daytime glow. For a more targeted dose of glow, powder highlighters allow you to effortlessly layer shimmer until you’ve achieved the effect you’re looking for. Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Pink Glow has a pinkish opalescent hue, which is universally flattering and, while I sometimes stay clear of powder highlighter, this one is just dreamy. Getting the best of both powder and cream, Sleek Makeup Highlighter Palette in Cleopatra’s Kiss is a great one to experiment with and very budget friendly. It is a mix of golden bronze creams and powders, take note though – they are highly pigmented, so go easy.
For all brides-to-be, if you have any beauty wedding questions, or if would like to come and have a skincare consultation or facial treatment with me, email hello@shernamalone.ie Keep an eye out on my Instagram and Facebook @shernamalone.ie to win some goodies this month! www.shernamalone.ie.