When it comes to your wedding, it’s not just your décor, menu and seating plan that require plenty of planning and preparation. To look your best (and get that luminous, dewy, bridal glow), you’ll need to put a bridal beauty routine in place months in advance. The good news is that now, while we’re on lockdown, is the perfect time to do it. While obviously not the most important aspect of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, a good beauty regime is also a great way to add some extra calm and self-care to your days. Here are a few things you can start adding to your bridal beauty regimen today.
Cover the basics. Two of the simplest things you can do for your health and beauty are also two of the most effective: getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water. Skipping these basics will result in the kind of dry, dehydrated skin that’s the opposite of what you want for your big day. If you’re guilty of neglecting either of these areas, now is the time to cultivate good habits. You could even try a habit tracking app to make it more fun!
Create a (do-able) skincare routine. A solid skincare routine (both morning and evening) is essential in the run-up to your wedding. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time, but now is a good time to experiment with new products and get into the swing of it. Even the most basic routine should include cleansing twice a day (even if you aren’t wearing any makeup right now), regular exfoliation (try chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid instead of harsh scrubs), a good serum, and a moisturiser that suits your skin type. While regular facials aren’t possible at the moment, you can still treat yourself to a lovely wash-off or sheet mask, which will deliver targeted treatments depending on your skin’s needs.
Don’t forget the SPF. Another essential part of your morning skincare routine is a good SPF. Whether you’re working in a room with a window, taking a few minutes to get some fresh air on the balcony or in the garden, or going out for groceries, you’re still exposed to harmful UV rays.
Try retinol. Vitamin A is the gold standard of skincare, from prescription-only retinoids to over-the-counter retinols. They increase cell turnover, boost collagen, and can help tackle acne and hyperpigmentation. However, they can also cause a period of redness and peeling at the outset. If you’ve been wanting to try retinol, now is the perfect time to push through the tricky stage.
Pamper your hands and nails. You may not be able to get to a nail salon right now, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your hands, especially with all that extra hand washing! Give your fingertips a break from gel manicures, and apply generous amounts of lotion and cuticle oil daily.
Don’t forget your body. The skin on your body is just as important as that on your face, so don’t neglect it. Choose a nourishing, gentle cleanser for the shower, and layer on body lotion as soon as you get out of the shower, to stop moisture from evaporating from your skin. Now is also a good time to try dry brushing, a technique that increases circulation and exfoliates effectively.
Give your hair a break. If you’re guilty of overshampooing your hair or using heated hair tools on the daily, it’s time to have a hair holiday. Going a little longer between washes and skipping the straighteners, hair dryer and curling tongs will give your strands some much-needed time to recover.
How are you kickstarting your bridal beauty regimen during lockdown?