5 steps to look your best

BEAUTY CORNER

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. She is both excited and nervous. Having waited all her life for this special day, she wants everything to be in top order whether it’s her hair, her make-up or her skin. 

Tress’d up
Once the wedding date is fixed you have to decide on your hairstyle for the wedding and the reception. However, before you decide on a hairstyle, consider the condition of your hair. Shampoo your hair regularly and condition it to give it body and bounce. Use henna at least once a week. If you want to perm or trim your hair, do it two weeks before the wedding to avoid glitches or catastrophes.

Do not go to a new hair dresser — it can be disastrous because a small mistake can take a long time to rectify. Your regular hair stylist is not only aware of your hair, face and figure but she also understands your personality. So she knows what to do to create a more becoming style for you.

The right hairstyle is determined by many factors like the shape of your face, your height and weight, and the build and height of your husband-to-be, especially if you want your hair wound into a high bun or a top knot for the reception.

If you are wearing a veil, encircle it with flowers or pearls to set it off. There are many ways to decorate your top knot. Style it according to your taste and your bridal attire. Flowers are not only used in hand bouquets but also worn in the hair. Instead of a conventional veil, many brides choose to enhance their look with a band of flower-tendrils. This style goes well on those with long curly hair. If you have short hair, set the band of flowers a little to the side or at the crown.

Peaches ‘n’ cream
Every bride dreams of glowing skin on her wedding day. Plan your beauty regimen and establish a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising, morning and night. Go to the beautician you have chosen to do your make-up for your wedding and let her plan your facial cleansing schedule. Have a deep facial once a week for a month. Having a facial is important as it leaves your face clean and fresh.

A facial massage also helps to ease stress. Follow a balanced diet and opt for food that’s not spicy. Drink 6-8 glasses of water and eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Nail ’em
Take care of your nails and trim them regularly to keep them in shape. If your nails are short, start growing them about one month before your wedding day.

Do not expose your nails to detergents and household cleaners as this could cause the nails to chip and break. Use rubber gloves when you are washing or cleaning up. Get a manicure and pedicure done once a week. If you find it difficult to grow your nails ask your beautician to give you nail extensions. You could also opt for sculptured nails, where a wet acrylic powder is moulded on the nail to form a new nail covering that has to be filled in as the true nail grows out every two or three weeks. Try nail art for that strikingly different look.

No hairy-scary tales
Getting rid of fine hair on your face not only makes your face looks cleaner and fairer, it enables your make-up to stay fresh longer. On a special day like this, your make-up is very important. If you are not well versed with make-up, do not attempt experimenting on yourself. Go to a professional who should be able to do a good job with foundation, toner and blusher.

The most common facial hair removing techniques would be waxing and threading. If you want to go for permanent hair removal, opt for laser treatment.

Best foot forward
No part of your body deserves more tender loving care than your feet. It will not do if your feet are dirty and your heels are cracked when you walk barefoot during the ceremonies. Carry a hand lotion or moisturiser in your bag and use it as often as you think necessary. To soften rough hands, apply or massage equal quantities of hand cream and coconut oil at bedtime. Apply cuticle cream too.