Beauty Archives | Wedding ETC

In Beauty

Glow from “Yes” to “I Do”: Your Beauty Prep Timeline for Wedding Day Radiance

September 29, 2025 No Comments

Glow from “Yes” to “I Do”: Your Beauty Prep Timeline for Wedding Day Radiance

Your wedding day will be one of the most photographed days of your life and your beauty prep is the secret behind radiant skin, healthy hair, and flawless nails. The trick is spreading out treatments and habits over time so nothing feels rushed or risky. Below is a thoughtfully paced timeline: 1 year, 6 months, 1 month, and the final stretch, covering skincare, hair, and nails.

1 Year Before: Lay the Foundation

Skincare

Consult a dermatologist or professional skin therapist to assess skin type, concerns, and plan long-term goals.
Begin a consistent daily skincare routine (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF).
If desired, start gentle actives (vitamin C, mild retinoids) under expert guidance — give your skin time to adapt.
If you’re considering treatments like laser, peels, microneedling, or pigmentation management, this is the phase to start them (many require multiple sessions).
Focus on your body’s skin too — exfoliation, hydration for arms, décolletage, legs.

Hair

Evaluate hair health. If you want growth, use deep conditioning, protein treatments, and trim split ends regularly.
If planning a major color change or style change, start it now so you have time to adjust.
Discuss your wedding hairstyle vision with your stylist and set milestones for color, length, or extensions.

Nails

Begin a strengthening routine (cuticle oil, nail hardeners) if your nails tend to be weak or brittle.
Keep up regular manicures/pedicures to maintain shape and condition.

6 Months Before: Upgrade & Test

Skincare

Lock in your core skincare regimen – the one you’ll carry into the home stretch.
Start mid-level treatments: gentle chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or facials every 4–6 weeks.
Address issues like pigmentation, texture irregularities, or breakouts with more targeted treatments.
Avoid introducing too many new products at once – allow skin to settle.

Hair

If using color, highlights, or balayage, begin the process now so it can settle and adapt.
Finalize your hair accessory plan (veils, pins, floral accents) so your stylist knows what you’ll need.
Place your order for extensions (if needed) now to ensure they arrive in time.
Maintain trims — but avoid drastic chops at this point.

Nails

Do one or more trial manicures / nail style tests to see how designs, shapes, and polishes photograph and hold up.
Continue regular care and hydration.

1 Month Before: No Big Experiments

Skincare

Stop experimenting with new products or strong actives (deep peels, aggressive acids) — you don’t want the risk of irritation too close to the day.
Get a final “glow” facial or treatment (hydrating, calming, brightening) with minimal downtime.
Emphasize barrier repair, hydration, and soothing masks.
If considering injectables (Botox, filler), do them about 3–4 weeks out so any swelling or bruises settle.

Hair

Get your final color / root touch-up so it has time to mellow and look natural.
Install extensions (if using) in this window so they settle into the look.
Get a final trim or shape — nothing drastic.
Use deep conditioning / gloss / shine treatments in the last couple of weeks.

Nails

Schedule your final manicure / pedicure 1–2 days before the main wedding event, this ensures freshness without risk of visible growth or chipping.
If using gel, dip, or long-wear polish, they tend to last better, so doing them slightly earlier (1–2 days) is often safe.
Avoid harsh cuticle work or aggressive filing so your nails stay healthy.

Final Stretch: 1–2 Weeks, 1–2 Days, Wedding Day

1–2 Weeks Before

Book a gentle facial (no extractions, no peels).
Get a baby trim if desired to freshen ends.
Finish teeth whitening or touch-ups, if doing.
Confirm all beauty appointments, trials, and logistics.

1–2 Days Before

Final manicure / pedicure (for most, one to two days before is ideal)
If you plan to have a spray tan, do it now. Be careful of any treatments that might interfere.
Wash hair (if per stylist advice), rest, hydrate, sleep well.
Avoid new products or treatments that could cause reactions.

Wedding Day

Stick with your well-tested skin care (gentle cleanser, moisturizer, SPF).
Hair & makeup: allow ample time (2–3 hours before) for full glam.
Pack a beauty emergency kit: blotting papers, lip color, powder, extra nails or glue, hairpins.
Relax, breathe, and trust your prep. You’re going to look stunning.

Why This Staged Approach Works

Time for adjustment & recovery — skin, hair, nails react differently; spacing helps you catch issues early.
Minimizes risk — avoids last-minute irritation, breakout, reactions, or hair mishaps.
Enables consistent glow — the cumulative effect of regular care is more powerful than a rushed overhaul.
Better vendor coordination — gives your esthetician, stylist, nail tech time to align with your vision.

Sample Summary Table

Timeframe	Skincare Focus	Hair Focus	Nails Focus
~1 Year Out	Build foundation, consultations, gentle actives, body care	Hair health, trims, plan hairstyle & color	Strengthening, conditioning, base routine
~6 Months	Facials, gentle peels, pigmentation treatments	Color transition, trim, plan extensions	Trial manicure, maintain strength
~1 Month	Hydration, barrier care, final treatments, stop new products	Final color, install extensions, trim	Final manicure ~1–2 days before
Final Stretch	Gentle facials, mask, rest	Touch-ups, avoid drastic changes	Fresh mani, protective care

Tips & Precautions

Always patch test new products or treatments, especially close to the wedding.
Avoid major changes (haircuts, color, aggressive treatments) too close to the date.
Communication is key — work with experienced dermatologists, aestheticians, hairstylists and nail artists who understand bridal timelines.
Plan buffer days in case any treatment causes irritation or recovery.
Prioritize rest, nutrition, hydration — internal health shows in skin, hair, nails.
Adjust the timeline earlier if your skin, hair, or nails need more repair or time.

Featured Image: Canva

In Beauty

Doing Your Own Makeup vs Hiring a Professional Stylist: What South African Brides Need to Know

August 19, 2025 No Comments

When it comes to weddings, every bride dreams of looking flawless as she walks down the aisle. But the big question is: should you do your own makeup or trust a professional stylist? In South Africa, where weddings can range from intimate garden ceremonies to grand luxury affairs, the decision often comes down to budget, confidence, and personal style.

The Case for Doing Your Own Makeup

If you’re someone who feels confident with a makeup brush, doing your own makeup might be a cost-effective and empowering choice.

Pros:

Budget-friendly: Perfect for brides who are cutting costs in 2025’s tighter wedding economy.
Personal control: You know exactly what products work for your skin and what look makes you feel beautiful.
Practice makes perfect: With trial runs, you can perfect your wedding-day look well in advance.

Cons:

Stress factor: On the morning of your wedding, nerves can make even the steadiest hands shaky.
No backup plan: If something goes wrong—like a smudged eyeliner—you may not have time to fix it.
Less polished: Even skilled DIY brides may not achieve the long-lasting, camera-ready finish that professionals deliver.

The Case for Hiring a Professional Stylist

Professional makeup artists bring experience, creativity, and calm to your wedding day preparations.

Pros:

Expertise: Trained in working with different skin tones, textures, and wedding-day lighting.
Stress-free: You can sit back, relax, and enjoy being pampered while someone else ensures you look radiant.
High-quality products: Pros often use premium, long-wear products that keep your makeup intact through tears, heat, and hours of celebration.

Cons:

Cost: Hiring a professional can be pricey, especially for bridal parties.
Less control: You’ll need to communicate your preferences clearly to avoid a look that doesn’t feel like “you.”
Availability: Popular artists in South Africa get booked months (sometimes years) in advance.

Finding the Balance

Many brides are now choosing a hybrid approach, doing their own makeup for pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or rehearsal, and hiring a professional for the big day itself. This way, you save money but still enjoy the polished, stress-free look for your wedding photos and ceremony.

The choice between doing your own makeup and hiring a professional stylist ultimately depends on your budget, confidence, and vision. Whether you’re a DIY queen or prefer the pampering touch of a pro, what matters most is that you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your special day.

Featured Image: Canva

In Advice

What NOT to do to your skin pre-wedding

September 19, 2022 No Comments

You will most likely be stressing about numerous things before your wedding – your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. Here is what not to do to your skin before the big day.

1. Spend too much time in the sun

Don’t try to get the tan of your life right before your big day. You could get burnt and you and your skin will be dehydrated, and it will show. On that note, stay away from tanning beds as well; they can just as much – if not more – damage your skin.

Take a look in the mirror and think about whether you actually need a tan. If you do, rather try a subtle self-tanning product for a few weeks leading up to the big day. Start toning it down a week before.

And remember to wear sunscreen every single day, even on your wedding day, to ensure you stay sun safe.

2. Pick at blemishes

This doesn’t only apply to your pre-wedding preparations but it’s great advice for every time you are tempted to pick. Picking, squeezing or scratching a spot on your face will cause scarring. We know it’s incredibly hard not to pop that pimple as soon as it arises, but it’s important to leave it alone. The bacteria underneath your nails can penetrate this vulnerable area, causing swelling and redness.

Instead, apply a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide (not toothpaste!) to the area twice a day after cleansing, and try to leave it alone.

If you are struggling with a painful, cystic spot right before the big day, visit your dermatologist and have a cortisone shot in the affected area. This will help considerably more than any topical treatment.

3. Change your routine

Every bride wants her skin to be perfect. Stick to what you know works for you and don’t try to switch up your routine a month before. Your skin WILL freak out.

A few months before your wedding, introduce your skin to a brightening treatment (containing malic acid or vitamin C) paired with a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid. Cell turnover takes approximately 30 days, so any new treatment you use will only begin to show its effects after a month.

Pro tip: Don’t use an acne treatment if you do not have problem skin as a preventative measure. It will only dry out your skin and you won’t glow as much when you say ‘I do.’

4. Get a peel too soon before your wedding day

Getting a harsh chemical peel a few days before your wedding won’t be beneficial in the least. A peel of any kind requires some downtime, and your skin needs to chill out for a week or more.

A peel literally removes a layer of skin, cleansing deep down into your pores, and revealing smooth and glowing skin. It helps in the disappearance of ance, scars, wrinkles and a rough texture, but it will not give you perfect skin overnight.

Try a peel way in advance to see how it works for you, and then go for another (more gentle, if necessary) session at least two months before your wedding. They are one of the greatest things you can do for perfect wedding skin, but always be sure to chat to your therapist to make sure your timing and choice of treatment is spot on.

5. Get too stressed out

Don’t forget to make time for yourself, meditate and breathe. All the stress of planning and making sure every detail is perfect will take a massive toll on your skin. Try listening to soothing music before bed, take a long bath, and breathe long and deep breaths to calm down your nervous system. And remember to hydrate!

In Advice

10 SHEIN wedding gowns that will save you money!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

As wedding costs continue to soar, saving a few bucks is always a welcome relief. Caterers, decor, food, drinks – the list goes on.

But one cost that always seems to always take a good chunk of the budget is the wedding dress. One bride decided to seriously cut costs by heading to the online fashion platform SHEIN to purchase her dress. For approximately R700, the Californian bride looked incredible in her all-white ensemble.

This got us thinking… are there any cute wedding dresses local brides could purchase?

Here are a few of our favourites:

Fit for a queen

Cost: R948

Puffed and off the shoulder

Cost: R979

A dress fit for any occasion

Cost: R881

For the bold bride

Cost: R601

A fairytale dress

Cost: R1009

Bohemian meets royalty

Cost: R1168

Refined elegance

Cost: R401

Keeping it simple

Cost: R359

Small, intimate, sexy

Cost:

Shipping notes:

The cost of shipping is dependent on your purchase amount with free shipping available for those who have purchased over R1000. It’s also important to note that you will be liable for customs duty and VAT on your order. Orders can be received within a week or two, but usually this is delayed when customers do not pay the amount at customs – so make sure you pay!

Happy shopping!

Feature image: Kiara Brokenbrough

In Advice

How to pull off the ‘Natural glam’ makeup look

July 10, 2022 No Comments

‘Natural’ and ‘glam’ are two words that are seemingly opposites, yet an entire makeup style is dedicated to bringing these two styles together. This makeup style is perfect for the bride wanting a touch of glamour without feeling like they are wearing too much makeup.

It is typically characterised by a soft brown blown-out smokey eye and false lashes, paired with a natural skin finish. A bold, full brow helps to frame the face.

The key is to opt for a dewy-finish foundation with medium coverage and keep the skin makeup light. Don’t go crazy with the undereye concealer and use bronzer instead of contour for a softer finish. Use your perfect nude lipstick to complete the look. Top it with a gloss to look extra sweet.

Here are some tutorials to help you pull it off:

Picture: Pexels

In Accessories

Wedding veil inspiration for the fashion-forward bride

June 7, 2022 No Comments

Some brides are born to break the rules. To scoff at tradition and forge a new path.

Now, this doesn’t have to mean ditching the white dress and opting for something a little darker, as per the wedding trends currently making waves on Pinterest. Sometimes the forward-thinking bride embodies her boldness with something as small as a non-traditional wedding veil.

Small steps, right? If you’re looking to embrace your ‘wild’ side by going beyond the white tulle or lace, here are a few stunning suggestions:

Polka Dot

If you love a good polka dot outfit, then you’re in luck! Including a polka dot veil in your wedding ensemble can be an exciting way to infuse a little fun into your outfit.

non-traditional veils for the foward-thinking bride — Picture: Pinterest

Something Blue

A modern twist on something blue. A blue wedding veil can be a wonderful way to add a pop of colour as it provides a beautiful contrast if you’re sporting a white wedding dress.

Pearl-studded

Pearls are having a bit of a moment right now and are a trend that has brides “oh-ing” and “ah-ing,” and for good reason. Pearls are often associated with royalty and opulence, and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll get when adding modern pearls to your veil.

The Birdcage

Who needs a long veil anyway? Short and sweet in more ways than one, the classic “birdcage” veil is a great addition for brides who are looking for something different yet simple. Make it your own by adding modern pearls or flowers, let your inner-creative run wild!

Adorned with flowers

Flowers have a way of elevating anyone’s mood, so why not do the same for your veil. Opt for a traditional veil but zhoosh it up by adding your favourite flowers. Fresh flowers are best, so make sure you speak to your florist or go the dry flower route if you’re feeling sentimental and looking to keep things fresh forever.

Embroidered Elegance

If adding fresh flowers to your veil doesn’t sound like something you’d like but you’re still looking to add a few blooms to your accessory, a colourful embroidered veil is the way to go. It’s a great addition for brides who are looking to add a little bohemian flair to their wedding outfit and creates an incredible texture too!

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Beauty

The wait is over! Fenty Beauty is finally in SA

May 27, 2022 No Comments

Get ready to say goodbye to your salary ladies and gentlemen because Fenty Beauty has finally arrived in South Africa.

Since the monumental announcement in early May, South African beauty lovers have been absolutely foaming at the mouth in anticipation of the launch, which was set to take place on 27 May.

Headed by international singer and sensation Rihanna, the brand has been making waves in the industry since its inception back in 2017. It’s been credited for filling a void in the market when it came to women of colour and matching foundations.

At its core, the brand is all about inclusivity with Rihanna stating that she started Fenty Beauty “so that women everywhere would be included.” It focused on a wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones and now has branched out to include skincare products too.

The company is now worth $2.8 billion and caters to women and men all around the globe.

So, just what are some South Africans saying about the launch?

“Fenty Beauty, since its inception, has been an earthquake of positive disruption for the beauty community. Its arrival in SA is incredibly exciting because it’s not only one of the best-loved beauty brands in the world, but it will also hopefully inspire different looks for influencers honing in on inclusivity. And of course, we get to have a slice of Rihanna here in SA,” says beauty enthusiast Ashleigh Nefdt.

“The launch made me feel like a kid at a candy store. It’s Christmas and you’ve finally got that toy you’ve been throwing a tantrum over for the last few years,” describes beauty marketer Ruby Daniels.

Now that’s one way to splurge when it comes to your bridal beauty!

The iconic products can be purchased at Arc, which have various stores in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

Feature Image: Fenty Beauty / Instagram

In Beauty

Bridal hair and make-up to inspire straight from the pros

May 23, 2022 No Comments

Before your beau went done on one knee and decided to pop the question, you always had a clear idea of how you would look on your wedding day.

Mermaid dress, dewy makeup, and hair tied back. But sometimes reality is far more chaotic than fantasy, and you may now find yourself frustrated at the fact that the dress, make-up and hairstyle you’ve always wanted isn’t exactly what you want now.

A great thing about planning your wedding in today’s social media-obsessed world is that inspiration is simply a click away. Don’t believe us? Check out these inspiring Instagram accounts for the perfect bridal hair and make-up straight from the pros:

Veiled Vanity Artistry

Simple, elegant and perfect for brides looking to achieve a look that’s effortless.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VVA Boutique HMU Bridal Agency (@veiledvanityartistry)

Page Beauty

Perfect for brides who have spent years scrolling through high fashion magazines such as Vogue. Emphasis on high fashion.

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A post shared by Bridal Hair + Makeup by Page Beauty (@pagebeauty)

April Foster Bridal

Self-described as “sophisticated, classy and cool” – that’s exactly what you’ll get!

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A post shared by April SF Hair & Makeup Artist (@aprilfosterbridal)

Fiore Beauty

It’s the perfect Instagram account for brides looking to add a feminine and classic touch to their big day.

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A post shared by Fiore Beauty (@fiorebeauty)

The Queens Bees

We want bold, we want beautiful, we want chic! This Instagram account is all that and more.

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A post shared by @thequeensbees

Natalia Issa

Who doesn’t want to feel like a princess on their wedding day? Beautiful and bold inspiration is exactly what you’ll get when checking out this Instagram account.

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A post shared by Natalia Issa (@nataliaissa)

Ana Matanovic

You want that je ne sais quois! That local flavour infused with an international aesthetic – Ana Matanovic has you covered.

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A post shared by Ana Matanovic (@makeupflorence)

Shauna Elizabeth

Effortless and ready to take on the aisle!

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A post shared by ?????? ????????? (@shaunaelizabethhair)

Feature Image: Ana Matanovic

In Beauty

Modern Romance: Dreamy make-up trends that we love

May 4, 2022 No Comments

There’s something truly special about an unabashedly feminine look on your wedding day. Take a cue from these timeless hair and make-up trends for that quintessential dreamy look.

Twiggy Lashes

To create this doe-eyed look, focus on defining both top and bottom lash lines by loading your lashes with mascara. Fill in any gaps and add volume with individual lashes.

Red Velvet

There is a reason red is the colour of love, and when it comes to wearing it, it’s all about choosing the perfect texture. Not as shiny as creamy lipstick, but not as dry as a matte version, a velvet lip is a beautiful in-between texture that is extremely wearable with a decadent edge.

wedding make-up trends — Picture: Pinterest

Wing It

When it comes to wearing winged eyeliner, the most important thing to keep in mind is your eye shape and what suits you best. The win should lift your outer eye corner, creating a flattering feline shape.

Glass Skin

No obvious sparkly highlighter here, this is more of an overall ‘lit from within’ glow. Start with good skincare leading up to your big day, making exfoliation and hydration your focus.

Glitter Goddess

Glitter is one of the biggest trends in make-up right now, appearing everywhere from the runways to the red carpet. It adds that extra glamour to your look when dabbed over cream-textured shadow.

In Advice

A ‘modern fairytale’ Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz tie the knot

April 11, 2022 No Comments

Classy, sophisticated, posh. All three of these words mean the exact same thing but somehow manage to individually encompass the essence of the always fabulous Beckhams.

In 1999, David and Victoria Beckham solidified their status as pop culture icons following their Robin Hood themed wedding. Fashionistas and brides-to-be around the world couldn’t get enough of Victoria’s tightly fitted corset by English corsetiere, Mr Pearl, a gorgeous piece that she wore under her ballgown.

Nearly two decades later and another Beckham appears to be inspiring future brides and grooms. In a lavish $3.5 million “modern fairytale” wedding, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz said their “I dos” in front of family and friends in what many are describing as simply “magical.”

The ceremony was said to be a star-studded affair with Serena Williams and Eva Longoria making an appearance at the $103 million venue in Palm Beach, which happened to be billionaire Nelson Peltz’s (Nicola’s father) compound.

Along with the who’s who of the celebrity world, British Vogue had a front-row seat to the couple’s nuptials, sharing a plethora of snaps and noting: ‘It’s the stuff that modern fairytales are made of: a beautiful blonde film star meets a handsome young scion of one of Britain’s most famous – and fashionable – families, sparks fly, and a truly 21st-century romance unfolds.’

While there are many elements that make a wedding magical, all eyes were undoubtedly on Nicola’s custom-made Valentino wedding gown – a culmination of a years’ worth of conversations between the bride, Peltz’s stylist and the creative team at Valentino.

The result has been the blushing bride’s “dream dress” with countless snaps showcasing the sheer elegance of this masterpiece.

A cute little inclusion featured the bride’s dress is adorned with an evil eye symbol and included a message from her mother which the Valentino team stitched with blue thread – for that something blue.

The world was treated to new images of the newlyweds which came after Brooklyn uploaded the first shot from their wedding on Sunday, a black and white image of the pair that he captioned: ‘Mr. & Mrs Peltz Beckham.’

The images are breathtaking and ooze old Hollywood. However, Peltz appears to have taken some inspiration from the 90s with Vogue noting that the bride’s hair was styled as “an ode to Claudia Schiffer in the ‘90s.”

“It was all about keeping her hair beautiful, soft and smooth. ”Think luxe, polished texture, but with fullness and movement to it,” said Adir Abergel, Nicola’s hairstylist.

A natural look was chosen for the day and offered a fresh, natural look that was barely there but provided a few details that ensured her features would pop under the veil.

The result? A gorgeous bride, a magical day and a happy groom. Is there anything more perfect than that?

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Picture: British Vogue