Planning your big day is both an exciting and stressful time, with immense pressure to be at your best. Don’t forget to break away from all the organising every now and then for some me-time. These relaxing DIY face masks are the perfect way to take time out for yourself and keep your skin glowing and ready for the wedding.

Create easy facemasks with simple ingredients in your kitchen for a quick escape that will leave your skin feeling fresh and renewed.

THE METHOD

1. Mix all the ingredients together.
2. Use your hands or a clean make-up brush to apply the mask to your face.
3. Leave for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off and cleanse and moisturise.

THE MASKS

1. Aloe vera mask

1 tsp aloe vera gel
2 tbsp rosewater
2 tbsp coconut oil

2. Turmeric mask

1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp coconut oil

3. Home clay mask

2 tbsp bentonite clay powder
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil

4. Cucumber mask

½ cucumber, blended

5. Lavender facial scrub

1-2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp Epsom salts
2 drops lavender essential oil

Image: Unsplash

You’re getting married and you feel on top of the world. The last thing you need is to glance in the mirror to find an unappealing spot staring back at you. It creates immediately panic! But don’t despair, we’ve got some last minute tips to get rid of pimples before your big day.

1. HOT WATER

Take a clean towel and immerse it in hot water. Then place it directly over your pimple. This immediately opens up your pores, allowing a mild cleanser to do a proper job immediately afterwards. Wait 30 minutes, and you should see a massive difference.

2. ICE CUBES

Take an ice cube and place it on your pimple for 5-10 minutes. Once the time is up, you will notice that the swelling and redness has been reduced. If you are still unhappy with the results the next day, a good concealer and foundation will get the job done once the swelling is taken care of.

3. TOOTHPASTE

Another age-old trick is applying toothpaste to the affected area. Take a pea-sized amount and apply it over a pimple. Leave it on overnight and wash your face with cold water the next morning.

4. GARLIC

Garlic (a natural antibiotic) will get rid of pesky spots overnight. Grab a clove and make slits in it to release the juice. Rub it all over your pimple and the surrounding area, and voila!

Photography: pinterest.com

Do you know which scent you want to wear on your big day? No? Choose a wedding fragrance that’s as fun, flirtatious or sensual as you are. Here are some of our favourites.

1. Jimmy Choo Illicit EDP (100 ml) – A provocative juice with seductive notes of bitter orange, sambac jasmine and honey amber.

2. Azzaro Pour Elle Extrême EDP (75 ml) – Warm, sensual and deeply enveloping, this elegant scent is an evening delight.

3. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Rosé EDP (100 ml) – For something that’s simply sparkling, this fruity floral is fun and just a little flirtatious.

4. Repetto Eau Florale EDT (80 ml) – A pretty pink juice with feminine notes of grapefruit, plum blossom and rose.

5. Oscar de la Renta Oscar Velvet Noir EDP (100 ml) – Classic and sexy with beautiful notes of osmanthus, ginger and warm amber. 

6. Dunhill Icon Absolute EDP (100 ml) – A modern-day ode to all things woody and spicy for the discerning and stylish groom.

7. Giorgio Armani Armani Code Profumo Pour Homme (60 ml) – Perfect for the classic gentleman, a scent with a decidedly rich and sophisticated air.

Your ultimate skincare countdown to your wedding day to ensure your skin is the best it can be on your big day, plus our must-haves!

6 MONTHS BEFORE

If you’re looking to overhaul your skin in a matter of months, chemicals peels are one of the best and most cost-effective methods for facial rejuvenation. They target everything from tone, texture and fine lines to breakouts and general radiance – something every bride wants! Start with a course of four to six peels over the first month or so, followed by monthly maintenance sessions to keep your skin gorgeous.

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Chanel UV Essentiel Daily UV Care Multi-Protection Anti-Pollution SPF50+

3 MONTHS BEFORE

Looking for one ingredient that will change your skin in a big way? Retinol is a powerful antioxidant that refines texture, improves tone, boosts both cell renewal and collagen, and puts any embarrassing blemishes to bed. Start off slowly once a week to get your skin used to it and avoid unpleasant reactions, upping the dose as the weeks and months go by, and your skin gets stronger.

OptiPhi Intense Retinol Serum

Dr Dermal MicroRetinol 5 Rich Repair

1 WEEK BEFORE

And on the seventh day, she rested! Now is the time to stop stressing and start sleeping. Getting enough Zs in the week before your wedding is a crucial skincare step to give your skin time to repair itself and allow you to wake up feeling rested and energised.

Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Night Cream

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Sleeping Cream

1 DAY BEFORE

It’s almost here! The big day is only a sleep away, so give your skin some final TLC by applying a hydrating skincare serum or ampoule, followed by a moisturising mask. The combination will help to hydrate and plump up your skin, which allows your make-up to apply smoother and look fresher.

Bioderma Hydrabio Masque Moisturising Mask

Babor Hydra Plus Active Fluid Ampoule Concentrates

We all know that minimal make-up has been one of the biggest beauty trends this year, and it’s sure to carry over into 2018. We’re showing you how to pull off the perfect bare (almost) face on your wedding day.

IT ALL STARTS WITH SKIN

Undeniably, the biggest component for pulling off a minimalistic appearance is healthy skin. Start with a solid skincare routine well in advance by consulting an expert – this will include serums and treatments galore. However, all your efforts will be useless if you don’t feed your skin from the inside too. Eat clean, cut out sugars and gulp down water to keep your skin hydrated. Not only will you feel light and energized, but your skin will reflect that by showing off your natural glow. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen or, better yet, stay out of the sun to avoid nasty sunburns and long-term damage.

KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

When it comes to choosing your colours, know what works for your skin tone and type. You don’t want to look like a completely different person on your wedding day. Instead, enhance your features and keep it simple. Think highlighted cheekbones, bronzed temples, rosy cheeks and groomed brows. Add a lipstick close to your natural lip colour and avoid piling on the foundation – only conceal where necessary.

APPLICATION IS KEY

Apply your make-up with tools that will enhance dewiness and achieve a flawless application. Always start with a clean canvas and make sure to moisturise before anything else. Applying make-up with brushes and sponges that can allow you to build and blend will ensure your look to be effortless. That said, make sure your brushes and tools are clean and free from previous make-up applications.

MATCH YOUR ELEMENTS

Match your make-up to your dress colour, your veil (if you’re wearing one) and the overall feel of your wedding. For example, do a bare face with a burgundy lip if you’re having maroon peonies as your flowers. Or do a nude lip and highlighted or bronzed features with an ivory dress. We also love a super low-key look with statement earrings for a subtle yet striking take.

Photography: pinterest.com

Your make-up is arguably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day – besides your dress and hubby-to-be, of course. There are a number of questions you should ask your bridal make-up artist, and once having had them answered confidentially, you can have peace of mind.

1. CAN I BOOK A TRIAL BEFOREHAND?

This is essential since it will give you the opportunity to tell the artist exactly what you do and don’t like. You’ll also be able to see how your make-up will look on your wedding day; if you’re happy, they’re hired! Make sure you book a few months in advance and ask for a trial guideline – the artist will be able to provide this in full detail.

2. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?

We all know that life happens, but on your big day, you need complete peace of mind. Find out if your artist has a solid cancellation policy should there be an emergency on her side. Will there be a backup plan in terms of an assistant or another artist attending on her behalf? What is their policy regarding a refund? What if the artist is late? All of the above need to be answered by the artist in the form of a contract. If not, think twice.

3. DO YOU WORK ALONE OR WITH A TEAM OF ASSISTANTS?

If you and your entire bridal party need to be done and dusted (or powdered, rather) by a certain time, ask the artist if she will have some capable hands to jump in and help. You can also ask her to set up a timeline for you, with each member of your retinue assigned to a specific artist and the time they need to be ready. This will help the process run more smoothly, and everyone will feel much more relaxed.

4. CAN I USE SOME OF MY OWN PRODUCTS?

Make-up artists usually use their own products and tools, but if you have particularly sensitive skin or are allergic to anything specific, ask the artist to use some of your own trustworthy products that you are comfortable with. Make sure you let them know during your trial so that they can also plan accordingly.

5. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES I CAN LOOK AT?

This is purely for you to see what the artist is capable of, or particularly good at. If her other work photographs well, you can be sure yours will look good too. If they don’t have anything to show you, be wary. You won’t have any ideas as to their skill level, even if you’re still in the trial phase.

Photography: pinterest.com