Tuesday 12 November 2013

30 DAYS TO A BEAUTIFUL BRIDE...


It's the most important day of your life. There are a hundred things that need to be done. But most important of all, you have to look beautiful! So calm down, drop the stress and get into this four-week beauty routine. Your mother too, can join in on the fun and brush up on her grooming as well...

WEEEK 4
FOR THE BRIDE
The jitters have set in, there's just a month left to D-Day. Take deep breaths, relax and spend a day sitting back and reviewing your beauty routine. Remember to follow the basics: Eat healthy meals, drink eight glasses of water every day, get enough beauty sleep and stick to your fitness routine...
  • Get a dermatologist to examine your skin and hair. Clinical problems need to be tackled now.
  • Re-visit your hair spas and salon treatments, get into intensive gear to tackle chronic problems such as dryness, undereye circles and cracked heels. Write down a glaundry list of beauty goals and make sure you follow your salon expert's advice.
  • This is the right time to buy your colour cosmetics. Try them on to test them. Even if something does give you an allergy, there's plenty of time for your skin to get back its glow. Also, this way all your shades will be just right . remember to buy the best quality, reduce the number of lipsticks if your budget is tight.
  • Grow your nails. Stubby nails will not add to bridal allure. Regular manicures and pedicures will keep your hands and feet soft, and nails glowing. Rub in moisturiser on your hands and feet before going to bed. Soak your feet in warm water with bath salts when you feel tired or stressed. This is also a good time to get started on a good dayand-night regime. Use day and night creams after cleansing and toning.
  • Decide your look for the ceremonies and the actual wedding right down to the last detail... Go through the Internet and magazines to check out the looks you really like. Just keep in mind that all the latest styles may not suit you. It's a good idea to consult a stylist (good salons will be able to help you with this).
  • Now is also the time to shed those extra kilos. Fix an appointment with a reputed dietician: You should be able to drop about 5-6kg.
  • A regular morning walk and a good night's sleep are a must for your daily routine. Ask her to recommend some home toning exercises. Yoga is always a good option, but do aerobic exercise as well.
  • Get a full-body wax trial to check whether your skin is suited for this. If you have sensitive skin, you may have to opt for a good bleach (try Oxy Bleach) or try using an emollient hair-removing cream such as Veet or Anne French.
FOR THE MOTHER
  • Get your anti-ageing treatments in place . you have an important role to play as the bride's mother. Hands and feet reveal age the most. Take time out to visit a reputed salon and get a manicure and pedicure. Follow through with daily care, softly scrub feet during your bath and moisturise well.
  • Get your appointments fixed at the salon for all the ceremonies. Check with your daughter whether she wants you there at her salon or book a different one. Remember, she's the priority, you are the support!
  • Finish your clothes' trials now, get them in order and keep them aside. The last few weeks are always about the bride, you may be running out on umpteen shopping trips to buy something that the bride has forgotten.
  • Get sleep. If the nights get late, take a power nap in the day. A beautiful bride with a drooping family doesn't make for a pretty picture!

WEEK 3
FOR THE BRIDE
By now, the only shopping you should be doing are the trials for your wedding costume.
  • Keep your skin glowing by continuing the facials, body massages and body wraps at your salon. Do not try any new treatments or cosmetics at this stage. Stick to tried-and-tested products or services. Use face packs from VLCC, Aromamagic or any other cosmetic brand you trust. Do a quick home facial by cleansing, massaging moisturiser on your face and finishing up with a face pack.
  • Plan a practice hairstyling session with the stylist. Try 3-4 hairdos, keeping in mind the various functions and outfits. Most salons give you a complete dress rehearsal with full make-up to showcase the complete feel of the
  • 'D-Day'. It's always better to try a few looks and products rather than ending up in chaos. Don't forget to take along a trusted friend/relative to give an objective opinion.
  • No more junk food and colas. Drop the alcohol; instead, fill up on vegetable juices and water.
  • You can't avoid going out, so when stepping out in the sun, wear shades, carry an umbrella and use a sunscreen with a high SPF level. Cleopatra bathed in milk for a reason- Take a mugful of milk with you in the bathroom and rub it all over your skin after your bath, massage for 10-15 minutes. Shower through and pat skin dry for a brighter complexion and softer skin.
  • Reconfirm salon appointments to ensure no mistakes have occurred.

FOR THE MOTHER
Continue with regular home care for the skin. Moisturise after every bath, use day and night creams and do use SPF every time you step out (which is likely to be a lot!).
Decide on your looks; give your salon expert a call and get the hair and make-up for each occasion fixed and decided. No last-minute experimentation; it can go very wrong!
Tackle problem areas now - hands, feet and dark joints have enough time to heal and glow with proper home care. You should go to a dermatologist for any serious issues.
Do keep a check on your diet. Celebrations may lead to weight gain.WEEK 2
FOR THE BRIDE
A fortnight to go 
  • By now most brides are told to stay home as much as possible. Catch up on indoor exercise and get enough rest and sleep.
  • Avoid meeting friends for long lunches and dinners; even calls from your soon-to-be husband late into 
  • the night may be eating into your beauty sleep!
  • Plan your pre-wedding hair trim, colouring and highlighting if you want. Don't get tempted to do anything that's completely radical. You have already decided on your look.
  • If you have dry hair, try a hot-oil massage every third day. You can use sesame seed, almond or olive oil. Follow it by wrapping your hair in a towel dipped in hot water for five minutes. Talk to your stylist on how to treat your hair for the next seven days to keep it fit for styling on the big day; stick to trusted brands...
  • Add exfoliation treatments to your regular skincare regimen. At home, simply mix one-part sugar to twoparts fruit pulp for a good body and face scrub. Remember not to ignore your hands and feet.
  • Use only tried-and-tested facials and mask applications. No more than one facial a week lest you irritate and redden your skin.

  • FOR THE MOTHER
    • Another phase of facials, manicures, pedicures and maybe a body massage will more or less complete your skincare routine.
    • Concentrate on home care and be regular with cleansing, toning and moisturising . the basic three-step skincare routine.
    • Get your waxing and bleaching over and done with now.

    WEEK 1
    FOR THE BRIDE
    Now the countdown has truly begun. Do your last-minute trials, but the key is to get as much rest as you possibly can. Ceremonies will keep you tired as it is, do not aggravate with last-minute shopping jaunts.
    • Pack the bag you are taking to the stylist carefully. Make sure it contains a gloss, cotton swabs, make-up remover, bobby pins, hair spray, translucent powder, breath mints and anything else you want...
    • Make sure you get a manicure and pedicure done. We recommend you try the paraffin pedicure and manicure done at VLCC. You should get your brows shaped to get perfect arches.
    • Use a body wash with a loofah to exfoliate and polish your skin, particularly for your decolletage and arms. You can pick up one from Palmolive, Lush or The Body Shop.
    • Drink two extra glasses of water daily to keep your skin soft and supple.
    • Maintain your mental calm by taking short naps from time to time whenever you get the chance. And keep up your 10-minute meditation routine.
    • Do go for your regular waxing and bleaching sessions . they're important!

    FOR THE MOTHER
    • This week is likely to get really hectic for you. Ask a massage lady to come home and give you a relaxing head massage . it's sure to help ease the stress.
    • Remember to thoroughly clean face of make-up after every ceremony lest your skin gets dull because of the blocked pores.
    • Have a three-minute lukewarm shower followed by a three-minute cold shower to refresh your skin. Moisturise afterwards.
    • Use an anti-ageing face mask from Olay or Neutrogena to help you look your best, twice a week.

    Time's up! It's D-DAY
    FOR THE BRIDE
    Now the clock's really ticking. Everything should be in place, since you've already packed your kit for the salon and got your dress ready. Relax, and enjoy the day!
    • Stop involving yourself in every little detail. There are people to handle crises.
    • Before the chaos of the ceremonies begins, take 10 minutes for yourself in the morning to recharge (listen to music or go for a walk).
    • Have a healthy breakfast. Try to have fruits, milk or curd through the day.
    • If you feel tense, just breathe in and out to a count of 10.
    • During weddings, people will comment and complain. Don't take that to heart.

    FOR THE MOTHER
    • Reach your salon appointments on time. Get ready quickly to be around for the bride. Keep your make-up light and classy. Pancakes look awful.
    • Remember to eat a decent lunch and carry some snacks for the bride too.
    • Most important of all, look happy and smile.

    BRIDAL MAKE-UP
    • Reach on time. There will be other brides there too. Don't delay if you want the best service.
    • You've already discussed your look with the make-up artist. So on this day, don't bother her at every step. Sit back and relax.
    • The salon may be crowded, so to take care of belongings.
    • Keep your phone on silent mode. Avoid taking calls when the make-up is being done.
    • Remember to wear any heavy necklaces and earrings before your hair-do is done.
    • Ask your escort to wait at the reception. Crowding around the make-up artist and commenting on her work will put her off.
    • Use a long-lasting lipstick. Apply the colour once at the beginning of the ceremony, and re-moisturise a couple of times to keep your lips luscious and picture-perfect.
    • Employ a spot-checker. Your sister or best friend will do. Ask them to keep an eye on you and let you know if you need a touch-up. They might also do you the favour of carrying the lipstick you're wearing in their purse for easy access.
    • Stash back-ups. Stake out the bathrooms or changing facility at the venue. Place an emergency kit, including powder to beat down shiny noses, a hairbrush, hairspray, lipstick, a small perfume and safety pins... Do carry a good deodorant or perfume with you.

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