You’re engaged, the wedding planning is going well, there is a date locked in, but all the planning can get stressful and overwhelming. As a bride to be, it’s important to not only take care of yourself on the outside, but also inside. No one wants to be walking down the aisle with bags underneath their eyes or ‘tired’ looking skin that make up can’t conceal. We’ve broken down our favourite, and also non-abrasive steps to implement 6 months to a year before your wedding to ensure your inside, and outside health is kept in shape!
1. Keeping fit
Every individual is unique to their body, and everyone is going to have different fitness goals they may want to achieve for their big day. Our first tip is, if you feel the need to shred off a few kilos here and there no matter how much it is, the best way to do so is visit your GP and discuss your diet with them, or have them put you onto a nutritionist or dietician. The importance of this is, if you routinely book yourself in for check-ups, you will feel the obligation to ensure you are meeting the criteria set out in each meeting for the next. Exercise is the next element to be incorporated, (or the first, if you would like some body toning) the gym, a personal trainer, boot camp, or classes are good way to keep in shape. A favourite of ours is Barre Body. With studios in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, classes are a combination of Pilates, yoga and ballet barre conditioning.
2. Skin routine
It is always best to visit a dermatologist if you have skin concerns to address the issues and how to treat them correctly. However, if you do not feel the need to, an occasional facial may do the trick. Many facial spa’s in Australia have certified beauty therapists who are also able to address your minor skin issues such as dry or dehydrated, oily or combination skin, enlarged pores or sensitivity. You can also receive advice as to which products you should be using, to nurture your skin. By implementing a skin care routine, in conjunction with a facial once to every three months can be a great pick me up! One of our favourite places that caters for all, is Face Plus Medi Spa, located in Sydney.
3. Hair care
As a general rule of thumb, it is always advisable not to colour or change hairstyles (a trim is different!) at least 3 months before you say I Do. The last thing you want as a Bride is a colour that cannot be hidden from photographs or the eye on your big day. It is vital to consult a hairdresser you trust as to what your hair needs to ensure it is in supple and great condition along with a prescribed treatment or plan of attack to help reduce or fix a specific concern (dryness and/or split ends, dandruff are just to name a few). Some of our favourite colour specialist salons are Viva La Blonde, located in Perth, and Hair & Harlow with salons located on the south coast of NSW, and soon to be Sydney.
4. Body care
Aside from keeping fit, it is important to nourish your outer layer of your body, as we can overlook or often forget to do so. Here is a quick guide of small steps that can assist in healthy, glowing skin!
• Nails – we often get manicures, but to help strengthen our nails in between our treatments is to use a cuticle oil at least once a day to help prevent dryness and cracks around the nail. Our favourite is the Shea Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil by L’occitane. It is easy to throw in your handbag, or keep by your nightstand, and is mess free being in a tube!
• A body exfoliant and moisturiser is key to glowing skin. By using a good exfoliant and body moisturiser weekly will definitely spark results in clearer, fresh skin. Our favourite is the Sugar Crush Body Scrub by Soap & Glory, with a cupcake aroma, and a mess free spray moisturiser, the Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser by Vaseline.
5. Oral Care
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is an essential part of bridal beauty prep. Book in an appointment with your dental practitioner to ensure your teeth are in tip top condition. A toothache or gum issue are one of the last things you want in the run up to your big day. If you have any concerns about tooth discoloration, try an at home teeth whitening kit to ensure your smile is sparkling white as you walk down the aisle.
6. Additions
Some additions to help boost your beauty regimen are supplements to add to your daily diet. Examples include vitamins, protein, effervescent tablets. Our favourite is a probiotic concentrate, the Collagen Inner Beauty Booster by the Beauty Chef, designed to increase the production of collagen, assist in the maintenance of skin and address fine lines and skin firmness.