The Whole Picture
There’s no time like wedding prep time to take advantage of indulgent beauty finds.
FACIAL
No matter your skin concern, a professional facialist can take your skin from dull to dreamy with a series of personalised treatments. Pigmentation, acne, scars and more can all be rectified or at least improved – just call in the pros early so they have time to work their magic. MY LOCAL FACIALIST IS.................................................... ...........................…....................................................................
LASH LIFT
Also under a moniker of ‘lash perming’, a lash lift is a more permanent form of lash curling ( you know, what you’d do with a modest eyelash curler). A chemical solution is used to set your lashes in an upward lift position and can last for up to three months (the life cycle of your natural lashes). Often this painless, relaxing procedure is done simultaneously with a lash tint. It’ll set you back around $80, but the results are certainly impressive. MY LOCAL LASH LIFT SALON IS...................................... ...........................…....................................................................
LASH EXTENSIONS
Lash fibres are glued to each individual natural lash, to create length and lift to your eyelashes for up to a month, and removing the need for temporary false lashes on your wedding day. Because mascara isn’t necessary, lash extensions are fab for honeymoon glam as well. If you’ve got two months of time up your sleeve, lash growth serums are also a good investment – apply once a day to a clean lash line and in six weeks you should see a bit of extra length. MY LOCAL LASH EXTENSION SALON IS......................... ...........................…....................................................................
BODY SCRUB
Beauty salons offer body scrubs (exfoliation) and these are a wonderful way to remove dead skin cells prior to tanning. A beautician will gently exfoliate your skin from head to toe (it’s more relaxing than it sounds); this also encourages circulation, which enhances your skin’s natural glow. A BEAUTY SPA NEAR ME THAT OFFERS SCRUBS IS .........................…......................................................................
FLOAT TANKS
Bathe in a peaceful Epsom salt-filled water tank for an hour and not only will it clear your head and be brilliant for skin detox... many float spas boast this 60-minute float is equivalent to four hours of ( beauty) sleep! A FLOAT TANK IN MY AREA IS........................................... .........................…......................................................................
WAXING
Waxing is a semi-permanent option for hair removal and can be a godsend in the lead-up to W- day when there’s so many things to do. Have your wax three to five days before the big day and enjoy smooth skin for a few weeks thereafter. Your partner will be appreciative as well. DON’T FORGET TO BOOK A WAX AT................................ .........................…......................................................................
TEETH STRAIGHTENING
This process needs some time, but if you’re still a year out from your wedding date then dentists can align your teeth for an improved smile. Braces are a long, serious game but for minor adjustments a metal retainer or Invisalign (a clear plastic retainer) could be a good investment. Arrange a consultation with a dentist (they’re not that scary) and check out your options. BOOK A DENTIST APPOINTMENT WITH.......................... .........................…......................................................................
TEETH WHITENING
Stained or off-white teeth can be brightened easier than ever before. Professional sessions have always been available – and are the best bet for incredible results – however at-home kits can easily be bought in pharmacies and online. Trays, gels, strips – there’s an array of products to help remove stubborn stains. TEETH WHITENING IS OFFERED IN MY AREA BY.......... .........................….............................................................
TANNING
Porcelain skin is beautiful, but if you seek an olive glow the options are many and varied. Spray booths are still around but the consistency of application is questionable; we think it’s worth getting (nearly) nude in front of a total stranger (who does this for a job remember, they’ve seen it all!) for a more precise tan application. Chemical and organic tan actives are available and each brand used can vary in shade. DIY options are now very advanced and if you’re confident applying your own then go for it – but we suggest not skimping on quality and following the instructions correctly. Test your chosen tan application in advance in case of any adverse skin reactions or scary orange tones. A TANNING SALON OR PRODUCT I’D LIKE TO TEST OUT IS
BROW SHAPING
Whether it’s a tidy-up tweeze or full-blown feathering (ink pigment scratched into your skin like a light tattoo), brows are a big talking point, and for good reason. A brow designed for your face shape (and wide, whispy and wild in all the right places) can truly enhance your pretty, as well as make your eyes pop. BOOK A BROW CONSULTATION AT
MANICURE
With close-up snaps of you and your partner presenting each other’s rings, the often obligatory hand-holding shots, and friends and family wanting a gawk at your new bling, clean and tidy nails are an important part of your beauty prep. Nail technicians take care of not only the polish but can push back the skin around your nails (cuticles) and they will happily advise you on nail issues like biting and hang-nail (those pesky pieces of skin near the root of a nail that appear jagged and torn). When it comes to nail polish and nail length, stay true to your usual – adding false length when you’re not used to it may only get annoying. And if nail art is your thing then by all means do it, but keep it classic and relevant for the occasion. BOOK A MANICURE OR HAND TREATMENT AT
PEDICURE
From incidental exercise while dashing off to dress fittings or those bridalbody bootcamp sessions, your feet are probably in need some serious TLC. A pedicure (and mani combo, even) is the perfect final treat before you become Mrs. Soak your tired feet in warm, fragrant water, have your skin exfoliated (some find it ticklish), toenails trimmed, tidied and polished – and, arguably the best part – some decadent foot massage therapy or reflexology. Should you wish, take matters into your own hands with Scholl’s Velvet Express Pedi, an at-home pedicure gadget that buffs away hard skin to leave it soft. W BOOK A MANI AND/OR PEDI AT
You’ve no doubt been pounding the pavements for months, collating all of your wedding items... so it’s only fair to repay your tootsies for all their terrific work.