Your beauty hit list

We help you get even more gorgeous by your wedding day.

12 MONTHS BEFORE

Start a shape-up plan Remember: your dress is made to fit you, and you don’t need to be supermodel size. But if you want to lose weight, chisel your arms or strengthen your back, start now. Your routine should include cardio, weight training and stretching.

Grow your hair Your hair grows about 1.25cm a month. That’s an extra 15cm from now to then. If you’re after more length, get quotes and pro advice on hair extensions.

9 MONTHS BEFORE

Try laser hair removal For permanent results, have six to 10 treatments, spaced six weeks apart. Schedule your last appointment about a week before the ceremony. If you start in winter, you’ll benefit from special offers.

6 MONTHS BEFORE

Think about makeup Book your makeup artist now, as the best ones get reserved quickly. If you’re doing your own makeup, go for lessons. Beauty counters like Clinique and Smashbox offer free mini tutorials. At Bobbi Brown or M A C, you pay for a lesson and get a product to that value.

See a dermatologist If you want more advanced treatments, like peels and microdermabrasion, plot your skin plan with a pro.

Find hair inspiration Look through magazines, Pinterest and Instagram. Then work with your stylist on a plan for your cut and colour going forward.

Perfect your brows Over-plucked? Need a pluck? See a brow expert.

Amp up your fitness Add more reps to your weight training, but lower the weight so that you get leaner, instead of bulking up.

2 MONTHS BEFORE

Be skin savvy Now is not the time to experiment with new skin products. Most products need about 28 days to start showing results, and you don’t want to risk the chance of any unsightly reactions.

Exfoliate Start by exfoliating once a week, then move to twice a week. Too much too soon can lead to breakouts.

1 MONTH BEFORE

Schedule a hair trial Take along your pictures, extensions (if they’re clip-in), hair accessories and veil. Then take photographs from every angle to see how it all complements your face.

Buff your body Get rid of scaly, dry skin by using a body brush. Buff in an upward direction towards your heart. Do twice a week.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Give your hands love There’ll be photographs of your hands putting on your wedding band, signing the register and carrying your bouquet. Use a hand cream and apply cuticle oil regularly. Sleep! It’s still the best beautifier. Apply a nourishing mask to give your skin added plumpness while you rest.

1 WEEK BEFORE

Get lash extensions For extra oomph, give your lashes some length. The effect lasts about two to three weeks (until after your honeymoon).

Have your final haircut or colour A tiny trim can rejuvenate your style. Doing colour adds beautiful shine.

2 DAYS BEFORE

Go for a pro tan If you’re going bronze, now’s the time to get your spritz.