CHARLES DOWNS MAGIC

@charlesdownsmagic charlesdownmagic@gmail.com

Why not add a drop of magic to your special day with a close-up magician. I put the magic right under your nose and in your hands. I can keep your guests entertained and amazed so everyone has magical memories allowing you to focus on what matters most, each other.

Rise And Shine

Emily Watkins says: On the morning of your wedding, give your wedding rings a polish with a jewellery polishing cloth so they look perfect in photos. Put your wedding outfit/ wedding dress on befo-re your jewellery to avoid it catching or snagging on any fabric. F.Hinds, www.fhinds.co.uk

Head To Toe

Amy Lacey says: Keep hydrated, drink plenty of water whilst getting ready. Use a setting spray for make-up, especially in the summer. Don’t wash your hair the morning of the wedding (unless you’re having a big bouncy volume blow dry!) dayold hair is best for styling and setting.

Amy Lacey Bridal Hair & Makeup www.amylacey.co.uk

Groomed To Perfection

Tears Of Joy

Sonja Bowden: Ask your make-up artist what lipstick they’ll use, and buy one for yourself. Ask one of your bridesmaids to hold on to a small bag and include some blotting paper and perfume so you can top up later in the day. Weddings are of course very emotional, from walking down the aisle to listening to the speeches; when those tears do come, remember to dab your tears away with a tissue rather than rubbing to help your make-up stay in place. Relax and enjoy the morning as by the time you’re in your make-up artist’s chair everything is done ‒ it’s time to take a few breaths and enjoy your magical day!

Blush Effect by Sonja www.blusheffect.co.uk

Rob & Jason say: Planning and making sure everyone knows what is happening will take some of the stress away and allow you to enjoy the day even more. Here are some tips for styling on your wedding day:

•Start with a fresh haircut: Visit your barber a few weeks before the wedding day to get a fresh haircut. This will give your hair some time to grow out and settle into the style before the wedding.

•Consider a professional shave: If you usually have a beard or facial hair, it can be a relaxing and pampering experience, and you’ll look extra sharp. This could be a great activity to share with your best man or groomsmen.

•Take care of your grooming: Make sure your hair is styled and your beard or facial hair is well-groomed. Brush your teeth and use mouthwash to keep your breath fresh. Ensure your nails are clean, your skin is clear, and you’re well-groomed overall.

•Iron your clothes: Make sure your suit is freshly pressed and free of wrinkles. Iron or steam it the night before and hang it up to prevent any wrinkles from forming. Our range of accessories are made in a cotton poplin fabric that will hold its shape during the day.

•Consider the weather: If it’s likely to be a hot summer day, opt for a lighter-weight fabric and skip the jacket if necessary. A waistcoat with rolled up sleeves, bow tie and lapel accessory still give a formal but relaxed look. Check out some of our accessory options including cravats and neck ties to suit your look on the big day. If it’s cold, bring a coat or overcoat to stay warm before the main ceremony.

•Pay attention to details: small details can make a big difference in your overall look. Make sure your tie is straight, your shoes are polished, and your accessories match. Wear your favourite aftershave or beard oil and keep a miniature version to hand to keep smelling great throughout the day.

•Have a backup plan: Accidents can happen, so make sure you have a backup shirt, tie, or other accessories in case of emergencies.

Dapper & Suave, www.dapperandsuave.uk

High Brow Beauty

Nikkie Tutorials swears by Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Genius, and what’s good enough for Nikkie is good enough for me! This multi-benefit brow serum that noticeably improves hair texture, manageability and encourages the appearance of fullerlooking brows, blends six rejuvenating ingredients that work now and later to create a look you’ll love. Think a smoother, softer, tamer, fullerlooking brow ready to frame your gorgeous eyes as your new spouse gazes into them and says ‘I do’. Find it on the company’s website www.anastasiabeverlyhills.co.uk for £61.

A Love Letter To Your Skin

I recently attended a masterclass with Super Facialist’s resident skincare expert, Charlotte Connoley, which posed the question: do we really know our skin type? If like me your answer is somewhat hesitant, it may interest you to know that there’s an easy way to find out. Charlotte suggests simply splashing your face with water and leaving it for 20-25 minutes. If it feels prickly afterwards, you have sensitive skin; if the water’s gone, then it’s dry; if the skin is tight, it’s dehydrated; and if it feels perfectly comfortable you’re blessed with a normal skin type. Whatever you discover, Super Facialist has a range of products specifically tailored to each type, recognising this can change throughout the year. This allows you to affordably create your own individual skincare routine to support your skin throughout the seasons.

Having learned that my skin is dehydrated, I tried the divine Rosehip Hydrate Calming Creamy Cleanser (£9, www.lookfantastic.com) and my annoying dry patches have been banished!

SUN-KISSED BRIDE

A multi-use bronzer, blusher and highlighter, ICONIC London’s new Kissed By The Sun is an all-in-one cheek glow product allowing us all to harness the mystical power of the sun! Available in five different shades its pearlescent pigments disperse a wash of radiant shine, while its hybrid powder-meets-cream texture sits beautifully on the skin. Find it for £26 online at www.iconiclondoninc.com