Q&A Beauty

Look and feel your big day best with help from the professionals

ALL OF A FLUTTER

I love the look of false lashes, but I’ve never worn them myself. Should I try them for my wedding day? What advice do you have for me?

Gillian says: Aside from flawless skin, the priority of most brides is their eye make-up. The majority want their eyes to pop without looking overly glam. For someone who’s not wanting a heavy make-up look, often they’ll believe a false lash will be too much for them, especially when they’re not used to wearing them. If this sounds like you, my go-to lash is either a three-quarter-length lash or a cluster of individual lashes at the outer corner. With the latter, no strip is being placed across the length of the lash line, so they’re much more comfortable to wear. I can guarantee that when wearing these, you’ll hardly notice they’re there and no one will ever guess they are either. Whether you’d prefer a natural, barely-there look or long and fluffy lashes on your wedding day, these beauties will do the job.

As a bridal make-up artist, I’m a huge fan of a lash application and find that for photos and film, they really enhance my brides’ eyes to make them shine through the lens. My advice is absolutely to be brave and try them out at your trial, and express how you feel with your make-up artist. It’s our job to help you choose the style that’s perfect for you. Try them, wear them in, get used to them. Keep checking yourself out in the mirror – I promise you’ll love it. If you decide against them afterwards, then that’s fine. But, trust me, when you have the complete look together, dress, hair and make-up, the lashes will look right at home.

Tried And Tested

I’m really nervous about having my hair done for my wedding day as I’m normally quite fussy about my look. What can I expect from a trial?

Sam says: It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about how you’ll look on your special day, so a hair trial is the best way to ease any worries. This is your opportunity to work closely with an experienced, professional stylist who’ll take the time to understand your vision and preferences. They’ll ask for a photo of your dress, details and wedding theme, as well as of your usual look to get a sense of your personal style. Just like buying your dress, what you think you want and what you have may be different, so trust our professional judgement.

Importantly, remember that the front and sides of the style is what you’ll be seeing. Inspiration photos are generally taken from the back. Bring pictures where the hair has a similar colour and texture to your own. If you’re wearing accessories or a veil, take these along too, or try out our samples for ideas.

Based on these factors, your stylist will create a couple of different hairstyles for you. They’ll work with you to adjust each look until you’re happy with the final version. You’ll also be able to get an idea of how the style feels and how it holds up throughout the day, as well as having some photos to take away. With a little bit of preparation, and a great hair stylist, you’re sure to look and feel amazing on your big day!

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