As your aisle moment looms ever closer, you'll probably be seeking a little pampering to make you feel the most groomed and glamorous version of you.
From preened brows to polished toes, we've taken a peek at some fabulous finishing touches to make you feel your most beautiful. Beyond the ravishing results, it's also an excellent excuse to enjoy some time-out in the chilled-out surrounds of a salon. Sold? We thought so.
GLOW TIME
If your must-have bridal accessory is gorgeously honey skin, then choose your tan of choice carefully. Streaky skin has a tendency to detract from a wedding dress, no matter how divine.
When it comes to tanning, St. Tropez is the hallmark of quality to which all others aspire, and the tanning product of choice for a whole host of honeyed professionals, celebrities and brides. Available at Aqua (aquaskincare.co.uk) in St Ives, a St. Tropez spray tan treatment is just the ticket for fast and flawless colour. Applied in a controlled environment and infused with Aromaguard fragrance technology, you can dispel any concerns of streaks or that telltale self-tan aroma.
"The tan is applied and tailored by our tanning experts and takes no more than 15 minutes, therefore it's a quick last treatment to fit in a day or two before your wedding," says Abi Smith of Aqua. Choose from three different mists: sensitive, classic and dark. "Most brides go with the classic tan as it gives a natural glow. The tan works with your skin colouring and melanin therefore there is no risk of an 'orange' look," reassures Abi.
Lasting for between four and seven days, you can prolong your gorgeous glow by using St. Tropez Prep & Maintain products. "By lightly exfoliating your skin with the St. Tropez body polish two-three days after your pro spray tan, this will boost and prolong your tan," advises Abi. Arriving at your honeymoon destination with cocoa-glazed limbs is an added bonus.
ON THE LASH
Dreaming of fluttering eyelashes worthy of a Disney princess at your husband as you take your vows? The express individual lash service, 'Let's Go Lashes', available from Aqua, will leave you with luscious lashes in a 20-minute treatment.
Choose from three looks: 'natural' (a mascara look), 'a little bit more' (the most popular) and 'glamorous' (full, long and statemented). "We take your eye shape into consideration, and there is also a choice of length, thickness and even colour should you fancy a dash of colour to complement your eyes; for example, a pop of purple enhances blue eyes," says Abi. And voila! Enjoy the dual benefits of a fabulous flutter and less eye make-up on the day.
THE BROW FACTOR
Never underestimate the transformative power of flawless eyebrows. With the proliferation of brow bars across the country and the omnipresence of Cara Delevigne's famous features - the nation is succumbing to the brilliance of beautifully maintained brows. And it's with good reason: the eyebrows frame the face, and well shaped brows will both define and enhance your features, shaving years off your appearance in the process.
HD Brows is a seven-step and perfectly precise procedure, which designs the brows to complement the face via the likes of tinting, waxing, threading, tweezing, trimming and make-up. "We recommend having this treatment every four-six weeks. If you have a desired look you would like to achieve for your wedding day, make sure you start having the HD treatment as soon as you can," advises Abi. From a soft, subtle look to a Delevigne-esque statement, this technique will ensure your brows will enhance your face - and your wedding photos - for your big moment.
NAIL IT
Your hands are going to be the focus of a lot of attention on the big day. From the moment your new husband glides that ring onto your finger to the ecstatic relatives who will be clasping your hand in theirs for a peek at the twinkling symbol of your newly married status, there will be a lot of eyes and camera lenses heading their way. Flash your mitts with confidence by opting for a gorgeous gel polish.
Gel polish has taken the beauty world by storm. Its sheen and durability can't be beaten and - without the potential for chips, smudges and dullness - it's perfect for brides.
The only question is one of colour. There was a time when brides rarely strayed beyond the realms of shell pink or a classic French manicure; however, many brides are now seeking a splash of personality for their fingertips. It might be a hint of glitter, a bright pop of colour to match your lips or a block colour to tie in with your colour scheme. You might even dabble in a little nail art should the mood take you.
"The creative potential with gel polish is endless so why not be daring? Whether it's Swarovski crystals, glitter or a classic French polish, there are many options for you and your bridesmaids," says Abi.
From pretty pastels in alternate colours framed with sparkling crystals to glitter-dipped tips for instant glam, the choice is beautifully bewildering. You might even opt for an accent nail, whereby you opt for a different polish for your ring finger; glinting gold or silver looks gorgeously glitzy when paired with a sparkly ring.
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2013
.jpg)