Early Beauty Tips For Next Summer’s Brides
Early Beauty Tips For Next Summer’s Brides

Early Beauty Tips For Next Summer’s Brides

To look your best on your wedding day, it’s not just the choice of treatments that count – it’s when you have them. For anyone who’s tying the knot next year and already dreaming of glowy skin, brighter teeth or a flawless tan, we went to the experts for some scheduling tips, plus a few of the ingredients and treatments to know…
By Orin Carlin
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Image: ANDREAS GRADIN/STOCKSY UNITED

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FACIALS

Michaella Bolder, celebrity facialist, says…

TREATMENTS

“For those booking facials of any kind, start six months prior to your wedding date. This will ensure there’s enough time to make a difference to your skin’s appearance, while working on any concerns you may have. It also helps to carve out some moments of self-care in the run-up to your wedding. Starting early and being consistent is the only way to ensure you will get a fresh, healthy glow.” 

DERMATOLOGISTS

“If you’re seeing a skin therapist or dermatologist – which I advise – then the same lead time of six months applies. They are best placed to tailor your facial journey to your needs and concerns, ensuring you get the best and most beneficial results before your wedding day. Shooting in the dark and booking any old treatment can be a risk – we all have such different skin types and needs. That said, facial massage treatments are well tolerated by all and are an ideal way to increase volume and vibrancy within your skin. Providing your dermatologist agrees, microneedling could also be a good option. It kickstarts deep hydration, rejuvenates your skin’s cells, improves tone and texture, and enhances your collagen supplies. Lastly, your skin expert may recommend Hydrafacials. These are great for clearing out your pores, buffing away unwanted dull cells and keeping your glow going.”

MAINTENANCE

“When it comes to how often to have treatments, your therapist is likely to say every four to six weeks. This sounds a lot, but it’s key to maintain results. I also always tell my bridal clients to bolster their daily at-home routine with facial massage alongside an AM and PM product routine to keep everything ticking over.”

SKINCARE ROUTINE

Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe  consultant dermatologist, says… 

BASICS

“The six to 12 months leading up to your wedding is when you should optimise your routine and find products you like to use (which will mean you stay consistent). The basic building blocks you need are a good cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen each morning. In between this, you can layer more targeted serums and treatments, as well as exfoliate several times a week if needed. I advise having hydrocolloid patches handy as they work to clear spots quickly and prevent you from squeezing and picking. Do the latter and you’ll just end up with inflammation and scarring which no one wants for their big day. Don’t forget your body either. Your arms, chest and upper back might be exposed, so start nourishing and caring for them at the same time.” 

INGREDIENTS

“Everyone differs, but I like antioxidants for skin – they are often recommended to those wanting to boost their glow. Vitamin C is perfect for smoothing out skin tone and defending against dulling pollution. It also strengthens skin and therefore boosts its bounce and elasticity.” 

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TEETH

Dr Rhona Eskander, cosmetic dentist, says… 

STRAIGHTENING

“If you’re looking to straighten your teeth ahead of your wedding day, you need to plan properly. Minimal tweaks may only require clear aligners – think Invisalign – which can work in as little as six months. That said, it varies person by person, so getting a consultation with your dentist in advance is essential. They will advise you on what is achievable with the timeframe you have, but my advice is to crack on as soon as possible. If you’re someone who needs more comprehensive changes, you need to book in at least a year in advance to ensure you get the best results. If you’re suitable, even a short course of straightening can make a visible difference in how teeth align for photos. There are plenty of options – you just need a consultant to explain what’s best for you.”

DENTAL BONDING

“Dental bonding is a quick and cost-effective solution for small imperfections like chips, gaps or uneven edges. The process is non-invasive and typically completed in one visit – when done right, you get immediate improvements and a much smoother tooth surface. I often recommend it to brides seeking subtle enhancements or slight improvements on the front teeth that show the most. It’s perfect if you don’t want to commit to major cosmetic work or veneers.”

WHITENING

“Any whitening should be done two to three weeks before your wedding. This allows time for any sensitivity to settle and for results to fully develop. There are two options, the first of which is whitening at a clinic, which offers dramatic, quick results in a single session. This can be more expensive, but it saves faff and gets the job done immediately. The second option is an at-home kit. You will be given custom trays, provided by your dentist, then you gradually whiten your teeth over two to three weeks. My biggest tip throughout this period is to avoid drinking or eating anything that stains – think coffee, red wine and berries or anything deep and rich in colour. It’s the easiest way to maintain results. I also believe in electric toothbrushes – they make a difference and are the answer to consistent, effective cleaning.”

ROUTINE CLEANINGS

“I recommend scheduling a hygienist appointment a month before you have any whitening done to remove surface stains and plaque – this will result in the best outcome for a brighter smile. Ask your hygienist for a polish too. This can help your teeth look naturally glossy and smooth – you may even find this is enough without whitening. It depends on your individual teeth and preferences.”

MAKE-UP CONSULTATIONS

Jessica Kell, make-up artist, says…

TRIALS

“If you’ve found someone’s style and aesthetic you like for make-up, I recommend chatting to them on the phone and ensuring you align. My advice is to book your trial as close to the wedding as possible. There are endless reasons for this, but I think it’s best to try the make-up and hairstyle you want closer to the big day as then there will be very few changes to your overall appearance – most things are set in stone by this point. It means your make-up artist will be working with the same skin tone and texture as well as hair length and colour. The problem with doing a trial too early is that everything changes drastically with brides – be it skin, hair colour or general preferences.” 

REFERENCES

“Where you can get ahead is with references and imagery that you feel reflect what you’re after. It’s crucial to have this for a trial to give yourself and your artist a starting point to work from. I also advise looking back at images of yourself when you were the happiest with your make-up. Even if those images aren’t exactly what you want, if there’s something where you can say you loved your lip colour or eye shape, it’s always a good place to start. Be aware, however, of overly filtered images on social media. Try to use reference images from real-life situations so you know everything is achievable.” 

PRE-PREP

“My advice for the months that lead up to your wedding is to avoid doing anything you’ve not done before. Don’t suddenly try a new treatment the month before your big day. Similarly, avoid deviating from your usual beauty and skincare products near your wedding day. This will minimise reactions to anything you’ve not tried before. Dealing with skin reactions from last-minute treatments is something I’ve done many times with brides – it’s time-consuming and stressful for you, so be gentle and careful.”

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TANNING

James Harknett,  celebrity tanner, says… 

TRIALS

“Many of us Brits have what’s known as a Fitzpatrick type one and two skin tone. This is a palette that’s pale and can burn rapidly when exposed to the sun. Because of this, I recommend every bride has a tanning trial. It gives you the opportunity to test the colour, but also to see what day it settles and looks best on your skin. I advise all brides to take a picture of their skin in daylight, with perhaps their shoulders, arms and back exposed for three days simultaneously. This allows you to gauge the colour and decide which day you like the look of the most.”

TWO-DAY RULE

“Generally, most people getting a spray before a big event decide that two days before is the ideal situation. In this time, you have had around three cool showers on the tan, which ensure all guide colour has been washed away. This gives peace of mind that nothing will rub onto the inside of your clothes. Also, having a day or two of gentle cleansing settles the colour on the face. As a tanner, I gently dust the face, which gives my clients the opportunity to wear minimal make-up if they want to. If you’re getting married, I recommend having your make-up trial a day or so after your tan as this really helps you gain confidence with the look you will have for the wedding.”

AFTERCARE

“Once the tan is on the skin, it’s your job to cherish it. This will allow longevity and a natural fade-off, as if it were real. So first, avoid the bath and keep showering quickly and on a cooler temperature. Fake tan dyes our dead skin cells, so we need to keep them intact for the longest time possible. Hot water just encourages it to wear away faster. Another trick is to gently dry the skin with quick patting motions, then use your hair dryer on the coolest setting. Keep skin moisturised twice a day too. Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Balm works wonders and leaves a beautiful sheen to the tan that reflects on the skin. Finally, to maintain your tan, steer clear of chlorine. The ocean seems much better, but try to wear flip flops or sandals on the sand as this quickly rubs out colour on the feet.”

BROWS

Jaimineey Patel, head of training at  Blink Brow Bar, says…

SHAPE & TINT

“If you’re after a simple shape and tint, I recommend booking in two to three days before your event. I’d also seek out an expert six weeks before that too – for example, this will give you time to grow out and prep your brows if they’re slightly on the thinner side. Depending on your rate of hair growth, we would then suggest seeing that same therapist just before your event. You don’t need to wait weeks in advance as downtime in minimal, and you’ll usually be given a massage to soothe and calm the skin, plus any redness always subsides within a few hours. If you find you need to help irritation clear quicker, try a cold compress. If you’ve chosen a tint with your shape, you can expect it to last you up to two to three weeks, but we always recommend getting a tint done as close to the event as possible so there’s minimal fade, especially on fairer brows.”

MICROBLADING

“While a shape and tint is doable last-minute, microblading isn’t. It’s a great treatment, though, for anyone wanting to define brows, cover gaps or fill in over-plucked brows. You can use it as a tool to add a slight arch and accentuate brows if needed – the results are completely natural and undetectable. But the treatment is a three-step process. Firstly, there’s the consultation to discuss your desired look with a thorough patch test. Then you’ll return after 48 hours to start treatment. Finally, you’ll go back after four to six weeks for any touch-ups, but you must then leave them be for 30 days to see the full effect, so if you want to try this, make sure you allow yourself time.”

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AESTHETICS

Dr David Jack, aesthetic doctor, says… 

CONSULTATIONS

“The most important advice is to plan in advance with a consultation around six to twelve months prior to your wedding. This will allow you to discuss your goals, work out what’s achievable and create a personalised treatment plan. Early planning allows time for any necessary adjustments or corrections, ensuring you get the results you want with no stress. It’s also crucial you test any treatments at least a few months in advance of your wedding. Introducing a procedure too close to your wedding day can result in unexpected outcomes – this includes swelling and bruising, but also the need for higher or lower doses. Choose a practitioner carefully – certification and experience are essential.” 

INJECTABLES

“For treatments like Profhilo and Botox, it’s best to begin six to eight months before your wedding day. Profhilo is a treatment that involves two sessions spaced four weeks apart. This is because your results improve over the following weeks as collagen and elastin are stimulated. Starting early ensures your skin is at its best on the big day. You can then repeat treatments just before your wedding, so your skin is at its best. For Botox, your follow-up appointment will be scheduled two weeks after your first. Subsequent treatments can then be planned three to four months later if needed.” 

CHEMICAL PEELS 

“Chemical peels are popular among brides, but they require more planning – especially deeper peels. Often these need to be started six months in advance to allow for full recovery and optimal skin rejuvenation. Superficial peels or dermaplaning can be done closer to the wedding, roughly two to four weeks before to boost glow and hydration.” 

ENERGY-BASED TREATMENTS 

“For energy-based treatments, including intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractional laser treatments like Morpheus8, it’s advisable to start six to nine months ahead. These treatments often require a series of sessions spaced four weeks apart – particularly IPL, which should be done in wintertime. The results of energy-based treatments improve over time; with that in mind, you need to give it six months to reap the full benefits.” 

NAILS

Faye Louise Dennis, manicurist, says… 

EXPERIMENTATION

“Nails may not be as urgent as other prep for your wedding day, but I do recommend a trial of sorts. I’ve seen a few brides that think they want something different and then panic. You want to know the exact colour and design you’re after, but also the shape, which requires maintenance and care in the run-up to your big day. I recommend having an initial appointment two to three weeks before the wedding day to run through all of this. This is close enough to the date to reflect what your nails will look like as they grow out a bit, but will give you time for tweaks too.” 

THE MANICURE 

“Your actual wedding-day manicure should be done two to three days prior to your wedding day. This gives the colour – and gels if you’re having them – time to settle. Avoid soaking hands in water to avoid any premature lifting, and if you’re cleaning or using chemicals, always wear gloves. Cuticle oil is also key. Hydrating your nails and cuticles will keep skin nourished, but it will also hydrate the nail, and prevent chipping and peeling. Lastly, use a rich hand cream. Look for one with shea butter, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep everything soft and smooth – nails will look better if they are well-cared for.” 

Julia Diogo, international nail artist, says...

SKINCARE

"Skincare isn't just for your face. Leading up to your wedding, I recommend using a body scrub on your hands a couple of times a week. It makes such a difference to the skin around the nails and makes them easier to work with. You'll find paint adheres and looks better too when the skin around it is in good condition. Every bride should use a scrub after their manicure is applied as well. This gives hands and nails a radiant glow, as well as extra hydration. My favourites are Jo Malone London's Vitamin E Scrub and OUAI's Scalp & Body Scrub." 

BIAB

“I am often asked whether BIAB or gel is best. Builder gel (another term for BIAB) is a great option for those wanting maximum staying power. Gel is still brilliant, but it is likely to lift quicker. BIAB, however, actually strengthens the nails and is much thicker and harder. When done right, builder gel manicures offer a natural finish and smooth imperfections. It takes a little longer, but is worth it for longevity purposes.” 

HAIR

Sofia Karayiannis, colourist at  Larry King Notting Hill, says…

TRIALS

“Whether it’s cut or colour, I recommend booking a trial a couple of months before your wedding day – even if it’s not anything major. This gives you time to experiment with different styles. We’re lucky that there are now so many options to create the look of your dreams, but it pays to start early and trial a few things. I recommend creating a Pinterest board full of colours and styles that catch your eye. Alongside these, ask various colourists and stylists for opinions – it’s worth it to gain lots of advice and tips.” 

TOP-UPS

“You should leave a two-week gap from getting your colour done to your wedding day. This gives it time to settle and absorb, while ensuring it stays visible and bold.”

HAIR HEALTH

“Good products are key in the run-up to your wedding day. This sounds obvious, but hair needs nourishment and hydration to ensure you keep the colour vibrant and bright. I also advise against over-washing your hair – try to stick to every other day. There are varying opinions on hair washing, but doing it too much can cause dryness. Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner, but also masks that keep shine locked in. You want ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba oils and biotin.” 

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