Pre-wedding beauty routine

louisecat

Hello ladies,

I know there's a couple on here, but they give loads of confusing information, but if something I ask has already been asked then please do direct me to the right thread!

Basically, at the start of the wedding planning I wouldn't even hear of doing my own make-up but then realised that as someone who has been applying/wearing make-up for over ten years now, I probably know my face better than anyone, plus I want to look how I normally look on my wedding day, just better, and not completely different.

I normally don't really wear anything apart from eyeliner and mascara, sometimes when I go out and plan to dance the night away, I take face powder and blusher with me to avoid a shiny face and accentuate my cheekbones.

Anyway rambling over blah... I have quite dry skin and sometimes when I put foundation on it's really flaky and obvious... I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion every couple of days but I think I either need to use it twice a day or just switch to something else. Can anyone recommend a good foundation/base for a wedding day that would hopefully be moisturising and fairly matte (is that combination possible?!)?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations on a skincare routine to start following before a wedding, e.g. six weeks before? I try to exfoliate whenever I can but either forget or cannot be bothered... whoops!

Any help would be much appreciated!

MrsC....tobe

I'm not going to be much use to you on most points I'm afraid, but I have been using the Clinique DDML for years now and you should really use it as part of the 3step system - face wash, clarifying lotion and then the DDML. Do it twice a day and you skin will improve a lot and won't be flaky. Go to one of the Clinique counters for them to advise better on the strength of the items. I use the no 2 lotion but some people need it milder or more astringent.

RainbowDrops

I'd say try getting a free make-up demonstration at a make up counter - they'll give you tips & advice and new ideas.
You don't have to buy anything off them if you don't want too either.

Lobell

You need to cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day. Moisturiser doesn't have to be expensive...I have very dry and sesitive/reactive skin. I use Dermalogica products but at night I use Diprobase (less than £3 for a 50g tube) to moisturise after taking my make-up off. It's a very thck emollient cream so not suitable for daytime use as your make-up will just slide off but it's great as a night cream.

I use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant about 3-4 times a week - I also have eczema so have to be really careful about exfoliating but this one is really gentle but effective.

You might also want to try a tinted moisturiser rather than foundation which will helo to keep the skin hydrated. Laura Mercier does an excellent one (comes in 'illuminating' for a dewy effect or there is a more matt version as well). It gives much better coverage than most tinted moisturisers and many foundations that I've tried.

Miss_Stellerstar

Im just making sure i eat and drink plenty of fruit and water. Im also taking vitamines to help my hair grow and will have a weekly facial mask when i get closer to the day. I will be doing my own makeup on the day too and have optied for the avon perfect wear, ive read the reviews for them and they all seem really good. There is a 2 for £10 offer on atm so Ive got 2 lots of the foundation that is normally £12 each for £10! hth

floss2

I would suggest that you go to a Clinique counter, have a skin analysis done and invest in their full 3-step programme, rather than just using 1 part of it. You will notice a difference.

Then, when your skin is showing the benefit, go back and ask for their advise about foundation.

I too am drinking more water, trying to cut down on alcohol and intend taking Perfectil from next week until my wedding in 10 weeks time, along with my usual cleansing routine. I'm also planning a couple of facials in the 3 weeks before the wedding.

lolly1981

hello
avon do a good range of skin care products called solutions.
they have different products for different things..i use the total radience which is just for general use to mkae it look more radient i guess..it is really good.
but they have a maximum moisture, complete balance ranges and others too.
and more often than not they will be on offer in the brochure.

emlou2009

Body Shop Skin Reviver is fab for a make up base as it leaves the skin really smooth but without the overly matte feeling you get from primers aimed at oily skin. They always have it out as a tester, you could see if they will give you one of their little tester pots!

fixx

It's really hard to recommend a foundation, or skincare products, becuase what is a miracle product to one person can make the face a disastor zone on another - all our skins are different unfortunately.

I'd definitely start moisturising twice a day, and drinking lots of water is always great advice.

In terms of finding a foundation, head to the beauty counters at department stores, and tell them what you're looking for. If you say you are looking for something for your wedding day makeup, and after, and what type of foundation, they should be able to tell you what in their range would suit. They will often give you a mini makeover there and then to demonstrate which can help. DO NOT buy anything at the time, but say you need to go away and make sure it lasts (it could fall off your face in an hour, or look great in store lights, but terrible in natural light :eek:) - ask for samples, most will freely give them.

Pick a day you know you will be busy and running round lots, and use a sample in the morning - check how it is by the end of the day, and ask yourself if you would be happy with that on your wedding day. If not, try another until you find the perfect one for you.

For general skincare, exfoliating once or twice a week is great, and you can get sachets of mud masks or other for £1 in boots and superdrug - try one or two of these, but not the day before a big event as they might bring you out in spots!

Key thing is not to try anything new or exotic immediately before a big event - don't risk a reaction, only use what is tried and tested by then.

Congrats btw, hope you have a lovely wedding

RainbowDrops

Some really handy advice there fixx - I'll be searching for that again sometime

louisecat

Thank you for the advice everyone! I did ring up my local Debenhams but they said you would have to buy something after a free makeover, not sure if they were right or the person I was talking to was just trying to make money.

I do have the 3 step products but am too lazy to use them most of the time unfortunately! Will have to get over myself and start using them I guess

Also, I quite often have dark circles under my eyes. Does that L'Oreal rollerball thing help at all or does anyone know of an eye cream that helps minimise them?