Looking to take care of your skin this winter? Make-up Artists Aoife Callaghan, Sharleen Collins, Helena Kennerley of Makeup by H and Karen Reeves share their tips and profuct recommendations to ensure your skin is flawless on the run up to your Big Day…
Aoife Callaghan – View Profile
1. Many of us need a little extra skincare during the winter months when temperatures drop outside and temperatures rise indoors leading to moisture being zapped from our skin. A few simple steps can help hydrate our skin again and get your skin looking and feeling great again. If your skin is feeling rough and flaky under your foundation you should use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and to help your skin absorb moisture better. I highly recommend using Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant which is a very gentle daily exfoliator and is great for skin that has become sensitive from the cold weather.
2. Adding a little extra moisture to your skincare routine will get your skin through the next couple of weeks and I would do this by adding either a serum or an oil used with your own moisturiser or on its own depending on how much moisture your skin needs. My ultimate treats for the skin include Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Supplement serum which is a luxurious and multi-benefit serum for the skin. This is best used at night and use your own normal moisturiser during the day.
3. Another excellent boost for the skin is Trilogy’s Organic Rosehip Oil which is ideal for dehydrated and sensitive skin. This oil can be used night and day under your normal moisturiser.
4. Looking after your skin during the winter months goes beyond exfoliating and moisturising – to give your skin that extra boost ensure that you drink more water during the day especially if you work in a warm office as heating zaps our skin of moisture and do remember to introduce lots of Omega 3’s into your diet.
Sharleen Collins – View Profile
1. Night Repair by Estee Lauder is a must have serum. It has collagen and elastin, it lifts and firms the skin as well as brightening it – use just two pumps, it spreads easily and should be rubbed in to the neck and chest. It’s like a mini treatment every day.
2. Fix Spray by Mac is mist that freshens and hydrates the skin. Use it once a day before make-up.
3. Strobe Cream by Mac is also amazing and one my bridal favourites, you use it under your foundation and it gives the skin an iridescent glow and ensures it looks glossy and hydrated. I use it on all my celeb clients – it is a must have.
4. In terms of moisturisers, Dermalogica is an excellent brand and La Prairie is brilliant for rehydrating. The Crème de La Mer lip balm is also a great buy for winter lips and their eye cream is great for dark circles and puffiness. Some of the products I mentioned are luxury brands – they’re expensive but they are amazing. And remember, once you start using a product, it takes 2-3 months to make a difference and for your skin to adapt to it.
Helena Kennerley: Makeup by H – View Profile
Winter months are harsh on skin so I would always recommend that brides start prepping their skin at least 3 months before their big day. You don’t need to blow the budget on skincare but remember if you want to look radiant on your big day you need to put the work in.
1. Drink lots of water.
2. Rose water is a great cleanser for all skin types and it has antioxidants.
3. Ensure you’re using the right moisturiser for your skin. Arrange a consultation with your beautician and ask her what your skin type is. My personal favourite is Skinician Anti-ageing Day Cream & Calming Balm. It contains yeast so plumps up fine lines. Most anti-ageing products contain yeast so check for any allergies before using any brands.
4. Sunblock is a must. Winter sun is as damaging as summer sun.
5. Facials every few weeks can improve the appearance of tired skin. Glycolic facials are like mini face-lifts.
6. Alcohol is a no as it dehydrates the skin. Try to abstain the week of your wedding.
7. Waxing the day of your wedding is a big no. You really don’t want a glowing chin and lip in photographs. 3 days before is enough time.
8. Sleep as much as possible. Your body needs at least 8 hours. Your eyes tell a lot if you don’t get enough rest.
Make-up by Karen Reeves – View Profile
1. I would advise a bride to cleanse tone and moisturise every night and morning and to exfoliate twice a week to ensure removal of dry patches.
2. My go-to product in the cold weather would be Clarins Blue Orchid Oil for dehydrated skin. It’s amazing at night after a skincare routine or as a base for foundation if skin is particularly dry instead of a moisturiser and primer. Foundation glides on over it!
3. For a mask, GlamGlow is fab for brightening the skin.
Credits: 1. Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant | 2. Trilogy’s Organic Rosehip Oil | 3. Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Supplement Serum | 4. Fix Spray by Mac | 5. Strobe Cream by Mac | 6. Crème de La Mer Lip Balm | 7. Glam Glow Face Mask | 8. Clarins Blue Orchid Oil | 9. Suncream | 10. Skinican Skin Care
Main Image: Make-up Bag via NotontheHighstreet
