Get Glowing

By Nikki Lovrich

When it comes to wedding beauty prep, there is no such thing as starting too soon.

As seen in Bride & Groom magazine 100th anniversary edition @nzbrideandgroom Photo by @emmaline_photographer / Makeup&Hair by @nikkilovrich /Gown by Bernadette Thomas Bridal / Jewellery by @wildjewels / @laurenkeeline @red11models / Venue: @hamiltongardens /

During the months leading up to your wedding, your beauty and diet regimen should take top priority. Beauty really does start from the inside, and not even the best makeup job can mask a dull complexion or poor health. To help prepare you to become a radiant bride, here’s a list of my top beauty tips...

radiant skin

Great skin is a bride’s best accessory, so if yours is problematic you need to address this at least six months prior to your wedding. If your skincare is not working for you, now is the time to try something new. Do your research, i.e. if you have dry or sensitive skin look for a skincare range that’s designed to help remedy this. If you suffer from eczema or acne, then visit a skin specialist who will be able to give you the best advice to clear up the problem.

It sounds simple, but drinking plenty of water each day not only helps hydrate your skin, but is also hugely beneficial for your overall wellbeing. Keep a bottle of water in your car, at work and next to your bed, and whenever you pass the kitchen sink grab a glass of water – it’s one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Cutting back on alcohol has a positive effect on your mind and body, as well as on your skin. Try and have at least three alcohol-free nights a week, and when you do have a drink, follow it up with water – your skin will thank you.

Be kind to your body and your skin will follow suit. Stay away from fatty foods and sugary treats and focus on eating non-processed, healthy meals with an emphasis on plenty of organic greens. Cutting back the carbs will also make you feel less bloated and more confident at your gown fitting!

Exfoliate your face at least twice a week, as this will remove the dead skin cells that build up over time and leave skin looking dull and lifeless. Don’t forget the skin on your body either, particularly your arms and décolletage, which are often on show in a bridal gown. Follow up with a nourishing body moisturiser for optimum hydration.

Regular exercise not only burns calories but it also gets the blood flowing to your extremities, which improves your skin tone. You don’t need to be a gym bunny to get fit before your wedding, as a daily 45-minute power walk creates great results. Remember that no matter how bad (or unmotivated) you feel before a workout, you will feel amazing afterwards!

healthy hair

Hair health starts from the roots, so if your scalp is dry and scaly, chances are your hair is dull and lacking body. Just like your skin, your hair needs suitable products to maintain its lustre, so choose a good quality salon brand shampoo and conditioner that targets your hair type and you will notice an improvement. Look into taking a supplement that benefits your hair, skin and nails.

Achieving the perfect hair colour can involve some trial and error, so if you are planning to change it up for your wedding, then start at least three months in advance. Too blonde or too dark can look harsh and unflattering in photos, so try and stick to a shade that is close to your natural base. Do your last colour touch-up as close as possible to your wedding, but never less than a week, as the days leading up to the event are busy (and stressful!) and colour appointments can take hours.

If your hair is too fine to create enough body and thickness for your desired style, consider getting some good quality clip-in hair extensions. You can order them through your hairdresser so they can organise the perfect colour match. Make sure you have a hair trial with the extensions to make sure they feel comfortable and secure.

strong nails

Treat your nails as you would your hair, moisturising and conditioning them regularly. Nail health starts at the cuticle so apply a rich, moisturising oil daily. Massage it into the base of your nails and gently push back the cuticle, then follow up with good quality hand cream. After a month or so you will notice that your nails are stronger and your hands softer.

When deciding on your choice of nail polish for the big day, leave yourself plenty of time to experiment. Take a swatch of your dress fabric to your nail technician so they can suggest a complementary shade. Try out a few different colours and see what looks best with your skin tone. Don’t forget your toes, even if you have a closed shoe, it’s nice to know that everything matches.

makeup

With all eyes on you and photos to last a lifetime, beautiful makeup is so important to get right on your wedding day. Be realistic when deciding on your makeup, as you still want to look like ‘you’, just a more glamorous and beautiful version! The worst mistake a bride can make it to try out a totally new look on her wedding day that renders her unrecognisable.

Booking a professional makeup artist at least six months before your wedding should be high on your to-do list. Even if you are skilled at doing your own makeup, nothing beats the hands of an experienced expert, and professionally applied makeup is truly transformative.

Research beauty looks that appeal to your sense of style, and compile a selection of images to show your makeup artist. Celebrity weddings are a great source of inspiration, particularly if the woman has colouring and features similar to your own. The timeless hair and makeup of mid-century brides like Grace Kelly or Elizabeth Taylor are a constant source of inspiration and you can be sure that vintage (with a modern twist!) never goes out of fashion.

Wedding makeup needs to go the distance and a good makeup artist will use primer, foundation and mineral powder to create a long-lasting base. If your skin has difficulty holding foundation (particularly if it is oily), it’s important to mention this to your makeup artist, as they will be able to recommend the perfect product to use prior to your wedding to ensure longevity.

Lash extensions are a great alternative to false stick-on lashes as they instantly enhance and extend your own lashes, while still looking natural. Try them out a few months before your wedding to make sure there is no allergic reaction or irritation. Lash extensions are at their best for the first few days after application, so book your appointment as close to your wedding day as possible.

Eyelash growth serums really do work and after six weeks of daily application your lashes will double in length and thickness. Because this product can cause sensitivity, give it a try at least three months prior to your wedding. If you like the results then keep using it daily for extra long lashes.

Nikki Lovrich is one of New Zealand’s most well-known makeup artists, with over 30 years’ experience in the fashion, beauty and film industry. www.nikkilovrichmakeup.co.nz