Summer is here and this year it's bringing the biggest day of your life with it. So between finalising seating plans, ordering the wedding cake and chasing up invitations, there no doubt seems little time to take care of your BBP (that's Bridal Beauty Prep to you and I). But stop right there! Put down your organiser and your smartphone! This is the most magical day of your life and your time to shine. You've got your gorgeous gown, but have you thought about your bridal beauty regime? You're going to be the centre of attention on your wedding day so a bit of mascara and a quick once over with the straighteners just won't cut it. To wow your family, guests and husband-to-be we've compiled this summer's hottest bridal looks straight off of the runway. From luscious lipsticks and sleek bridal dos to shimmering Cinderella accessories and adventurous nails, find which trend best fits your wedding theme this summer so that you feel confident, comfortable and your absolute best.
Get Your Summer Glow
To look immaculate on your wedding day you should first start with your skin, as no amount of concealer can hide a blemished or uncared for complexion. To get your skin fresh, flawless and camera ready, begin your routine with a cleanser. Cleansers are by far the most important aspects of any skin care regime, removing makeup, grime and impurities. But with the masses of options out there (micellar water, gels, creams, wipes...) it's difficult to know which one is right for you.
For your morning regime smooth, plump skin is the priority. There's no makeup to remove, but your skin will have gathered sweat and oil during the night. In this case, you need a lighter product that will retain the moisture of your skin and provide an even canvas, enhancing any makeup that you apply. Try using the Perricone MD Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment, a gentle but effective formula that lightly exfoliates your skin, leaving it ready and radiant for the day ahead.
Balms and oil-based cleansers are highly recommended for your evening regime, which should aim for a deeper cleanse. The world-renowned make-up artist, Frances Prescott, recently channelled her expertise into her new cleansing balm Tri-Balm. It's an ingenious, 3-in-1 product that cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises. Raved about by beauty editors across the board, it's definitely one to try.
After cleansing the next most important thing is the moisturiser. For dry skin, you need a rich and nourishing moisturiser like Kiehl's Crème de Corps. For oily or combination skin it's better to go for a lighter texture. Try Origins GinZing moisturisers, as it contains energising coffee beans to give you that energised and vibrant bridal glow. Remember to begin your bridal beauty regime a few months in advance to ensure that your skin reacts well to the products, and to allow you the time to find the regime that best suits.
Lavish Summer Locks
Following the dress, one of the biggest focal points of your bridal look is your hair, but luckily there are innumerable striking and stunning styles that will suit the theme of your summer wedding. Whether you want an up or down do, classic or cutting edge, this year's trends have it all. If you're opting for a classic down do for your wedding, sprinkle a little bohemian chic into your hair by adding some skinny braids, a popular trend this summer.
For a show stopping, princess style dress, it's better to keep the hair simple, choose a sleek pony tale or a high bun and embellish with a single sparkly slide. If you're a romantic bride and want a sexy senorita twist, go for a sleek low bun with an oversized, white flower hairpiece. The hairpiece will give the look a dramatic twist without drawing attention away from the overall look. For a British summer wedding vibe, take your look straight off the Valentino Couture catwalk with a rolled updo adorned with fresh, wildflowers. If you're a bride with short hair, finger waves and chic hair accessories are a great way to achieve an elegant and timeless look.
Still unsure about your bridal hair? Take a snap of your gorgeous gown and book yourself in for a hair trial. It's a sure fire way to ensure you're happy with your do, as the last thing you need is a bad hair day on the big day!
Marriage-Worthy Manicures
It's easy to overlook nails as an inconsequential part of your beauty regime, however, chipped, bitten or stubby nails are an absolute no on your wedding day! You'll be holding a bouquet and sporting your new ring that your family and friends will no doubt want to admire! If you're like us and end up smudging your nails no matter how hard you try, getting a professional manicure is absolutely essential. If you already have a favourite nail shade in mind, don't be afraid to take it with you to the nail salon, this is perfectly acceptable and a professional technician will be able to apply it with ease. Whilst French manicures and neutral shades are classics for weddings, pink nails are currently taking the fashion world by storm. If you want to be pretty in pink on your wedding day, try Dior's Vernis polish in Tra-la-la, if you're feeling brave, opt for O.P.I's hot pink shade Shorts Story. For a splash of extra glamour add a glitter or chrome overcoat to your polish, like Burberry's Gold Glitter. Whilst you may find it difficult to decide on a colour or nail design that you love, there is plenty of inspiration out there on Instagram or Pinterest boards.
On the run up to your wedding, it's a good idea to invest in a hand cream or nail oil to moisturise your nails and cuticles. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream is a great product that will keep your nails in ship shape. But if you don't fancy splashing out try soaking your nails in extra virgin olive oil for 10-15 minutes a day.
Bridal Blush
For the summer bride, it's all about enhancing your natural beauty. Save the smoky eyes and sultry red lip for your honeymoon, heavy makeup does not age well in photographs! Instead opt for a subtle but striking bridal beauty look, choosing shades that complement rather than contrast with your complexion.
In terms of your bridal look, it's all about your skin, this means finding a foundation and blush that match your tones to a t. On your wedding day, you'll no doubt be the focus of many-a-camera lens, so it's better to select a foundation without SPF. This is because SPF contains particles that reflect light, which is why it's so great at protecting skin from the sun. Unfortunately, these particles also cause that pesky flashback in photographs. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is a perfect solution to this problem. It doesn't contain SPF, so no flashback, and it evens out any redness leaving skin looking fresh and blemish free. If you tend to get a build-up of oil throughout the day, invest in Mac's Blotting Powder, this will remove excess shine and keep your skin looking flawless throughout the day.
In terms of blush, avoid creamy formulas as they cause shine and smudge. For the fairer skinned, pastel pink shades will suit your skin without overwhelming your face, try Mac Pro Long-wear in Stay Pretty. For medium hues opt for corals and apricots, whilst darker complexions suit the bright and bold. Colours such as burnt orange or magenta look great, try Bobbi Brown's, New Poppy.
Ultimately, your wedding day is all about you. Get your beauty prep sorted before the big day so you feel gorgeous, confident and at ease, ready to enjoy the celebration of a lifetime.