The BIG Day!

Aloha,

Jamie will be back with you on Wednesday so today you have me (Susan) instead! Wedding season is well and truly in full swing and if your getting married well than lucky you....I'm gonna be giving you my best tips on the vital last minute things that will get you ready for the big day.

Preparation is key. You want to be looking your best on your big day so ideally you will have had been on a strict skincare routine in the run up to the wedding. Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, eye cream and SPF are the essentials. A week before your wedding scrub your skin to remove any dead cells that could hamper your makeup....from then on out you need to be on your best behaviour to prevent break outs....no picking....plenty of water and most of all try control your diet! Much easier said than done when its a very stressful time. If you are unsure of what skincare to be using, I would recommend visiting a spa and having a facial or alternatively go to a beauty counter that is geared towards skin and speak to an experienced consultant. Do your research online (more on that later).

Last minute prep on the big day before your makeup artist arrives is very fuss free. Use a lip scrub (Lush is my fave) and apply a balm afterwards to hydrate lips as we want that pout perfect especially if your going for a stronger colour like reds. You probably searched high and low for your makeup artist and without a doubt he/she is the bees knees but there is a few things that are essential to your wedding makeup that you definitely want to make sure are included. Primer is key to making sure your makeup lasts all day and prevents oil so you don't look shiny in your photographs. Avoid SPF at all costs as it can flash back in photography and give you the white face and tanned body look...not good. Eye primer is also essential to the longevity of your makeup, it will prevent shadows from creasing and will make colours appear much brighter. Ask your MUA to set your makeup with a setting spray rather than a powder and that way if all else fails you know you have something to fall back on (trust Urban Decay on this one) and your skin won't look overly dry or cake-y.

Not neglecting your body, make sure to scrub your skin once/twice a week to make sure it is in super condition if you decide to wear false tan. Add a moisturiser afterwards as this will prevent the tan from sticking to dry patches. 

Weddings can be super expensive but they can also be a learning curve when it comes to skincare and makeup. If you know your getting married in a year or twos time why not ask family and friends for your birthday, Christmas, anniversary etc to receive vouchers instead of gifts. And then when you have had your makeup trial you have the money there to buy all the bits'n'bobs you've seen a professional use and you can learn a few tips along the way on how to use them. 

So I think I have waffled enough so I'm gonna leave it there for now but I will come back to this topic at a later stage to tell you my top secret, tried and true best skincare products to get your skin in perfect nick for your big day! 

Love,

S

Where To Invest?

I'm back and back with a bang none the less. I had to take a slight hiatus last week due to a very poorly dog who is currently in my lap having a power snooze as I write this post. But lets move on... following Jamie's post on Monday all about looking after your skin I thought I share with you the area's I like to spend my hard earned cash on. When it comes to makeup and skin care its easy to settle for less than the best but there are a certain few areas that I will always spend that little more on!

• Skincare - Cleanser and Moisturiser

Your makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath and using a good cleanser and moisturiser will make a huge difference to your skin. Choosing the correct products for your skin type is key so if your unsure pop to your local department store and fish around the skincare counters and ask for some advice! And the three most essential things...water, SPF and taking your makeup off which might mean two cleansers so be it! You're skin is with you for life so it is worth the investment and make sure you bring that moisturiser down the neck too, it holds your face up so don't neglect it! 

• Foundation

Similarly to above, choosing a good foundation will show off your skin in the best light. Texture and colour are key. Foundation can be 'spensive so if your unsure, start from the bottom by visiting makeup counters and getting samples to try. When you find "The One" everything else that goes on top should just fall into place! If your not comfortable spending too much on a foundation that you wear everyday and will more than likely fly through in no time, why not keep it for special occasions or nights out? Then scouring the self selection aisle in Boots to find the one that will take you through the day/work. 

• Mascara

Give a girl the right mascara and she can conquer the world. Length, volume and curl....I want it all and believe you me I have a mascara graveyard to prove it. Mascara's can cost between a few euro right up to the price of a meal for 2 so it can be an expensive treasure hunt. But if your like me and your days off consist of only a tinted moisturiser and a mascara they are worth it, it can take me from tired to bright eyed and bushy tailed in one step! 

They are just a few things that I don't mind dishing out for! What are the items you spend the most on or do you think you can find just as good in budget brands? Let me know in the comments..

Love,

S and Paddy. x