Look Fit For A King

Ladies...It’s your one day to shine and look your best in front of your nearest and dearest. Kate and William are nearly there and if you are heading for the altar too you will want to look your ultimate best on one of the most important days of your life! Whether your look is princess, a true romantic, rock chick or hippy bride – follow my key tips for the whole body to looking great and loving your wedding photos in years to come. For grooms to be we haven’t forgotten about how important it is to look good on your big day too!

·         Make sure you look after your skin in the months leading up to the wedding. The aim is to be glowing from head to toe! I know it’s boring but drinking water really does help your skin and keeps you hydrated from the inside out.  Aim to drink at least 10 glasses of water a day- seems a lot but it really does work! If you have been lazy on the healthy eating front and your wedding is looming welcome lots of fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet. Also aim to exercise at least three times a week. Cut out fatty, sugary foods and try and eat some protein daily. If the gym bores you then try anything which gets your heart rate pumping! Walk instead of getting the bus, take the stairs at work instead of the lift or run to the shops for that paper or pint of milk!

·         If you have never had one… treat yourself to a course of facials a few months before your big day to get your skin in tip top condition. A favourite amongst the celebs is Dermalogica’s unique skin analysis called Face Mapping available at authorized skin treatment centers, salons, and spas nationwide. The treatments provide an insight into your skin past and present, and allows the subsequent prescription of a targeted home care regime for healthy skin on your wedding day and for the future. For more information check out http://www.dermalogica.com/uk/buy/index.html. 

·         Look after your nails and go for regular manicures and pedicures a few weeks before your wedding. Use a good nail strengthener and try and keep your hands out of water as much as possible. Apply a good nail and hand cream twice daily. Your hands will be on show on the big day as everyone will want to see your wedding ring! I love Mavala Scientifique Nail Hardener available from Boots £5.62. 

·         It’s easier said than done but try and relax in the lead up to your wedding and if you feel like the wedding planning is getting too much take a deep breath and do activities that you enjoy. Take a day off from wedding planning – take your partner out for the day (wedding talk is banned,) a shopping trip with the girls (no going into bridal shops!) , a long walk in the country or join a new exercise class. Have you tried the wonderful new range of skin care products from Top Pyschologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos called LP Skin Therapy. Research shows stress can cause negative effects on the skin.  Dr Linda uses  pioneering ingredients in her skincare products, including Nootropics ingredients which have positive effects on the mind.  We love her Lip Rescue Gel £20.00 available from QVC and www.lpskintherapy.com which has a unique ccomplex of natural calming ingredients.
 

·         Make sure you are exfoliating your face and body on a weekly basis using a gentle exfoliator when you shower. Apply to damp skin in circular motions and rinse well. Follow with a rich moisturiser from head to toe – oils are also great for dryer skin types and work well applied to damp skin. Try Beautifully Delicious Scrubilicious Coconut & Shea Body Scrub £4.99 from www.kmiclub.com.  Follow with Moisturelicious Coconut & Shea Body Lotion which sinks in a treat, £4.99 available from the same range. If you suffer from stubborn cellulite try body brushing every other day before showering. Elemis and The Body Shop do great Brushes (avoid too harsh a brush.) Body Brushing helps combat cellulite by improving the texture of the skin and improves circulation. Start at your feet  and work up the legs and across the hips, bottom and tummy with long upward strokes.

·         For the face try a cleanser and exfoliator combined. I love Liz Earle Naturally Active Cleanse and Polish or Eve Lom Cleansing Cream. Now is definitely the time to splurge on a good quality cleanser. 
To uplift your spirits try LP Skin Therapy  Uplifting Facial Water £20.00.   

·         Guys remember you want to shine too and look like the proud groom on what is also your big day! Remember to eat well in the lead up and exercise regularly.  Make sure you go for suit fittings so it fits like a glove on the day! Exfoliate your face a least three times a week to get rid of dry skin – try Molton Brown Skin Clear Jade Face Exfoliator £19.50,  www.moltonbrown.co.uk.  Follow with a moisturiser containing sunscreen for day and at night a moisturiser with AHAs (reduces wrinkles!) to encourage skin regeneration. Also ask your partner to give you a weekly manicure so your hands are looking immaculate- nothing worse than grubby hands on a bloke! Visit the dentist regularly – good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile for your bride to be! Finally on the day itself, remember to take a deep breath, relax and... enjoy!