Your Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Wedding - December/January 2023/2024 (Issue 42)

Q&A Local experts reveal all Beauty SKIN SOS Meet the expert: Lou Parmenter is a mobile beauty specialist and the face of Kaikouda Beauty based in Devizes, Wiltshire. I’m getting married in February. What can I do to look after my skin over the winter months, so that it looks its best on my wedding day? Lou says: As the festive period approaches, try to remember it is important to stay hydrated and not overindulge in alcohol. Your skin is your biggest organ and it does show when it is dehydrated. Alcohol can exacerbate certain skin conditions, such as eczema and acne rosacea. Getting outside for some fresh air is just as good for you in the winter as it is during the summer. It helps to refresh your whole body - just make sure you use a moisturiser to protect against cold winds and blustery showers. It’s important to use an SPF during the winter, it may not feel as warm on your skin but the ultraviolet rays will continue to break down your skin cells regardless of the season. When you come in from the cold, don’t be tempted to have a scorching shower or bath - keep the water a gentle and warm temperature - if it is too hot, it can cause dry and patchy areas. Find yourself a good beauty salon and invest in regular facials every four to six weeks which will help to even out skin tone and texture and stimulate cell renewal. It helps you to have the appearance of smoother, fuller skin and can reduce the development of fine lines. Finally and probably most importantly, get yourself into a good skin care routine. In winter we tend to wear more make-up so make sure that you remove it every night and think of yourself as a battery that has to recharge overnight - your skin can’t breathe and repair itself properly if it still has make-up on. Sleeping in your make-up will lead to more fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin will also appear more dull and lifeless so double cleanse your skin a couple of times a week and exfoliate at least once a week. Using a toner before you moisturise will ensure that your skin is clean and your pores are closed before applying any heavier products. There are plenty of products on the market today and you must find the right ones for your skin type as well as your wallet. There’s no point in buying one that is too expensive if you use it sparingly and not to the manufacturer’s recommendation. I can recommend the Beauty Sleep Overnight Treatment from Neal’s Yard Remedies which is a lightweight serum helping to support your skin’s natural rejuvenation while you sleep. It also smells amazing! I also love Beauty Pie’s Wonderscrub Bio-Dermabrasion Face Polish which visibly renews skin and optimises translucency to combat dulling effects that occur over time - my face feels so smooth after I have used it. If I’ve got a client who has dry and patchy skin, I apply Polyglutamic Acid Serum by The Inkey List under the moisturiser. Polyglutamic acid holds four times more moisturiser than hyaluronic acid so it locks in moisture and helps the skin appear instantly smoother. Along with its silky texture, it is a game changer and perfect for make-up prep. I am a fan of Charlotte’s Magic Cream from the popular Charlotte Tilbury brand which hydrates, plumps, brightens, smooths, firms and revives the look of your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. www.kaikoudabeauty.co.uk www.facebook.com/kaikoudabeauty CURL POWER Meet the expert: Rebecca (Becky) Pattenden is the founder of Beauty and Hair by Rebecca located in Gloucester offering a wide range of bridal beauty and hair treatments. Can you recommend a hairstyle that looks romantic and will last all day? Becky says: Many brides want curls in their hair for their wedding day, which can look romantic and sultry. If you have long locks then trendy boho-inspired curls won’t last very long, you’d need a tighter type of curl to last for the duration of the wedding day and evening reception. A popular style that’s trusted to last is a curly bun which can appear soft and romantic by keeping loose tendrils hanging down the side of the face, and the odd few coming out of the bun. www.beautyandhairbyrebecca.com; www.facebook.com/Beautyhairbyrebecca www.gettyimages.co.uk 69 EXPERT ADVICE

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=