Q&A Beauty Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals EXFOLIATE LIKE A PRO! I’ve heard that exfoliation is important, particularly at this time of year, but how often do I need to and how do I know if I’ve over done it? Faye Purcell, head of research and development at skincare brand Q+A (www.qandaskin.com) says: Exfoliation is brilliant for achieving radiant, fresh, and flake-free skin however, it’s important not to over-exfoliate. How often you do it depends on your skin type but as a rule of thumb, you should exfoliate no more than two to three times per week. A great entry level AHA product for all skin types is the Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner, £8. Containing glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, it brightens, balances, hydrates and reduces skin congestion in a few swipes. With continued use, it can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation. Nobody needs to exfoliate daily but if your skin is dry, you may need to do so just once a week or if oilier you could benefit from exfoliating up to three times a week. I’d suggest using a gentle formula like the Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel, £8.50, once, or twice a week as it’s highly effective at buffing the skin but is also packed with skin soothing ingredients. Whether you need to exfoliate in the morning or evening depends on the ingredient you’re using. A chemical exfoliator, like an AHA should be used at night, as they can make skin more sensitive to UV rays. The same goes with retinol. Start with a thorough face cleanse to decongest your pores and create a clean canvas, then move on to your chemical exfoliator but always take care to follow the usage instructions. If it’s a toner or a serum, usually there’s no need to wash off. Follow with a barrierprotecting moisturiser. A physical exfoliator can be used in the morning. Work a 10p-sized amount into skin gently in circular motions, so as not to drag or tear. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry with a towel. Follow with a daily moisturiser, and always apply your SPF. If your skin looks or feels red or irritated, you could have over done it. You may think that harsh, gritty, or strong formulas will work faster giving you quicker results, but they can do more harm than good. As with any skincare, always follow the instructions. If it says leave the product on for one minute and rinse, don’t leave it on for 10! Go low and slow – lower inclusions of exfoliating ingredients gradually introduced into your regime can still have a big impact. When using any exfoliator, it’s vital to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis. Removing the top layer of dead skin cells makes the skin underneath more prone to sun damage so don’t skimp on this important step. HAIR TODAY What hairstyles will be popular with brides in 2024? Sarah Goodbarn from Bridal Hair by Bronte (www.facebook.com/sarah.weddinghair) says: It can be a challenge to pick a hair style for your wedding day, after all this is one of the biggest days of your life, your hair will be in all the photos, videos and in this day and age, social media. So, you’ll want to feel proud of your choice when you look back. Take into consideration your hair texture and length, are you wanting a veil, a head dress or will you keep it simple? It’s sometimes not an easy choice, so this is where I can help to guide you into making the right choice. For 2024, I’m noticing a lot of my brides are really wanting the undone look, a very natural bridal up do with cascading curls and waves with plenty of movement. This look can bring the essence of romance and class to your vibe. I also really love the cascading mermaid braid. My lovely brides who choose this look tend to want a bohemian style with a timeless and elegant feel. Intertwined ribbon or hair vines can complement this particular style well. Always remember, it’s important to feel like you on your wedding day. Your look has to reflect who you are as a person and also the feel of what you want to achieve for your big day. 80
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