A bride’s guide to glowing wedding day skin Wedding prep goes beyond the dress. It’s also about feeling confident in your own skin. Here, Amelia Kendric, senior beauty buyer at M&S, shares her six-month routine for achieving a radiant bridal glow. “When it comes to wedding prep, skincare is the unsung hero behind a bride’s radiant glow,” Amelia explains. “But with conflicting advice, skincare can seem confusing. These simple steps are designed to work in combination to boost your natural complexion and help you feel your best on your big day.” Introduce new products gradually “Overhauling your entire skincare routine can overwhelm your skin and make it harder to identify any irritants. Aim to introduce one product each month to allow your skin time to adjust.” SIX MONTHS BEFORE W-DAY Prep and protect “Make a deep cleanse part of your daily routine. Thoroughly cleansing will help to remove impurities and ensure your skin is ready to absorb serums and creams. “I’d also recommend introducing a retinol at least six months before your wedding day to allow time for your skin to adjust. They’re incredibly effective at boosting skin cell turnover, which smooths fine lines and improves skin texture. However, when you first start using one, you might experience dry, flaky skin. So, to begin with, only use twice a week in the evenings and protect your skin during the day with an SPF. “SPF is essential all year round to prevent sun damage, reduce the risk of premature ageing, and keep your skin looking healthy. It’s even more important when using retinol, which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.” THREE MONTHS BEFORE W-DAY Brighten and smooth “Now’s the time to begin exfoliating once or twice a week to encourage cell renewal and a natural glow.” ONE WEEK BEFORE W-DAY Hydration time “Hydration is the key to radiant skin. Apply moisturiser to damp skin, not forgetting your decolletage. In the week before your wedding day, don’t neglect your general health. Getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water gives your skin the chance to repair itself, prevents dullness and promotes a clear complexion. “The skin around your eyes is thinner so shows signs of fatigue first. Revive tired eyes by applying a targeted eye cream each night. This can help reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines and brighten dark circles in the lead up to the big day.” THE NIGHT BEFORE Relax and recharge “It’s important to take a moment for yourself. Spend 10 minutes with a hydrating mask to lock in moisture and calm the skin.” Check out Amelia’s top beauty recommendations from M&S covering her seven steps – your total bridal skincare routine for just £251.50. Find them in store or at marksandspencer.com Six months to radiance NUXE Very Rose Soothing Cleansing Gel 150ml, £18 Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum 30-Piece, £53 Ultrasun Face Cream SPF 30, £24 Fresh Elements Glow Purifying Exfoliating Treatment, £9.50 Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H AutoReplenishing Hydrator 50ml, £42 Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream, £65 Emma Hardie The Ultimate Hydrate & Glow Hydrogel Masks, £40 BEAUTY FEATURE 71
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