Your Herts and Beds Wedding - August/September 2025 (Issue 111)

LOOKING YOUR BEST 63 WEDDING BEAUTY CLOCK The 24-hour Look and feel your absolute best from the night before the big day until dancing the night away NAILING IT Even if you’ve got that perfect mani and pedi all sorted, give your hands and feet some extra TLC with a massage using a trusted cream and add cuticle oil to keep everything nice and hydrated. Avoid prolonged water exposure and be careful with everyday tasks. Don’t open cans, scrape off labels, or do anything that might cause chips or breaks. REST AND RELAX Trying to get to sleep with a racing mind is the tricky part, as many of us will start feeling nervous and excited. We suggest sticking to your normal routine as much as possible, especially if that’s exercising, as this reinforces your circadian rhythm, which helps you feel sleepy. Exercise reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases the production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are neurochemicals linked to relaxation and mood. If you want to sleep but your brain is having other plans, try a warm magnesium tea that helps regulate neurotransmitters that calm the nervous system and may help relax muscles. It can increase your sleep quality, too! Add a few spritzes of a lavender mist on your sheets to help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Reducing your screen time before bed can help, as the blue light emitted can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle by suppressing melatonin production. Guided meditations promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help you fall asleep faster and deeply. unsplash.com @roberta_sant_anna The night before The planning process is complete, and now it’s nearly time for the moment you’ve waited for… marrying your best friend! How you feel is just as important as how you look, so what you do the night before will set the tone for the main event. So, wind down, prep up and get ready to glow! YOUR SKIN BUT BETTER For glowing skin the moment you wake up, it all starts with the night prep to leave behind a perfect surface ready for make-up. This is not the time for experimenting with new products, which could potentially cause unwanted side effects or reactions. Stick to what your skin loves and knows, while skipping any peels or acids. Cleanse before applying a hyaluronic serum to lock in moisture, ensuring the skin is slightly damp for optimal results. Follow with your moisturiser and, optionally, a mask if your skin is accustomed to it. The key is to focus on hydration for a smooth canvas. Don’t forget the lips, with a quick exfoliation and lip balm for soft and smooth lips. sunsplash.com@gettyimages unsplash.com/@jd_chon THE MANE EVENT With so many different hair types and styles, knowing when to wash your hair pre-wedding can become a minefield. Know you’re not alone! Discuss any concerns with your hairstylist, who will create the ultimate guide to match your requirements. Most of the time, stylists prefer to work with day-old hair washed the night before, as this allows the hair’s natural oils to return and provides better hold for most styles. That’s often preferred for updos or styles that require heat styling, like curls or waves. Use a gentle formula shampoo and finish with a light conditioner. Blowdry with a round brush for bounce and avoid heavy oils or silicone serums that weigh the hair down. unsplash.com@gettyimages

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