Take it from here…
A common goal for many brides to be — or anyone with a major event on the horizon — is achieving clear, radiant skin and lush locks for their big day. For others, the lead-up to a celebration presents an opportunity to address big-picture concerns, like fine lines, patchy lashes or weak nails. Although lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet and regular exercise help keep us in peak condition, there’s a broad range of advanced extras we can factor into any serious prep. Follow our timeline and you’ll look your absolute loveliest.
12 MONTHS | SORT YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Begin your beautifying journey by speaking to an expert to determine which products and treatments you need to support your skin goals. Advanced Skin Technology educator lead Samantha Swan recommends a treatment plan consisting of professional peels and customised facials to refine, re-texturise and rejuvenate; this will encourage your makeup to sit well on your skin and last all day.
“Using performance skincare to create that perfect base in the lead-up is essential,” she says. If you’ve decided on an outfit that’ll show some skin, such as a strapless or off-the-shoulder number, make sure you don’t overlook options that target your décolletage, arms and back as well.
8 MONTHS | GET A HANDLE ON YOUR HAIR
Everyone has a vision of their best self, and for you that might involve a change in hair colour. To achieve a significant shift in shade, particularly if you want the result to look natural, you may need to book a series of appointments well in advance of your event, so we advise starting now. If you’re simply looking to maintain your current colour and cut, now’s the time to turn your attention to products designed for optimal hair health.
6 MONTHS | LIFT YOUR GAME FACE
There’s a non-invasive way to improve your facial structure, and it goes by the name of Emface. Offered at Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland’s The Face Place, the first-ever hands-free procedure of its kind utilises synchronised radio frequency and high-intensity facial electrical stimulation technologies to restore and lift the skin, muscles and connective tissue, leaving you with fewer wrinkles, more collagen and elastin, and enhanced muscle density. The Face Place marketing and digital content specialist Katie Bensemann says clients have seen an improvement in the shape and contour of their cheeks, better definition of their jawlines and, for more mature clients, a significant softening of forehead lines and improvement in sagging brows and jowls. “Emface is an amazing Cinderella treatment,” she says. “After your initial course of four to six treatments, you can pop in for a single treatment at any time if you want a perk-up before an event.” With Emface, you can expect tangible results from your first session that continue to improve for several weeks afterwards.
3 MONTHS | ZAP IT
If a naturally airbrushed complexion is on your wishlist, take founding director of Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland’s About Face clinics Marianna Glucina’s advice. She suggests a series of Cutera Excel V+ treatments spaced six weeks apart. This procedure uses a gentle laser to resurface the skin, resulting in little discomfort and downtime but serious results.
2 MONTHS | GROW UP
According to Rebecca Hutchinson, founder of Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland’s Lash Noir, in order to boost the benefits of a Yumi lash lift (essentially a perm for your lashes, which veritably transforms your peepers, making them look super pretty for eight to 12 weeks), you should start using the gentle gel Yumi Eyelash Growth Serum six weeks before your lash service. Twice-daily application will result in thicker, longer lashes and an extra-incredible lift. While you’re at it, if your brows are looking a bit sparse, a brow serum won’t go amiss.
1 MONTH | TAKE TWO
Support your immune system and encourage your body to eliminate excess fluid ahead of your big day with a combination of facial acupuncture and lymphatic drainage massage. “ This is a common service among clients with acne, scarring, pigmentation and wrinkles, and those who simply want to brighten their complexion,” says the owner of Tamaki Makaurau/Auckland’s AcuZone, Sophie Watson. You’ll need to set aside an hour for this power-pair session, which begins with a consultation and facial mapping, before acupuncture needles are arranged on your face, hands and legs (depending on what your concerns are), followed by a lymphatic drainage massage.
Related post: Go with the flow: FQ’s editor-in-chief tries a lymphatic drainage massage
2 WEEKS | TIME IT RIGHT
Though it may feel tempting to book your maintenance colour and cut as close to your event as possible, scheduling it one to two weeks out will allow your hairstyle to soften and any toner to settle. It’ll also give you a window in which you can make any corrections if the results don’t meet your expectations.
1 WEEK | LIFT THOSE LASHES
If you’re going to forgo falsies, making your Yumi lash lift appointment for around about now will not only give you a gorgeous eye-opening curl, it’ll also infuse your eyelashes with strengthening keratin while they’re tinted to a dark sheen. This service takes about one hour to complete and can go hand in hand with a brow service. At Lash Noir, they tailor your brow treatment with the utmost precision, using a combination of face mapping and product selection that !ts in with the make-up you intend to wear.
5 DAYS | PICK ONE
On your race to radiance, if you’re going to do one thing for your skin, make it the Power of Three facial, says Marianna. At About Face, this begins with a skin peel to soften and smooth, followed by an LED light to hydrate and detox, and lastly an active vitamin infusion to plump and hydrate for a compliment-inducing glow.
3 DAYS | TREAT YOUR TIPS
If you’ve followed our guide, the heavy beauty lifting should be out of the way, leaving you to indulge in the !ner details, like your nails. Obviously, you’ll want to book your appointment in advance, but leave it relatively close to the !nish line to reduce the likelihood of chips and dings. If you get your nails done regularly, you’ll probably have a good idea of what shape and method you prefer. Those who typically run an au natural operation should consider booking in a couple of appointments in the months before the big day as well, so you can work out what works for you if you’re feeling wary.
HERO ACTIVE SKINCARE INGREDIENTS
Advanced Skin Technology educator lead Samantha Swan’s big-event must-haves include:
VITAMIN A & LACTIC ACID COMPLEX
“This will refine and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.”
Try: Aspect Retinol Brulee, $145.
VITAMIN B (NIACINAMIDE)
“A quality vitamin B serum will help hydrate and balance.”
Try: Aspect Extreme B17, $145.
VITAMIN C
“This brightens for a healthy glow.”
Try: Aspect Extreme C20, $145.
HYALURONIC ACID
“To bind moisture and replenish hydration. For the ultimate boost on the morning of your event, I recommend plumping your skin with a sheet mask.”
Try: Aspect Hydrating Serum & Intense Hydration Sheet Masks, $65.
SUNSCREEN
“Applying a high-grade SPF is essential daily.”
Try: Aspect Sun Hydrating Face SPF50+, $69.
FOR THE BODY
“The powerful combo below exfoliates, hydrates and minimises discolouration.”
Try: Aspect Illuminating Polish, $75. Aspect Pigment Punch Body, $85.
