Beauty bag travel kit

Going on honeymoon? Don’t over pack your suitcase with the 1001 products lurking in your bathroom and don’t bother with full sized bottles either – except sun lotion!Pack a minimum of SPF 15 and reapply regularly. Don’t forget protection for your lips too like Ambre Solaire SPF20 £3.99. Keep soothing aftersun lotion to hand or I like The Body Shop’s Cooling Leg Lotion which cools tired, hot skin as well as being a great all over body lotion.

Boots have a great selection of mini products from 99p so that you can create a beauty pick’n'mix bag to suit you. Include items like the Sanctuary’s Body Wash £2, Charles Worthington’s Stay Smooth Shampoo £1.65 and Leave-in Conditioner £1.65 all in throw away sizes. Find out what to store your stuff in with some fab washbags after the turn.

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Tanning – say no to DIY

Brides generally want to look at their healthiest on their wedding day – something that is usually indicated by glowing skin. Of course, if like me, you aren’t blessed with acres of tanned skin, turning to the bottle (in the none alcoholic sense) is usually the way forward. Of course there’s one snag on the wedding day. Fake tan and a white dress?!

If you plan the fake tan route then this is definitely time to go to the salon and have a professional seal it for you. Streaky tans on photographs won’t look great and neither will a great big smear across your ivory dress. Salon good. DIY bad!

Check out Catwalk Queen for their favourite fake tans.

Bridal nails go bling

Previously I’ve written about keeping nails neat and classic with a french manicure but now I know you could go in an entirely different direction. Creative Nail Design have expanded their range to include enamel enhancements and sparkly gems to match any gown or theme. They tell me that their Custom Blended Manicures are the creme de la creme of bridal nails as they can blend their powders to match any colour scheme.

They have a range of salons world-wide. UK residents can call 0113 216 2994 for details.

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Bridal beauty lessons

It was only when you were a teenager that you could get away with blue eyeshadow and dodgily applied lipstick. Well, actually, you couldn’t but who is going to remember? Still, with dozens of cameras pointed at you, you will want to make certain that you don’t repeat the same mistakes on the day.

Most beauty counters now offer free bridal make-up consultations with a make-up artist who wil guide you through the perfect palette to create your look. Check out Estee Lauder, Max Factor and Benefit for an appointment near you.

Nail basics

Not being much of a manicure girl (I just can’t fail but chip my nails when typing) I tend to neglect my nails when it comes to going beyond applying a slick of gloss. But on big occasions – especially those that involve waggling fingers to show off rocks with a capital ‘R’ nails should be treated and buffed within an inch of their lives.

The key to simple and easy bridal nails is to aim for neat, trimmed nails finished with either a french manicure or the very palest of lacquers. D.I.Y. gals probably know all about Sally Hansen’s French Manicure Kit, the simple two step kit that comes in at a bargain £4.99 from Boots.

Essie do a great range in nail colours which many a beauty journalist swears by. Their wedding collection features old favourites – nearly nude Ballet Slippers and pinky Mademoiselle. US readers go here.

Sparkling smiles

Few brides want to smile if they feel their teeth aren’t up to scratch… but you can’t look glum on this day surely?! The Harley Street Dental Studio have brought out a Bridal Teeth Whitening Service so you can get your sparklers in tip top condition. Procedures range from a 40 minute whitening to more indepth work.

If you’re not so keen on the dentist then they even have that in hand too. DVD’s can be viewed on a start of the art TV, manicures and pedicures are on offer to relax and pamper whilst you are in the chair. To top it off they’ll even pick you up and return you to your doorstep in a limousine. Now that is service.

Lipstick tricks

[Laura] If, like most brides you don’t have the luxury of a makeup expert to hand, you might need a few tips for creating the perfect face – especially if you’ve already been at the brandy. Estee Lauder are offering a step by step guide for creating your look. Whether you want to be a blushing bride, or a diva bride, they can help ensure you’re more Princess Bride than Bride of Frankenstein.

After reading their blurb you may find yourself forking out hard cash on few of their products against your will, but even using your own dingy old makeup bag (filled with 75 dusty lipsticks in the same colour that you’ve never worn) there are some good tips here.

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