Want Miranda Kerr's glowing skin? Here's how...

Every bride wants to glow on her wedding day. Our beauty blogger Laura Curtis shares her tips and tricks for achieving a flawless, luminous complexion.

1. It's all in the preparation! Try sticking to a skincare regime for the six weeks leading up to the wedding. A gentle, hydrating cleanser (Eve Lom Morning Cleanser), treatment serum (Perricone Cold Plasma is a great all-rounder, formulated by a dermatologist) and nourishing, non-greasy moisturiser (Darphin Hydraskin Light) should do the trick. Also remember to use an exfoliant at least once a week (MD Formulations Face and Body Scrub) to keep your skin smooth and radiant, and apply a generous layer sunscreen every morning (Becca Mineral Primer SPF30+) to protect your skin from uneven pigmentation.

2. If you have problem skin or you would like to see a drastic change in its condition, visit a beauty salon for treatments before your wedding day. Three to four weeks in advance is ideal; too close to the day and you may risk having an adverse reaction. Microdermabrasion, glycolic peels and omnilux treatments are all incredibly effective and will help your skin to look its best.

3. Choose your base well. If you have good skin, a tinted moisturiser will look natural and give you a soft, healthy glow. If you'd like more coverage, take your skin type into consideration. Dryer skins will do best with a creamy, hydrating base with a dewy finish; while oilier skins should choose a satin or matte finish, oil-free foundation. My tip for combination skin types? Invest in two foundations: a matte finish for the T-zone and a dewy finish for the cheeks and periphery.

4. Supplement your make-up kit with a few glow-inducing staples:

• Liquid illuminator: Wear this underneath your make-up for a glow-from-within, or mix with your foundation to give it a sheer, luminous finish. My favourite is Mecca Cosmetica Lit From Within.


• Blush with a subtle shimmer: I can't go past Nars Blush in Orgasm for a beautiful peachy-pink, fresh flush. Apply on the apples of the cheeks as you smile.


• Highlighting powder: Dust this where the light naturally hits your face – on the temples, brow bone, forehead, through the bridge of the nose, the cupid's bow and your decolletage. I love Dior Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond.

5. Finish with a fragranced body shimmer. Australian perfumerie Renee does a beautiful tropically scented Satin Shimmer Dry Body Oil. Oh-so-glamorous!

Laura Curtis is a beauty writer and make-up artist. To see more of her writing and beauty advice, you can visit her blogs One April Morning and Pretty Poesy, and follow her on Twitter (@laura_valerie).

A grooms' guide to grooming: Get David-Beckham-dapper for your wedding

Long gone are the days when grooms simply had to slip into a suit and slap on some aftershave before fronting up to the altar. Today, grooms want to look just as sharp as their bride-to-be counterparts, and this means – preparation.

Your pending nuptials are a great reason to start a fitness program and adopt healthy eating habits, so see it as an opportunity to get motivated.

Just as your bride-to-be is whipping her body into shape to fit into her gown, grooms should also think about the figure they cut in their wedding suit.

Having a regular fitness routine in place at least six months before the big day will ensure you’re in shape, and also has the added benefits of helping to calm any pre-wedding jitters, as exercise is a great endorphin releaser.

As Fitness First personal trainer Chris Joblin says: “All it takes is some basic weight training and regular cardio to stay fit and keep any weight off. Aim for at least three times per week, but no more than five sessions.”

Now is also the time to think about diet and nutrition. Overindulging in rich foods and alcohol spells disaster if you want to look good on your wedding day – so think twice before having that second helping.

Too much alcohol will also wreak havoc with your skin, a problem that is difficult to hide.

If you’re experiencing problem skin it’s time to bring in the professionals. The day spa is no longer the dominion of women; many men have discovered the benefits of massages, facials and even manicures.

Paul Anderson from Sydney’s Mankind says he’s seen a huge influx in the number of grooms coming into his “man-specific-salon” to whip their skin into top shape for their wedding.

“We help men plan their skincare regime leading up to their wedding day,” says Anderson. “They come in for regular facials and then use our range of KiND products to continue the good work at home.“

As for your hair, “don’t deviate too much from your regular hairstyle,” Anderson advises. “And whatever you do, don’t attempt anything new too close to the day. Blond tips may seem like a good idea, but if disaster strikes, you won’t be very popular with your bride – remember, your wedding photos are with you for life!”

On the day you will no doubt be grinning ear to ear, and with your photographer catching every moment, it’s worth considering whether your pearly whites are in fact… white.

If years of coffee and red wine have left your teeth lacklustre, consider teeth whitening. You can opt for the at-home option, which involves wearing a specially fitted mouth guard, filled with whitening product for an hour a night, or for a much quicker solution (though considerably more expensive) try a professional whitening procedure like Zoom3! Tooth Whitening.

As for on the big day, opt for a subtle aftershave that isn’t too overpowering, go easy on the hair product and remember to flash that newly brightened smile.

Wedding beauty on a budget

When planning a wedding, there's no doubt the cost can start to mount rapidly; but beauty is one area where brides on a budget can afford to save a few pennies if they're savvy. Our beauty blogger Laura Curtis shares some tricks of the trade that will have you looking a million dollars for less than $100.

1. First of all, assess whether it will be more economical to do your own make-up or hire a make-up artist to do it for you. If you already have a comprehensive make-up collection, then doing it yourself won't set you back much at all. However, if you're a bit of a make-up novice, the advantage of having a professional is that he or she will provide all of the necessary products, the cost of which is part of their service fee.

2. If you have decided to hire a make-up artist, try asking friends or family if they know of a recently graduated make-up artistry student (preferably with some raw talent!). They would be thrilled to have wedding pictures to add to their portfolio. If you are specific about what you want (providing photos torn for magazines of looks you love is always a good idea), they should be able to create the look you want for a fraction of the cost of a seasoned artist. The same applies for a hairstylist.

3. If you don't already follow a skincare regime, it is important to start one at least a month before the wedding, so that your skin is looking its best. Cetaphil cleanser is cheap, gentle, suitable for all skin types and comes highly recommended by most Australian dermatologists. Rosehip oil, applied morning and night on your face and decolletage will you a super hydrated, radiant complexion. Bloom, A'kin and Trilogy versions retail for only $20-$25, and a little goes a long way. Hamilton's various sunscreen formulas are available at most pharmacies and will keep your skin protected all day long.

5. If you have opted to do your own make-up, the bare minimum is as follows:

♥ A tinted moisturiser, to even out skin tone. Dove does a beautiful one for less than $10.

♥ Concealer, blended under eyes and over any redness and imperfections, to give a flawless complexion. CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Concealer is creamy and luscious, and under $20.

♥ You can visit your kitchen pantry for this one... cornstarch! It is amazing used as a setting powder over make-up, with a big fluffy brush.

♥ You can use the same brush to sweep bronzer on your cheeks and decolletage for gentle warmth, glow and definition. Australis does a lovely pressed mineral bronzing powder that will last you a lifetime - it is massive!

♥ An eyeshadow palette will cater to all your eye make-up needs, including your eyeliner. Just wet a thin eyeshadow brush, dip it into a dark, dense colour and "push and wiggle" it along the lash line for definition. Revlon Custom Eyes Palettes include both eyeshadow and eyeliner shades. Sweet Innocence and Naturally Glamorous would be my picks for a beautiful wedding look.

♥ When it comes to mascara, you cannot go past Maybelline for quality and value for money. Different formulas cater for desired results; but my favourite is XXL, for dramatic volume, length and definition.

♥ Finish with a creamy, highly pigmented lipstick... on your lips AND cheeks. That's right, your lipstick can double as a lovely, dewy, radiant cream blush! Just dab it onto the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers. Revlon Colour Burst Lipstick in Blush is the perfect nude-pink for a classic bridal look, and retails for under $25.

6. Whether or not you do your own make-up, you will need a few products to touch up with during the day. Blotting papers are cheaper than powder and do the same job; refreshing and mattifying the complexion without disrupting your makeup. Also, keep your lipstick with you to refresh your lip and cheek colour.

7. It's all in the details. Don't forget to paint your nails the night before! Revlon's Sheer Nude is chic and elegant. Finish with Sally Hansen's top coat to prevent chips and enhance longevity.

And that is wedding beauty on a budget! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask Laura in the comments section below. She will be more than happy to give you advice or point you in the right direction. All the best.

Laura Curtis is a beauty writer and make-up artist. To see more of her writing and beauty advice, you can visit her blogs One April Morning and Pretty Poesy, and follow her on Twitter (@laura_valerie).

Classic beauty for every bride-to-be

When it comes to choosing your wedding make-up style, the choices are seemingly endless. Bride Tasmania's resident beauty blogger Laura Curtis keeps things simple by pinpointing four classic looks brides-to-be can choose from to suit their own style.

Elegant Bride (a la Carrie Underwood)

Carrie's flawless skin, defined eyes and glossy nude-pink lips are the ideal choice for the "perfectionist" bride, who wants to look like a princess on her big day.

Emulate Carrie's make-up by:

♥ Perfecting your complexion with a foundation that gives a soft-focus glow. I recommend Nars Sheer Glow Foundation.

♥ Lining eyes with waterproof black eyeliner, like the foolproof Stila Smudge Stick in Stingray.

♥ Applying a pretty pink lipgloss. YSL Shiny Lip Plumper in Candy is lovely.

♥ Sweep an illuminating pink blush on the apples of the cheeks. I can't go past cult favourite Nars Blush in Orgasm.

Glamorous Bride (a la Kiera Knightly)

Kiera's more dramatic make-up will suit a bride who wants to look a little sexy and edgier on her big day. The differences between "Elegant" and "Glamourous" lie in the details: Kiera's eye make-up is more smokey, her lip and cheek colours are deeper with a matte finish and her brows are fuller and more defined.

To upgrade to Kiera's glamourous face, try:

♥ Adding a strip of false lashes to your top lashline.

♥ Staining lips with a rosy matte lipstick like Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle.

♥ Contouring cheeks with Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna and Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Dust.

♥ Filling in brows with a taupe brow powder like Nars Eyeshadow in Bali.

Romantic Bride (a la Scarlett Johanssen)

Scarlett's soft, pretty make-up style will flatter a minimalist bride who wants a chic and timeless look.

The key characteristics of Scarlett's look include:

♥ Black eyeliner along the top lashline only, paired with a blendable mauve eyeshadow like Nars Eyeshadow in Ashes to Ashes.

♥ A soft peachy blush lightly tapped onto cheeks. Nars Blush in Amour is beautiful.

♥ A glossy nude lipstick. Chantecaille Lip Chic in Sari Rose is a staple in my bridal makeup kit.

Natural Bride (a la Keri Russel)

Keri's pared-back style will suit a low key bride who wants to keep things simple and pretty. Her "natural" look can be differentiated from Scarlett's "romantic" look by a lighter coverage foundation with a sheen, matte lips and dewy cheeks.

For Keri's natural look:

♥ Apply a light layer of sheer, hydrating foundation like makeup artist favourite MAC Face & Body Foundation.

♥ Blend a light pink cream blush onto the cheeks. Stila Convertible Colour in Lillium is a classic.

♥ A matte nude lip colour. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bettina appears effortless, without making its wearer look washed out as some nude shades tend to do.

So there you go! My four favourite bridal looks. Which is your pick?

Laura Curtis is a beauty writer and make-up artist. To see more of her writing and beauty advice, you can visit her blogs One April Morning and Pretty Poesy, and follow her on Twitter (@laura_valerie).

Spa appeal: De-stress and pre-prep your bridal beauty routine

Call the experts to action when whipping face and figure into top shape for your big day.

It goes without saying that all the planning and preparation that goes into organising a wedding can take its toll on your physical wellbeing.

Stress caused from constant phone calls to caterers, florists and of course, finding that dress, can cause or further aggravate many skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and cold sores – and who wants a break-out on their big day?

“Ongoing day-to-day stress adversely impacts your immune system,” says world-renowned ayurvedic dermatologist Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra.

“The skin is an organ, widely connected to the rest of the physiology as well as the mind. So it’s natural that like the rest of you, your skin can be negatively affected by stress.”

One of the best ways then to combat both stress and skin complaints, and to ensure that you’re relaxed and revived on your wedding day, is to visit a day spa.

In recent years, the humble day spa has come a long way. A hybrid of a beauty salon and a health retreat, day spas, also known as destination or medi spas, place a greater emphasis on a client’s overall health – both inside and out.

With experts on hand and treatments ranging from therapeutic Swedish massage, shiatsu, aromatherapy and reflexology to non-surgical facelifts, botox injections and even nutritional advice, day spas offer enormous benefits, including minimising the effects of stress on the body, preventing premature ageing and even helping to assist weight loss.

Australian celebs like Laura Csortan and former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins have long championed the positive health benefits of visiting a day spa, so calling a revitalising ‘timeout’ should be a mandatory addition to the to-do list for all brides-to-be.

Day spa at home

If you prefer the comfort of your own home, or your wedding budget doesn’t stretch to professional treatments, make your own bathroom a day spa with these top tips for a DIY day spa experience.

• Switch off. For ultimate relaxation and de-stressing put your mobile phone on silent, take your home phone off the hook, and don’t be tempted to check emails. It’s not the time to think of these things.

• Prepare. Get all the products you’ll need together (think: bath oils, shower gels, exfoliating scrubs, loofahs, essential oils and moisturiser). Grab a bathrobe and slippers, and for a true day spa experience, heat up some towels in the dryer so they’re toasty warm.

• Light up. Candles create a relaxing atmosphere. Place a couple around your bathroom, and if you have one, an oil burner as well. If you have a favourite relaxing CD, put it on too.

• Scent it. Adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath will make your bathroom smell delicious. Having a shower? Put a little of the essential oils in each corner – the scent will rise with steam.

• Start with a scrub. Ditch scaly dry skin with an exfoliating scrub or loofah brush. Dampen your skin first, and then hop out of your bath or shower. Using an exfoliant while in the water is a waste – it’ll wash straight off. Apply your scrub, and work on one area of your body at a time, focusing on drier areas such as your heels, knees and elbows.

• Rinse and relax. Follow with a yummy bath or shower gel. If showering, try a spot of at-home hydrotherapy. Turn your shower on full blast and let the water jet give your back and shoulders an excellent massage. If returning to the bath, add some Epsom or sea salts and let any aches or pain soothe away. Relax for around 20 to 30 minutes and let your thoughts go, before hopping out.

• Moisturise. The best time to moisturize your body is straight after bathing while your skin’s still warm. Slather on a hydrating cream or body butter, and don’t rush. Take time to massage your limbs while rubbing it in and then cover yourself up with a robe and socks to keep heat in. If you want to follow up with a skin-toning product, now is the time.

• Chill. Don’t rush back into your daily duties. Make the most of your cleansing and calming routine and refrain from strenuous activities. Drink plenty of water.

The bridal beauty countdown... starts now!

Looking picture perfect on your wedding day entails time, organisation and diligence. Our beauty blogger Laura Curtis makes things simple by piecing together a comprehensive beauty calendar for brides-to-be. And the countdown begins...

6 weeks away

It's time to book your bridal make-up artist and hair stylist. Ask friends and family for their recommendations if you are unsure of a good candidate. Reserve a date for a trial with each of them, for a couple of weeks away. Start thinking about the style you would like to wear; browse magazines and beauty blogs for inspiration.

Choose a wedding fragrance. Try to find something unique and fresh, like Byredo La Tulipe, Kai or Renee Tuberose. You will know if it is "the one" the first time you smell it on your skin. (Just wait a few minutes for the alcohol to dissolve). An Eau de Parfum formulation is best, as it is more concentrated than an Eau de Toilette so it lasts longer on the skin. If you want to indulge, complement the EDP with a matching body lotion and a handbag-sized mini, for extra staying power on the day. I would recommend starting to wear it now, in the lead up to the wedding. The planning and anticipation are part of the memories to reflect upon when you catch a whiff of your fragrance years later.

Invest in skincare. Ask a beauty therapist or beauty consultant for a skincare consultation, and explain your skin type and concerns, as well as the changes you would like to see in your skin before the wedding day. A cleanser, serum, moisturiser, eye cream, mask and exfoliant will make up a comprehensive regime that will give you a healthy, even-toned bridal glow.

4 weeks away

Now is the ideal stage to have any heavy-duty facials done, including microdermabrasion, Omnilux, laser, extractions or a glycolic peel. All of these treatments have long-term results that will last until the wedding.

Try to schedule your make-up and hair trials for this week as well. When you talk to the artists, be clear about what you want. Show them pictures. Be honest. If you don't like what they have done for you, tell them so they can alter it. Ask someone (your bridesmaid, mother or friend with good taste) to come along for a second opinion; bring a digital camera with you so you can see how the style will look in photos.

2 weeks away

Have your hair cut and coloured. You will need at least two weeks to let the new style settle; for the layers to grow out and the colours to blend. Don't make any drastic changes you may regret – you want to look like yourself on your wedding day (just extra glowy, polished and gorgeous!).

It's also time to buy make-up products for the wedding day. A lipstick, blush and pressed powder will keep your make-up fresh all day long. I love Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick, Nars Blush and By Terry Teint Terrybly Compact Powder Foundation. Tatcha Japanese Blotting Papers are a must for oily skin.

2-3 days away

Time to get waxed at a beauty salon. Wait at least 24 hours after waxing to have your spray tan. Two days away from the wedding day is ideal as it will allow the telltale fake tan aroma to dissipate and the colour to fade to a natural looking shade. Ask your spray tan technician to lightly mist your face and neck to avoid looking pasty in photos; your make-up artist's bronzing powder will do the rest.

Have your brows professionally shaped and tinted. And by "professionally", I mean enlist a brow expert. It may be expensive (up to $90), but it will make all the difference.

Get a manicure and pedicure. A classic french manicure is always lovely, but feel free to express your individuality through your nail colour. Midnight blue (Essie Nail Colour in Midnight Cami), lilac (Chanel Nail Vernis in Lilac Sky), aubergine (OPI Nail Polish in Lincoln After Dark) and taupe-rose (Mecca Cosmetica Nail Colour in Maria) are unique, yet still elegant and bride-appropriate.

The night before

It's crunch time! Use your skincare products to give yourself a mini-facial. After cleansing, use a scrub or peel to lightly exfoliate your skin. Elemental Herbology Radiance Peel leaves the skin smooth and glowy. Follow with a hydrating mask. I can't go past the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask for an instantly silky, soft, plump complexion.

Wash and treat your hair. Use a gentle, moisturising shampoo and rich, buttery hair mask. The Bumble & bumble CrËme de Coco range is perfect.

The morning of your wedding

Gently cleanse your skin (Eve Lom Morning Cleanser is a lovely option), and finish with a lightweight moisturiser like Estee Lauder Daywear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant SPF 15 Lotion.

Apply a light layer of your fragranced body lotion and spritz your Eau de Parfum behind your knees, on your wrists and at the nape of your neck (to greet all the congratulatory hugs and kisses to come).

Look in the mirror, take a deep breath and smile. Your wedding day has arrived. Enjoy it!

Laura Curtis is a beauty writer and make-up artist. To see more of her writing and beauty advice, you can visit her blogs One April Morning and Pretty Poesy, and follow her on Twitter (@laura_valerie).

Perfect your bridal make-up look à la Rachel McAdams

With destination weddings becoming increasingly popular, brides are seeking advice on how to apply their own wedding make-up. Our resident beauty blogger Laura Curtis gives advice on how to create a beautiful bridal look.

To keep things simple, I'll focus on my most frequently requested wedding make-up look, as modeled beautifully by Rachel McAdams at Cannes: a flawless complexion, flushed cheeks, softly defined eyes and classic pink lips.

Base:

Start with a primer. It will create a smooth base and keep your make-up lasting all day long. Hourglass Mineral Primer has a lovely silky matte texture and gives SPF 15 protection.

The next product you will need is, by far, the most important: foundation. When choosing a shade, try to match it to your decolletage, to create a uniform skin-tone from head-to-toe; but don't go any more than two shades darker than your natural skin-tone as it will make your complexion look muddy. Test foundation formulas on the back of your hand to find one with a satin finish that sits on your skin seamlessly. Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Foundation is my pick; it provides a full coverage yet natural looking base that looks amazing in photographs.

Use a little concealer to hide dark circles under your eyes, redness, discolourations and/or blemishes. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage covers beautifully, without looking cakey or heavy at all.

A dusting of loose powder will set and perfect your make-up. The ideal loose powder will be talc- and sunscreen-free, so it doesn't come up white in photos, with pigment that matches your skin-tone, rather than being translucent. Nars Loose Powder is a lovely finely-milled powder with a soft-matte finish.

Eyes:

To create your eye make-up look, select three colours: light, medium and dark. The medium colour will be your base; apply it all over the lid (up to the crease) and along the lower lashline. The dark colour is your contour shade. Apply it in the crease of the eye – three-quarters of the way along, and stopping just above the outer corner (any lower will drag your eye down). The light colour is a highlighter. Applying it on the brow bone, inner corner and centre of the eye. To recreate Rachel's gorgeous bronze look, try Nars Eyeshadow Duos in Cordura (medium and dark shades) and Silk Road (highlighting shades).

Apply eyeliner along the top lash-line. Rather than using a pencil, use a gel eyeliner. It will appear much more natural, yet give more precise definition. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner is a cult classic.

To make the eyes pop, use a bronze eyeliner pencil along the lower inner rim. MAC Kohl Pencil in Powersurge is one of my all-time favourite make-up products and so easy to use.

Your mascara should define and lengthen your lashes, without clumping or smudging. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Mascara is a winner.

Lightly shape your brows with the wonderful Chanel Brow Set. Defining your brows will frame your face beautifully.

Cheeks:

Delicately apply a rosy-hued blush on the apples of your cheeks. Take care not to deposit the colour too low as doing so will drag your face down. Nars Blush in Deep Throat is a lovely pinky-apricot coloured blush with subtle shimmer.

For a glow, use an illuminating powder, liquid or creme on the high planes of the face, where the light naturally hits: your temples, cupid's bow, forehead and bridge of the nose. Chanel Bronze Universel de Chanel Sun Illuminator is lovely for light-medium-dark skin-tones, while fair brides should try Benefit High Beam.

Lips:

Start by lining your lips with a pinky-toned lip liner pencil, such as Nars Lip Liner in Miss Sadie. Lip liner will enhance the longevity of your lipstick, provide definition and prevent feathering.

A soft pink lipstick is almost universally flattering and coveted by most brides who want a classic look. Chantecaille Lipstick in Camellia is my go-to bridal lip colour. (The "Sari Rose" shade is an equally popular warm-nude version.)

Finish with slick of subtly shimmery pink lip gloss. Chanel Aqualumiere Gloss in Diamond Rose is a beautiful shade that will imitate Rachel's pearly finish perfectly.

Voila! A lovely bridal look at your fingertips. My final pieces of advice:

♥ if you can, book a make-up lesson with a professional make-up artist who can help you choose the perfect colours and products for your skin and the look you would like to achieve. Ask friends and family for recommendations or visit a reputed beauty counter; Mecca Cosmetica offer make-up lessons for a redeemable fee of $150.
♥ Invest in some quality make-up brushes. They will be pricey but they will last for years, help to make your make-up application easier and give your make-up a picture perfect finish.

♥ Practice, practice, practice!

Laura Curtis is a beauty writer and make-up artist. To see more of her writing and beauty advice, you can visit her blogs One April Morning and Pretty Poesy, and follow her on Twitter (@laura_valerie).

Calling all brides: Your beauty blunders sorted

Nobody's skin, hair and nails are flawless, but we all want them to look that way on our wedding day. Our resident beauty blogger Laura Curtis shares her tips for brides who want to look picture perfect in time for their day in the spotlight.

Acne

Adult acne is more common than you may think – not even beautiful Katy Perry is immune! Don't despair, there are effective ways to eradicate acne and its after-effects. First of all, find a product containing salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a gentle chemical exfoliant that is able to penetrate through the upper layer of the skin into the pores, dissolving congestion and preventing further break-outs.

Alpha-H Age Delay Anti-Wrinkle Night Treatment is ultra-effective, combining 2% salicylic acid with anti-aging ingredients Vitamin A, Vitamin E and green tea extract. Secondly, incorporate a sulfur-based product into your evening regime, like Eve Lom Dynapot. It will reduce inflammation and heal your acne faster. Finally, use an oil-free moisturiser with hyaluronic acid. The hyaluronic acid will replenish your skin with moisture, without feeling heavy or exacerbating your acne. Kiehl's Sodium PCA Oil-Free Moisturiser is a lovely option, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Lacklustre hair

If there is one day of our lives we deserve to have Victoria's Secret model hair, it should be our wedding day. Split ends, dry locks and a dull hue can all be rectified with the right products. To add shine, try Kerastase Elixir Ultime, a light, nourishing oil-based serum. A rich hair mask will achieve a soft, silky texture; Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Treatment Mask uses natural ingredients and smells divine. For a glistening sheen, ask your hairdresser to spritz Bumble & bumble Shine as a finishing touch on the day.

Pasty skin

As Cate Blanchett demonstrates, pale skin can be stunning. Pasty, however, is not so desirable, and presents itself with dullness and blotchiness. To give your skin an even, luminous tone, try using Cate's favourite radiance-boosting product SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, in place of your toner. A light-reflecting eye cream, such as Philosophy Eye Hope, will help to revive and refresh your eye area. On the day, ask your make-up artist to use an illuminator underneath your foundation. I love Mecca Luminous Skin Perfector.

Brittle nails

Too embarrassed to let the beauty therapist see your nails? Whipping them into shape will take a little time and effort, but it is super easy. Manicare's 3-Step Nail Buffer will strengthen your nails and add shine, while OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil will keep your cuticles healthy and hydrated. Try to use them both at least a few times a week leading up to your wedding day. If your nails are weak and brittle, visit your local health food store and pick up some supplemental silica. It will do wonders for cracking or peeling nails.

My final tip: don't worry too much about looking perfect. Just smile and enjoy yourself! Remember, nobody will notice your pimple or chipped nail polish if you are having the time of your life. (And there is always photoshopping!)

Laura Curtis is a beauty writer and make-up artist. To see more of her writing and beauty advice, you can visit her blogs One April Morning and Pretty Poesy, and follow her on Twitter (@laura_valerie).

Achieve a wedding day golden glow

Choose from one of our top tanning recommendations to give your skin a safe and healthy sun-kissed glow.

Every bride wants a beautiful bronzed glow on her big day, but what do you do when your skin is best described as “various shades of pale” rather than “golden brown”? You fake it.

But with so many tanning options available on the beauty market today it can be hard to determine which one will provide the most natural looking tan. Should you do-it-yourself or visit a tanning booth? Professional airbrushing or tan in a can?

Though the dangers of solariums and sun baking have made many of us embrace at home self-tanning, if you’re a beginner, the possibility of a botched application and being left orange-hued, streaky and smelly, on your wedding day of all days can be quite a turn off.

The good news for novices is that many of today’s self-tanners contain two key ingredients – Erythrulose and Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – that their more tangerine-tinged predecessors didn’t.

Erythrulose works with DHA by reacting with the amino acids in the keratin protein on the outer layers of the skin. It encourages a deeper shade of brown, rather than an orange shade that DHA alone tends to produce. It’s also odourless, so no nasty smell factor.

The secret to successful tanning lies in the preparation. Regular exfoliating ensures a polished canvas for your tan to settle on. Moisturising twice every day, and not just when you’ve applied fake tan, keeps your skin hydrated, and as a dry dermis is the main culprit for uneven fading and an unnatural looking tan, the moisturising ritual is a must.

A word of caution though – whichever tanning option you choose, tread lightly – your wedding photos want to capture a happily glowing bride with just a hint of colour – not a tragic tanorexic!

Airbrushed to perfection
Having your tan applied by a professional is one of the best ways to ensure a flawless finish without streaks or uneven patches.

Even Nicole Kidman, famous for her porcelain skin, succumbs to the odd tanning session. She prefers St Tropez, which she has applied at Sydney’s Venustus Beauty and Body Lab in Paddington.

Airbrush tanning is applied with an airbrush spray gun that emits a fine mist of tan, applied by a qualified beautician.

Before your appointment make sure you shower, exfoliate and avoid moisturizing, as moisturisers leave a film on the skin which will give your tan an uneven coating when applied

We recommend: St Tropez and Sun FX.

Expert tip: Avoid using soap-based body washes which will strip your tan prematurely. Instead, use a body oil such as L’Occitane Grape Shower Oil.

Booth fake baking

If the idea of standing stark naked in front of a stranger is not your idea of a good time, then booth tanning is a good option. This method is so popular Victoria Beckham has her own booth installed in her home, ensuring her bronzed appearance all year round.

Quick and easy, it takes just a few minutes to strip off, apply barrier cream to hands and feet to prevent colour gathering in these areas where skin is thicker, and once in the booth, with a press of a button you are coated with a fine tanning mist.

Exiting the booth, quickly dry off and as with most tan applications avoid showering for at least four hours to maximise the development of your colour.

We recommend: Magic Tan (priced from $45).

Expert tip: Ensure you apply enough barrier cream to hands and feet otherwise you’ll end up with an uneven application.

Tan in a can

While you might think it would take a brave bride to self-fake tan before her big day, if you’re a regular self-tanner then today’s can and bottled tans are relatively fuss free and foolproof.

Kate Moss, Jade Jagger and Kylie Minogue are just some of the celebrities who are fans of at home spray tans, touting Model Co as the best product when trying to achieve a streak-free bronzed glow.

Can tans apply instant colour so you can see streaks immediately and rectify them. Application is made easier as many cans allow you to apply from any angle, even upside down, so you’re able to get to those hard to reach places. They’re also quick to use, once the spray is applied there’s no need to wait for the tan to develop.

Bottle bronzed

One look at Megan Gale’s envious coffee-coloured complexion and you will realise that the David Jones brand ambassador is definitely doing something right. Her tan is courtesy of her own product, Jet Set Tan, a clear, dye-free, non-staining liquid which delivers a natural looking sunless tan. The non-staining formula prevents against staining sheets, towels and clothing, and has a pleasant caramel scent.

Other bottled options include creams, mousses and gels – all of which are easy to apply and work best when mixed with a small amount of moisturiser for even application.

Creams inject your skin with an extra dose of hydration, mousses are light if your skin is prone to oiliness, while gels are absorbed quickly into skin.

We recommend: Sisley Self-Tanning Lotion, Nutrimetics Bronze Glow Bronzing Gel and Neutrogena Instant Bronze Lotion In One.

Expert tip: Make sure you moisturise twice daily, in the morning and before bed, to extend the life of your tan.

Bride Tasmania's Tanning Tips:

– Always wash hands thoroughly after each self-tan application.
– Moisturise, moisturise, moisture. Colour fades quicker when skin is dry.
– The same goes for exfoliating. Colour can become patchy and fade unevenly when it clings to dead skin cells – especially in areas like ankles, elbows and knees.
– Don’t stray too far from your natural colour. The paler your skin the less natural a really dark tan will look.
– Fake tan two days before your wedding to let colour settle.
– Whether shaving or waxing is your preferred hair removal method, do so the night before a tan application as opened pores can become irritated when tanning products are applied.
– Make sure you modify your make-up to suit your new skin colour. Avoid pastel colours and choose bronze hues to flatter your new golden glow.
– Use dark coloured sheets, towels and clothing after having your application done. Trying to eliminate orange streaks from white Egyptian cotton bed linen is no one’s idea of fun.

Fine-tune your skincare regime for a bride-worthy glow

Our resident beauty blogger Laura Curtis gives her top tips to achieving picture perfect skin on your wedding day.

1. Invest in a top-quality cleanser. Unbeknown to most people, cleanser is one of the most important products in a skincare regime. Using the wrong cleanser can disrupt the delicate pH balance of the skin, causing dehydration, irritation and congestion. Look for a cleanser that doesn't contain sulphates (foaming agents used in soaps and detergents); they are far too harsh for most skin, yet can be found in the majority of face cleansers on the market. SK-II Facial Cleansing Gel is an oil-based cleanser that leaves skin looking and feeling clean, soft, nourished and radiant. 

2. Find a moisturiser to suit your skin type. A moisturiser simply hydrates and replenishes the uppermost layer of the skin. You don't have to splurge on a moisturiser, but it is vital that you find one that suits your skin type. There are three skin types: dry (dry, sometimes flakky), normal/combination (slightly oily T-zone, slightly dry cheeks) and oily (oily T-zone, no dryness). Dry skin types should use a rich cream or lotion, such as Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream. Combination and oily skin types should avoid occlusives – mineral oils, silicones, shea butter – as they may clog the pores and cause break-outs. Darphin Hydraskin Light is a lovely choice for combination skin, while Ren Matte Balancing Fluid is perfect for those who suffer from oiliness.

3. Treat your concerns with a serum. Take a look at your skin in the mirror. Is there anything you would like to change? If not, you can skip this step (lucky duck!) If so, try to find a serum that addresses each of the changes you would like to see; they may include dehydration, uneven pigmentation and dullness. Cult favourite Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, a beautiful cocktail of skin-boosting vitamins and minerals, will resolve all of these and more. 

4. Exfoliate. Your moisturiser will help to soften rough and flaky skin, but only an exfoliant will remove the dead skin cells and bring new ones to the surface, smoothing and brightening the skin instantly. Dr Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jar gives incredible results; however sensitive skin will prefer the gentle Darphin Aromatic Peel.

5. Stay calm. Stress can wreak terrible havoc on the skin; it makes your cells tired and stimulates hormones that cause break-outs. So when things start to feel all too much – finding that perfect dress, invites, flowers, the list goes on – just take a deep breath and smile. Everything will turn out just fine.

 

Laura Curtis is a beauty writer and make-up artist. To see more of her writing and beauty advice, you can visit her blogs One April Morning and Pretty Poesy, and follow her on twitter (@laura_valerie).