Bride-To-Be Diary: ‘The search for flawless skin for my big day’
Whether you are a bride-to-be or attending a big event, flawless skin is a must. But we can’t always have it our way: age; diet; lifestyle and pollution all take their toll on the skin. For me, the appearance of fine lines and dull skin are my biggest hang-ups and with my wedding creeping closer, I have become increasingly concerned about the state of my skin.
I wondered, with all this pressure to look my best for my big day, is it finally time to admit to myself that I might need a spot of Botox? Well, considering my phobia of needles, I’ve decided to keep that painful procedure in my back pocket. Instead, I’ve tried and tested some of the best non-surgical beauty treatments and products, which can ensure camera close up, flawless skin. So if you want to trade aging, dull skin for a radiant, youthful glow, read on…
My Favourite Facials
Sarah Chapman’s Bespoke Facial
If you want effective and immediate results, look no further than Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Clinic. Her luxury bespoke facial is tailored to your skin’s individual needs – a must for preparing pre-event skin. I just love this facial and I will be fitting a few into my schedule before the big day.
The facial begins with a deep cleanse and extraction, then vital vitamins, such as A and C that brighten and restore radiance, are worked into the skin through the aid of a galvanic current. This is followed by signature massage, which focuses on lifting and stimulating areas of concern, lymphatic drainage and the amazing instant miracle mask. To finish the treatment, and this is optional, you are put under the Omnilux LED light, which uses light technology to promote healing, stimulant collagen and restore skin health. After a couple of days you will notice your skin looks brighter, firmer and youthful.
Skinesis Clinic: 106 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE; Skinesis Bespoke Facial (With Omnilux LED Therapy) – 1 ½ hours Sarah £165 / Dermal therapist £150; For appointments: 0207 589 9585
Bliss Spa on Sloane Avenue
Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Facial
If you haven’t been to the Bliss Spa on Sloane Avenue, then you are in for a treat. For starters, it is difficult to walk in without wanting to stop at their fabulous nail bar, but it’s their Triple Oxygen Facial you really want to try.
Suited to all skin types, this facial is like a giant drink of water for the skin. Not only will it tighten, brighten, exfoliate and hydrate, but it revitalizes, too. Using a targeted peel, energizing enzyme pack, three forms of skin brightening oxygen wrap and a vitamin O2 spray, this facial will give you instant result.
The Bliss Spa, 60 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DD; Triple Oxygen Facial – 60 minutes £150.00; Appointments: 020 7590 6146
My Favourite Cleansers
Having a great cleanser is essential. Gone are the days of face wipes, although I do know girls in their late twenties who still use these, you know who you are! Yes, we’re all in a hurry in the mornings, but seriously ladies, a great cleanser is just as quick as a face wipe.
Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanser
This product is so gentle on the skin, but it still has the strength to wash away impurities without feeling like you’ve just applied paint stripper. The anti-aging cleanser is made up of an infusion of aromatic oils, white lily and Dermaxyl peptide that will boost collagen production. It will melt into your pores, leaving your skin feeling fresh and looking bright.
100ml – £40.00 – buy here
Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanser
Bliss Triple Oxygen Cleansing Foam
This cleanser is packed with oxygen and vital vitamin C. I love using this liquid-to-foam formula on a daily basis. It is incredibly refreshing and removes makeup and impurities. It will leave your skin feeling fresh and soft. A must for the beauty cabinet and it won’t break the bank!
148ml – £24.00 – buy here
My Favourite Moisturisers
Is your skin getting tired of the same old moisturiser? To get a healthy glow choose from one of these superb daily moisturisers…
Radical Anti-Aging Restorative Moisturiser
Haven’t heard of Radical before? Well, trust me, you need to try this incredible skincare that promotes three important action performances; prevent, repair and soothe.
This multi-tasking face cream is proven to increase hydration, fight free radicals, decrease wrinkle depth and combat dark spots. It boosts skin firmness and elasticity while also brightening and evening skin tone. It’s suitable for all skin types, too. I have incredibly sensitive skin so I use the smallest amount of this very potent cream, but I still get all the benefits. The lines on my forehead looked to have decreased after just two weeks.
30ml – £100 – buy here
Radical Anti-Aging Restorative Moisturiser
Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence Concentrate SPF 15
This is a multivitamin, high performance day cream, which will increase your collagen levels while also restoring its natural moisture balance. It is, however, a high potency product that is suited to those that have visible signs of ageing.
40ml – £66.00 – buy here
My Favourite Serums
Is it just me or has there been a sudden craze for serums? It seems that your skincare regime simply isn’t good enough if you’re not using one, so here are my top picks for serums that really do make a difference.
SkinCeuticals Serum 10
This is a truly incredible serum, which you simply must try. It is an anti-oxidant, it defends against environmental damage and it helps prevent signs of premature ageing. The ingredients consist of 10% Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) Ferulic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid. Dermatologists on Harley Street recommend this product and so do I. It instantly brightens your skin and you will see visible improvement after long-term use.
30ml – £67.00 – buy here
SkinCeuticals Serum 10
Radical Peptide Infused Antioxidant Serum
This multi-tasking, anti-wrinkle serum is the best shield against free radicals. It also increases collagen, elasticity and hydration levels. Usually it takes time to see the benefits of serums, but you will notice your skin looks healthy and glowing within a couple of weeks.
30ml – £125.00 – buy here
My Favourite Face Masks
If you simply don’t have the time to schedule in a facial, then these facemasks are a must. It is rare to find products that actually do what they say on the tin, but these masks really work. For me, they are the ultimate pre-event skin prep.
Sarah Chapman Instant Miracle Mask
If you’ve indulged in a Sarah Chapman bespoke facial, then you already know how amazing this product is. This skin-perfecting mask is infused with moisturising hyaluronic acid, vital vitamins, minerals and protein tighteners. Your skin will feel hydrated, smooth and instantly look brighter and firmer. This is one miracle product I’ll definitely be slapping on before the wedding day.
4 x 15g Sachets – £38.00 – buy here
Sarah Chapman Instant Miracle Mask
Triple Oxygen 10 Minute Facial Mask
Personally, I like to use this product weekly for an instant thirst quencher for my skin. Bliss actually created this great product as a stand-in for their classic facial. The mask, which comes out as a pink liquid and turns to foam, releases oxygen molecules and detoxifiers – perfect for revitalising dull looking skin.
100ml – £39.90
Radical Instant Revitalizing Mask
This product is one I like to use for emergencies. If you’re suffering from dry skin or breakouts, this product will give you the radical quick fix your skin is crying out for. Super hydrating, this mask optimises oxygen resources, stimulates energy production while also controlling oxidation reactions. Another perfect skin prep!
30ml £40.00 – buy here
