From its earliest days as tribal war paint, make-up has been used to disguise and conceal, as well as enhance. As twenty-first century girls we most definitely use all of the tricks and tools at our disposal to compliment our best features and add the ‘wow’ factor for special occasions.

We all know that getting ready for a night out is half the fun. Changing out of your work clothes into a slinky, sexy dress does wonders for your confidence and the ritual of plucking, camouflaging, highlighting and glossing instantly makes you feel fantastic. But what is the trade secret of those celebrity make-up artists who turn Z-list frumps into A-list divas? It’s all in the preparation…

A sweep of blush and a slick of gloss instantly makes us feel good, but in order for us to look our best when wearing our ‘face’, we simply must keep our skin healthy, otherwise the make-up will look as though it’s simply acting as a mask – it’s wearing you rather than you’re wearing it. Looking after your skin should therefore be the first and last step in your beauty regime.

Always choose products to suit your particular skin type and stick to your routine, no matter how busy your lifestyle is. Starting with clean, moisturised skin is fundamental to having a clear, fresh base for your make-up to sit on. We all know the importance of exfoliating our body on a weekly basis, but your face should not be forgotten about either. Invest in a scrub designed specifically for the face to slough away dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Facemasks are also a good weekly source of essential nutrients for your skin and help to keep it clear, soft and looking its best.

After cleansing, moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Nourished, plumped up skin is vital in preparation for make-up, but a light application is all that is required. If you have combination or oily skin, you may prefer to use it only in those areas that feel tight or dry after cleansing. The most important things to remember when buying your moisturiser are three little letters: SPF - we want to keep those wrinkles at bay for as long as possible, remember!
Sleeping Beauty…

A good night’s sleep really is the biggest beauty boost your skin can get, allowing it to rest and repair itself. The golden rule though is to never, ever, ever leave your make-up on overnight. We’ve all woken up on occasion to find the sultry, sexy, smoky–eyed vixen from the night before replaced by an oh-so-attractive panda-eyed troll – not a good look and the equivalent to a mortal sin where skincare is concerned. Leaving make-up on overnight prevents your skin from breathing. Pores then become clogged, leading to spots, blackheads and a generally dull and lifeless complexion.

Pamper your way to perfection…

Treating yourself to a facial will do wonders for your skin, and leave you feeling fabulous. Why not plan a day of pampering treatments with your bridesmaids at one of the numerous world-class spas around the South East? It will be a great way to show them how much you appreciate all they’re doing for you in the run up to your wedding, and leave you all picture perfect for the big day.

As your wedding draws near, remember that even the best make-up artist needs a well-prepared and cared-for canvas to work with. Look after your skin, and it will look after you, guaranteeing that you look nothing short of beautiful as you walk down the aisle.