Makeup Guru

A smooth, radiant complexion that's glowing with health and vitality and flawless make-up are both achievable if you embark on a beauty regime now. Whether you've got months, weeks, or merely days to go until you tie the knot, there's plenty of time to make yourself gorgeous for the big day...

One year until the wedding
The easiest and most effective way to improve your complexion is to drink lots of water. You need to have at least eight glasses a day to hydrate your skin and flush out toxins from your system. Add a slice of lemon if you find plain water too bland, but avoid sparkling water. It contains carbon dioxide, which is a toxin that stops the absorption of calcium and can eventually cause osteoporosis.
Good skincare is a must. Your make-up only looks as good as your skin, so get into the habit of cleansing, toning and moisturizing every morning and evening. Use a gentle exfoliator once a week to slough off complexion-dulling dead skin cells and follow with a moisturizing face mask.

Six months to go
Treat yourself to a facial. Skin cells renew themselves every 28 eight days, so this is a great once-a-month treat. Don't worry if you get a few spots - they're a good sign! This is your skin's way of getting rid of impurities, and better now than on the day. Get skin in peak honeymoon condition by dry brushing all over with a natural bristle brush once a week. Start at your feet and work upwards in long, firm strokes towards your heart. Follow with a moisturising body lotion. Your skin will feel smoother and will tan better too.

Three months to go
Have another facial or use a deep-cleansing face mask to rid your skin of toxins. Don't neglect your feet, especially if you're having a beach wedding or getting married in the summer and wearing strappy sandals or open-toed shoes. Smooth your feet with a scrub or foot file every few days to stop rough skin building up and get into the habit of moisturising them every night.

11 weeks to go
Your hands and nails will be on show on the wedding day. Get them ready for that ring-on-the-finger moment by rubbing sweet almond oil or cuticle cream into your cuticles every night to keep them moisturised and healthy. If your nails are brittle and prone to breaking apply a nail strengthener every couple of weeks. Get into the habit of using hand cream whenever you wash your hands and always wear rubber gloves when you do the dishes.

10 weeks to go
Treat yourself to a professional feel-good spa treatment, such as a seaweed wrap, to detox, distress and relax - you deserve it! Improve the appearance and texture of lips by brushing them with a dry toothbrush and then rubbing in lip balm. Relieve tired eyes by covering them with cooling slices of cucumber or teaspoons that have been chilled in the fridge and lie down for five minutes with your feet higher than your head.

Nine weeks to go
Once a week, smooth feet with a clay face mask, wash off and slather with a rich foot cream. Spritz your face with floral water throughout the day to soothe, refresh and revive tired skin. This is especially important if you work in an air-conditioned office, is very drying for your skin. As a special treat, run a luxurious bubble bath, lock the bathroom door, light a scented candle and enjoy some well-deserved "me" time away from the wedding preparations.

Eight weeks to go
Gloss nails and cuticles with a hot wax conditioner to stimulate blood flow to the nail bed. Get your body silky smooth by exfoliating with a scrub once a week. Massage over damp skin in small, circular motions, shower off and apply body lotion.

Seven weeks to go
After weeks - or possibly months - of traipsing around the shops looking for your wedding dress and checking out suppliers, ease tired feet with a simple massage. Use a mild oil, such as sweet almond oil, and gently squeeze and pull your toes then massage your feet with your fingers underneath while your thumbs move up and down in a gentle rotating motion. If you're really tired, get your fiancé to do it for you.

Six weeks to go
Have your eyebrows professionally shaped at a beauty salon. You'll be amazed what a difference it makes to your appearance and it's easy to keep them tidy afterwards. Soothe and tone your skin by smoothing nutrient-rich honey over your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Five weeks to go
Get rid of rough, dry skin from elbows, knees, heels and ankles with a body exfoliator or make your own by mixing a handful of oatmeal with olive oil. Rub onto wet skin and shower off.

Four weeks to go
Have a wedding make-up practice run, whether you're doing your own make-up or having a professional do it for you. Have a relaxing night in, cover your feet with a rich foot cream, slip on a pair of cotton socks to help the cream penetrate and enjoy a romantic video. Treat yourself to a nerve-calming aromatherapy facial at a beauty salon.

Three weeks to go
Turn up the heating, steam up your bathroom and cover your body with a mineral-rich refining mud mask. Warm up the mud first by dunking the tub in hot water. This will increase the mud's ability to draw out toxins from your skin. Have your eyelashes dyed so that all you'll need on honeymoon is clear mascara.

Two weeks to go
Slap on a treatment mask penetrate your skin. Ease tension and cleanse your skin all over by having a sauna.

One week to go
Relax by lighting a destressing aromatherapy candle and place an aromatherapy diffuser in the house. Get your fiancé to massage a calming potion into your shoulders and neck where you are most likely to feel tense. Get your legs and bikini line waxed for the honeymoon. Book yourself in for a manicure and pedicure.

One day to go
Tidy your eyebrows and make sure you've got everything you need for the big day. Get together a wedding day make-up bag in case you need to freshen up on the day and give it to your mum or chief bridesmaid to look after. If you can't sleep because you're too excited burn some calming lavender essential oil in your bedroom to help you relax.

On the day
Relax in a luxuriously fragrant bath. Thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturize your face. Stick to the make-up routine you've rehearsed. Spur-of-the-moment changes don't work and you won't have time to rectify any mistakes. Wear a front-opening shirt when your make-up is being done so you don't have to pull anything over your head, which could smudge it.

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