The majority of my clients are brides. Most of them come to me for advice on various beauty-related topics – how do I get rid of my pimples by my wedding day? How can I erase pigmentation? etc etc. But the most frequent queries relate to fake and/or spray tanning – “To spray tan, or not to spray tan?: That is the question”!

I am not a lover of spray tanning, or any fake tan (even bottled tanning products), to be honest. Unless it is done perfectly and through a highly reputable company, they can look extremely fake, often giving off that orange hue…. it’s a tough task for us makeup artists trying to match a yellow coloured face to an orange decolletage!

When I try to convince the bride to “look herself on her wedding day” some indicate they just want to have that “sunkissed” look. Perhaps it’s the fact we live in "the land down under" and the “bronzed Aussie” skin is expected and admired? My advice for those brides is to SHOP AROUND VERY CAREFULLY. A spray tan gone wrong can have devastating effects on your overall look on the big day.

Go with a reputable company, one that uses state of the art equipment. Always have a trial run AT LEAST a few months before your wedding, and try to attend your makeup trial “wearing” the skin colour you desire for your big day.

Follow the tips given to you by the salon on how to look after your spray tan: tips like exfoliation before your spray tan appointment; waxing at least one or two days beforehand; and not showering for at least 12 hours after your spray tan application. There is a reason why they give you these tips – to ensure that you get the most from your spray tanning session!!! You are paying decent money to get this tan, so do it properly!!!

For those brides who chose to go a la naturale, I commend them… the porcelain look is gorgeous, and pale skin has definitely made a comeback. Some people even say that “Pale skin equals class”! You only need to look at celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman – true alabaster beauties, whose look would be totally different if they were tanned and "sunkissed".

Visualise this look – pale skin, blonde hair, soft smokey eyes, rosey blush, false long lashes, and glossy lips….

Or for the brunettes – pale skin, extended liner, false long lashes, rosey blush, deep red lips… Beautiful!

I will leave you with some photo’s of one of my favourite alabaster clients – “Pale beauties”…

I hope these tips have assisted you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me on info@makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

It is important to prepare your skin for the big day, so here are a few tips on how you can achieve this.

One of the most important things you can do in the lead up to your wedding day is to prepare your skin. Every bride wants to look beautiful, and although I can definitely hide those blemishes, nothing beats having beautiful, glamorous looking skin for the big day. There are many ways to achieve this, but it is important to start thinking about your skin at least 4 or 5 months in advance of your wedding.

Eat healthy foods

Eating healthy food makes a huge difference. Eating loads of fruits and vegetables, and foods which are high in anti-oxidants – like berries, nuts and legumes – help to repair your skin. Avoid foods high in salt and sugar, as well as alcohol (making an exception for your hen's night, or course!). It is also a good idea to take vitamins on a daily basis.

Drink lots of Water

This is the most important thing you can do. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Water cleans your skin improving its texture and quality, and eliminates blemishes and imperfections.

Exercise

Daily exercise is really important. The increase in circulation keeps your skin looking radiant (not to mention your body in shape!)

Sleep well

Your skin rejuvenates while you sleep. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, it will show on your skin! Try to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep a night, if at all possible.

Develop a strict skin care regime

It is so important to cleanse, tone, and moisturise twice daily (in the morning, and in the evening). You don’t have to use expensive products. Supermarket brands such as  Garnier and Loreal can be just as effective as the more expensive brands (and are better than nothing!). The main thing is that your skin is clean. Never go to bed with makeup still on your face!!! This is a big no-no! Your skin needs to breath, particularly when you sleep, so even if you are extremely tired, wipe off that eye-makeup and cleanse the skin before bed. If you really have no energy, invest in a packet of makeup remover towelettes from the supermarket and use those to clean your face after a late night. Again, it's better than nothing!

It is important to GENTLY remove your eye makeup. You can use an eye-makeup remover for this, although, a cheap and effective way is to wet the eye and remove the makeup with sorbolene crème on a cotton makeup pad. Use gentle upward and downward strokes. You will be surprised how easy it comes off.

Exfoliate at least twice a week

It is important to exfoliate at least once or twice a week. Micro-dermabrasion is very effective, and these days you can buy at-home kits relatively cheap, like the Nutrimetics Micro-dermabrasion kit (which is about $90)… I have personally used this product and noticed the effects almost instantly!  Remember to always do a patch test first and always follow with a good moisturiser.  If you have a bit more money to spend, professional micro-dermabrasion might be a good idea.

Use an eye crème

It is important to use an eye crème with your daily skin care regime. For those with puffy eyes, try using an eye gel.

Acne

It is so much better to flush out your skin of acne, rather than suppress it. Exfoliate regularly, and start months before your wedding to allow your skin to repair itself in time for the big day. If you are using Acne products like Clearasil or Pro-activ, make sure you do a patch test first, and start using the product at least a few months before your wedding in case you have any reactions. These products are really strong, and it's important to take these precautions.

If your acne is severe, see a dermatologist at least 6 months before your wedding to enable time to treat the problem.

Facials

If you are steadfast about getting a facial before your wedding, remember this….. the purpose of a facial is to draw out impurities… and often lead to break outs. If you have never had a facial before, please schedule one in at least a few months before your wedding, and get them done regularly right up until the wedding. Do not take a risk by getting a facial done for the first time a week or two before the wedding. Chances are it will not go as planned and you’ll end up with skin you would rather not have on your wedding day! Some people react terribly to facials (especially those with acne problems). However, then there are some people who say the results are fantastic!

 

Use a sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to your face and neck daily. Many moisturisers and day crèmes come with an in-built sunscreen, which is useful.

Sun exposure can be harmful to your skin, so avoid long periods in the sun unprotected, and als0 avoid tanning. If you are using a fake tan or spray on tan it is important to have a ‘trial’ at least a few months before your wedding. You will be shocked how many brides end up looking ‘orange’ on their wedding day! Not a good look.

There’s nothing wrong with going ‘natural’… Healthy, fresh, pale, fair skin is very fashionable these days!

Good luck with your skin preparation, and remember if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au