Expert Advice: Summer Ready Skin For Brides

We’ve all heard of the saying “preparation is the key to success.” This is particularly true for brides-to-be who want to ensure that their skin is glowing and healthy on their wedding day. Although the UAE wedding season is almost over, we have many readers who are planning their big day for October or November, meaning that NOW is the crucial time to start taking care of your skin. But with summer just around the corner, how do you even begin to look after it when faced with such harsh conditions?

Our new bridal beauty expert, The Louise Monique, explains the key elements of your skin care routine below, as well as recommending some of her favourite products to help you through the brutal summer heat. Please note that this is not a sponsored post, but rather the expert opinion of one of the UAE’s top makeup artists. Enjoy!

Summer is slowly creeping towards the sandpit, which means that it’s the season to make some adjustments to your skin care and makeup routine. In this article, I’ll talk more about the skin and less about makeup, as we all know that great makeup starts with fantastic looking skin. Read on to find out how to look fabulous in temperatures of 40 degrees!

 Sunscreen

Never ever step outside of your apartment without applying sunscreen to your face and body. With this kind of heat that lasts for months, your skin will thank you for applying that much-needed SPF.

Avoid making excuses such as, ‘but I’m always indoors’. Think about the minutes when you’re walking to the restaurant for lunch or when you’re walking to the parking lot to get to your car. That counts.

 Skin Refreshing Mist

If you’re always out and about, it won’t hurt to have a bottle of skin refreshing mist in your bag. Spraying it on your face after stepping outside helps your skin recover from the heat right away. It also helps to freshen up your makeup. Just don’t douse yourself in it!

Above: Avène Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water & Sun Lotion SPF 50+.

 Day and Night Cream

Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination or sensitive, you shouldn’t skip on moisturising both day and night.  There are products and brands that cater to different skin types with specific needs. You just need to do some research and take the time to ask questions to beauty specialists the next time you visit your favourite beauty store or pharmacy.

Above: Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Crème & DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme.

 Serum

This is an extra step that takes your skin care game to the next level. Moisturiser and serum are both hydrating to the skin, but serum penetrates the deepest layer of the skin. If you have a specific skin issue like wrinkles or enlarged pores, find a serum that targets it and you’ll see the results faster than when you use a cream. It could be a bit pricey, but trust me, it’s worth it.

 Eye Cream

The eyes are the windows to the soul, so it’s important that we give them extra attention.  Using an eye cream helps the skin around your eyes tighten up. We don’t realise it but sometimes we stress our eyes too much by putting on layers of eye makeup such as primer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and false eyelashes.

There are different products that cater to different issues such as wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. Just find one that suits you.

Above: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair and Advanced Night Repair Eye.

 Makeup Remover

Lastly and most importantly, makeup lovers need to learn how to remove their makeup properly.  Whatever kind of makeup you put on your face, may it be mineral, organic or normal makeup, please make sure you remove it before you sleep. Sleeping with your makeup on is the worst thing you can do to your skin.

You also have to be careful when taking your makeup off around your eyes. Don’t tug and scrape the makeup away, gently wipe out and use eye makeup remover so it properly removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner and all the layers of gunk on your eyes.

Above: Dermalogica Precleanse.