BEAUTY TALK

BRIDAL guide

By Sadia moyeen
Beautician, La Belle, 13/A /2
Kemal Ataturk Avenue , ( 3rd/ 4th fl ) Gulshan -2

SECTION2
Skin and Body Care

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is perhaps the most ignored and mistreated. Every woman can have beautiful skin no matter what her age, race or colouring. But most of us take it for granted, especially while it's looking good.

There are a few things that must be kept in mind in the best interest of our skin.

Protection
Protect your skin from the sun. Besides giving you a tan, which I'm sure you would like to avoid for your big day, it will play a big role in giving you freckles and pigmentation, not to mention premature wrinkles due to constant exposure. No matter which season you are getting married in, start protecting your skin now. Sunscreen should be used all year round, everyday.

There are several products available now, pick one that is suitable for your skin type. Apply every morning and reapply in the afternoon. And don't forget to take it along on your honeymoon. The temptation to bask in the sun in winter is greater; you can do that if you have adequate sun protection.

There are several products available now, pick one that is suitable for your skin type. Apply every morning and reapply in the afternoon. And don't forget to take it along on your honeymoon. The temptation to bask in the sun in winter is greater; you can do that if you have adequate sun protection.

My personal favourite brands are UV Expert by Lancome SPF 50, Bioderma, Lotus, Biotique, Loreal. Makeup Forever sunscreen with primer is ideal for daytime functions as it is a sunscreen as well as a primer for make up.

Deep cleanse
It is essential for the health of your skin to keep it clean. It is important to ensure that your skin is clear of dead skin, dirt and makeup to give it a natural glow. Don't use harsh products to achieve this result. A creamy cleanser removed with damp cotton wool, followed by a gentle facewash should do the trick. If your face still feels oily, wipe with a toner poured on a cotton wool ball.

If the skin is too dry, use an oil-based cleanser, leave on for a few minutes, then wipe off.

Johnson's baby lotion, Dove facewash, Loreal cleanser and toner, Pond's facewash are some products that can be used.

Deep moisturise
As well as using a daily moisturiser, give the skin added boost by using face masks twice a week.

Those with dry skin can use non-drying masks like Clarins hydration mask, or add olive or Johnson's baby oil to regular masks to make them moist. Those with oily skin can stick to clay-based masks, aloe, neem, mint products.

Boost circulation
Weekly or bi-weekly use of exfoliators or scrubs will give the skin a boost. This increases the circulation and the blood flow to the top layers of the skin, giving it a rosy glow and encouraging cell renewal. This is ideal for normal, combination and oily skin. Dry sensitive skin can pass on the use of scrubs as it will make the skin flaky, red and irritated.

Pamper skin
Pamper your skin regularly with facials -- they are food for your skin. There are a range of facials available to suit your skin type and also address any skin ailments or situations.

If you have skin problems address the problem well ahead of your occasion. It will not be possible to produce the desirable results in just a few days.

There should be awareness of the fact that the skin type varies in different parts of the body. Skin is most delicate on the eyelids, lips and under the eye, toughest on the soles of our feet and hands. Although most attention should indeed be given to the face and neck, the body should not be ignored, especially before the big day. Smooth, silky skin is attractive indeed and not difficult to achieve.

Body massage using oil and rich body wraps and masks will alter the quality of your skin. There are body scrubs to remove dead, dull skin revealing newer smoother skin. Body fair polish will also give a glow to the skin as well as lighten fine body hair giving the appearance of fairer skin. The traditional uptan and turmeric packs are awesome too. Other options are mud packs, herbal and fruit packs, each for different skin types. An even complexion that feels soft and velvety should be your ultimate goal. Starting a month before the big day will give you enough time for at least four to six sessions if not eight for great skin.

La Belle offers its brides pre-wedding packages as do other salons. At La Belle Spa, special packages are put together for each bride to suit her skin requirements and packages include (but are not restricted to) aromatherapy body massage, paraffin body wrap, whitening body pack, Swiss body massage, gold body scrub and fair polish.

Make the most of your time and get cracking now.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Bubli and Airin
Make-up and styling: Sadia Moyeen, La Belle
Wardrobe: Libasse